4 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary (Best Things To Do)!
If you are looking for tips for your 4 days in Amsterdam itinerary, you’ve come to the right place! Amsterdam is a fascinating city with tons of things to do and see. This European hotspot has a mix of old and modern that attracts thousands of people every year.
The Dutch capital is truly one of a kind. It has everything you could want, whether you're a visitor or a local resident. There are world-class museums, beautiful streets and canals, great food and entertainment, and a truly European atmosphere. The city is so attractive that people often wonder whether to go to Amsterdam or Paris.
To share some of the qualities that make Amsterdam so appealing, great restaurants, can’t-miss museums, and nearby destinations to go on a day (tulip fields visit included!) I’ve written this Amsterdam itinerary with the best things to do in the city in 4 days.
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
If you are wondering how many days do you need in Amsterdam, I’ll say this: anywhere from 3-5 days is great, and 4 is pretty ideal! I usually recommend four days, as I think it's the perfect amount of time, to explore the Dutch capital.
How to Spend 4 Days in Amsterdam
Day 1: Rembrandt House Museum, Negen Straatjes (9 streets), Anne Frank House, Jordaan neighborhood…
Stop 1: Rembrandt House Museum
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn is one of the most famous Dutch painters of all time. The artist is known for his work during the Dutch Golden Age. A period when artists focused on painting everyday life. He's considered to be one of the greats of that time period.
Rembrand was born in Leiden in 1606, and from a young age he showed he was an incredibly gifted painter. In 1631 he moved to Amsterdam to continue the artistic path he had already developed in Leiden, and there he married and settled down in 1934.
In 1935 he and his wife moved to a chic house overlooking the canal. There, he painted, taught art classes, and worked on his most important projects until 1956. This very house was acquired, renovated, and turned into the Rembrandt House Museum in the late 2000s.
The interior of the house has been renovated to showcase his life and work. Visitors can see his paintings and personal collection of objects and artifacts, and learn more about his dedication to his students.
Spend an hour or two discovering the secrets of this historic house!
The Rembrandt House Museum makes the perfect 1st stop for your 4 days in Amsterdam Itinerary. The Museum opens from Tuesday through Sunday from 10AM to 6PM. Adult tickets cost 15 euros, but holders of the museum card or the Amsterdam card get to visit for free.
For holiday closing hours and more up-to-date information, head to the official Museum site.
Stop 2: Canal tour
Going on a canal tour is among the best things to do in Amsterdam in 4 days. It is also a super fun way to discover some of the city's famous architecture and cultural landscape.
Amsterdam is known for its canals, canal houses, cobblestone streets, and relaxed atmosphere. Locals often enjoy spending time in waterfront restaurants or on their boat houses.
There are several canal tour options to choose from all throughout the city, and many other companies online where tours can be arranged and pre-booked. A few that I recommend are:
All-Inclusive Amsterdam Canal Cruise by Captain Jack:
This is our top recommendation for first-time visitors. A guided canal cruise that will take passengers throughout the most scenic canals of the city. Visitors will enjoy goodies like craft beer, wines, and sodas and snack platters with fruit, cheese, cookies, and sausages.
Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise Including Pizza and Drinks:
This Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise creates a fun space for friend groups and families visiting the city. The crew brings delicious pizzas onboard that you can eat all night long while learning about the history of Amsterdam and looking at the city lights. Talk about a fun experience!
Private 1.5 hour Canal Tour in Amsterdam with your Loved One:
Visitors looking for a more intimate experience will love this private tour. Passengers who have previously booked this tour described it as “ calm, peaceful and romantic” and gave it 5 stars.
If you forget to pre-book your tour, you can always check Rederij P. Kooij canal boat tours. They offer 1 hour long group tours for around 12 euros.
Stop 3: De Laatste Kruimel
De Laatste Kruimel is a cute bakery shop and eatery serving delicious homemade pastries, cakes, and great brunch options. The cafe has two levels and an outdoor balcony/terrace that overlooks a canal.
