With more bridges than Venice (1,753 across 165 canals) and one of the highest concentrations of museums in the world, Amsterdam has way more going on than just its famous coffee shops and the Red Light District. The city's ingenuity is built into its very foundation—literally. Almost every building sits on wooden poles driven deep through the soft, swampy ground to hit stable sand: the Royal Palace alone is supported by 13,659 wooden poles. But how many days in Amsterdam do you need to make the most of your visit?
If you want to really get a feel for the city, 4–5 days is a good amount of time. That gives you space to check out the big sights, wander a bit, and not feel rushed. You can definitely see a lot in 2–3 days, especially since the historic center is compact—only about 3 square miles (8 square kilometers)—but you’ll need to keep a tight schedule.
Keep in mind that big museums often need to be booked in advance with timed entry slots, so it’s worth planning ahead. Also think about the time of year. Winter in the Netherlands means fewer crowds but shorter days, while summer has long evenings and busier attractions.
Bikes outnumber people in Amsterdam © Shutterstock
If you’ve only got 48 hours, it helps to have a plan. This itinerary covers the essentials and gives you time to just walk around and take things in. It’s laid out so you're not crisscrossing the city all day.
I would start your trip with a canal cruise in the morning. It’s a fun way to get your bearings. The canal ring itself was built in the 1600s and is now a UNESCO site with more than 1,500 bridges connecting everything.
After the cruise, head into the Jordaan. It’s one of the prettiest neighborhoods in the city, full of narrow lanes, art galleries, and hidden hofjes.
From here you can make your visit to the Anne Frank House. You have to book ahead—ideally two months out. It’s one of the most visited sites in the city for good reason.
For lunch, stop at Winkel 43. Their apple pie is pretty legendary, with a thick crust, heaps of apple, and a recipe that’s been around for generations.
In the afternoon, spend a few hours at the Rijksmuseum. It’s huge, but make sure you at least see Rembrandt’s Night Watch. It has its own dedicated room and is a real highlight.
End the day in De Pijp. This used to be a working-class neighborhood, but now it’s packed with great food spots. Grab a croquette from Van Dobben if you want something classic.
How many days in Amsterdam you need depends on the time of year you visit © Shutterstock
On your second day, rent a bike and cruise along the eastern canals. Around 60% of locals bike everywhere, and the city’s flat and easy to navigate once you get used to it.
Afterwards, stop at the floating Bloemenmarkt—it’s been around since 1862 and is the only flower market in the world that floats. Then walk over to the Begijnhof, a quiet courtyard tucked behind the busy shopping streets. It’s been there since the 14th century.
For lunch, grab some raw herring from Stubbe’s Haring. If you want to do it the traditional way, hold it by the tail and eat it in one go.
In the afternoon, hop on the free ferry behind Centraal Station over to Amsterdam Noord. This part of the city used to be industrial, but now it’s full of studios, galleries, and creative spaces.
You can visit the EYE Film Museum, which looks like a spaceship on the water, or spend a bit of time at NDSM Wharf. It’s full of old warehouses, murals, and converted shipping containers
End your day with dinner at Pllek. It’s made from reclaimed materials and sits right on the water, with a good view back toward the city.
No matter how many days in Amsterdam you stay, don't miss the EYE Film Museum © Shutterstock
Three days gives you a good stretch to see the highlights—and it lines up well with the 72-hour I Amsterdam City Card (€125). It covers public transport, entry to a bunch of museums, and a canal cruise. If you’re planning to visit a few major sights and use the trams, it can work out to be decent value. You’ll be able to cover a lot without feeling too rushed.
Start your day with a walk through Westerpark, a former 19th-century gasworks that’s been turned into a laid-back public space. The old industrial buildings are still standing, but now they’re home to cafes, galleries, a microbrewery, and event spaces. There’s usually something happening here, but even on a quiet morning, it’s a good spot to stroll or grab a coffee.
From there, head to Spaarndammerbuurt, just a short walk away. This neighborhood is home to Het Schip, a famous example of Amsterdam School architecture. The style is easy to spot—rounded corners, sculptural brickwork, and lots of detail.
Next, stop by the Pianola Museum. It’s a tiny space, tucked into a row house, with a collection of antique self-playing pianos. A bit offbeat, but a nice detour if you’re curious.
Head to De Hallen for lunch. This old tram depot has been repurposed into a lively space with food vendors and shops. Try the bitterballen from Ballenbar—deep-fried and filled with a savory meat ragout.
Later, unwind in Vondelpark before finishing the day with a creative Dutch dinner at Restaurant C.
Vondelpark is a great place to take a stroll in Amsterdam © Shutterstock
With four days, you can take things a bit slower. There’s room for lazy mornings, circling back to places you liked, or adjusting plans if the weather shifts. It’s a more flexible pace, especially if you enjoy just walking around, stopping for coffee, or spending extra time in a museum without watching the clock.
Start your morning in De Pijp at CT Coffee & Coconuts, a café inside a 1920s cinema. If you look up, you’ll still see original balconies and ceiling details. After coffee, wander through Albert Cuyp Market. It’s been going strong since 1905, with fresh stroopwafels, affordable clothes, and produce stands lining the street.
For lunch, head to Warung Spang Makandra for Surinamese food. The cuisine reflects Suriname’s multicultural roots, with Indian, Indonesian, Chinese, African, and Dutch influences all showing up on the menu.
