This 3 days in Amsterdam itinerary is jam packed full with the best things to in Amsterdam weekend break for first time visitors.
Amsterdam is one of the most charming cities in the world – the ideal destination for a city break. It’s hardly surprising that the city is a go-to European city break spot for visitors from the UK, and many parts of the world.
1. Take a Canal Cruise Tour
One of the best things to do in Amsterdam in 3 days is to take a canal cruise tour. Amsterdam is surrounded by water. In fact, its canals were built from the taming of the Amstel River. The canals are an engineering marvel, and there’s really nothing like having a feel of the city from a boat.
To get a real understanding of the canal system and the city’s history, I recommend taking one of the many canal cruise tours that operate in the city.
You can get these canal cruise boats at various spots in the city. However my recommendation is to catch the canal cruise from outside the Amsterdam Centraal Station. This way you get to see the city start to finish and a great activity to your Amsterdam weekend itinerary.
If you are with a partner and want to take the romantic level up a notch, then a night canal cruise with 4 course dining experience should do the trick. This way you see the canals covered in fairy lights and have a romantic dinner that your partner will not forget!
Why not try the 1 hour canal cruise with GPS audio guide, or a combination ticket of the city canal cruise and Rijksmuseum.You can try something different and try this evening pizza cruise in Amsterdam.
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2. The Anne Frank House
If this is your first time to Amsterdam, then a visit to the Anne Frank House is one of the top things to do in Amsterdam. I visited the Anne Frank House on my first visit to Amsterdam, and it made me sad and in awe of how resilient human being can be.
It really drives home what people were going through at this time, and it’s a lesson in history you will never forget.
If you have read Anne Frank’s diary, then you’ll want to see the house where she wrote her personal account of the Second World War while in hiding. This house is one of best historical sights to see in Amsterdam.
I visited Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps last years in Krakow, Poland and this gave me an even greater insight into what conditions people were living in during this period in history.
You can only buy tickets to the Anne Frank House online, and you need to be on time for your time slot. Tickets are released two months in advance. Book your tickets online to avoid the long queues.
If you are spending more than 3 day in Amsterdam, then why not check out other cities in The Netherlands like Rotterdam.
3. Museum Quarter Amsterdam
Top of your Amsterdam weekend break list is visiting the museum quarter widely considered the cultural hub of Amsterdam, the Museum Quarter is the city’s pinnacle of sophistication and home to many museums – the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, and the Rijksmuseum.
The Best Museums in Amsterdam:
- Van Gogh Museum – This museum houses the largest collection in the world of Van Gogh’s drawings and painting.
- Stedelijk Museum – This is a must-see museum for modern and contemporary art and design in Amsterdam
- Rijksmuseum – This museum is dedicated to Dutch arts and history with art pieces from the great Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh.
- The Heineken Museum – A cool and fun experience for any beer lovers.
The area promises fun because of the kaleidoscope of attractions and activities in Amsterdam.
4. Learn about Dutch history at Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum, following years of renovation, is now a beautifully designed museum. This is another place to see in Amsterdam in 3 days.
The museum houses over a million-art work, craftworks, and historical objects, including a robust collection of classic Dutch painters such as those of Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, and Frans Hals. This museum is also great if you want to learn more about Dutch history.
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5. I Love Amsterdam Sign
One of the best things to do in Amsterdam is visit the ‘I Love Amsterdam” signs. There is hardly anything more iconic than the iAmsterdam sign in the city. Just in front of the Rijksmuseum, at the Museumplein, you can enjoy the views of the sign from your ideal perspective.
They have removed the sign from this area, but you can still find various iAmsterdam around the city.
I know visiting these signs are super touristy but hey you only live once. This just one of the many touristy and non-touristy things you’ll be doing on you 3 day Amsterdam trip.
6. Learn to paint like Van Gogh Museum
Seated right behind or in front of the Rijksmuseum and where the iAmsterdam sign use to be (depending on which direction you are coming from) is the Van Gogh Museum.
The Van Gogh Museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Amsterdam. The museum is home to many of Vincent Van Gogh best artworks and a biography of his life uniquely laid out in chronological order, from his earliest works to the last.
Although the museum is not the biggest one you’d find, this Amsterdam attraction is still worth visiting as the artworks inside include those of famous artists like Manet, Monet, and Matisse, make it one of those absolute must-visit Amsterdam attractions.
If you have already visited the Rijksmuseum and iAmsterdam sign, then the Van Gogh Museum is another excellent place to see in Amsterdam. Get your tickets here for the Van Gogh Museum.
⭐️ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars (20344+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 Hours | 🎟️ BOOK NOW
7. Prinsengracht Canal
The Prinsengracht (Prince’s canal) is a 3.2 km long canal running parallel to the Keizersgracht in the epic center of Amsterdam. Named after the Prince of Orange, together with the other main canals, the Herengracht and the Keizersgracht, they form Amsterdam´s Canal Ring, which was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.
The Prinsengracht is considered the most beautiful of Amsterdam’s four main canals. This is also where the Prinsengracht concert, a free open air classical music concert is hold during August on the water in front of the hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam.
8. Browse the flowers at the Bloemenmarkt – Amsterdam Flower Market
You can head to the Amsterdam Flower Market (The Bloemenmarkt) for a few flowers. This market is located on the Singel Canal and is a fantastic display of flowers at this floating flower market is beautiful to behold.
