Amsterdam in 3 days
Seventeenth-century canals on the UNESCO list, Van Gogh and Vermeer a few minutes apart, and the quiet streets of the Jordaan away from the crowds. A capital best explored by bike, at your own pace.
The plan, day by day
Day 1
- Morning
The UNESCO-listed canal ringfree · about 1 hThe concentric seventeenth-century canals of the centre, lined with gabled merchants' houses, seen on foot or from a canal boat.
- Afternoon
Van Gogh Museumabout 2 hThe world's largest collection of Van Gogh's work, with paintings, drawings and letters following his career year by year.
Day 2
- Morning
Anne Frank Houseabout 1 hThe canal house where Anne Frank and her family hid from 1942 to 1944, including the secret annexe behind the bookcase; book tickets well ahead.
- Afternoon
Rijksmuseum2 to 3 hThe national museum of Dutch art and history, home to Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's Milkmaid.
Day 3
- Morning
The Jordaanfree · about 2 hA former working-class district of narrow canals, hidden courtyard almshouses, brown cafés and small independent shops.
Where to sleep in Amsterdam
- The Flying Pig Downtown · €45 a night
- ClinkNOORD · €40 a night
- Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark · €42 a night
- Hotel V Nesplein · €170 a night
- Hotel Estheréa · €210 a night
- Ambassade Hotel · €220 a night
- Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam · €650 a night
- Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht · €380 a night
- Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam · €320 a night
Plan this trip
Hotel prices per room per night, checked when written. Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.