Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. The city is known for its historic buildings, majestic canals, open skyline, and rich culture. Some famous tourist attractions are the Anne Frank House, the NEMO Science Museum, and many more.
Amsterdam was established in the 12th century and gained notoriety during the Dutch Golden Age (1588–1672). At the time, Amsterdam was a cultural and commercial giant and the hub of the global economy.
Today, Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in the world. There are so many things to do in Amsterdam, and it can be confusing for visitors to make the most of their time in the city.
I have compiled a comprehensive Amsterdam Itinerary for your Amsterdam tour so you can fully experience the city and visit its beautiful locations. This 4-day Amsterdam itinerary will get you acquainted with the city.
This 4-day Amsterdam itinerary is designed to explore different parts of the city.
Amsterdam Itinerary-Day 1:
Amsterdam-Centrum
Amsterdam Centrum is located in the heart of Amsterdam, the oldest part of the city. It’s one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city. The place is filled with beautiful cafe, canal boat rides, museums, and many more.
You can start your day by visiting many charming cafes in Amsterdam centrum. You can explore Dutch delicacies; some suggestions include Greenwoods Singel, Mortimer Amsterdam, and Greenwoods Keizersgracht. After a heartfelt breakfast, you can explore the different museums located in the area.
Anne Frank House
Anne Frank House is an autobiographical museum dedicated to the writer Anne Frank. It is located in central Amsterdam, on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk.
Going to the Anne Frank House can be a profound experience. The museum takes you back in time. Walking through the small rooms where Frank’s family lived for over two years in isolation, you can’t help but feel the weight of history and tragedy that the family has endured.
The house is stark, with only a few pieces of furniture, but the presence of people who lived there is palpable. They also have the original diary of Anne Frank on display. The diary has the dreams and aspirations of a little girl, Anne.
Leaving the Anne Frank house, you may feel a mix of emotions: sadness, reflection, and a renewed sense of justice. It’s a place that leaves a lasting impact, urging visitors to remember the past and work toward a better future.
Rembrandt House Museum
The Rembrandt House Museum is a museum located in a former house in the Jodenbreestraat, in the center of Amsterdam. The house was occupied by painter Rembrandt van Rijn, who also had his studio and art dealership there. Some of his famous paintings are The Night Watch (1642), The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp (1632), The Jewish Bride (c. 1665-1669)
Self-Portrait with Two Circles (c. 1665-1669).
The house was occupied by the Dutch painter Rembrandt for more than 20 years. The museum is well preserved; you can see the room that was once accommodated by the painter. His studio was once where he painted his masterpiece, his etching room where you can become acquainted with the etching process and see demonstrations of how Rembrandt created his famous prints.
Other parts of the house that you can explore is the art Cabinet (Kunstcaemer), The Living Quarters and Collection of Rembrandt’s Art.
The museum often hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on various aspects of Rembrandt’s life. Before you leave the museum, you can visit the museum shop and workshop to buy souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones or immerse yourself in art or painting.
The Canal Ring
The Prinsengracht, Herengracht, and Keizersgracht are 3 of Amsterdam’s most famous streets located on canals within the city center. These 3 streets and canals are south of Central Station (train depot) and Dam Square.
The Prinsengracht Canal is named after the Prince of Orange, the Herengracht Canal is named after the heren regeerders who governed the city in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the Keizersgracht is named after Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor. Since 2009, the three main canals have been placed on the World Heritage List.
Along these three canals, many tourist attractions are located, such as
Day 2: Museum Quarter and South Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is known as the Dutch National Museum in English. It is a large art gallery and museum that traces the history of the Netherlands through the development of Dutch art. It is spread across four floors that house multiple permanent and temporary exhibitions.
The museum is also known for its international perspective, and for its family-friendly facilities and tours. This historical center has around 8,000 thousand items on display across its rooms, which are organized in chronological order. Visitors can encounter the works of famous artists like Johannes Vermeer, Vincent van Gogh and Rembrandt.
Guided tours can be purchased for an extra fee, and they offer interactive games and experiments, props and fascinating stories. The museum is also home to a unique gift shop that sells art-themed objects, and a café that provides coffee and snacks.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum, which is in Museum Square and houses the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh artworks, is a must-see for anyone visiting Amsterdam. The museum itself is made up of two separate buildings connected by an underground tunnel.
The permanent collection can be found in the main building. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of temporary exhibitions, a chronological display of Van Gogh’s life and works, a restoration room that explains how his paintings are preserved, and a one-of-a-kind gift shop that sells items related to art.
The second building houses mainly temporary exhibitions that rotate throughout the year, and that cover various themes ranging from van Gogh’s family upbringing to the influence he has had on other artists to date. The museum is also equipped with a library and several study rooms.
Stedelijk Museum
The Stedelijk Museum is one of Amsterdam’s most popular modern and contemporary art museums. Located in the city’s famous Museum Quarter, along with many other museums and galleries, it is dedicated mainly to 20th and 21st century art from all over the world, and includes a range of media such as painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video art and multimedia works.
The displays and exhibits inside include a permanent collection and a few temporary exhibitions that rotate throughout the year. Free guided tours of the museum are available throughout the week, and visitors can keep an eye on the museum website for more information.
The tours are offered in both Dutch and English. The museum is particularly well known for its trendy restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a library containing art books and archives, and a gift shop that offers unique art-themed books and souvenirs.
