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3-day Amsterdam itinerary: What to see & do in Amsterdam

2024-08-27

Tips for what to see in Amsterdam in 3 days

Welcome to Amsterdam! We at Stromma, Northern Europe's leading provider of sustainable tours and excursions, have crafted an itinerary featuring classic points of interest. For your first day, you'll explore Amsterdam's vibrant city center and soak in the local atmosphere. On the second day, you'll venture beyond the city to experience the unique landscapes and charming villages of the Netherlands. Finally, on the third day, we’ve planned a more relaxed itinerary filled with delicious food, a leisurely museum visit, and a serene evening cruise to end your visit.

Day 1

The first day is thoughtfully curated for you to explore the heart of Amsterdam and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. Please adjust the times if necessary to fit your schedule.

10:00 AM Canal cruise

To truly experience Amsterdam, you must explore it from the water. The city's iconic canals are integral to its charm, and a Stromma canal cruise offers the perfect introduction to your visit. In just one hour, you'll glide past over 100 points of interest, taking in stunning views of beautiful bridges, historic canal houses, and unique architecture.

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11:30 AM Flower Market

Open all year round, this is a unique market. Amsterdam's Bloemenmarkt is the only floating flower market in the world. What’s a floating flower market? Well, it’s the cutest thing! Greenhouses on houseboats. Bloemenmarkt will give you vibrant colors, fragrant scents, and a lively atmosphere. The market is an excellent spot to pick up unique souvenirs, such as tulip bulbs, seeds, and other products such as wooden tulips.

1:00 PM A lunch at the market

Albert Cuyp Market is the biggest outdoor market in Europe and is definitely worth a visit. There’s a lot of food here to try. Try cheeses, and desserts such as Pannenkoeken, a Dutch pancake, or Poffertjes that’s basically a lot of tiny pancakes with toppings. Here’s also a great time to try herring, bitterballen, and other classic Dutch food.

2:00 PM Anne Franke House

A must-visit in Amsterdam is truly the Anne Franke house. The house where our famous diarist and family hid for two years during World War II is now a museum. The house brings the diary to life which is a touching experience. Visitors can walk through the secret annex, see the original diary, and learn more about Anne and her family.

This is one of Amsterdam's most popular sightseeing attractions, so remember to pre-book your tickets in advance.

4:00 PM Vondel park

Vondelpark is a green oasis perfect for a stroll, a hike or maybe biking depending on how much energy you have left! If you’re visiting during the hotter summer months this is your chance to have an Amsterdam picnic (maybe with some goodies you picked up from the market earlier) or a cold beverage at a café. There’s also entertainment such as open-air concerts, theater performances, and events. During the colder months, it’s a perfect time to enjoy hot chocolate after a chilly but refreshing walk.

6:00 PM Dinner

After a full day of exploring Amsterdam, why not indulge in a traditional Dutch dinner? There are many delightful Dutch dishes to try, so take this opportunity to experience something new.

Stamppot: A quintessential Dutch comfort food, stamppot is a hearty dish made from mashed potatoes blended with vegetables such as kale, carrots, or sauerkraut. It is typically served with sausage or meatballs.

Hutspot: Another classic Dutch dish, hutspot consists of mashed potatoes mixed with carrots and onions. It is often served with a tender piece of braised beef or a juicy sausage.
Kroketten: These are larger versions of bitterballen, often filled with delicious ingredients like meat, shrimp, or cheese. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, kroketten are a must-try.

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8:00 PM Take an evening stroll

The city's historic canals and illuminated bridges create a wonderful place for an evening walk. Wander through the charming Jordaan district, with its narrow streets and cozy cafes, or enjoy the serene beauty of Vondelpark as the sun sets. For a more lively atmosphere De Pijp neighborhood with lots of restaurants and bars.

Day 2

Get the most out of your trip to the Netherlands by seeing more than just Amsterdam with a day trip. When visiting during the warmer months we have the perfect day trip planned. We stop for three breathtaking villages and you’ll also see a lot of the Dutch landscape on the way. The one we recommend for you is a Stromma tour that takes you to Volendam, Edam & Windmill Village.

