Things to do in Amsterdam: canals, museums and tulip day trips
Amsterdam is a compact city of canals, museums and brown cafes. Three days is plenty, and most of it is best by bike or on foot. The one thing to know: the major museums sell out, so book them before you travel.
The short answer
- First trip
- The canal ring, the Rijksmuseum, the Jordaan and a canal cruise.
- Where to stay
- The canal ring for first trips, Jordaan for charm, De Pijp for food.
- How many days
- Two days for the highlights, three for a slower pace.
- Best time to go
- April to May for tulips, and September for calm weather.
- Book ahead
- Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.
- From the airport
- Trains to Centraal take about 15 minutes.
Where to stay in Amsterdam, in brief
Canal ring
first-time visitors
Pretty canals, close to the sights. Higher prices, steep stairs and small rooms.
Jordaan
charm and cafes
Quiet streets, small shops and brown cafes. A short walk from Centraal.
De Pijp
food and nightlife
A lively district around the Albert Cuyp market with many restaurants.
Museum quarter
museums and parks
Beside the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark. Quiet and elegant.
Things to do in Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum
Dutch masters, including Rembrandt and Vermeer. Allow half a day.
Book timed tickets a few days ahead.
Van Gogh Museum
The largest collection of Van Gogh's work. It is busy, so book the first slot.
Book a week ahead in high season.
Anne Frank House
The hiding place of the Frank family. Tickets are timed.
Tickets are released weeks ahead, so plan early.
Canal cruise
An hour on a boat is a good introduction to the canal ring. Choose a small boat.
Jordaan
Walk the narrow lanes, galleries and brown cafes.
Vondelpark
A large park for walking, cycling and picnics.
A'DAM Lookout
A tower over the IJ with a viewing deck.
A day ahead for sunset slots.
Rembrandt House
The artist's own house, now a small museum.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Amsterdam can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Amsterdam, and which to pick- Anne Frank House4 to 8 weeks ahead
Timed tickets sell out quickly.
- Van Gogh Museum1 to 2 weeks ahead
Slots in the morning go first.
- RijksmuseumA few days ahead
Peak hours fill in spring and summer.
What to skip in Amsterdam
- Canal-side restaurants with set menus
They are priced for the view. Walk away from the main canals.
- The Red Light District at night
It is crowded and many locals avoid it. See the old church and canal by day.
- Coffeeshops with tourist menus
Pick a local coffeeshop with a bar. Never buy from the street.
Best time to visit Amsterdam
Amsterdam is best from April to May, when the tulip fields bloom and the days lengthen. June to August is busy but warm, and prices climb.
September and October are calmer. Winters are gray and damp, with ice on the canals in cold years, and hotels are cheaper.
- From Schiphol airportTrains to Centraal take about 15 minutes. Taxis cost more and can be slow.
- Tram and metroTrams cover most of the center. Use a contactless card or OVpay.
- By bikeMost locals cycle. Rent a bike, but stay out of bike lanes unless you ride.
- On footThe canal ring is walkable. Watch for bikes.
Amsterdam in three days
- Day 1
Walk the canal ring and Jordaan, then take a canal cruise.
- Day 2
Spend the morning at the Rijksmuseum, then have lunch in De Pijp and visit Albert Cuyp market.
- Day 3
Visit the Van Gogh Museum or take a trip to Haarlem or the tulip fields.
Day trips from Amsterdam
- HaarlemA small city with a historic center, about 15 minutes by train.
- Keukenhof and the tulip fieldsA spring garden, open from late March to mid May.
- Zaanse SchansA village of windmills about 20 minutes by train.
Amsterdam: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
Two days covers the highlights. Three gives time for museums and a day trip.
Is Amsterdam worth visiting?
Yes. It combines canals, museums and a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
April to May for tulips and September for calm.
Where is the best area to stay in Amsterdam?
Canal ring for first trips, Jordaan for charm and De Pijp for food.
Is Amsterdam expensive?
It is one of the pricier cities in Europe. Rooms are the main cost.
Do I need to book museums?
Yes, for the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.