Top 13 Things To See With 3 Days In Amsterdam

Top 13 Things To See With 3 Days In Amsterdam

Often, travelers will spend just a couple of days in Amsterdam, perhaps connecting to or from a different destination. 3 Days in Amsterdam is the perfect amount of time to get a good taste of the city and will, undoubtedly, make you want more.

1. Take A Canal Cruise

There are various types of canal cruises that you can take to see the city, from large boats that hold dozens of folks, mid-size with a couple of dozen, and my favorite, the smaller type that fits 6-12 people. The smaller boats will often include beverages and light snacks.

2. The Van Gogh Museum

More than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters from Van Gogh are housed in this modern, state-of-the-art museum. Located in the Museum District, this is one of the most popular museums in the world with nearly 1.3 million visitors in 2022. Get your entry tickets in advance as the museum often sells out.

3. Anne Frank House

Visit the secret annex where Anne Frank was in hiding for over 2 years and wrote her diary during WWII. This is a popular attraction and tickets sell out month in advance. Be sure to visit the museum’s website to book tickets.

4. Red Light District

A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without a stroll through the red-light district. There may not be too much action in the famed windows during the day, but at night time, expect throngs of people and a fair share of intoxicated revelers in this area.

What is the first thing you think of when it comes to Amsterdam? The Red Light District is a top response.

5. Take A Bike Tour

You will not regret taking a bike tour around the busy streets of Amsterdam. The dedicated bike way is full of the locals going about their daily lives, taking the kids to school, bringing home groceries, and on their way to meet friends after work.

I jokingly call this a high-risk activity because of the sheer volume of bicycles in the city, but it’s truly my favorite thing to do when we visit.

6. Vondelpark

During your bike tour, if you choose to accept it, you will ride through this park but it’s definitely worth an hour or so, watching the people, having a picnic, and enjoying this large green space.

7. Rijksmuseum

One of Amsterdam’s grandest museums, you’ll enjoy a day exploring more than 800 years of Dutch history with more than 80 galleries. Plan to spend several hours wandering through this vast museum.

8. The Flower Market

Any visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without a stroll through the popular floating flower market. This colorful and cheerful market has vendor after vendor selling flower bulbs, tourist souvenirs, and, cheese. That’s right, the buildings opposite the floating market are dotted with quaint cheese shops offering samples and unique gifts.

9. A’DAM

Have you ever wanted to get in a swing, 20 stories up, and swing over Amsterdam? No? Well, you should! This was one of the most exciting things we did in Amsterdam, specifically, because my husband is not fond of heights! The view from the top is spectacular, the swings are fun, and the overlook bar and craft cocktails are fantastic! Don’t miss this!

10. National Maritime Museum

I love boating and sailing, so this museum was a highlight for me. A nicely organized museum exhibiting all things boating, with old artifacts, the Royal Barge, and navigational tools from generations past. This museum is a must for any mariner at heart.

11. Museum Amstelkring

This museum is a complete church in the attic and is a great stop during your 3 days in Amsterdam.

Back in the 1600s, when public Catholic worship was forbidden, a wealthy merchant purchased 3 canal houses and turned the inside attics into a place where Catholics could come and worship.

Just like other activities that are tolerated in the city, so was the private practice of religion. Although authorities knew about this hidden church, the Dutch Republic is founded on principles of freedom of religion and freedom of conscience and so it, too, was tolerated.

12. Jordaan Neighborhood

This is an often overlooked neighborhood adjacent to the city center. It’s hip, trendy, and full of beautiful residences, shops, cafes, and beauty. It’s very nice to meander through after being in the hustle and bustle of the center.

13. Keukenhof

Ok, this one is not IN Amsterdam, but you can catch the connector bus to the Keukenhof Gardens from Europoplein RAI. Keukenhof is dubbed the most beautiful spring garden in the world and I would not disagree. It’s a very magical place and very popular, so purchase your tickets in advance.

The gardens are open for just a few short weeks in the spring, so if your travel to Amsterdam happens to be in April, or thereabouts, put this on your list!

Where to Stay In Amsterdam

Use this map to find additional accommodations in Amsterdam!

Visiting Amsterdam: FAQs

Amsterdam is a popular place for partiers, connecting travelers, and those just seeking a cool place to visit.

How do I get to Amsterdam?

Schiphol Airport is a worldwide hub for destinations abroad and most international carriers will have flights to here. From the airport, you can take a train directly to Amsterdam Centrum, and be in the heart of the city in about 30 minutes.

Is Amsterdam Safe?

A lot of people have this stereotype that Amsterdam is filled with drugs and sex workers, and while these activities are tolerated, the city is a very safe place to visit. Of course, you want to be mindful of petty crime, like pickpockets, however, I have never felt unsafe, including during my strolls through the Red Light District.

Is Amsterdam a walkable city?

Absolutely! You’ll definitely get your steps in during your visit, here. The Metro and Tram system is a great way to get around, however, walking through the canal-filled city, over bridges, down pedestrian alleys, and through green spaces is the only way you’ll see the beauty!

Breakin’ It Down: 13 Things to See 3 Days In Amsterdam

I have visited Amsterdam many times, as I try to have my flights connect here for a couple of days. I just love the energy, the bustling streets, and the ease of getting around this European gateway. If you have 3 days in Amsterdam, I think you will agree that it’s not enough!