10:00 AM Get on the bus

We’re getting ready for our first destination so just enjoy the ride and watch the beautiful scenery.

10:30 AM Arrival at Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is a charming and picturesque village located just north of Amsterdam. One of the main attractions of Zaanse Schans is its collection of well-preserved windmills, some of which date back to the 17th century. View the live demonstrations of artisan activities like clump-making before we head to our next destination of the day.

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12:30 AM Arrival at Edam

This charming and historic town is located in the province of North Holland and is famous for… you guessed it! The world-famous Edam Cheese. After wandering through the beautiful street we will take you to a cheese-maker. Here, you'll discover the process of crafting the renowned Edam cheese. And of course, you'll have the opportunity to taste it for yourself.

14:10 PM Arrival at Volendam

The last destination is the world-famous fisher town Volendam. Visitors come here from all around the world to see the colorful houses, boats, and traditional Dutch clothes. Our guide will take you to see all the highlights of Volendam. Eat some of the freshest fish you ever tasted or take a look in the kitchen of the syrup waffle museum.

4:20 PM Back in Amsterdam

After a long day of exploring, choose how you want to re-energize! Maybe a nap, a coffee or some more exploring in the city?

Day 3

After two busy days, it’s time for a slower and more harmonious time before you go back home, or maybe to your next destination.

8:00 AM Pancake breakfast

If you haven’t had pancakes yet then this is the time for you. If you already had em’, have them again. You can’t get enough pancakes (or pannenkoeken as the Dutch say). Choose between savory or sweet depending on your mood and tastebuds.

9:00 AM Visit Rijksmuseum

When you’re in Amsterdam, you have to visit the extraordinary Rijksmuseum. It’s one of the world's most famous and visited museums and has masterpieces on display by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh among others. With over 8000 art pieces there’s something for everyone. Since this is such a popular attraction, make sure to book your tickets to Rijksmuseum in advance.

11:00 AM Museum

There are a lot of other museums in Amsterdam to visit. We recommend you to see at least one more. Maybe the Van Gogh Museum has an unmatched collection of paintings from the world-famous artist. More into photography than paintings? Then Foam Photography Museum is a must! Amsterdam also has the Stedelijk Museum which is an international institute with modern and contemporary art and design.

12:30 PM Lunch in the Jordaan district

Kill two birds with one stone by exploring the charming Jordaan district while enjoying a delightful lunch. Jordaan is known for its charming streets, beautiful canals, and all its cozy cafés and trendy restaurants.

3:00 PM Time for a snack

You can’t leave Amsterdam without trying their snacks!

Kaassoufflé
A deep-fried snack filled with melted cheese (yum!)

Patat (Dutch Fries)
Dutch fries are thick-cut and often served in a paper cone with various toppings.

Appeltaart
A traditional Dutch apple pie

Haring (Dutch Herring)
A traditional Dutch delicacy, raw herring is usually served with chopped onions and pickles.

Kibbeling
These are battered and deep-fried pieces of fish, usually served with a garlic or tartar sauce.

6:00 PM A Surinamese dinner

Suriname was a Dutch colony from the 17th century until it gained independence in 1975. During this period, many Surinamese people moved to the Netherlands, bringing their culture and cuisine with them. Surinamese food has influences from African, Indian, Javanese (Indonesian), Chinese, and Indigenous flavors.

Some dishes include:
Roti: Flatbread (roti) served with curried chicken, potatoes, and vegetables.

Pom: A traditional Surinamese casserole made with grated taro root (pomtajer), chicken, and citrus juice.

Nasi Goreng: A fried rice dish, typically served with a variety of meats and vegetables.

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8:00 PM Evening Cruise

End your visit by seeing the city in the most beautiful light with a Stromma evening cruise. Glide through the historic canals, past beautifully illuminated houses and iconic landmarks. Enjoy your last night under the stars!

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