Amsterdam pairs 17th-century canals and world-class museums with leafy neighbourhoods, markets and day trips to tulip fields and windmills, so a few days can feel very different from one street to the next.
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How Troovz stays freeThree days in Amsterdam give a rounded first trip at an easy pace. Alongside the Rijksmuseum and the Jordaan, you see Dam Square, step into the quiet Begijnhof courtyard and take a canal cruise through the old centre. It suits travellers who like history, water and walkable streets.
Long weekend · 3 days · 2 adults ·
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78–10 min walk
10:08 The Nine Streets · Morning · 1–2 h7–9 min walk
11:15 Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt) · Morning · 20–45 min6–8 min walk
11:41 The Canal Ring · Morning · 90–180 min12–16 min walk
13:23 Rijksmuseum · Midday · 1–4 h5–7 min walk
14:28 Van Gogh Museum · Afternoon · 2–3 h17–22 min walk
16:45 Vondelpark · Afternoon · 1–2 h7–9 min walk
10:22 H'ART Museum · Morning · 1–2 h8–10 min walk
11:30 Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) · Morning · 10–30 min9–12 min walk
11:49 Foam · Morning · 1–2 h14–18 min walk
13:03 Houseboat Museum · Midday · 30–45 min7–9 min walk
13:40 Westerkerk (church and tower) · Midday · 20–45 min3–4 min walk
14:03 Amsterdam Tulip Museum · Afternoon · 30–60 min3–4 min walk
14:36 Jordaan · Afternoon · 60–150 min21 · about 15–20 min
15:56 Fabrique des Lumières · Afternoon · 1–2 h2–3 min walk
16:58 Westerpark and Westergasfabriek · Afternoon · 1–2 h6–8 min walk
09:11 Nieuwmarkt and De Waag · Morning · 10–30 min12–16 min walk
09:33 Begijnhof · Morning · 20–45 min6–8 min walk
10:00 Madame Tussauds Amsterdam · Morning · 60–90 min3–4 min walk
11:03 Royal Palace Amsterdam · Morning · 60–90 min3–4 min walk
12:06 Dam Square · Midday · 15–45 min3–4 min walk
12:24 Body Worlds Amsterdam · Midday · 2 h5–7 min walk
14:29 Oude Kerk · Afternoon · 45–90 min2–3 min walk
15:16 Our Lord in the Attic Museum · Afternoon · 60–90 min6–8 min walk
16:22 Canal cruise · Afternoon · 60–75 minFlights, car rental and airport transfers for your trip: 3 days · 1 adult.
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Tours, day trips and more on Viator
Browse all toursOpen to visitors, with a few customs.
Churches are usually open to visitors outside services, and some areas may close while a service is on. Visitors are usually asked to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and to keep their voices down. Photography rules usually vary, and flash is often not allowed. Rules can vary, so please follow any instructions and ask the staff on arrival.
What to sort before your 3-day trip, plus a few useful words.
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How Troovz stays freePlug type C, F
230 V, 50 Hz
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Places to eat near your plan and your stay. Tap the heart to save one.
Chosen from places featured in respected travel and food guides, or on a halal certifier's list, as of October 2026. We don't take payment to include a place.
Please confirm with the restaurant if you have any allergies.
11 min from Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt)Typical RijsttafelRijsttafel (a spread of small Indonesian dishes with rice) · Canal Ring
Price level$$$
Halal options
Sources
Halal options: Halal options available. Source: the restaurant's own menu. Please confirm locally.
