Self-guided itinerary · free
Amsterdam in 3 days: canals, museums and north of the IJ
The plan splits Amsterdam into three geographic clusters, so you never cross the city and back in one day. Day one starts at Dam Square and walks the palace, the quiet Begijnhof courtyard and the UNESCO-listed canal ring, ending at the Anne Frank House and the Jordaan. Day two begins with herring or a stroopwafel at the Albert Cuyp market in De Pijp, then moves to Museumplein for the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Day three takes the free ferries north across the IJ to the A'DAM Lookout terrace and street-art-filled NDSM; if you prefer, swap it for a train trip to Zaanse Schans. The Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum all use timed tickets, so buy all three before you travel. Hours and fees link to the official source with the date we last checked them.
Prepared by: Kolay Seyahat content teamLast updated 22/10/2026Every fact links to an official source
This is not a package tour. This itinerary is free information. Flights, hotels and experiences are each sold separately, under their own seller’s terms, with separate payment and a separate contract. Prices are never linked to one another.
Day by day
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Day 1 · The historic centre, the canal ring and the Jordaan
Start at the palace on Dam Square, pass through the quiet Begijnhof courtyard into the canal ring and round off the walk with a canal boat; in the evening visit the Anne Frank House and eat in the Jordaan.
Day 1 · 1 · 10:00–11:15
Royal Palace (Dam Square)
Booking recommended
Walk from Centraal Station down the Damrak to Dam Square. The palace at its heart is still used by the King for official receptions and shows the splendour of the city's golden age in one building. Wandering its marble halls with the audio guide is a good way to understand the era behind the canal houses, merchant wealth and paintings you will see over the next two days.
Getting there
- Walk
Opening hours
Open on more than 230 days in 2026, from 10:00 on open days. Opening days and times may change.
Source: Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam · last checked 2026-10-22
Entrance fee
Adults €13.50 (audio guide included), students €9, 17 and under free; free with the Museumkaart.
Source: Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam · last checked 2026-10-22
Tickets and booking
Tickets are sold online (up to 15 per order).
Source: Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam · last checked 2026-10-22
Tips
The palace is not open every day of the year; check your date on the official calendar.
Day 1 · 2 · 11:30–12:00
The Begijnhof
A few steps from the busy shopping streets, you pass through a gateway into a quiet green courtyard. The Begijnhof, an enclosed court ringed by houses, gives a feel of the city's oldest housing. It is not a museum but a place where people live; a short, quiet pause here is a good breather between the morning's palace and the afternoon's canals.
Getting there
- Walk
Opening hours
Check the official site for current information
Source: I amsterdam · last checked 2026-10-22
Good to know
Address: Begijnhof 30, 1012 WT Amsterdam.
Source: I amsterdam · last checked 2026-10-22
Tips
People live in this courtyard, so visit quietly. Opening hours are not published by an official source.
Day 1 · 3 · 12:00–17:00
The canal ring: a walk and a canal boat
In the afternoon dive into the 17th-century canal ring, the UNESCO-listed Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. Tall, narrow canal houses, bridges and boats make up Amsterdam's postcard face; explore it not by plan but by drifting from bridge to bridge. Have lunch around the little shopping streets between the canals. Towards the end of the afternoon take a canal boat: seeing the city from the water makes the scale and layout of where you have just walked click at once.
Getting there
- Walk
Good to know
The I amsterdam City Card includes one canal cruise, valid with the major canal-tour operators and with no advance booking needed.
Source: I amsterdam · last checked 2026-10-22
Tips
Canal-tour operators and prices vary; on a rainy day pick a covered boat. Do not walk in the cycle lanes, as bikes come fast.
Day 1 · 4 · 17:30–19:00
Anne Frank House
Booking requiredThis is the very house where Anne Frank hid. Walking through the rooms where the family hid opens a personal, shattering window onto Europe's recent past. Because of its emotional weight, the plan makes it the last stop of the day, with time afterwards for a quiet walk into the Jordaan.
Getting there
- Walk
Opening hours
Daily 09:00–22:00, with exceptions (e.g. King's Day, 27 April, 09:00–17:00).
Source: Anne Frank Huis · last checked 2026-10-22
Entrance fee
Including a €1 booking fee: adults €16.50, ages 10–17 €7, ages 0–9 €1. €1 with the Museumkaart; no discount with the I amsterdam City Card or a student card.