De Laatste Kruimel is the perfect place to relax and recharge after a canal tour. The cafe is located right in front of Rederij P. Kooij canal boat tours, making it the perfect place to grab a quick bite before exploring one of Amsterdam's quintessential neighborhoods.
Try the goat cheese sandwich and the carrot cake accompanied by a flat white and an orange juice!
Stop 4: Negen Straatjes (9 streets)
The Negen Straatjes, or the 9 streets, are the next stop in our Amsterdam itinerary. The area is about 15 minutes by foot from De Laatste Kruimel and very close to Dam Square. This is one of the most charming and emblematic parts of the city.
The Negen Straatjes neighborhood is full of fabulous shops, local boutiques, specialty coffee shops, and fun restaurants. It is also popular for the captivating facades, picturesque streets, and busy street life.
Once in the area, travelers can visit places like Negen Straatjes, Zwaantje Restaurant and Bar Brasserie OCCO. These eateries have been part of the local culture for over 50 years. Their atmosphere is always fun and inviting, and it’s definitely worth stopping by even if just to grab a quick coffee or beer at the bar.
The Negen Straatjes is a great place to walk around, and it's conveniently located near the Anne Frank House.
Stop 5: Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is the most visited tourist attraction in Amsterdam. The house museum pays homage to the life of Anne Frank while also walking visitors through the hardships and challenges experienced by the Jewish population during the Second World War.
The museum is located in a house overlooking one of the main and most popular canals in Amsterdam, the Prinsengracht canal. It’s right in the middle of Amsterdam Centrum, making it super convenient and easy to access.
Tickets to the Anne Frank House Museum can only be acquired online and visitors will have to select a specific time slot when buying the ticket.
The museum opens at 9AM daily and closing times vary depending on date and month of the year. For up to date information, head to the official museum website.
Stop 6: Jordaan neighborhood
Next we are exploring another popular district of the city: The Jordaan neighborhood. A favorite area of locals (and myself!) the Jordaan neighborhood has some of the most visually enchanting cobblestone streets and old houses that I have seen in the city. Jordaan is filled with inviting establishments and hidden courtyard gardens where the Dutch relax and meet with friends and neighbors to drink some wine and listen to great music.
During the summer months, make sure to be on the lookout for any open courtyards in Jordaan on Sundays when many gardens host hofjes concerten or free concerts.
In its heyday, these courtyards were built by wealthy women to give away for free to elderly women. Fast forward to the 1970s and most of these secret gardens were in a state of abandonment and in desperate need of renovations.
Throughout recent years most houses and inner secret gardens have been remapped. Today Jordaan is one of the most sought after places to live or to stay in Amsterdam.
You can look for some great options below
Other things and places worth highlighting in Jordaan are :
The Flower market
The Vintage Market
Sunday Market
Stop 7: Dinner at The Good Companion
Amsterdam is known for its wide variety of food options and restaurants. The city has a long history of embracing national and international cuisines. Restaurants and cafes have always been a key part of the city’s life.
Locals love to spend quality time with friends and family while also tasting incredible flavors and having a superb time! A restaurant that encompasses all of what travelers often look for in a great eatery is The Good Companion. It offers great food, service, and atmosphere. The seafood focused restaurant serves appetizing dishes with many highlights, including the mussels and the fish and chips.
Tapas lovers are also in luck when visiting The Good Companion! The restaurant serves a variety of small dishes and oysters. The ambience is superb and the staff are welcoming and friendly. The Good Companion has a cute interior and an outdoor terrace as well, which is great for people watching while you eat.
It is the perfect end stop to your first day in Amsterdam!
Day 2: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark, Food Hallen…
Stop 1: Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam is a celebrated destination for its world-class museums, galleries, and art spaces. The city's art scene celebrates both traditional and contemporary artists, highliting many nationally renowned figures.
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of Amsterdam. It houses almost every big name and important art piece created by the most important Dutch painters.
The Rijksmuseum collection includes masterpieces like The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn, Woman in Blue Reading a Letter and The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer, and Self-portrait by Van Gogh. The collection also includes many other masterpieces from Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Van Dyck, just to mention a few names. The museum has a beautifully landscaped garden, a famous passageway, and a library as well.
