Netherlands · Trip plan
3 days in Amsterdam
Canals, Rembrandts and the Amsterdam Light Festival.
- Best time
- Dec – Jan, Apr – Sep
- Ideal length
- 3 days
- A day, mid-range
- $230 per person
- Trip for two
- about $1,380
Planning a 3-day trip to Amsterdam? Here's a day-by-day Amsterdam itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
The Amsterdam Light Festival fills the canals with light art from late November to January: best seen from a canal cruise.
Amsterdam is a city of canals, gabled houses, bikes and world-famous art, small enough to walk but full of character.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr: a good time to go
- May: a good time to go
- Jun: a good time to go
- Jul: a good time to go
- Aug: a good time to go
- Sep: a good time to go
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec: a good time to go
December to January: 2–7°C, damp.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Amsterdam
- 01
Rijksmuseum
Rembrandt's Night Watch and Dutch masters.
- 02
Van Gogh Museum
The world's largest Van Gogh collection.
- 03
Anne Frank House
The hiding place where she wrote her diary.
- 04
Canal ring
A UNESCO 17th-century canal network.
Day by day
Amsterdam itinerary for 3 days
- D1
Day 1: Museumplein
- Morning
- Rijksmuseum at opening to see Rembrandt's The Night Watch and Vermeer's The Milkmaid.
- Afternoon
- Van Gogh Museum, then a walk through Vondelpark.
- Evening
- Evening canal cruise past the Amsterdam Light Festival's illuminated artworks.
Book Van Gogh tickets online; there are no door sales.
- D2
Day 2: Canals and Jordaan
- Morning
- Visit the Anne Frank House, the secret annexe where she wrote her diary.
- Afternoon
- Wander the Jordaan's cafés and the Nine Streets' boutiques.
- Evening
- Bitterballen and jenever in a brown café.
Anne Frank House tickets are released six weeks ahead.
- D3
Day 3: Markets and home
- Morning
- Albert Cuyp market for stroopwafels and herring.
- Afternoon
- Lunch.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Trains to Schiphol run every few minutes.
Shorter or longer
Amsterdam in 2, 3 or 5 days
2 days in Amsterdam
Follow days 1 to 2 above and leave out “Markets and home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
5 days in Amsterdam
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.
What it costs
Amsterdam trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 3 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $110 | $660 |
| Mid-range | $230 | $1,380 |
| Luxury | $500+ | $3,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Amsterdam is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Amsterdam for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Amsterdam
Stroopwafel
Caramel-filled waffle cookies.
Bitterballen
Crispy fried meat balls with mustard.
Herring
Raw herring with onions from a street stall.
Getting there
How to reach Amsterdam
- Travel
- Schiphol airport is 15 minutes by train.
- Getting around
- Walk, cycle or use trams.
- Book the Anne Frank House exactly six weeks ahead.
- Watch for bikes; they have right of way.
Before you go
What to pack for Amsterdam
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Amsterdam trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Amsterdam?
3 days are enough to see the highlights: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 3-day Amsterdam trip cost?
Roughly $110 a day per person on a budget, $230 mid-range and $500+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,380 for 3 days.
What is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
Dec – Jan, Apr – Sep. The Amsterdam Light Festival fills the canals with light art from late November to January: best seen from a canal cruise.
Where should I stay in Amsterdam?
Budget: Generator Amsterdam (Oosterpark), from about $80 a night. Mid-range: Pulitzer Amsterdam (Canal ring), from about $350 a night. Luxury: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam (Herengracht), from about $900 a night.
How do I reach Amsterdam?
Schiphol airport is 15 minutes by train.
Is 2 days enough for Amsterdam?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 2 of the itinerary above and skip "Markets and home". 3 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Amsterdam?
December to January: 2–7°C, damp.
What food should I try in Amsterdam?
Stroopwafel: Caramel-filled waffle cookies. Bitterballen: Crispy fried meat balls with mustard. Herring: Raw herring with onions from a street stall.
How do I get around Amsterdam?
Walk, cycle or use trams.
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