An Epic 4 Days In Amsterdam Itinerary

Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in Europe. It offers an eclectic mix of historical sights, fun nightlife and cultural attractions and it is perfect to visit year round (though I am biased for a spring visit).

There is a lot to see in Amsterdam and planning an Amsterdam itinerary can feel overwhelming. My friend and I spent quite sometime discussing what to see, what to leave out, and the order in which we wanted to see things so that we wouldn’t be going all over the place.

I recommended spending at least 3 days in Amsterdam, any less would mean rushing some of the more interesting elements of the city.

Carving out 4 days in Amsterdam will mean you can slow down a little, enjoy cruising on the canals, stopping off for lunches at vibrant markets and plenty of time in the world-famous museums.

And if you have 5 days in Amsterdam, you will even have a day for exploring outside of the city to see what life in the Dutch countryside is like.

To help you get the most out of your trip, I’ve put together this in-depth Amsterdam itinerary that is actually based on my friend and I’s experience of exploring the city.

Each of the 4 days in Amsterdam in this itinerary has been laid out in areas so you don’t have to waste large parts of the day traveling between the sights and you can have more time simply enjoying the city.

Let’s now discover how to make the most of Amsterdam in a few days!

Amsterdam Itinerary Overview

Are you wondering how to spend four days in Amsterdam, or asking yourself “are four days in Amsterdam enough?” Don’t worry! With my itinerary, you will have a selection of daily activities for your time in the city.

The itinerary was created on the assumption that you are sleeping 5 nights in Amsterdam, and you have 4 full days there. It may also work if you get there very early in the morning when you arrive, since Amsterdam is very well connected to the airport.

Here is a quick overview of this 4 days in Amsterdam itinerary:

Day One

Explore Jewish Amsterdam and finish with a canal tour:

• Jewish Historical Museum
• Portuguese Synagogue
• Anne Frank Life guided tour
• Anne Frank House
• Amsterdam Canal boat tour

Day Two

Check out some of the city’s best museums, and get views of the city from above:

• Van Gogh Museum
• Albert Cuyp Market
• Botanical Gardens
• Rembrandt Museum
• A-dam Lookout

Day Three

Experience some of Amsterdam’s most fun attractions:

• Bike tour of Amsterdam
• Damrak
• Begijnhof
• Amsterdam 9 Streets
• Heineken Experience

Day Four

Another unmissable museum in Amsterdam, then the city’s quirkiest attractions:

• Rijksmuseum
• KattenKabinet
• De Poezenboot
• Red Light District tour

Visiting Amsterdam Soon?

Whether your trip has been in the making for months, or it’s just a last-minute trip, there are some attractions that should be booked in advance (or you risk being unable to visit) and some tours that will help you make the most of the city.

My favorite tour provider, GetYourGuide, has a variety of activities, flexible booking, and 24/7 support!

Finally, let’s discover the best places to visit in Amsterdam in a few days!

The Perfect 4 Days In Amsterdam Itinerary

Day 1 Amsterdam Itinerary

Your first day in Amsterdam is going to be busy.

This is the day that you’ll be visiting a lot of the most important sights in the city. Make sure you’re well prepared for a full day of sightseeing, get a good rest the night before and set out in the morning, around 9:00 am in order to make the most of your day.

You’ll be visiting some of Amsterdam’s more important sights and learn about the city’s Jewish community as well as the story of Anne Frank, winding up the day with a canal boat tour where you can reflect on all you’ve learnt.

You can follow the itinerary on this map here.

Jewish Historical Museum

Pay a visit to the important Jewish Historical Museum and spend some time learning about the Jewish community in the Netherlands. The museum is made up of four different synagogue buildings, the oldest of which dates back to the 17th century.

During your visit you’ll have the chance to get a deeper understanding of Jewish life and history through a number of cultural objects, artworks and first-hand accounts.

I recommend grabbing one of the museum’s audio guides, as they help to make the displays even more accessible and bring the various stories and ceremonies to life as you move through the galleries.

As this is a Jewish museum, it is closed on Shabbat – that’s on Friday afternoon and all day on Sunday. Keep this in mind when planning your visit.