The Rijksmuseum is open daily from 9am to 5pm and adult tickets cost 20 euros.
Once you have enjoyed a morning of beautiful art, it's time to go on a pastry and coffee break before continuing exploring Amsterdam’s museum quarter.
Stop 2: Coffee District Willemsparkweg
Coffee District Willemsparkweg is a cute modern coffee shop located just a 6 minute walk from the Rijksmuseum and a 3 minute walk from our next destination, the Van Goh museum.
Coffee District has really good coffee and tasty bites that include vegan options like the banana bundt. They have a few outdoor benches that are ideal to rest and people watch.
Stop 3: Van Gogh Museum
Out of all of the art museums in Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum has always been among the top favorites of visitors and locals alike. The art pieces tell the extraordinary life story of the artist; and the collection of drawings and oils on canvas can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Since the museum is quite popular I recommend booking tickets in advance. and if you really want to learn more and immerse yourself in the mind and life of the painter get one of the audio aids for just 3 euros.
The museum is open from Monday until Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM, Friday 9 AM to 9 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM. During the summer the museum opens daily from 9 am to 6 pm. For more up-to-date information head toFor more up-to-date information head to the official museum website.
Stop 4: Vondelpark
Vondelpark is another great destination to add to your Amsterdam itinerary, especially for those visiting the city during the summer months. If you spend most of your 2nd day walking around and visiting several destinations on the museum square, Vondelpark is the ideal refuge to go relax after.
Vondelpark is the largest park in Amsterdam. It’s one of the most beautiful green urban spaces that you’ll visit in the city. The park has incredible nature walks, beautiful ponds, large sculptures, and even an outdoor theater.
You can see free theater performances in the park arena, but you need to get tickets in advance. Many of the performances are popular, so you'll need to book early to get a spot.
A few other fun activities to do while in Vondelpark include riding bikes, picnicking in the park, and sitting and relaxing on the lawn. Some places always worth visiting include the music dome, the statue of Vondel, and the Pavilion terrace.
Stop 5: FoodHallen
The popular Amsterdam FoodHallen is the perfect final stop on your second day in the Dutch capital. This indoor food market houses several different food stands serving everything from local dishes to pizza and burgers. They have a good variety of food and the atmosphere is always busy, young, and fun.
FoodHallen is part of a bigger complex called De Hallen Amsterdam. It takes its inspiration from two other European food markets: Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid and Borough Market in London.
De Hallen was built in what used to be a tram depot at the beginning of the 20th century. Today the space is also home to a movie theater (FilmHallen), the FoodHallen, a library, and several stores and boutiques.
De Hallen and especially the FoodHallen are definitely some of our favorite places in the city!
Day 3: Amsterdam Day Trip: Haarlem or Leiden
The Netherlands is a very small country, which makes it really easy to plan day trips from one city to another. There are many great destinations near Amsterdam to go on a day trip. Two places we always recommend are Haarlem and Leiden.
Haarlem
Haarlem is one of the fairytale cities travelers can visit while spending 4 days in Amsterdam. The city is located just outside of the Dutch capital. It’s quite famous for its town-like feeling and appeal.
The area is known for its beautiful gardens and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can explore the many hofjes (courtyard gardens with almshouses) scattered throughout the city. It's the perfect destination to go on a self-guided walking tour with the help of google maps.
Haarlem is also known for its many museums and historical enclaves:
The Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in The Netherlands).
The Grote Markt (main Market Square) with The Grote Kerk dating back to the 1400’s.
The windmill De Adriaan.
Other places we recommend visiting while in Haarlem are:
Haarlem markets: The city hosts several markets every week and seasonal markets every year. Some markets always worth checking out are the Antiekmarkt, the Grote Markt and the Boekenmarkt.
Stadhuis, or the old City Hall: A historic building with the most astonishing architecture and a details focused facade.
