three-day Amsterdam itinerary
ideal for first-time travelers.Day 1: Get Acquainted with Amsterdam’s Jordaan
The Jordaan neighborhood is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Amsterdam. Since it is centrally located, on your first day in Amsterdam, you can check into a hotel in this area and take the rest of the day in a leisurely way by enjoying the sights of the town. After you arrive at Schiphol Airport, head to your hotel to check in and refresh. Then gear up for a stroll in this charming neighborhood, marveling at its antique architectural structures lined along the canal. Take a Jordaan food tour to enjoy the delicious treats of Amsterdam’s local cuisine, and later, as evening falls, head to the canals for a serene cruise, enjoying the city’s rustic charms bathed in twilight hues. Sign off your first day in Amsterdam with a dinner at one of the eclectic restaurants in the area. Head back to the hotel. If you want to explore Amsterdam’s trendy, infamous nightlife, you can stay back.
Day 2: Discover The Museums And Galleries.
Rise and shine on day two and check out the cozy coffee shops and bistros to enjoy an authentic local breakfast of Dutch Apple pies and luscious, syrupy Stroopwafels. After a hearty breakfast, get ready to step back in time with a visit to Amsterdam’s Centrum, where you can stroll through Dam Square and view the Royal Palace, Damrak, the Central Station, and the New Church. Later, visit Anne Frank’s House and spend your time exploring the amazing galleries and museums in the neighborhood, such as the Tulip Museum and Rijksmuseum. You can also explore digital art collections at Fabrique Des Lumieres. Visit the Vincent Van Gogh Museum to learn more about the life and works of the well-known Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. The museum showcases a vast collection of his paintings, including some of his most famous works and handwritten letters. After your museum visit, take a peaceful evening stroll through lush green nature in Vondelpark. Head back to your hotel after a quaint dinner at a charming restaurant in this area.
Day 3: Stroll Along The Bridges And Markets
On your final day in Amsterdam, enjoy the scenery from the charming bridges across the UNESCO-listed canals and connect with locals at the city’s street markets. Start your day with sights of refreshing blooms at Bloemenmarkt, a stunning floating flower market on the Sungel Canal. Head to Noordermarkt if you are in Amsterdam on Monday and Saturday, where you can get some souvenirs to take back home. Other markets to check out are Albert Cuyp Markt, Waterlooplein, Boekenmarkt, and Nieuwmarkt. As your day ends, take in the final glimpses of Amsterdam’s splendors from its rustic bridges. Wander on Skinny Bridge, Blauwbrug Lekkeresluis Brug, and Amsterdam’s Bridge of 15 Bridges, which also offer the perfect spot to click Instagram-worthy photographs. With that, it’s time to bid adieu to this beautiful Dutch city.
Essential Tip For First Time Travellers.
- One of the best things to do in Amsterdam is to explore the city by taking a bike tour. Amsterdam is tagged as the ‘bike capital of the world,’ as it is quite fond of its biking culture. You will quickly realize that it is more common to find more bicycles on the roads than cars. If you are comfortable riding one, then you should definitely go for it.
- Get an I Amsterdam City Card, with which you can access more than 60 museums and galleries, public transportation, canal cruises, and even rent bicycles to explore the city at your pace! A bike tour is one of the best ways to view the city if you are on a 3 days in Amsterdam budget holiday.
- Amsterdam is known for its cafe culture, and you can find charming coffee shops or bistros on every street corner to let you grab a bite on the go or enjoy delectable treats while taking in the scenery. Take a trip to De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets), a charming set of canal-side alleys that is home to some charming antique shops and attractive cafes. There is no dearth of restaurants and dining venues when it comes to enjoying a hearty meal in Amsterdam.
- You can base your first trip to Amsterdam on a detailed expedition of Jordaan, one of the finest and picture-perfect places to visit in Amsterdam. The suggested Amsterdam itinerary 3 days loops through all the main attractions in Jordaan and the surrounding areas while highlighting the most notable sights in the capital city. However, you are, of course, free to extend your stay in Amsterdam and even arrange day trips to nearby regions. If you prefer, you can spend your second day in Amsterdam taking day trips rather than going to museums. Popular day trips include excursions to the Waterland villages, the Keukenhof Garden, and Zaanse Schans.
- June through August is the most pleasant times of the year in Amsterdam. This is the most crowded season, as it happens to be the best time to visit Amsterdam. If you want to visit this city on a tight budget, then visit during the off-peak season from November to March. But these are winter months in Amsterdam, and the weather can be quite chilly at this time.
Best accommodation options in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is amazingly budget-friendly if you know where to spend and where not to. The city has always been a favorite amongst backpackers, budget travelers, and solo visitors. The Dutch capital city offers a wide range of lodging options, such as chic boutique hotels, luxury hotels, dorms, and hostels. Amsterdam’s city center is the Centrum, where you can find excellent lodging options for various budgets.
- Backpackers and travelers on a budget can save money by staying in hostels such as Cocomama, Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam, and Flying Pig Downtown. For female travelers, check out Hostelle, Amsterdam’s one-of-a-kind female-only hostel.
- For budget hotels, Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre, Ibis Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, Alfred Hotel Amsterdam, and Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel are good options for a pleasant stay.
- Other popular hotels to consider for travel accommodation in Amsterdam are Pillows Maurits at the Park, Ambassade Hotel, Hyatt Regency Amsterdam, and Eden Hotel Amsterdam.
A visit to Amsterdam gives a glimpse of the Netherlands’ essence. In this township, you get to explore the Dutch heritage, how it has influenced modern culture, and even flip through pages of notable history that the Dutch were once part of. Known as the Venice of the North, Amsterdam will have you swooning over its charming canal views and its surrounding vintage vibes. Here, you get to enjoy the Dutch way of life for the whole three days you spend here. Amsterdam will undoubtedly grow on you, and you will return for more in the near future.