Portuguese Synagogue

Just across the road from the Jewish Historical Museum is the Portuguese Synagogue. When it was completed in 1675, this beautiful building was the largest synagogue in Europe. The building was the work of notable architect Elian Bouman who based the designs on the Temple of Solomon.

The enormous, barreled ceiling and other classic Dutch design elements make this place a special spot to visit during your 4 days in Amsterdam. Still in use as a place of worship, services here are carried out under the illumination of candlelight thanks to the impressive chandeliers.

The Jewish Historical Museum and the Portuguese Synagogue never get too crowded, but if you want you can get combined tickets in advance for the same price they are sold on the site. They include an audioguide.

My post A Guide To Jewish Amsterdam has more information on places to visit in Amsterdam that are connected to the Jewish Community.

Anne Frank Life guided tour

This was probably my favorite tour in Amsterdam so of course I had to included it in this Amsterdam in 4 days itinerary. A guided walking tour of Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter will help you learn all about the life of the famous diarist in this part of the city during World War 2.

This is a good way to get a deeper understanding of what life was like for Jewish people who lived in the city during this time. An expert guide will be able to carefully retell stories from the time and fill the tour with lots of important historical facts.

Guided walking tours of the area vary in size and budget – there are private tours and small group tours. But they all more or less follow the same itinerary.

I recommend this Anne Frank Life Guided Tour that lasts 2 hours and has several departing times – so that you can easily fit it in this Amsterdam itinerary. It’s the tour my friend and I took and we found it outstanding. Keep in mind it does not include admission to Anne Frank House.

You will be led through the Jewish Quarter while being told anecdotes about Anne Frank’s life, learn about her family, their relocation to the Netherlands, her time in hiding, and what happened to her father following the end of the war. It will also include tales of the Dutch Resistance – which I found particularly interesting.

Anne Frank House

After learning all about the life of Anne Frank, it’s only natural to move on to where she lived in hiding with her family. Visiting the place where she hid from persecution from the Nazi’s is an emotional experience. I certainly had goosebumps once or twice during the visit.

You’ll be able to enter into the hiding space and see the cramped conditions where hers and another family lived alongside each other. You can even see pages from her real diary and see the spot where she would sit and write her diary.

Anne Frank’s House was very small, which means not many people fit there at the same time. This means the number of visitors allowed at once is limited and the museum works on time slot system.

You need to book a time slot around 30 to 35 days before your intended visit on the official website here. Tickets include an audio-guide which will walk you through the exhibit.

As this is a very old building, there are steep steps to the various floors and to reach the Secret Annex: it’s not a suitable place for people with reduced mobility.

For more information, head over to my post A Complete Guide To Visiting Anne Frank’s House.

Amsterdam Canal boat tour

No Amsterdam itinerary would ever be complete without including an Amsterdam Canal cruise.

After visiting Anne Frank House you take the pace of the day down a notch and spend an hour or so floating along the city’s famous canals. This is the perfect chance to reflect on the day, on the history and the lives of those that have made Amsterdam what it is today.

Canal tours are a really great way to see a different side of the city too. As you float along the waterways, you can see city life pass you by the charming facades of the old buildings and cruise under the old arched bridges.

There will be a guide on board, and he or she will share lots of interesting facts about Amsterdam, show you the most important landmarks from a different perspective, and it is an overall very fun experience.

Choosing a canal boat tour can be difficult as there are so many on offer, options include classic one-hour canal cruise, wine and cheese canal cruises and private waterway tours. The choice is simply yours.

We took this open boat Amsterdam Canal Cruise because it leaves right outside Anne Frank’s House – so it fits perfectly in this 4 days in Amsterdam itinerary. Drinks are served on the boat for a small extra fee. It is an open boat, so take an extra layer as it can get quite cold once the sun goes down (though they provide blankets).

You also have the option of an evening canal cruise such as this one, perfect if you want to see the city beautifully illuminated.

Day 2 Amsterdam Itinerary

After a day filled with poignant history and learning about the heritage of Amsterdam, it’s time for a day exploring the creative side to the city.

