Aptly nicknamed the "Venice of the North", Amsterdam offers a voyage of escape. Its sparkling canals share the stage with colorful buildings, offering a parenthesis of pure enchantment. Would you like to visit beautiful Amsterdam and, why not, party in one of Europe's best cities for it? Three days won't be enough to explore it as it deserves to be explored! So what can you do in Amsterdam in 3 days? From canals to museums and historic sites, let yourself be carried away by the picturesque charm of the Dutch capital.
Day 1: The Royal Palace and the historic center
On this first day of your trip, take time to soak up the typical Dutch atmosphere. Stroll through Amsterdam's historic center, its charm intact..
Morning: Royal Palace, shopping and Begijnhof
Make your way to the city's main square: Dam Square. This lively square is surrounded by magnificent buildings, including Amsterdam's famous Royal Palace. A visit is possible: don't hesitate! Still occasionally used by the Dutch royal family, it offers a pleasant visit, punctuated by superb, richly decorated rooms. With the help of an audioguide, you'll discover step by step the history of this symbolic Amsterdam building. Allow around 1 hour for this tour, and go here to book your ticket to the Royal Palace, including audio guide .
On your way out, treat yourself to a shopping break in the De 9 Straatjes district, with its charming little boutiques right next to the canals. While this street is mainly devoted to art galleries and quaint cafés, it's on Kavelstraat that you'll find the big names.
Just off 9 Straatjes you'll find an unusual place that we recommend... One of Amsterdam's curiosities is its inner courtyards in the heart of the city. Amsterdam's Begijnhof is an inviting little haven of peace. In this superb courtyard dating back to the Middle Ages, you can still admire a wooden house, the only survivor of the various fires that have ravaged the area over the centuries. A secret church is even hidden in the heart of one of the houses: can you find it? This historic site is a treasure trove of the past, and a must-see!
Afternoon: Flower Market and Red Light District
Open until 5:30 p.m., Amsterdam's flower market is particularly famous. Located in the Rembrantplein district, along the Singel canal, it radiates color and life. Among the countless varieties of flowers on offer in this poetic setting, you'll find the famous tulip, symbol of the Netherlands.
Did you know? Every year, the Netherlands donates 10,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa, Canada, in gratitude for hosting Princess Juliana and her family during the Second World War.
After your foray into this 1001-color flower paradise, head for De Wallen, Amsterdam's Red Light District, located near one of Europe's most beautiful train stations and a must-see. If you like to travel without airplanes, this superb station is the place to be. But let's get back to our famous Red Light District... Also known as the Red Light District, it's an area lined with canals that's very pleasant during the day, but highly inadvisable for children in the evening... Prostitution is legal and regulated in the Netherlands, and it's in this district that everything is played out in Amsterdam.
Day 2: Anne Frank House and the canals by boat
The second day's program promises to be rich, between the discovery of a part of the country's history and a boat trip on the superb canals of the Venice of the North.
Morning: Anne Frank House and the Jordaan
Start with a visit to the Anne Frank House, a poignant testimony to the sad history of Europe. It's the story of a young Jewish girl forced to hide from the Nazis with her family... Beware! To enjoy this Amsterdam must-see, it's imperative to book the exact day and time of your visit. If you're interested, you can also book a guided tour of the Jewish cultural quarter and its history.
After the hour-long tour, let the pressure off with a stroll through the Jordaan, a bohemian district renowned for its peaceful lifestyle. Enjoy the charm of Amsterdam along the canals, before settling down for a local meal on a terrace.
Afternoon: Amsterdam's canals
Take advantage of your afternoon to discover Amsterdam from its canals. Climb aboard a bateau-mouche, and let the boat's slow movements take you on a journey through the city's history. The tour lasts 1 h to 1 h 30, with some departures at the end of the day to take advantage of the setting sun. On the way back, take the time to wander a little further into the heart of the city, before ending the day on Leidseplein square, surely one of Amsterdam's liveliest. There's everything you need to relax: bars, restaurants and party venues.
While it's great to visit in the summertime,Amsterdam is beautiful all year round. In particular, it's one of Europe's top destinations in winter, when the canals are bathed in mist... Sublime! Would you prefer to spend a weekend in autumn? The Dutch capital is also magnificent in autumn!