Frans Hals Museum: The Frans Hals Museum has two different locations in Haarlem: The Hof and The Hal. Each one showcases the work and art pieces of a different group of painters. The Hof focuses on Old Masters, and the Hal on contemporary artists.
Leiden
Leiden is one of the most magical places you’ll visit in the Netherlands. The city is a great destination to add to your Amsterdam itinerary. It’s known for being the birthplace of Rembrandt and home to some of the most clever and intelligent Dutch minds. Leiden is charming and its tranquil canals lead to beautiful houses, popular universities, and countless cafes and restaurants with outdoor space.
A few places we recommend to visit while in Leiden are:
De Burch, an old fortress dating back to the 11th century. It boasts one of the best panoramic views of the city.
Leiden’s city gates that date back from the 17th century.
Leiden’s Hortus Botanicus, the oldest botanical garden in the country built in the 16th century.
Day 4: Amsterdam Noord, De Wallen (Red-Light District), De Pijp..
Stop 1: Amsterdam Noord
Amsterdam Noord is a popular redeveloped area and one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. It’s known for its captivating wharf region (NDSM Werf), the always busy Noorderpark, and the many bars, restaurants and art galleries that are housed nearby.
You can take a free ferry to Amsterdam Noord from the main area of the city. The trip will take less than 30 minutes.
Once there, grab a coffee and a quick bite at Café de Ceuvel or Boka’s before continuing on to explore the area.
Café de Ceuvel is an innovative eco-friendly plant-based eatery serving vegan dishes in a colorful yard.
Boka’s is a cute neighborhood cafe with a patio and streetside seating serving delicious breakfast and lunch dishes like acai bowls, sandwiches, and omelets.
A few other activities that we recommend include visiting the Eye Film museum and going vintage hunting. Amsterdam Noord is well-known for having some of the best vintage stores and flea markets in Amsterdam. Check out IJ-Hallen flea market and look for some great finds!
Stop 2: De Wallen (Red-Light District)
Our next stop in this Amsterdam itinerary is De Wallen or the Red-Light District. This is one of the most talked-about areas of Amsterdam.
The neighborhood is home to some of the most famous canals and historic landmarks in the city:
Oude Kerk, Amsterdam's oldest building.
Beurs van Berlage, the former stock exchange.
the Museum Ons' Lieve Heer Op Solder, Our Lord in the Attic Museum).
But beyond the cultural, historical, and tourist attractions, the Red-Light District is known for legally providing services like prostitution and many other sex related activities.
Walking through the streets of De Wallen, visitors will find live sex shows, strip clubs, sex shops, and sex workers on almost every corner. In the many windows along the streets, sex workers stand ready to promote their services .
The area is always busy regardless of day or night, and visitors and locals can visit every establishment as long as they are 18 years old or older.
Stop 3: Biking tour of the city
There’s truly nothing more authentically Dutch than biking. The locals commute and travel to different areas of the city (and even to different cities!) on their bicycles. So don’t miss the opportunity to rent one and explore the beautiful canals and the picture perfect cobbled streets.
A few famous biking routes always worth adding to your Amsterdam itinerary are:
The route along the famous Amstel River passing through Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, Nes aan de Amstel, Uithoorn and Waver.
The canal route passes near major tourist attractions like Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and the I Amsterdam sign.
There are other Amsterdam routes and tours that will take you through the Dutch countryside and coastal areas. Among the organized tours that we recommend are:
A private bike tour led by a local. It includes a customized bike, and it stops at iconic landmarks and famous places; where your guide will share everything about the culture and history of these locations.
A 3 hour Amsterdam and Dutch countryside private tour on a classic motorbike sidecar. The Motorcycle is driven by a professional driver that also serves as your guide. This tour will take you to some of Amsterdam's top destinations such as Nieuwmark, Leidseplein and the Red Light District before venturing into the beautiful Dutch countryside.
Stop 4: Black Gold Amsterdam
Black Gold is a specialty coffee shop. It's the perfect place to relax in or take a break while exploring Amsterdam. The establishment has a chill young vibe. It invites visitors to immerse themselves in the coffee culture, browse through the vintage vinyl records and have a great time.