Day 2 is all about delving into all of the art and nature that Amsterdam has to offer. Start by visiting Van Gogh Museum, from there you’ll visit vibrant markets, green spaces and more museums before winding up the day with blissed-out drinks along the waterfront.

Get ready, it’s going to be a day to remember. You can follow the itinerary on this map here.

Van Gogh Museum

This is simply an unmissable place to visit if you have 4 days in Amsterdam. The world-renowned artistic genius Van Gogh is put at center stage at Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum. The vast collection was originally Van Gogh’s own personal collection of art that was passed down to his family following his death.

This museum is a must for anybody who wants to see some of his most famous pieces up close, and it is the place to learn more about the life of the troubled creative.

The museum also hosts a rotating calendar of temporary exhibitions which put a magnifying glass to various elements of the artist’s life and work, the tickets for which are included in the cost for general entry.

This is one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam, so make sure to get tickets to Van Gogh Museum in advance.

While busy, the museum is not overwhelmingly crowded. You should factor in around 2 hours to explore the museum – grab an audioguide at the desk after you leave your bag in the locker as it will guide you through the museum.

If you want, you can consider a guided tour of the museum too which is a great idea if you want to have an even more insightful experience.

My post A Guide To Visiting Van Gogh Museum gives you more details on what to see at this museum, how to get tickets and more useful tips.

Albert Cuyp Market

Located around a 15-minute walk from the Van Gogh Museum, this bustling marketplace is the ideal spot to pick up a bite to eat – here you can find lots of traditional dishes you should try during your 4 days in Amsterdam! There’s lot of street food sellers around here so it’s ideal for a low-cost lunch on the go.

Albert Cuyp Market boats over 250 stalls with vendors selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to gadgets and cool clothes.

Spend some time here browsing the various wares on offer. If you want something a bit more conspicuous for lunch and to sit down for a meal, there are various nice restaurants along the street where the market is located, and on the side streets too.

This street food market tour also goes to the Albert Cuyp Market.

Botanical Gardens (Hortus Botanicus)

After a bite to eat at Albert Cuyp Market its time to take a breather at the city’s botanical gardens – Hortus Botanicus. It’s around a 25-minute walk from the market to the gardens, or you could opt to hop on a tram which takes about the same amount of time to get there.

The long-standing green space started life back in 1638 when it was established as a garden to plant the various seeds and spice plants that were being gathered by the Dutch ships on the long voyages of discovery.

Far from being just an attractive botanical garden, the institution has played a key role in distributing what are now staple ingredients to European countries and locations further afield. It was from here that the likes of cinnamon and coffee were introduced to the West, for example.

Spend some time exploring among the 4,000 strong collection of botanicals and taking a post-lunch break in nature.

Don’t miss the butterfly house – it’s a particularly fun place to visit if you are visiting Amsterdam with children. If you want to learn more about the history of the garden, there’s even a free hour-long guided tour.

Rembrandt Museum

Less than a 10-minute walk from the city’s botanical gardens is Rembrandt’s House. The famous Dutch artist lived and worked in the three-story house which he purchased in 1639.

During his time here, Rembrandt set up a large artist studio and worked on some of his most famous pieces of art including The Night Watch.

Visitors are able to walk around the rooms of the house which have been reassembled to look just like they did in Rembrandt’s day, admire some of his works as well as his collection.

The museum is a great way to learn more about the life of the Dutch master, the people he spent time with and how he worked with the other creatives in his studio.

Rembrandt’s House is a popular attraction, so get your tickets to the museum well in advance. They include an audio-guide which will walk you through the museum.

A-dam Lookout

For views of the city, A-dam Lookout is a nice addition to this Amsterdam itinerary. The walk from the Rembrandt Museum to the tower takes around 25 minutes or you could hop on the metro at Nieuwmarkt, get off at Central Station and take a ferry over to the other side – it’s free, it’s quick and it’s a fun thing to do.

It’s well-worth making the journey over to this side of town.

The A-dam Tower was once the head offices for Royal Dutch Shell but has since been transformed into a popular tourist sight. Ride the elevator up to the 22nd floor and be wowed by the amazing panoramic views out across the city.

Once at the top, you can opt to go on the suspended swing (I didn’t, it’s honestly quite scary!) or simply pose for photos and have a drink at the bar.