Source: Anne Frank Huis · last checked 2026-10-22
Tickets and booking
Tickets are sold online only, for a set time slot; every Tuesday at 10:00 (CEST) tickets go on sale for six weeks ahead. Children aged 0–9 also need a ticket.
Source: Anne Frank Huis · last checked 2026-10-22
Tips
Tickets are not sold at the door; book your time slot weeks before you travel. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Day 1 · 5 · 19:00–21:00
An evening in the Jordaan
Starting right beside the Anne Frank House, the Jordaan was once a working-class quarter; today, with its narrow canals, galleries, boutiques and café terraces, it is one of the city's best-loved neighbourhoods. Wander its lanes in the evening light and end the day with bitterballen at a canal-side café, or find a place to sit down for dinner.
Getting there
- Walk
Good to know
Once a working-class quarter, the Jordaan is now known for its galleries, boutiques and café terraces; the Noordermarkt hosts a farmers' and flea market on Saturdays and a flea market on Mondays.
Source: I amsterdam · last checked 2026-10-22
Tips
If you are here on a Saturday, add the farmers' and flea market at the Noordermarkt to your morning; on Mondays there is a flea market.
Day 2 · De Pijp and Museumplein
Start at the Albert Cuyp market, then see the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum on Museumplein, and end the day with a walk in Vondelpark.
Day 2 · 1 · 09:30–10:30
Albert Cuyp Market (De Pijp)
Closed
Set up along De Pijp's main street, Albert Cuyp is, according to the city's official tourism site, Amsterdam's most famous street market and the largest in the Netherlands. It is the place to try Dutch street food along one street: herring with onions, stroopwafels made hot at the stall, cheeses offered in tasting slices. Its lively atmosphere is also an introduction to De Pijp's neighbourhood life.
Opening hours
Monday–Saturday 09:30–17:00.
Source: Albert Cuyp Markt · last checked 2026-10-22
Closed
Closed on Sundays and on some public holidays.
Source: Albert Cuyp Markt · last checked 2026-10-22
Tips
It is closed on Sundays; if day two is a Sunday, spend the morning in Vondelpark or at the Stedelijk Museum on Museumplein.
Day 2 · 2 · 11:00–14:00
Rijksmuseum
Booking required
At the head of Museumplein, the Rijksmuseum is the home of Dutch Golden Age painting and the backbone of museum day. Here you see the painting and art of the era whose splendour you saw at the palace this morning. The collection is vast; choosing a few galleries and focusing on them makes for a better visit than trying to see everything.
Getting there
- Walk
Opening hours
Daily 09:00–17:00, including public holidays.
Source: Rijksmuseum · last checked 2026-10-22
Entrance fee
Adults €25; 18 and under free; Museumkaart valid.
Source: Rijksmuseum · last checked 2026-10-22
Tickets and booking
Booking a start time is required for everyone, Museumkaart holders included; booking online in advance is recommended. Address: Museumstraat 1.
Source: Rijksmuseum · last checked 2026-10-22
Good to know
Entry is free with the I amsterdam City Card.
Source: I amsterdam · last checked 2026-10-22
Tips
Take your lunch break around Museumplein; the square is a good place to rest between the two museums.
Day 2 · 3 · 15:00–17:00
Van Gogh Museum
Booking required
A few minutes' walk across the square from the Rijksmuseum brings you to the world's largest collection of Van Gogh's work: more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings and nearly all of his letters. Alongside the paintings, the letters introduce the man behind the work. Afterwards, walk a few minutes to Vondelpark and end the day among the trees.
Getting there
- Walk
Opening hours
According to the museum's fact sheet (August 2025), daily 09:00–18:00 and Fridays 09:00–21:00, with some exceptions.
Source: Van Gogh Museum · last checked 2026-10-22
Entrance fee
Adults from €25; under 18 free; free with the Museumkaart. Adult audio guide from €3.75.
Source: Van Gogh Museum · last checked 2026-10-22
Tickets and booking
Tickets are valid only for the chosen day and time and are non-refundable.
Source: Van Gogh Museum · last checked 2026-10-22
Tips
Museumkaart holders must also bring their e-ticket. The hours come from the museum's fact sheet; check the current hours on the official site.
Day 3 · North of the IJ: A'DAM Lookout and NDSM
Cross the IJ on the free ferry behind Centraal Station and go up the A'DAM Lookout, then see the street art at the old NDSM shipyard. Or spend the morning on a train trip to Zaanse Schans.
