Always wanted to travel to Amsterdam, Netherlands but don’t know where to start? Here is the Best 4 Day Amsterdam itinerary to ensure you get the most out of your trip!
Traveling internationally? Here are the 7 international travel essentials you need!↗
I made a Google Maps Guide↗so you can keep the itinerary with you!
Feel free to copy, rearrange, add, and delete pins to create the best trip for you!
FOOD: I put pins for cheap eats, including FEBO. A vending machine essentially, with the famous Beef croquette (rundvleeskroket) mmmhhhhh… so good.
*Key Tip 1 *
This trip is planned around the iAmsterdam city card↗ Amsterdam luckily has an amazing bundle for tourists to ensure you see all the major sights as quickly as possible! Now, you don’t have to order the iAmsterdam city card, but why wouldn’t you? It includes almost ALL of the top activities!
The app also includes links to events you need to reserve a time slot for Museum tickets and Canal tours.
Activities include:
NEMO Science Museum…….ARTIS Zoo………Canal Tour…….This Is Holland………Rijksmuseum………Moco Museum
……..A’DAM Lookout…………Food Tour ………GVB Transportation………..Full-Day Bike Rental
Does NOT Include:
……………..Anne Frank Museum…………..Van Gogh Museum………….Transportation TO and FROM the Airport
The iAmsterdam city card↗ gives you options to purchase a card from 24-120 hours.
Four days= 96 hours= $120
This also includes your transportation! Once you’ve purchased your tickets, a QR code will pop up. This is your “ticket” for activities and GVB buses!
Key Tip #2
The iAmsterdam City Card does NOT include transportation from the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol into the city. The cheapest way to get into the city is by using the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal Station. You will be able to use the GVB buses from there. Tickets are $5
Key Tip #3
Amsterdam uses GVB Buses↗, and it’s included with the iAmsterdam city card! Other than walking or biking of course 😉 GVB buses are the easiest way to get around! Download the app and get going!
- Type in your starting point
- Enter your destination
- Choose your desired departure and arrival time
- A map is provided
- dots indicating when en route you will change your transportation style; bus, walking, it even includes the ferry!
Bus numbers will be on top of the bus itself and are indicated here. For this one, the bus number would be N81
You can get tickets through the app or better yet, if you purchased the iAmsterdam card, use the provided QR code to scan upon entry!
Day 1- *Canal Tour*
1. Rijksmuseum
Day 1 starts whenever you arrive, but for days 2-4, I recommend seeing all of the museums at the beginning of the day around 9:30 a.m. Amsterdam has awesome nightlife, so the time slots help you get up in the morning. And you don’t have to worry about limiting your time! Some people can spend all day here and for some, an hour is enough! If you spend all day, you won’t miss out on the activities open during later hours!
2. Canal Tour
What better way to emerge in the beauty that is Amsterdam? A Canal Tour of course! I recommend this for your first night, it’s the quickest way to see what the city is all about!
Luckily for you, the Amsterdam city card includes them! Click here ↗ to schedule a tour!
If want a tour where you can drink alcohol or perhaps dabble in a “smoke boat” tradition, Buddah Lounge Boat↗ is a great option!
And if you’re going during Winter, having a boat with open windows will give you a much better view of the Amsterdam Light Festival!↗
3. Asian Spirit
- What a cute little shop to check out while you’re in the area! If you’re into crystals and magic this place is for you 🙂
4. Condomerie
Check out the World’s First Condom Specialty Shop↗ You’re in Amsterdam after all!
5. Cannabis College
Amsterdam is the cannabis capital of the world, why not learn a few things! See how the flower is regulated and distributed all throughout Amsterdam and find out the best coffee shops around:)
Day 2–*Anne Frank House*
1. Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House↗ is an absolute must! Though tickets are not included in the iAmsterdam card, You can’t miss the experience of being in this historic annex and seeing the ink she wrote in her famous diary during the holocaust. An audio guide is available for extra, but it is only around $5, and trust me it’s so worth it!
Tickets are $17
2. Tulip Museum
Though I don’t think this an absolute must, it’s right next to the Anne Frank Museum and it’s included in the iAmsterdam card! So really, why not!
3. De 9 Straatjes
Welcome to one of the most famous streets in Amsterdam! Great spot for your instas!
4. Bloemenmarkt
In spring, it’s a beautiful flower market with Holland’s famous Tulips, but you can expect Christmas trees and holiday knick-knacks in the winter!
5. Begijnhof
In one of Amsterdam’s oldest courtyards, it’s a nice area to walk by while you explore the city!