Price level: Source: sampurna.com, checked Oct 2026
21 min from RijksmuseumTypical Redfish with stuffed squidRedfish with stuffed squid, calamansi, seaweed · Museum Quarter
Price level$$$$
Sources
Price level: Source: rijksrestaurant.nl, checked Oct 2026
31 min from Tuschinski TheatreTypical Gnocchi with mornay sauceGnocchi with mornay sauce, oyster mushroom, almond, parmesan and truffle · Old Centre & Nieuwmarkt
Price level$$$
Sources
Price level: Source: marieamsterdam.com, checked Oct 2026
42 min from Fabrique des LumièresTypical Vegan afternoon teaVegan afternoon tea (tea tower) · Westerpark & Oud-West
Price level$$
Gluten-free optionsVegan options
Sources
Gluten-free options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Vegan options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Price level: Source: koffieendekoeck.nl, checked Oct 2026
52 min from Royal Palace AmsterdamTypical Steak and fries with herb butterSteak and fries with herb butter (the numbered Die Port van Cleve steak) · Old Centre & Nieuwmarkt
Price level$
Gluten-free optionsVegetarian options
Sources
Gluten-free options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Vegetarian options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Price level: Source: bouillondamsterdam.nl, checked Oct 2026
63 min from Tuschinski TheatreTypical Banana cream pieBanana cream pie, the house classic · Old Centre & Nieuwmarkt
Price level$$
Vegan optionsVegetarian options
Sources
Vegan options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Vegetarian options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Price level: Source: cafedejaren.nl, checked Oct 2026
No places near your plan with this option
30Typical Couscous with four grilled meatsCouscous with four grilled meats · De Pijp
Price level$$$
Halal options
Sources
Halal options: Halal options available. Source: the restaurant's own menu. Please confirm locally.
Price level: Source: restaurantmozo.nl, checked Oct 2026
31Typical Beetroot 'rawvioli' with cashew-chive cheese and caramelised onionsBeetroot 'rawvioli' with cashew-chive cheese and caramelised onions · Plantage & Oost
Price level$$
Vegan options
Sources
Vegan options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Price level: Source: hearthamsterdam.com, checked Oct 2026
32Typical Agnolotti with tomatoAgnolotti with tomato, pine nut and ricotta · Zuid
Price level$$$$
Vegetarian options
Sources
Vegetarian options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Price level: Source: restaurantshoww.com, checked Oct 2026
33Typical Chicken course with woodcock jusChicken course with woodcock jus, endive and tarragon (one course of the fixed dinner menu) · Plantage & Oost
Price level$$$
Gluten-free optionsVegan optionsVegetarian options
Sources
Gluten-free options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Vegan options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Vegetarian options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Price level: Source: restaurantdekas.com, checked Oct 2026
34Typical Turkish eggs with Aleppo butterTurkish eggs with Aleppo butter, garlic labneh, roasted tomato, seed dukkah and sourdough · De Pijp
Price level$$
Gluten-free optionsVegan optionsVegetarian options
Sources
Gluten-free options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Vegan options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Vegetarian options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Price level: Source: littlecollins.nl, checked Oct 2026
35Typical Steak and ale pie with green salad and English mustardSteak and ale pie with green salad and English mustard · Plantage & Oost
Price level$$
Vegan optionsVegetarian options
Sources
Vegan options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Vegetarian options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Price level: Source: thecottage.amsterdam, checked Oct 2026
Green escapes and the sea, a short trip from the centre. Planning information only.
Open public space
Open public space
Free entry
Open public space
Open public space
One card for most rides on public transport. Airport routes are in Flights.
Check in and out with a contactless debit or credit card, phone or smartwatch on trains, trams, buses and metros across the Netherlands; no separate card or top-up is needed. Always use the same card or device for check-in and check-out, and the fare is the standard adult fare.
Your 3-day plan usesBuses
Taxis hailed on the street or taken from a rank run on the meter, and by law the national maximum for 2026 is EUR 4.31 to start plus EUR 3.17 per kilometre and EUR 0.52 per minute. Pre-booked and app rides can be priced differently, so check the price before you set off.
Typical costs, and how to pay.
Excluding your stay.
| Per person, per day | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | EUR 9 | EUR 10 | EUR 18 |
| Lunch | EUR 13 | EUR 19 | EUR 38 |
| Dinner | EUR 19 | EUR 38 | EUR 52 |
| Drinks | EUR 13 | EUR 17 | EUR 22 |
| Getting around | EUR 20 | EUR 20 | EUR 38 |
| Sights (entry tickets) | EUR 87 | EUR 87 | EUR 87 |
| Total a day | EUR 161 | EUR 191 | EUR 255 |
Sights are counted at the standard entry ticket. Guided tours cost more.