Day 3 · 1 · 10:00–11:45
A'DAM Lookout
Board the free ferry at the pier behind Centraal Station and cross to the north bank of the IJ in a few minutes. The A'DAM Lookout terrace gathers the historic centre, the canal ring and the IJ, which you have seen from street level for two days, into one panorama. Right opposite stands the EYE film museum, and the river traffic and ferries keep the view moving.
Getting there
- Ferry
Getting there
The free F3 ferry runs every 5 minutes, 24/7, from Centraal Station to Buiksloterweg. Address: IJpromenade 4, opposite the EYE Film Museum.
Source: A'DAM Lookout · last checked 2026-10-22
Opening hours
Daily 10:00–22:00; last entry 21:00.
Source: A'DAM Lookout · last checked 2026-10-22
Entrance fee
Tickets from €16.50; €2 off when bought online.
Source: A'DAM Lookout · last checked 2026-10-22
Tips
Tickets are cheaper online. The open terrace can be windy, so bring a light jacket.
Day 3 · 2 · 12:30–15:30
NDSM Wharf
Take the free ferry from Centraal Station to the old shipyard. With its huge industrial buildings, street art and creative spaces, NDSM is the exact opposite of the canal ring. Walking through STRAAT Museum, devoted to street art and graffiti, shows the city's present. Have lunch at one of the wharf's cafés.
Getting there
- Ferry
Getting there
Centraal Station–NDSM Wharf is one of the main IJ ferry routes; the ferries are free and need no ticket.
Source: I amsterdam · last checked 2026-10-22
Good to know
STRAAT Museum at NDSM is devoted to street art and graffiti and is free with the I amsterdam City Card.
Source: I amsterdam · last checked 2026-10-22
Tips
Return on the same ferry to Centraal Station for last shopping or free time by the canals.
Day 3 · 3
Alternative: Zaanse Schans (half-day morning)
If you would like to give day three's morning to "postcard Holland", go to Zaanse Schans: windmills and traditional Zaan houses a short train ride from Amsterdam. Walking around the village is free; the museums and mill interiors need a separate ticket. Spend the morning here and on your way back choose just one of the A'DAM Lookout or NDSM.
Getting there
- Train
Getting there
From Amsterdam Centraal, 17 minutes by local train to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, then about a 15-minute walk.
Source: De Zaanse Schans · last checked 2026-10-22
Opening hours
Zaanse Schans is open every day; museums and mills 09:00–17:00 (varies by site).
Source: I amsterdam · last checked 2026-10-22
Entrance fee
Access to the village and public areas is free; there is a separate "Ticket Zaanse Schans" for the museums and mills.
Source: De Zaanse Schans · last checked 2026-10-22
Tips
The museums are closed on 25 December and 1 January.
Getting around
Getting there
The NS train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal takes about 17 minutes, with eight Sprinter services an hour. Buy tickets online or from NS machines at the station; check in at the poles at Schiphol and out at the gates at Centraal.
Source: NS · last checked 2026-10-22
Getting there
On trams, buses and the metro you tap a contactless bank card or phone (OVpay) when getting on and off, including when changing. GVB 1–7 day tickets are also available. The I amsterdam City Card does not cover NS trains or the airport train.
Source: I amsterdam · last checked 2026-10-22
Getting there
The ferries across the IJ are free and need no ticket; Centraal Station–Buiksloterweg and Centraal Station–NDSM Wharf are among the main routes.
Source: I amsterdam · last checked 2026-10-22
Good to know
In an emergency call 112. Consulate General of Türkiye in Amsterdam: +31 (0) 20 30 50 333.
Source: T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı · last checked 2026-10-22
What and where to eat
Recommended places
Marie
Centre (Nieuwe Doelenstraat)Classic brasserie with a southern French character
MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand; the guide notes its terrace over canals and bridges and its hearty, Mediterranean-tinged cooking.
Source: MICHELIN Guide · MICHELIN Guide · last checked 2026-10-22
Sea Palace
Near Centraal (Oosterdokskade)Cantonese
MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand; the guide highlights the Peking duck and dim sum of this floating restaurant, family-run for over 40 years.
Source: MICHELIN Guide · MICHELIN Guide · last checked 2026-10-22
A-Fusion
Chinatown (Zeedijk)Pan-Asian
MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand; a lively open-kitchen room where small plates let you taste several Asian cuisines.