The staff is always friendly and very informative. Their flat white, Kenyan tea, and artisan chocolates are a can’t-miss!
Stop 5: De Pijp
Spend your last hours in Amsterdam exploring De Pijp, one of the hottest and most appealing neighborhoods in the Dutch capital. The area, which is also popularly known as the Quartier Latin, is full of fun cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Wijnbar & Restaurant Boelen is the the perfect place to watch the world pass by with a coffee or wine.
Other of the must-visit destinations of the neighborhood are:
Albert Cuyp Market on the famous Albert Cuypstraat street,
The Amsteldijk street along the Amstel river,
Marie Heinekenplein
Gerard Doustraat.
As you walk through the streets, you’ll find many vintage shops, boutiques and art galleries.
Stop 6: La Dilettante Amsterdam Natural Wine Bar
Wine lovers looking for a great place to spend their last hours of these 4 days in Amsterdam should check out La Dilettante Amsterdam Natural Wine Bar.
This neighborhood wine bar is also located in Pijp and serves mostly natural wines and delicious small bites. The establishment offers indoor and outdoor seating, and the staff is super friendly and informative about the wine and food choices. A few choices we recommend are: the orange or pet nat wines accompanied by some great cheese, bread, and olive oil.
Additional Travel Information For Your 4 Days In Amsterdam
In this section, we are sharing some interesting things that didn't make it into the main itinerary above. These iconic places or activities can easily be added to your 4 days in Amsterdam itinerary.
The Embassy of the Free Mind is one of the lesser-known museums of the city, but one of the coolest in my opinion. The museum is located in a gorgeous house overlooking a canal and showcases historic prints, drawings, sculptures and vases. Arguably the highlight of the place and the main attraction is the fantastic library, with a great collection of books from a Dutch philanthropist named Ritman.
Stop by the inner garden and the cafe to relax and fully take advantage of your days off in Amsterdam.
Tulip fields and Keukenhof Tulip Gardens
One of the best things we've done during our time in Europe has been visiting the tulip fields in the Netherlands. If you're planning a trip to Amsterdam during spring, I highly recommend checking them out! There are several places where you can go see the tulips, including Leiden, Haarlem, and The Hague. There's also the famous Keukenhof Tulip Gardens.
My recommendation, however, is to skip the Keukenhof park, as it often feels somewhat artificial and tends to get extremely crowded. Instead, rent a bicycle or a tandem and spend a whole day riding around, picnicking, and exploring the true flower fields.
Amsterdam’s Markets
Exploring Amsterdam’s markets is another fun thing to do while spending 4 days in Amsterdam. There are several markets throughout the city:
Albert Cuyp Market has been selling fresh produce, seafood, chicken, cheese, fruits and vegetables since 1905. The market operates from Monday through Saturday, and it has more than 200 stands.
On Mondays and Saturdays, Noordermarkt is a popular market operating in one of the quaintest squares of Jordaan. There’s always plenty to buy and browse through in the stands: fabrics, clothing, books, and even baked goods.
Bloemenmarkt is a flower market and a designated stop on any Amsterdam itinerary for flower lovers. The market first opened in 1862, and has since then been the only floating flower market in the world.
Eating herring at a Haringhandel
If you visit Amsterdam between May and July, be sure to try some raw herring or fried fish from a Haringhandel. This is a traditional kiosk selling fresh fish and pickles, and the fish is especially good during this season.
Among the most reputable haringhandels in the city is the one at the Singel canal at Stubbe’s Haring. This wooden kiosk has been serving herring for decades to both locals and visitors. Order a broodje haring (a fish sandwich with onions and pickles) or a fried cod.
Languages
Dutch is the one and only official language of The Netherlands, yet most Dutch people are also fluent in English.
The English language is widely spoken in the country. Experts affirm that around 92% of the population are fluent in English.