There’s also a revolving restaurant and even a nightclub!

You can get tickets to the A’DAM’s Lookout directly at the door – that’s what we did. Otherwise, you can use the Amsterdam City Pass.

Drinks along the waterfront

Once you’ve had enough of seeing Amsterdam from above its time to get back into the life that is taking place back down in the city streets.

By now, evening will be starting to unfold, and it’s time to find a spot along the waterfront for a well-earned drink to round up your second day of exploring. You can easily get yourself something from a supermarket near A’dam Lookout, and sit there along the water, or walk back to the main city where the canals are.

As the sun sets, the bars come to life and the waterways glisten with the reflection of city’s lights.

Day 3 Amsterdam Itinerary

Day number three in Amsterdam is all about fun. You’ll have a day filled with activities, interesting sights and the even visit the Heineken Experienced. But first, it’s time to get on your bike…

Follow this map here – it includes the starting point of the bike tour, which is also where you’ll return your bike at the end. From there, it’s an easy walk to the various sights.

Bike tour of Amsterdam

No Amsterdam itinerary would be complete without a ride on two wheels. Start your day by joining a bike tour and be led along famous streets and past famous sights with an expert guide.

A bike tour is a great way to pack a lot of the city’s big attractions into one activity and means you’ll have plenty of time left to see more of Amsterdam afterwards.

There’s a long list of different bike tours to choose from but most will take you to Vondelpark where you can see tourists and locals lazing around, and to Jordaan, one of the most famous neighborhoods of central Amsterdam.

You will learn more about the history of the city, why the buildings look so narrow and tall (and like they are falling!), and lots of information about the city’s vibe and culture. You can take the chance for a break and a refreshment in the iconic park too as tours stop at the local café.

I recommend this guided bike tour of Jordaan – it lasts 4 hours and it is very thorough and goes to some of the most interesting places in the city!

Damrak

Hop off you bike and head over to Damrak. This central artery runs from Amsterdam Centraal all the way to Dam Square.

Now partially covered, the Damrak was originally the mouth of the Amstel River and was once busy with barges arriving to sell their wares.

Today, strolling along the water’s edge is the perfect chance to see some of Amsterdam’s most attractive gabled houses. On a sunny day, it is easy to catch their reflection in the water.

Begijnhof

Who said you can’t get off the beaten path when you have just 4 days in Amsterdam?

Located around a 10-minute walk from Damrak, Begijnhof is a peaceful spot to take a break. This former convent dates back to the start of the 14th century. It was once home to a Catholic order of unmarried women who lived here until the 1970s when the last of the order died.

Today, visitors are able to explore the old convent complex (now a private dwelling) which hides charming courtyards. Make sure not to miss the medieval Begijnhof Kapel, the pretty Engelse Kerk and the Houten Huis – the oldest wooden house in the country that’s still standing to this day.

This small group tour of Amsterdam also visits the Begijnhof.

You should also read my post The Best Hidden Gems In Amsterdam.

Amsterdam 9 Streets

Moving on, we’re making out way to De Negen Straatjes or The Nine Streets. This compact shopping area takes up space between the Singel, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Prinsengracht.

Explore the warren of attractive lanes lined with boutiques, art galleries and cafes. It will be hard not to be tempted into the many lovely shops. I know I came back with quite a few items myself!

A visit to this part of town is indeed a great opportunity to pick up some interesting souvenirs to take home with you.

If you’re feeling hungry, grab a bite to eat and enjoy a break in a café.

I recommend this guided bike tour of Jordaan that also goes to the lovely Nine Streets.

Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is a fun place to visit in Amsterdam – even if you don’t drink beer. From 9 Streets reaching the Heineken Experience is around 20 minutes on foot, or you could opt to take the metro from Rokin and get off at Vijzelgracht, which takes around 12 minutes.

But honestly, Amsterdam is such a pleasant city that unless it is cold and raining you will want to walk.

Once at the former brewery you’re in for a treat. Here you can learn about the beer-making process, from start to finish, and about the foundation of Heineken and how it went from a small local brewery to the multinational it is today.