Leidseplein
Located in southern Amsterdam, Leidseplein translates to ‘Leiden Square’ in English. The square is known for its host of shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities, ranging from trendy restaurants and large department stores to street performers in summer. In winter, the square is known for its glamorous ice rink.
You will also find a vast array of food stalls selling hot food to warm up tourists and visitors. The square is at the center of a large transport hub and offers access to several major tramlines. Some key attractions surrounding the square include the Hirschgebouw building, where you will find shops like Apple and BMW.
The Eden Amsterdam American Hotel is home to the iconic Café America, which is known for its Sunday jazz brunches. There is also a large selection of Chinese, Italian and Argentinian restaurants that cater to every need.
Day 3: Jordaan, De Pijp, and the 9 Streets
Jordaan
The Jordaan is one of the most famous historic and picturesque neighborhoods in Amsterdam, known for its narrow streets, charming canals, and vibrant atmosphere, originally built in the 17th century to house the working class and immigrants.
Over time, it has transformed from a working-class area into a trendy district with a mix of boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. The Jordaan is crisscrossed by beautiful canals like the Prinsengracht, Lijnbaansgracht, and Brouwersgracht.
The area boasts cultural landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and Westerkerk, where Rembrandt is buried, and lively markets like the Noordermarkt, known for organic produce and antiques, and the Lindengracht Market, offering a variety of goods from fresh food to clothing. Jordaan’s dining scene is diverse, featuring traditional Dutch cafes, trendy restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife with cozy bars and live music venues.
De Pijp
De Pijp is another lively neighborhood, often referred to as Amsterdam’s Latin Quarter, having a rich history and a lively atmosphere. It’s famous for its multicultural vibe, bustling markets, and diverse dining options. The Albert Cuyp Market is one of the largest and most famous street markets located here in Europe, offering everything from fresh produce to clothing and household items.
It’s a great place to experience the local culture and try Dutch street food like stroopwafels and herring. It is also known for its multicultural population, which is reflected in the variety of restaurants and shops. Anyone can find cuisines here from all over the world, including Middle Eastern, Surinamese, and Indonesian.
De Pijp is home to Heineken Experience, an interactive museum, offering funny and informative look at the history of one of the world’s most famous beers. Last but not the least, Sarphatipark is another highlight of this area, a beautiful park which is a green oasis in the heart of De Pijp, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.
The 9-Streets
The 9 Streets (De Negen Straatjes) is a vibrant and fashionable district in Amsterdam, renowned for its blend of unique boutiques, charming cafes, and picturesque canals. This area includes nine distinctive streets: Hartenstraat, Oude Spiegelstraat, Berenstraat, Runstraat, Langebrugstraat, Wolvenstraat, Reestraat, Huidenstraat, and Gasthuismolensteeg.
You can discover a range of independent stores and high-end boutiques such as Scotch & Soda for fashion, Lena’s Vintage for unique vintage finds, and The Frozen Fountain for stylish home decor. You can enjoy local favorites like Café Winkel 43, famous for its apple pie, and Pluk Amsterdam, known for its fresh juices and brunch dishes.
The district is bordered by picturesque canals including Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht, offering lovely spots for walks and photos. Also, you can explore local art at galleries like Galerie Bart and The Raven, showcasing contemporary and traditional works and can wander to discover serene courtyards and tranquil spaces behind historic buildings.
The 9 Streets feature beautiful 17th-century canal houses and charming bridges, reflecting Amsterdam’s rich architectural history. This neighborhood offers a perfect mix of shopping, dining, and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Amsterdam.
Day 4: Eastern Docklands and Plantage
Eastern Docklands
The Eastern Docklands (Oostelijk Havengebied) is a modern and dynamic area in Amsterdam, known for its contemporary architecture and vibrant waterfront. Once a major port district, it has been transformed into a lively mixed-use neighborhood. Highlights include innovative residential developments on Java Island and KNSM Island, and cultural venues like the NEMO Science Museum and the nearby Artis Royal Zoo.
The area offers beautiful waterfront promenades along the IJ River, ideal for leisurely strolls, and a variety of dining options and boutique shops, particularly around Oosterdokseiland and Houthaven. Flevopark provides a large green space for relaxation and outdoor activities, and the neighborhood often hosts cultural events and festivals, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.
Plantage
Plantage is a charming and historically important district in Amsterdam, which is located towards the east of the city center. It is characterized by green areas like Artis Royal Zoo, the oldest zoological gardens with the contours of the city and the Hortus Botanicas, the most significant botanical garden in Amsterdam.
This area boasts complex and interesting mid 19th century cultural structures including the Hermitage Amsterdam, a leading branch of the famous St begrudged in petersburg, and the Museum of Jewish History. This district has the beautiful, stylized buildings of the 19th century and very beautiful canals and views of them.
In addition to this, the neighborhood features a number of eating and grazing establishments around Plantage Middenlaan and Plantage Parklaan, as well as lively art and festive events throughout the year, making it an interesting and fun place to visit.
Conclusion:
This itinerary offers a perfect balance of must-see attractions and off-the-beaten-path experiences, allowing you to immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s unique atmosphere. From world-renowned museums to local markets, from historic sites to cutting-edge architecture, you’ve seen the many facets that make Amsterdam a truly global city.
Remember, while this itinerary covers many highlights, Amsterdam always has more to offer. Each neighborhood, each street, and each canal have its own story to tell. Don’t be afraid to wander off the suggested path and make your own discoveries that’s often where the most memorable experiences happen.