Transportation Tips
Getting around Amsterdam is very easy. The city has many accessible public transportation options that can take you almost anywhere in the city and surrounding areas. They have a good and reliable tram and metro system. Trains and buses easily connect Amsterdam to the airport and nearby destinations like Haarlem, or the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens.
A public transportation ticket or card (GVB card) costs 3.20 euros for one hour, 8 euros for 24h,13.50 euros for 48h, 19 euros for 3 days, 24.50 euros for four days, and a week for 37 euros.
Ubers are also available through the Dutch capital.
The most used method of transportation in the city are without a doubt bicycles. If you truly want to do it like the locals, then cycling around the city is the best choice!
It’s also worth noting that renting a car in Amsterdam is not advisable. Rental car prices are considerably more expensive than in other European capitals, and parking is not cheap and can be very difficult to find.
Best Time To Visit Amsterdam
The most popular season in Amsterdam is the summer. Temperatures are nice and locals enjoy their time outside sailing around the canals or sitting at one the waterfront cafes to relax.
Many travel experts recommend visiting Amsterdam at the end of September, when it isn’t as crowded and prices aren’t as high.
We recommend traveling to Amsterdam during the Spring. All the flower fields will be blooming and the city is just starting to welcome the warmer temperatures. Hotel prices might be a bit high during this time, but the experience is definitely worth it.
Regardless of when you choose to visit, there’s never a bad time to go to Amsterdam. Even during the mid winter months, there’s always something fun and exciting to see in the Dutch capital.
Hotel Recommendations
The Dylan, Ambassade Hotel, The Hoxton, Motel One, citizenM Amstel Amsterdam Hotel and Kimpton De Witt Hotel are among our top choices in Amsterdam.
Image: The Dylan Amsterdam
The Dylan Amsterdam is a gorgeous boutique hotel located in the famous De Neegen Straatjes (The Nine Streets) neighborhood. With views directly into the “Keizersgracht” canal, The Dylan Amsterdam is ideal for travelers looking to be close to Amsterdam’s most popular areas while also being relaxed and tucked away while in the hotel.
The Ambassador Hotel is ideal for travelers who would love to immerse themselves in the history and culture of Amsterdam. The Hotel has an incredible library with over 5000 books, many of which are signed by the author. Each room in the hotel is uniquely designed and decorated. Breakfast is delicious, and the canal views are on the house!
Located near some of Amsterdam’s best cafes, restaurants, and art galleries, The Hoxton offers the perfect mix of historical and modern.
Restaurant Recommendations
O Bistro is a perfect french restaurant, nestled in the heart of Jordaan and serving delicious dishes and great wine. The bistro has an incredible atmosphere that will immediately transport you to the French countryside.
Graham's Kitchen is a modern restaurant serving a prix-fixe menu and an overall great dining experience. The restaurant always delivers one of a kind culinary experience.
PIQNIQ is one of those special places that you might not find anywhere else. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and high tea. It also offers takeaway picnic baskets to those looking for a relaxing afternoon in the park. All the products are fresh and the staff are friendly and kind.
Omelegg serves one of the best brunches in Amsterdam. They have two locations, one in the city center and one in Pijb. All the dishes are delicious, but the shawarma omelet is definitely among the highlights!
General Travel Tips
Check out the Amsterdam City Pass, the I Amsterdam Card, and the Holland Pass for discounted tickets online. They all offer great prices on museum entrance tickets, transportation, and canal cruises. If you are only looking for specific discounts, then check out the Museum card instead.
Are you are traveling to other European destinations after visiting Amsterdam? Our Europe travel section has great travel guides for you to read. Some of the most popular destinations include Madrid, Lisbon, Dublin, and Paris!
Remember to Pin this Amsterdam itinerary article so you have it saved on your Pinterest travel board for later! Subscribe to our email list below and join our list of friends and family to be the first to hear about our new European travel guides, travel tips, and lifestyle and wellness articles!
Besitos from Amsterdam,
Laura
Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourselves. All opinions are our own. This post may contain some affiliate links and if you choose to purchase some services or products using these links, we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Thank you for being part of our community and prance around the world with us!