The interactive museum keeps you entertained throughout and even offer the chance to find out what a bottle of Heineken goes through when it’s being bottled. You will obviously get tastings of beer (even more, if you can answer the trivia that the guides throw around).

Make sure not to miss the terrace where you can enjoy a cold beer and view of the city.

You can book your Heineken Experience in Amsterdam here. If you want to go to the terrace to enjoy the views at the end of the tour, you really need to get tickets before your tour starts, as they get sold out quickly.

Day 4 Amsterdam Itinerary

Your fourth day in Amsterdam gives you the chance to see yet more of the city’s cultural spots. By now you’ll have seen a lot of what the city has to offer but there’s more big attractions and interesting local gems to uncover.

Make sure to follow the itinerary as it is set out on this map here for a fabulous day.

Rijksmuseum

Start you day with a visit to the famous Rijksmuseum. The cultural institution charts more than 800 years of Dutch history and is considered the Netherlands’ national museum. Spend time getting to grips with Dutch history, the exhibits span from the year 1200 all the way to the modern day.

There’s a lot to see here so it’s best to get here earlier on in the day in order to take in as much of it as possible and also to avoid the crowds later on in the day. Among the many galleries you will be able to spot masterpieces from artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh.

Don’t miss the Gallery of Honor where the most important pieces are located, and the stunning Cuypers Library, which is the research library of the museum.

Don’t forget to get your timed tickets to Rijksmuseum well in advance, especially if there is a special exhibit you care to see. When we visited, there was a special exhibit dedicated to Vermeer and tickets were sold out weeks in advance!

KattenKabinet

Those of you who are fans of cats should carve out time in your Amsterdam itinerary to visit this quirky Amsterdam attraction.

Situated around 15-minute walk from the Rijksmuseum, the KattenKabinet (Cat Cabinet) is a museum dedicated to all things feline.

The brainchild of wealthy moneyman Bob Meijer, the financier purchased the old building, restored it to its former glory and named it after his pet cat John Pierpont.

The Cat Cabinet is open to the public and features paintings, drawing and sculptures of cats, and lots of art dedicated to cats and photos of famous people with their cats.

Even if you aren’t too keen on cats, the building itself is interesting, and so is the art exhibit. Built in 1667, it has hosted a number of famous figures through its history and is one of only a few of the houses on the Golden Bend that are open to the public.

The KattenKabinet is never a crowded attraction, but if you want you can get tickets in advance at the official price here.

You should also read my post A Cat Lovers’ Guide To Amsterdam.

De Poezenboot

Around a 20-minute stroll along the Singel canal, the cat-themed attractions continue over at De Poezenboot.

The floating cat sanctuary was founded in the 1960s by a local lady who wanted to do something to help the city’s community of stray cats.

Since its founding the organization has become an official cat sanctuary and they continue to take in around 250 cats a year, offering the furry friends veterinary care and the chance to find a permanent home.

Visitors are able to spend time at the sanctuary for free but a donation to help with the daily running of De Poezenboot is always welcomed. You can for example buy a souvenir to bring home.

Also keep in mind there may be a line to walk in as space is limited and the managers want to make sure the resident cats don’t get overwhelmed with too many people.

Red Light District tour

You can’t spend 4 days in Amsterdam without visiting the Red Light District! As night falls in Amsterdam, the city’s famous red-light district hots up.

This notorious corner of the city attracts a varied bunch of people, drawn there to explore the old streets lined with sex shops, brothels, coffeeshops, and bars. Most explore aimlessly (and at times drunkenly) without being able to grasp the intense history and culture of this part of town.

Taking a tour of this part of town helps to open up the interesting history and distinct local culture of the area. You will be surprised at how interesting this part of the city is.

For example, during a tour you can learn that the district came to life around 1300, when sex workers would carry red lanterns to greet sailors who had just arrived at the city port.

Legalization of sex work in Amsterdam only took place in 1810, and since then laws have been put in place to protect the rights of the workers of the sex industry.

My friend and I took this excellent guided tour of the Red Light District of Amsterdam and felt like we learned a lot! The tour lasts 2 hours, after which you can remain in the area to have dinner (there are some great restaurants here) before heading back to your hotel.