Typical prices, as of October 2026
Contactless cards and phone wallets work almost everywhere in Amsterdam, including on trams, buses and trains. A few small cafes, market stalls and shops take only Dutch debit cards or cash, so keep a little cash with you.
ATMs run by banks are usually cheaper than stand-alone machines, though many banks also charge foreign cards a fee. If asked, choose to be charged in Euro. Your own bank may also charge a foreign-use fee. Check with your bank before you go.
Tipping is appreciated but never expected, because service is included in the price. In restaurants people usually round up the bill or leave about 5-10% for good service, and taxi riders often round up the fare.
Old Centre & Nieuwmarkt
Seasons, weather, and the events and holidays that change opening hours, crowds and prices.
Quick answers to common questions.
A few days cover the main stops. Allow about 60 to 240 minutes for the Rijksmuseum, 120 to 180 minutes for the Van Gogh Museum and 60 to 90 minutes for the Anne Frank House, plus a canal cruise of about 60 to 75 minutes and time to walk the Canal Ring and the Jordaan. Add a separate day if you want a trip such as Keukenhof or Zaanse Schans. As of 18 Oct 2026.
It depends on what you want. Many visitors come for the tulips: Keukenhof opens only in spring, from mid-March to early May. June to August is typically the busiest and most expensive time, with the longest queues, while winter, especially January and February, is usually the quietest and cheapest. As of 18 Oct 2026.
The train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal takes about 17 minutes and a single second-class ticket costs EUR 5.50. The airport bus, line 397, runs to Museumplein in about 23 to 27 minutes and a single ride costs EUR 6.50, and a night bus, N97, runs once an hour. Taxis follow the meter, or you can pre-book one at a fixed fare of up to EUR 50 to the centre. As of 18 Oct 2026.
The simplest way is to tap a contactless bank card, phone or smartwatch on the reader when you start and finish each trip (OVpay); use the same card or device both times. On GVB trams, buses and metros OVpay charges at most EUR 10.50 a day. If you prefer a ticket, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket for one, two or three days costs EUR 20, EUR 27 or EUR 34 and also covers the airport train and airport bus. As of 18 Oct 2026.
Tipping is appreciated but not expected, because service is included in the price. In restaurants people usually round up the bill or leave about 5 to 10% for good service, and taxi riders often round up the fare. As of 18 Oct 2026.
Almost everywhere: contactless cards and phone wallets are accepted in most shops, restaurants and on public transport. A few small cafes, market stalls and shops take only Dutch debit cards or cash, so carry a little cash as a backup. As of 12 Oct 2026.
Yes. Amsterdam charges a tourist tax of 12.5% of the overnight price. Check whether the price you see already includes it, because many booking sites show it separately. As of 18 Oct 2026.
The Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House and the Rembrandt House all sell tickets for a set start time. The Anne Frank House sells tickets online only and does not sell them at the door; new tickets are released each week, several weeks ahead, so plan early. As of 18 Oct 2026.
The Netherlands uses 230 V at 50 Hz, with plug types C and F. Many phone and laptop chargers accept this voltage, but visitors from countries with different sockets will need a plug adapter. As of 18 Oct 2026.
Yes, English is very widely spoken, so you can usually get by without Dutch. The latest EF English Proficiency Index ranks the Netherlands first of 123 countries and regions. A few Dutch words such as dank u wel (thank you) are still appreciated. As of 18 Oct 2026.
Often, yes. Trains from Schiphol Airport usually reach Amsterdam Centraal in about 17 minutes, and a single second-class ticket costs EUR 5.50, so a long layover can include a short walk through the old centre. Minimum connection times depend on your airline and ticket type, so check with your airline. As of 18 Oct 2026.
Amsterdam is usually one of the pricier cities in Europe, but much of it is free to enjoy on foot: the canals, the old centre, the markets and the parks. Paid museums are the main cost: the Rijksmuseum is EUR 25, the Van Gogh Museum EUR 25 and the Anne Frank House EUR 16.50 for an adult, and each needs a timed ticket booked online. For getting around, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket starts at EUR 20 for one day and includes the airport train. As of October 2026.