Source: MICHELIN Guide · MICHELIN Guide · last checked 2026-10-22
Scheepskameel
Kattenburg (eastern islands)European
MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand; an open kitchen in a converted warehouse, pared-back vegetable-led cooking and an all-German wine list.
Source: MICHELIN Guide · MICHELIN Guide · last checked 2026-10-22
Rijsel
OostFrench-Belgian with Flemish influences
MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand; hearty classics such as croquettes and chicken in sauce, served in a former home-economics school with a classroom feel.
Source: MICHELIN Guide · MICHELIN Guide · last checked 2026-10-22
Fa. Pekelhaaring
De PijpItalian-rooted, farm to tableNear a stop on this plan
MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand; concise, simple cooking with a Dutch touch in an eclectic, art-filled room.
Source: MICHELIN Guide · MICHELIN Guide · last checked 2026-10-22
Gitane
Oud-WestMediterranean
MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand; a retro place with a pavement terrace and plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Source: MICHELIN Guide · MICHELIN Guide · last checked 2026-10-22
De Ballen Bar
Oud-West (De Hallen food hall)Bitterballen
The city's official tourism site points to it for tasting bitterballen, with seven original varieties.
Source: I amsterdam · Official tourism source · last checked 2026-10-22
Café 't Smalle
Jordaan (Egelantiersgracht)Dutch caféNear a stop on this plan
The city's official tourism site mentions its authentic Dutch atmosphere and its bitterballen; close to day one's Jordaan evening.
Source: I amsterdam · Official tourism source · last checked 2026-10-22
Winkel 43
JordaanCafé, apple pie
The city's official tourism site names this café for appeltaart in its list of Dutch foods.
Source: I amsterdam · Official tourism source · last checked 2026-10-22
Local specialities
Herring (broodje haring)
Raw herring sold from street stalls, often eaten in a small sandwich with pickles and onion. Its season runs from May to July.
Source: I amsterdam · Official tourism source · last checked 2026-10-22
Stroopwafel
Two thin waffles stuck together with sweet syrup; ideally eaten warm from a market stall or bakery.
Source: I amsterdam · Official tourism source · last checked 2026-10-22
Bitterballen
Crisp fried balls traditionally served with mustard; a classic bar snack.
Source: I amsterdam · Official tourism source · last checked 2026-10-22
Poffertjes
Small, fluffy pancakes served with powdered sugar.
Source: Holland.com · Official tourism source · last checked 2026-10-22
Kibbeling
Battered, fried pieces of white fish eaten with herb mayonnaise and lemon.
Source: I amsterdam · Official tourism source · last checked 2026-10-22
Appeltaart
A deep Dutch apple pie with cinnamon and raisins, eaten with whipped cream.
Source: I amsterdam · Official tourism source · last checked 2026-10-22
Dutch cheese
Gouda, goat's cheese and Maasdammer are sold in shops and markets, where you are usually offered a taste first.
Source: Holland.com · Official tourism source · last checked 2026-10-22
Rijsttafel
The Indonesian-influenced "rice table": many small dishes served around rice.
Source: I amsterdam · Official tourism source · last checked 2026-10-22
Opening hours and prices vary by venue; check the venue’s own site before you go. Recommendations are not paid placements.
Where to stay
Candidates were picked by distance to the area, star rating, guest rating (weighted by number of reviews) and completeness of hotel details. Ratings, review counts and details come live from our catalogue. Tiers follow the star rating.
Sample dates: 26.11–28.11 (2 nights), 2 adults. Prices change with dates; choose your own dates on the hotel page.
Centre and canal ring
Within walking distance of Centraal Station, where the Schiphol train and the IJ ferries leave, and of day-one stops such as Dam, the Begijnhof and the Anne Frank House. Lively and busy.
Good for: First-time visitors and couples
Budget
Mid-range
Museumkwartier / Oud-Zuid
Walking distance to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and Vondelpark, in a calmer setting. Trams 2, 3, 5 and 12 serve the Van Gogh Museum.
Good for: Museum-focused couples who prefer a quieter base
Budget
Mid-range
De Pijp
Home of the Albert Cuyp market; a neighbourhood with a local feel and plenty of cafés and restaurants.
Good for: Groups of friends and food-focused travellers
Budget
Mid-range
Photos: Pexels (Magda Ehlers, Travel with Lenses, Hans, Ludovic Delot, Grooveland Designs, Matheus Bertelli, Kağan Karatay, Marvin Hashirama, Pedro Sanches)