BONUS!

If you have more than 4 days in Amsterdam, this is your chance to explore further afield. Use your fifth day to take a day trip out of town to discover the charms of the Dutch countryside.

Spend time in Zaanse Schans snapping pictures of classic Dutch windmills, visit Edam and learn about the local produce of Edam and Gouda cheese and wander the charming fishing village of the Marken. It’s the perfect way to round up your vacation.

We took this Zaanse Schans, Edam and Marken full day tour as it fit perfectly with our Amsterdam itinerary. It’s a full day tour but it only really lasts 6 hours which means you have time to enjoy one last (almost) full afternoon in Amsterdam by the time you go back. It doesn’t go too in depth, but on the other hand you have plenty of free time in each location for photographs!

Practical Guide For Your 4 Days In Amsterdam

Now that you know what to do on your 4 days in Amsterdam, let me share a few extra tips that will help you plan your Amsterdam trip.

Using an Amsterdam Pass

You may want to consider getting an Amsterdam City Pass for your 4 days in Amsterdam. This allows you to save time and money during your trip – up to 50% savings depending on the use you make of it!

The flexible pass gives you entrance to a whole host of Amsterdam’s big attractions including the Rijksmuseum and a canal cruise.

There’s also an app with a free guide for over 100 city attractions in the price. Pass holders are also eligible for up to 10% discount on other attractions.

You can order you pass online in advance on the official Amsterdam City Pass website and your tickets will be sent in an email, but after that remember you will need to book the various attractions individually to pick a time slot for your visit.

How to get to Amsterdam from the airport

It’s really easy to travel from Amsterdam airport to the city and vice-versa. The direct railway line shuttles passengers from Schiphol International Airport to Amsterdam Central Station in around 20 minutes.

The train ride is fast, convenient and low-cost. Trains run from the early morning until about midnight – frequency is higher during the day, with departures around every 15 minutes.

It’s a good idea to buy your train ticket online in advance so that you can just hop on the train when you land and don’t have to buy tickets when laden down with bags.

How to move around Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a compact city and getting around the main sights on foot is very straightforward. I planned this Amsterdam itinerary so that you can minimize the amount of time spent on public transport – which is however very efficient in the city.

Walking means you can see more of the local city life during your trip and take in the historical architecture on the way.

Cycling is also a really popular way to get around Amsterdam. You’re going to see a lot of locals going around on bikes while there: bike rental is easy to find, low-cost and good for the environment. Just make sure to be aware of other cyclists, trams, and wear a helmet as bike traffic in Amsterdam is real!

When you need to travel longer distances, it’s best to use the city’s reliable public transport network – f buses, trams, metro, and ferries (including free ferries). You don’t even need to get a local public transport card: just use your contactless card to tap in and tap out any time you get on or off the bus or tram.

Uber is also available to use. The app-based taxi service works well and is straightforward to use and is a good choice if you want to get around quickly and efficiently.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has no shortage of accommodation, from cool budget-friendly digs to plush luxury stays, and everything in between. If you have 4 days in Amsterdam, I recommend staying somewhere central. Here’s a handful of the best places to stay in Amsterdam.

Budget – ClinkNOORD Hostel

Boasting a cool and quirky interior, this welcoming hostel is the place to stay in Amsterdam if you’re on a budget but still want to stay in a great location.

Conveniently situated in the in Noord area, from here you can easily reach a host of the city’s main attractions and be located just a stone’s throw from bars and restaurants.

Rooms vary from dorms to private rooms. Plus, there’s plenty of space to hangout and meet other like-minded travelers.

Mid-range – The Delphi – Amsterdam Townhouse

This chic and sophisticated four-star hotel is conveniently placed in a polished part of Amsterdam in walking distance to eateries and a 10-minute tram ride from attractions such as Museum Square, Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum.

Inside, the hotel has been carefully curated with high-end bedding, a bar and lounge, while days start with breakfast in the breakfast room.

Luxury – Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht – a concept by Hyatt

Taking up space inside the city’s old public library, this luxury hotel is located right in the middle of Amsterdam’s canal belt. From here you can reach a wealth of top sights and eateries but still enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep in comfortable surroundings.