6. Dam Square
The center of it all! Take a walk around and sightsee, it’s the home of Royal Palace, New Church, and National Monument.
7. Gravenstraat
Another beautiful street with a nice corner view if you’re feeling picture ready!
8. Damrak
This is where all the main railroad stations connect to Dam Square so not only is it a picture-worthy street, it’ll be nice to have this pinned whenever you’re ready to go in for the night!
9. The Oude Church
Built-in the 13th century, it is Amsterdam’s oldest building…. and it’s gorgeous. So pop in and enjoy the view of the oldest part of the city.
10. This is Holland
Okay… this is actually so much fun! If you’ve ever been to Disney World in Orlando, Florida; think Flight of Passage! Take a seat, as your lifted off the ground, and “fly” over Holland! Enjoy the nice breeze while soaring in the sky, a splash from the North Sea, and the glorious scents of tulips. Tickets are included with the iAmsterdam card! Normally, tickets are $24 online and $27 in person.
11. A’DAM Lookout
It’s all about the views baby. A’DAM Lookout offers the best view of Amsterdam and it’s right next door to This is Holland! The city lights, a rooftop bar, swings, and great food after your long day! This is the perfect place to end Day 2. It’s $17 for entry but with the iAmsterdam city card, it’s included!
Day 3 –*Red Light District*
1. Vincent Van Gogh Museum
This is the Second activity that is not included in the iAmsterdam city card but I mean c’mon let’s be real, you’re going to Amsterdam and NOT seeing the Van Gogh Museum?? You’ll get an audio guide to listen to while you roam years of work. So don’t worry, you don’t have to be an expert on Van Gogh. With these, you’ll know every detail! Even the story on how he lost his left ear… poor Van Gogh 🙁
2. ARTIS Zoo
Okay, I know what you’re thinking, a zoo? Maybe for kids… But no really it’s fun! It’s not a zoo I’ve ever been to. You can get up close to the animals and some are free-roaming, including Red Lemurs! And it’s included so why not! Tickets are normally $22 You will need to reserve your spot online but it’s open entry all day! The zoo is open from 9 a.m.- 5 or 6 p.m.
3. Kloveniersburgwal
One of the most attractive canals in Amsterdam with a medieval feel!
4. Nieuwmarkt
*Keynote* Monday- Friday: it has basic cheeses and flowers but on Saturday it opens up an entire farmers market where vendors sell anything from local products to perfumes!
5. Red Light District
Ah yes… the famous Red Light District. Home of brothels, sex business’, and a different view of prostitution. You see, Amsterdam is a legal venue for prostitution. And while you’re here, step into the Prostitution Information Center and Red Lights Secret Museum to find out more! These come at an extra cost, but if you’re curious! Café Old Sailor is also a good choice- one of the most famous bars in Amsterdams Red Light District!
Day 4 –*Vondelpark*
1. Moco Museum
Last Museum! Locations in Amsterdam and Barcelona, enjoy this modern, contemporary, and street art pot of gold! It’s catered toward’s the younger crowds with these trippy and colorful pieces! The best of Bansky, THE KID, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and more! This is the perfect museum to remember the lively culture of Amsterdam!
And it’s included in the iAmsterdam card!
Get tickets here ↗
Tickets are around $20!
2. Vondelpark
This is one of the prettiest parks I have ever been to. Locals are biking, walking their dogs, and restaurants throughout! Grab a Chocomel to go and take a wander!
3. Albert Cuyp Market
Oh Yes Yes YES!! This is an absolute must! And with the iAmsterdam city card, you’ll get 6-8 snack-size portions of DELICIOUS local food! For all-around $20! Such a good deal!
Follow the Self-Guided Foodie Tour Here↗ -Super easy to follow and includes a map! Just walk up to the vendor, tell them you’re doing the iAmsterdam food tour and you get a discount!
4. NEMO Museum
Okay, this was actually so much fun! It’s a science museum filled with activities, science experiments, and trippy illusions! You’ll feel just like a kid again, and of course… it’s included with the card!
If not, Tickets are around $18! get them here ↗
Remember! The iAmsterdam City Card doesn’t include transportation to the airport! So you’ll have to go to the station and buy a train ticket from there! The ride is about 5 mins.
Hope you enjoyed the Best 4 Day Amsterdam Itinerary!
Best itinerary ever!
Brilliant itinerary! I never considered using google maps guide to organize my trips. Thank you thank you thank you for creating a practical timeline (with prices!) with an easy guide on using the transportation.