In the afternoon, take the train to Zaanse Schans. It’s only about 25 minutes away and easy to reach. The area was once home to hundreds of windmills that powered everything from oil mills to sawmills—basically, it was one of the first industrial regions in the world. Now it’s a small neighborhood of historic buildings that were moved here from around the Zaan region.
You can still visit a few working windmills, like De Zoeker, which has been pressing linseed oil since the 1600s. Don’t miss the classic green wooden houses before heading back.
Wrap up your day with dinner at Mediamatic ETEN. Focused on sustainable urban farming, this waterfront spot lets you dine in small greenhouse pods with a view.
No matter how many days in Amsterdam you have, you're sure to have a memorable time © Shutterstock
Amsterdam is shaped a bit like a spiderweb. The canals loop out from the center in semi-circles, and main roads run across them like spokes on a wheel. Once you’ve seen it on a map, it’s easier to understand how the city fits together. It’s compact, walkable, and easy to get around—trams and ferries run all day, but most people just bike. There are actually more bikes than people here.
No matter how many days in Amsterdam you stay, the area you choose will make a huge difference. Here are some quick picks, or if you'd like a more detailed look, see our guide to the best area to stay in Amsterdam.
Jordaan sits just west of the city center and feels like a good entry point if you haven’t been to Amsterdam before. You’re close to major sights like the Anne Frank House, but the area itself is a little calmer. Think narrow streets, quiet canals, and a more local rhythm. You’ll come across small cafés, secondhand shops, and the Noordermarkt on Saturdays.
Oud-Zuid (Old South) is more residential and low-key, which can be helpful if you're traveling with kids. It borders Vondelpark—a big green space with playgrounds and lots of room to stretch out. You’re close to museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, and the streets here are wide and not as busy as the center.
Trams run regularly, so getting into town is straightforward. There are grocery stores, restaurants that work for a mix of ages, and more space if you’re staying somewhere with multiple people. If you're planning a trip with the whole family, see our guide to Amsterdam with kids.
De Pijp is just south of the center and has become one of the main areas for eating out. The Albert Cuypmarkt runs through it—basically a long street market where you can try local snacks like stroopwafels or pick up fresh produce and international street food. The neighborhood’s known for being multicultural, and you’ll find everything from Surinamese to Ethiopian food nearby. It’s a mix of students, longtime residents, and new arrivals, which gives it a casual, easygoing feel. There are also some vintage shops and small galleries tucked in between the bars and cafés. It’s still central enough to get around easily.
Jordaan is a great area to stay in Amsterdam © Shutterstock
Amsterdam’s a great city to explore, but a little planning goes a long way. The city operates largely as a cashless society, so bring credit cards.
The weather doesn’t really follow the seasons here. You could get sun, rain, and wind all in one afternoon. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket, no matter when you’re visiting. (More on that in our guide to the best time to visit the Netherlands.)
Cannabis is tolerated but not actually legal. There are still rules—don’t smoke in public spaces, and definitely don’t take photos in the Red Light District. Locals really don’t appreciate it.
You’ll see bikes everywhere, and they move fast. If you’re not used to cycling in cities, it’s worth brushing up on bike etiquette so you don’t accidentally step into a bike lane.
Amsterdam is on the pricier side, especially compared to cities like Berlin or Prague, but not quite as expensive as Paris or Copenhagen. Here’s a general breakdown to help you plan:
Amsterdamse Bos (Forest) Amstelveen, Amsterdam © Shutterstock
Amsterdam is super easy to get around, especially if you’re up for walking or cycling. Biking is how most locals get from A to B, and it’s honestly one of the best ways to see the city. You’ll find bike rental shops all over—expect to pay around €10–15 a day. Just make sure to learn the basics of bike etiquette first: always use the bike lanes, signal with your hands, and watch out for trams and other cyclists.
Public transport is solid, with trams, buses, and the metro running from around 6am to midnight. After that, night buses kick in. You can either buy a reloadable OV-Chipkaart for €7.50 and top it up as needed or just tap your contactless card on board. If you're planning to see a lot in a short time, grab a 24- or 72-hour GVB pass—it covers unlimited rides across the system.
Canal boats are a scenic way to get around too, especially if you want a relaxed look at the city from the water. And if you’re sticking to the central neighborhoods—like Jordaan or De Pijp—walking is often the fastest and nicest way to go. See our guide to getting around the Netherlands for more info.
Getting to Amsterdam is pretty straightforward, no matter where you're coming from. Schiphol Airport (AMS) is one of Europe’s biggest, with direct flights to and from more than 300 cities. It’s only 15km from the center, and getting into town is easy: hop on the direct train to Amsterdam Centraal (€5.90, about 15–20 minutes) or take the Airport Express Bus 397 (€6.50, 30 minutes) if you’re staying near one of its stops.
If you’re already in Europe, high-speed trains are a great option. Thalys gets you from Paris in about 3.5 hours, ICE from Berlin in around 6.5, and the Eurostar from London takes about 4 hours—straight into Amsterdam Centraal. Budget airlines also connect the city to just about everywhere in Europe. More on that in our guide to getting to the Netherlands.
If you're in the thick of planning your next trip, Rough Guides can help. Our Rough Guide to Amsterdam combines must-see sights with hidden gems and offers essential tips for both planning and on-the-ground adventures.
Our sample Netherlands itineraries are also fantastic starting points, with detailed planning tips and suggestions.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 27.03.2025
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