Day 3: Museum, park and heritage
This last day in Amsterdam is devoted to visiting at least one museum, and a few of the city's must-see sites.
Morning: Zevenlandenhuizen and VondelPark
Your morning begins with an unusual discovery: The 7 House, or "Zevenlandenhuizen" for short. Seven adjoining houses represent 7 European countries and their corresponding architecture. As unusual as it is superb!
Drive on, and you'll arrive at the superb Vondelpark, Amsterdam's largest park. The city's green lung, it offers a pleasant interlude. Step by step, you'll discover lush greenery, a theater, a playground for the little ones, and much more. It's the ideal place to stroll, cycle and even attend numerous events throughout the year.
Afternoon: visit a museum
With some sixty museums to its credit, Amsterdam is one of the Netherlands' leading cultural cities. Painting enthusiasts will appreciate the Rijksmuseumhome to Rembrandts and other works by famous artists. Click here to book your ticket for the Rijksmuseum.
But there are other museums to discover, too, depending on your preferences:
- the Van Gogh Museum,
- madame Tussauds Museum,
- nEMO (science museum),
- Artis Micropia,
- stedelijk Museum, etc.
Halfway between party and culture, Amsterdam offers a superbly condensed range of museums: make the most of it! And speaking of parties, it's worth noting that the Dutch capital is an ideal destination to visit in December, when the city takes on a fiesta air on December 31.
That's it! Now you know the best things to do in Amsterdam in 3 days!
3 days in Amsterdam with your family: what to do?
Visiting a city with children can be interesting, provided you choose your leisure activities carefully. For starters, do what almost everyone else does: get on a bike! Here, it's a way of life, and a fun way to visit a city with kids. Then treat yourself to a boat trip along the canals. The experience is as interesting as it is fun, and generally appeals to children and parents alike.
A visit to Artis-Micropia, the museum of... microbes, is also a great way to spend a family holiday! As fascinating as it is unusual, this museum will arouse the curiosity of the whole family, with its laboratory and interactive activities. Click here to book your ticket for Artis-Micropia!
Your steps will then lead you to the Artis zoological park. From here, you can discover the Artis-Groote Museum, dedicated to the links between humans and different forms of life. This high-tech museum is designed for the whole family. Children, ideally aged over 8, will be able to put their 5 senses to good use in this unusual museum. Take advantage of our partner's special rates by booking your ticket to the Artis-Groote Museum right here!
Add a touch of the unusual to these visits: tour the historic center in a horse-drawn carriage. A visit to the canals and the Jordaan district adds an extra dimension to the experience.
Where to stay in Amsterdam? Our selection of the best hotels
There are 1001 exciting things to do in Amsterdam in 3 days! But before you do, it's a good idea to put your bags down in one of the capital's beautiful hotels for a weekend with friends, a couple or the whole family. The Binnenstad district is an interesting starting point for discovering the historic center. The Waterlooplein district, meanwhile, is ideal for families, thanks to its many points of interest.
- The most luxurious
There's nothing like packing your bags in a high-end hotel in a prime location. That's what you'll find at the Pulitzer Amsterdam, near the 9 Straatjes, which you can book right here. This former luxury residence has retained all its charm, offering a most pleasant stay close to points of interest.
- The cheapest
Amsterdam a stopover on a budget road-trip ? Pack your bags at the Flying Pig Downtown, the ideal address for budget stays bookable right here. Located near the train station and party venues, it's a great way to spend a few days in the capital without breaking the bank.
- The best location
Located right in the city center, Hotel Amsterdam De Roode Leeuw enjoys a strategic position. Perfectly renovated and brought up to date, it offers a comfortable stay in modern surroundings. A great address that you can book in just a few clicks here!
With its open-minded attitude, Amsterdam is the ideal European city for an EVG or any other type of celebration. From strolling the canals to discovering the Rijksmuseum, there's plenty to discover in Amsterdam in 3 days! Let yourself be carried away by the typically Dutch charm of this city, which is ideal to visit by bike. Forget the hectic French capital... Here, taking your time and discovering places of interest with a smile is a true art of living!
