Amsterdam, Netherlands-5-day-itinerary

Amsterdam 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Centre

  • Morning: Arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and take a train or bus to your accommodation
  • Accommodation: Stay in the city centre, near the famous Dam Square, at hotels like NH Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky or Hotel Die Port van Cleve
  • Breakfast: Start your day at Café Papeneiland, a cozy spot with delicious pastries and coffee
  • Activities:
    • Visit the famous Dam Square, surrounded by historic buildings like the Royal Palace and the National Monument
    • Explore the nearby Jordaan neighbourhood, known for its charming streets, quaint shops, and picturesque canals
    • Stop by the Anne Frank House Museum, dedicated to the Jewish girl who wrote a diary during WWII (book tickets in advance)
  • Lunch: Enjoy traditional Dutch cuisine at De Silveren Spiegel or try some stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables and sausage) at Moederschip
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a stroll along the Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the city’s charming architecture
    • Visit the Rijksmuseum, home to an impressive collection of Dutch art and history (book tickets in advance)
  • Dinner: Savor modern Dutch cuisine at De Kas or try some international flavors at Foodhallen

Day 2: Art, Culture, and Parks

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Van Gogh Museum, dedicated to the life and works of Vincent van Gogh (book tickets in advance)
    • Explore the Vondelpark, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Café het Blauwe Theehuis, located in the Vondelpark, or try some vegan options at Vegan Junk Food Bar
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Stedelijk Museum, featuring an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art (book tickets in advance)
    • Take a leisurely walk through the charming De Pijp neighbourhood, known for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Bauta, serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine

Day 3: Waterways and Windmills

  • Morning:
    • Take a guided boat tour along Amsterdam’s canals to see the city from a different perspective
    • Visit the Eye Film Museum, located on the waterfront, and enjoy the stunning views of the city
  • Lunch: Try some fish at De Viswijf or grab a snack at Café De Jaren
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Zaanse Schans, a picturesque area with historic windmills, wooden shoes makers, and traditional Dutch architecture (take bus 391 from Amsterdam Centraal)
    • Explore the charming town of Haarlem, known for its beautiful Grote Markt and St. Bavo’s Church (take a train from Amsterdam Centraal)
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at De Kas, serving seasonal Dutch cuisine

Day 4: Markets, Gardens, and Nightlife

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Albert Cuyp Market, a bustling outdoor market with fresh produce, souvenirs, and street food
    • Explore the beautiful Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world
  • Lunch: Grab some lunch at Café De Plantage or try some international cuisine at De Foodhallen
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Heineken Experience, an interactive brewery tour (book tickets in advance)
    • Explore the trendy Oud-Zuid neighbourhood, known for its boutique shops, art galleries, and hip cafes
  • Nightlife: Enjoy a drink at Bar Oldenhof or dance the night away at Paradiso

Day 5: Museums and Departure

  • Morning:
    • Visit the EYE Museum, featuring an impressive collection of film history (book tickets in advance)
    • Explore the Tropenmuseum, dedicated to non-Western cultures and colonial history
  • Lunch: Grab some lunch at Café het Blauwe Theehuis or try some international cuisine at De Foodhallen
  • Afternoon:
    • Spend your last hours shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market
    • Depart from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Transportation

  • Airport Transfer: Take the train (NS) from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal ( approx. 15-20 minutes, €5-10)
  • Public Transport: Use the OV-chipkaart or Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket for unlimited travel on buses, trams, and metro lines
  • Walking and Cycling: Explore the city on foot or rent a bike to navigate Amsterdam’s charming streets

Tips and Essentials

  • Weather: Be prepared for rainy days and pack accordingly
  • Language: While many Amsterdammers speak English, it’s always helpful to learn some basic Dutch phrases
  • Safety: Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings
  • Cannabis: While cannabis is legal in the Netherlands, be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding its use

Other Interests

  • Day Trips:
    • Visit the charming town of Utrecht, known for its canals, medieval architecture, and wharf cellars (approx. 30 minutes by train)
    • Explore the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, one of the largest flower gardens in the world (open from March to May, approx. 30 minutes by car or bus)
  • Festivals and Events:
    • Visit Amsterdam during the Grachtenfestival, a classical music festival held in August
    • Experience the Uitmarkt, a cultural festival with live music, food, and performances, usually held in September