Ensure you ask the vendor to check if you‘re allowed to take a particular flower variety back home as some flowers are not allowed outside of the EU.
9. Visit the Red Light District – De Wallen
Again, if this is your first visit to Amsterdam then exploring the red light district and trying some ash cake is a must. Why visit Amsterdam without part-taking in the top two Amsterdam tourist attractions, (whether you’re a boy or girl).
Take in a peep show and visit a café – I did, just be respectful of the ladies in the windows and don’t take photos on them. If you are looking for a good night out, then the red light district has everything you could ever want.
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10. A’DAM LOOKOUT
Are you looking for unusual things to so in Amsterdam? Then visit A’DAM LOOKOUT. This observation deck comes with an 360º unrivalled panoramic view of Amsterdam and houses Europe’s highest swing at 100 metres above the ground.
You’ll be able to see the city’s historical centre and the famous canals which belong to the UNESCO World Heritage list. A’DAM LOOKOUT is located on top of the A’DAM Tower in Amsterdam North.
⭐️ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars (1300+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | 🎟️ BOOK NOW
11. Rent a Bike and Explore Amsterdam
As day one was jammed packed with some of to the top things to do in Amsterdam, we will be taking it easy on day 2 of our Amsterdam city break. If you are museumed (yes that is a word) out and looking for other magnificent places to see in Amsterdam. Then read on.
Another top thing to do in Amsterdam is to hire a bike and explore the city. There are plenty of rental bike shops dotted around the city. You’ll feel like a local as you whiz along the canals, just remember to ring your bell for people walking in the streets to avoid accidents.
I love that only in Amsterdam bike outnumber cars and people. It’s one of the top activities you should do on your Amsterdam weekend breaks.
You can even do actual bike tours in Amsterdam with a local– This is great for getting around and is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam.
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12. Do A Tour of The Jewish Quarter
On this tour of Amsterdam’s Jewish neighbourhoods, including the historic Jewish Quarter and the picturesque Plantage district. You’ll learn about Jewish life throughout the 16th century to the persecution of the Jews during the Second World War and how this shaping the city’s culture and heritage.
As you walk through the narrow streets and alleys of the Jewish Quarter, you’ll see many historic buildings and landmarks in Amsterdam, including the beautiful Portuguese Synagogue, the Jewish Historical Museum, and the Headquarters of the Jewish Council. You’ll also discover sites like the Dokwerker and the Auschwitz Monument.
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13. Visit Dam Square & Royal Palace Amsterdam
A medieval centre and the most visited attraction in Amsterdam. Dam Square is known for its network of canals, traditional architecture, coffee shops, and shopping centres. It is considered the ultimate centre as it is a historical hub and major area of attraction.
At Dam Square in the heart of Amsterdam is the Amsterdam Royal Palace. The palace built initially as a city hall for Amsterdam’s magistrates, and today, it is one of the three palaces which was placed at the King’s disposal by an Act of Parliament.
It is now a site for Royal Events such as the reception of foreign heads of state upon their visit to The Netherlands. Aside from the days of Royal Events, visitors are allowed access into Europe’s largest secular building of the 17th century.
14. Heineken Experience
One of the city’s coolest things to is a Heineken experience tour. On this 2.5-hour guided tour, you get to explore the history of the Heineken family and how this small Dutch brewer became the world’s most famous beer brand.
Together with your expert guide, you will get a VIP glimpse behind the scenes and see the special collection depot that holds approximately 120,000 objects. Visit one of the hidden bars to do a beer tasting and try out 5 different beers with snacks.
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (190+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 Hours | 🎟️ BOOK NOW
15. Vondelpark
Vondelpark, the largest and most popular park in Amsterdam is an excellent place for relaxation, biking, walking, or even people-watching. It is definitely a nice place to rest after a heavy night out in Amsterdam.
It has a playground where you can play sports, and during the summer, it is normal to find locals hanging out for drinks at the park’s café‘ Blauwe Theehuis.
16. Rembrandtplein Square
One of Amsterdam’s most famous squares, Rembrandt Square has a lot to offer visitors. One of the most popular features is the presence of fashionable clubs like Rain Restaurant Bar & Club and Escape which attracts a host of impeccably dressed individuals.
There are also bars, restaurants, cafes, and international food chains to keep you busy as you stroll through this popular leisure spot.
17. Visit the Famous Albert Cuypmarkt
Your time in Europe’s attraction capital will not be complete without visiting the famous Albert Cuypmarkt street market where you’ll find cheese, fresh stroopwafels, Dutch pancakes and more. It is the city’s largest street market with a lot of history.
The Cuyp Market has been in place since 1905 and is still one of the most famous daily market in Amsterdam, even a century later. From fish and spices to makeup and cameras, you can get anything you desire at low prices.
18. See the Gingerbread Houses
A highlight of what to see in Amsterdam in three days is the Gingerbread Houses. Head out of the city centre to the boats on the Damrak where you’ll find the famous Instagram gingerbread houses.
Opposite a wide bike path and several bridges over the canals, the Gingerbread houses are a popular tourist site where you have an opportunity not only to enjoy fantastic views but take excellent Instagram photos. You can also catch canal tour boats from in front of the gingerbread houses on your city break to Amsterdam.
Where you’ll be viewing the houses is sorta of on a side walk, so if you want great holiday photos get there early when there is less traffic and people walking by. Also watch out for birds that fly over head and don’t get too close to the edge or you might fall into the water. Which is not a good look.