The elegant design has been created by a notable Dutch designer and boasts beautiful canal views. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, bar, a spa, and a gym.

Best restaurants in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has no shortage of amazing places to eat and during your 4 days in Amsterdam you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try its many delights. There’s everything from down-to-earth street eats all the way to polish dining options.

Here’s some of the must-try dining spots in the city – I have tried them all, and being the foodie I am, you can trust them!

Brasserie Van Baerle

Featured in the 2023 Michelin Guide for the Netherlands, this classic French restaurant serves up a selection of dishes including steak tartare and crème brûlée. There is an extensive wine list, service is spot on and your dietary needs will be catered for.

The setting is elegant and there’s a pretty patio for when the weather is fine. It’s the perfect place for a special meal in Amsterdam. Book in advance as it’s a popular place (though expensive).

Cannibale Royale

If you’re looking for a place to get a meaty meal, then this is the restaurant for you. With a fun and friendly atmosphere and a team of knowledgeable staff, you can tuck into a meat-based menu in a unique setting – though there are options for vegetarian and vegan travelers too. The vegetable-based side dishes are particularly delicious too.

A-Fusion

Boasting a Bib Gourmand accreditation by Michelin, this cozy restaurant entices with a menu made up of Asian-influenced dishes. Here meals focus on classic Thai, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese flavors – all served with a delicious twist. You need to book in advance, as it is extremely popular. It’s located in the main street in the Red Light District.

Pesca

This is probably my favorite restaurant in Amsterdam – of those I have tried! The laid-back buzz of Pesca is enough to draw you in to this innovative eatery, but its menu of freshly caught fish-based dishes will keep you coming back for more.

Once you walk in, you can select whichever fish or seafood you want and the chef will cook it according to the daily recipes – just make sure to clarify any dietary requirements before you order. It’s an incredibly fun place to be! Just make sure to book in advance.

Bird Thai Restaurant

Don’t overlook Bird Thai Restaurant. This cool dining spot has a hunger-inducing menu filled with Thai staples cooked with an array of fresh ingredients. The outcome? Creative and colorful dishes that are packed-full of flavor. It’s very popular, so you may have to stand in line for a while before being seated. But it’s also quite budget friendly.

Other Useful Amsterdam Travel Tips

Grab yourself a data SIM

Make sure you have access to the internet by grabbing yourself a data sim or an eSIM you can get online. It’s something you might easily overlook but having access to the internet as and when you need it can make a big different to your trip.

You will be able to use your phone to navigate around the city, look up opening times of attractions, book tickets to museums at the last minute (which I actually do not recommend) and find places to eat for dinner. You’ll be happy you decided to pick one up.

Use Google Maps

Google Maps is so endlessly useful when it comes to navigating a city. Even if you have been to Amsterdam before, using a maps app will mean you can get around the city really easily.

You will be able to quickly find the fastest route from A to B, look up reviews for attractions and restaurants and find the type of eatery you’re looking for nearby. It may sound like an overstatement but using Google Maps can really help to make your city break even more fun.

Ask the locals for directions and tips

Don’t be afraid to ask people for help. I think literally everyone in Amsterdam speaks English so if you need help, tips or pointing in the right direction all you have to do is ask.

Like many European cities, Amsterdam is a destination that is very used to tourists and chances are locals will be happy to help you out.

If you’re looking for local tips such as where to eat (other than those I have provided, that is!), it’s a good idea to ask the staff at your accommodation. They are likely to have a recommended choice of top places to eat and drink and perhaps some hidden local gems too.

For more information, you should also read my post The Best Tips For Visiting Amsterdam For The First Time.

Get a good travel insurance

It might not be the most exciting part of planning your trip but making sure you have secured good travel insurance before you travel is a really good idea. Travel insurance is there to help you out if things don’t go to plan.

You can get coverage for mishaps like lost luggage and delayed flights, as well as for more serious things like medical treatment whilst abroad.

My post Why You Really Need Travel Insurance explains why I always recommend getting a good plan for any trip. I recommend HeyMondo for their insurance plans.

Pun It For Later!