Amsterdam in 3 Days: The Perfect Itinerary

Three days in Amsterdam is just enough time to fall completely in love with this watery, bike-friendly city. Here's how to make the most of every hour without feeling rushed.

Day 1 — The Historic Centre: Begin at the Anne Frank House (book tickets weeks in advance). Walk the canal belt in the Jordaan district, stop for coffee at Winkel 43 for the famous apple pie, and end the evening at a brown café — the cosy Dutch pubs that have barely changed in 300 years.

Day 2 — Museums and Markets: The Rijksmuseum houses Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's masterpieces — allow at least three hours. Rent a bike in the afternoon and cycle to the Vondelpark. Saturday morning means the Albert Cuyp Market: Amsterdam's biggest street market with cheese, stroopwafels, and incredible street food.

Day 3 — Beyond the Centre: Take a free ferry behind Centraal Station to the NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard turned creative hub with street art, food trucks, and the best skyline views in the city. Return via the waterfront for dinner in the trendy De Pijp neighbourhood.

Getting There: Amsterdam Centraal is one of Europe's best-connected rail hubs. High-speed Thalys and Eurostar services link it to Paris in under 3.5 hours, Brussels in under 2 hours, and London in just over 4 hours via the Channel Tunnel.