Amsterdam, the famous 17th century capital of Holland, known for its enchanting canals, beautiful houses, 'coffee' shops, and Red-Light District, has so much to offer. Enjoy the historic buildings, beautiful museums, go for a boat tour on the canals, stroll through Vondelpark on a bike, or go shopping in the inner city. The possibilities are endless!
I've been to Amsterdam twice and fell completely in love with it the second time around. Both times I stayed for 3-4 days, which I find to be the perfect amount of time to see everything the city has to offer. Below is a sample itinerary for your next visit to Amsterdam, including restaurant recommendations!
Day 1:
12:00 PM: Arrive at Amsterdam airport
- Best way to get to hotel/Airbnb is by Uber or Amsterdam Airport Express Bus
2:00 PM: Lunch
Suggestion:
- Food Hallen
3:30 PM: Visit the Van Gogh Museum
- Recommended buying tickets online in advance
7:00 PM: Walk around Red Light District
8:00 PM: Dinner
Suggestions:
- Thrill Grill
- The Butcher
Day 2:
9:00 AM: Breakfast
Suggestions:
- Winkel 43
9:30 AM: Visit Anne Frank House
- Recommended buying tickets online in advance
12:00 PM: Boat Tour in Amsterdam Canals
- You can book online in advance or there are plenty around the city!
1:30 PM: Lunch
Suggestion:
- Glou Glou
3:00 PM: Heineken Experience
- Recommended buying tickets online in advance
7:00 PM: Dinner
Suggestions:
- BAK restaurant
- Café De Klepel
Day 3:
9:00 AM: Breakfast
Suggestions:
- The Avocado Show
11:00 AM: Take a day trip to the Windmills in Zaanse Schans!!
7:00 PM Dinner
Suggestions:
- Sotto Pizza
- Delirumamsterdam
Day 4:
9:00AM: Breakfast
Suggestions:
- Upstaris Pannenkoeken
12:00 PM: Departure
Good to know:
- Currency: EURO = 1EURO: 1.10US
- Language: Dutch
- Tipping: Yes, an average of 10%
- Weather: Rains a lot (bring an umbrella)
- Transportation: Uber, Taxis and local transportation
- Cafés vs. Coffee Shops: one is for your regular latté (cafés) and the other is where you can buy and smoke weed (and hash- the coffee shops).
- It is illegal to photograph those working in the Red Light District.
- Drinking tap water is fine
- Watch out for Cyclist when walking
- Local Foods to Try: Haring ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’ (Dutch new herring), Stroopwafel (thin waffles), Kroket (a deep-fried roll with meat ragout inside), Patat (Dutch version of French Fries), Poffertjes (baby pancakes but much fluffier), Pannenkoeken (Dutch version of the pancake is larger and thinner than the American), lots of local beers and cheeses, gouda cheese!