Three days cover the canals and Museumplein, then the Jordaan, and a third day in the old centre with Nieuwmarkt, the Begijnhof, the Royal Palace and Dam Square, the Oude Kerk, Our Lord in the Attic and a canal cruise.
For a first visit, usually: the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Royal Palace and a canal cruise are all in the plan. A fourth day adds the north bank of the IJ with A'DAM Lookout.
The canals and the art museums on day one, the Jordaan on day two, and the old centre on day three, finishing with a canal cruise.
Day one runs from the Anne Frank House to Vondelpark, day two from the Tuschinski Theatre to Westerpark, and day three from Nieuwmarkt to a canal cruise. Tap a day on the plan for every stop, its usual hours and how you get from one stop to the next.
First time? We suggest for the sights.
The Old Centre is the medieval core around Dam Square, with the Royal Palace, the Begijnhof and the Nieuwmarkt square. It is the most central and busiest part of the city and is close to Centraal Station.
Average highAverage lowRainy days
Typical, based on past years. Not a forecast.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6° | 2° | 14 days |
| January is cold and dark, but it is the quietest month, with sparse museum queues; the Amsterdam Light Festival runs until mid-January. | |||
| February | 6° | 2° | 12 days |
| February is typically cold and damp, and often the cheapest month to visit, just before tulip season. | |||
| March | 10° | 3° | 13 days |
| March is changeable and cool; tulip season starts when Keukenhof opens in mid-March 2027, and spring crowds begin to build. | |||
| April | 14° | 6° | 12 days |
| April brings tulip season at its height, usually with showers and sunny spells; King's Day on 27 April makes the city very busy. | |||
| May | 17° | 9° | 13 days |
| May is usually mild with longer days; Keukenhof closes in early May and national holidays cause some closures. | |||
| June | 20° | 12° | 13 days |
| June has the longest days and the Holland Festival; the Open Garden Days open private canal gardens for a weekend. | |||
| July | 22° | 14° | 15 days |
| July is peak season: typically warm, with the longest queues and highest accommodation prices. | |||
| August | 22° | 14° | 14 days |
| August is still busy and typically warm; the Pride Canal Parade takes place on the first Saturday. | |||
| September | 18° | 11° | 13 days |
| September is usually pleasant and a little quieter than summer; Open Monument Days open historic buildings on the second weekend. | |||
| October | 14° | 8° | 13 days |
| October is typically cooler and showery, with fewer visitors; the clocks go back on the last Sunday. | |||
| November | 9° | 5° | 14 days |
| November is dark and often wet; the Amsterdam Light Festival begins in late November and Sinterklaas arrives mid-month. | |||
| December | 6° | 2° | 14 days |
| December is cold with short days, but the canals are lit by the Light Festival and the city has a festive feel. | |||
Mar · Apr · May
Spring is typically mild and changeable, with sunny spells and showers. It is tulip season, with Keukenhof open from mid-March to early May in 2027, and King's Day in late April fills the streets with orange.
Jun · Jul · Aug
Summer is usually the busiest season, with long days, terraces and outdoor events, and the longest queues and highest accommodation prices. It is typically warm rather than hot, and showers can come at any time.
Sep · Oct · Nov
Autumn is typically cooler and wetter, with colourful trees in the parks and fewer visitors after September. It is a good time for museums on rainy days, and the Amsterdam Light Festival starts in late November.
Dec · Jan · Feb
Winter is usually cold, grey and damp with short days, but museum queues are typically shorter and the Amsterdam Light Festival lights up the canals until mid-January. February is often the cheapest month to visit, just before tulip season.
Coming up in the next 12 months. to see what falls during your trip.
The Sinterklaas children's festival begins in mid-November with a boat arrival and a parade; the national arrival is on 14 November 2026 and streets near the route are busy.
Light artworks are displayed along canals and streets from late November to mid-January; boat tours and walking routes are the usual ways to see them, and it is busiest in the evenings.
A public holiday. Many museums and attractions close or keep shorter hours, and most shops are shut, so check each place's own hours.