The Ultimate 72-Hour Itinerary For Amsterdam

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About the blogger: Diti is the enthusiastic blogger behind My Trendy Trail. She is an Israeli travel and lifestyle
blogger living in Amsterdam. She has been exploring the world, living in different countries from a young age (eight countries on three continents), and always feeding her wanderlust — because to Diti, to travel is to live! Backpacking, solo travel, budget travel, city trips, island vacations, extreme adventures, luxury journeys; she’s done it all! She specializes in Israel (her home) and the Netherlands (her home away from home). Diti’s mission is to inspire and empower you to travel by offering you high-quality travel content and resources on her blog, My Trendy Trail.

Oh, Amsterdam! 

The multi-culty Dutch capital is also known as “Venice of the North”. It has so much to offer visitors on all fronts. Whether it be culture, history, architecture, and food you are interested in, or simply looking to have a relaxing time exploring this stunning city, you will find it all here!

Did you know that Amsterdam has 165 canals, 1281 bridges, and no less than seventy-five museums for you to choose from? I will give you a moment to let that sink in…

Spending a long weekend might not sound enough, however, planned well you will have a magical time. You will leave wanting more!

Amsterdam has been my home away from home for the past 18 years. I love how diverse, colourful, and charming it is. It has a big city appeal while being on the small and comfortable side. I hope you enjoy the itinerary I have put together for you! 

Practical information you need to know before going

COVID-19

This is unfortunately still very much a thing. Before you book your flight, please make sure you know what the latest Corona rules and regulations in The Netherlands are. Make sure you have the right documentation with you and don’t forget to have travel insurance, including a cancellation close. 

The best time to visit Amsterdam

The best time is spring through to summer. Mid-May to early September will be the safest bet weather-wise.

NOTE: The weather in The Netherlands changes quite rapidly and is not as reliable as you might be accustomed to. Some days you can have two seasons within a few hours. April to October, for example, can be fabulous too, however, it can also be rainy and grey, there is no way to predict accurately in advance.

How to get around Amsterdam

Amsterdam is easy to explore. It is small and very accessible. 
A fantastic way to explore the city is by biking your way around. A word to the wise: Please be careful! Bike around only if you know how to bike, Amsterdam is not the place to learn. The locals ride their bikes like no one else you have ever encountered! They have, unfortunately, zero tolerance for tourists on bikes. There are a few good and reliable companies you can rent your bike from situated in central Amsterdam:

Rent-a-bike 

Macbike 

Yellow Bikes

PRO TIP! Renting a bike for the day? Make sure you lock your bike to something if possible whenever you park. Bikes go missing very quickly here even rental ones, trust me!

Public transportation

It is frequent, on time, and accessible throughout the city; buses, metro, or trams.

Important: To be able to use Amsterdam’s public transportation you will need a tourist OV-Chipcard. Buying your ticket in cash on the tram, bus, or metro is no longer possible! If there is a conductor on the tram, you may purchase a card using your debit card but not cash.

You can buy a single-use tourist chipcard or an anonymous OV-Chipkaart at public transport service desks or from the ticket vending machines in stations. Depending on how often you plan to take public transportation, it may make sense to opt for a 24-hour ticket. Usually, it is cheaper this way compared with buying single cards each time.

You will need to scan the card when you get on and when you get off the tram, bus, or metro. Failing to do so means your card is invalid for your next trip. I can’t tell you how many tourists I have seen arguing on the tram, saying they bought their card only 10 minutes ago and so it must still be valid.

Wandering the cobbled pretty streets on foot is always an excellent choice. This way you get the feel of the place and find hidden gems while you’re at it.

Uber is widely used across the city. You can opt for a taxi but make sure the rate is arranged beforehand. It could also work to your advantage if you show you know how to get to your destination, it will discourage your driver from taking you on the long “scenic route”. 

PRO TIP FOR SOLO TRAVELERS: I always act on the side of caution when taking a taxi. I have someone on the phone with me during my ride. There have been stories about taxi drivers trying to hit on female passengers, this way you can avoid that type of unwanted attention.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Great neighbourhoods I recommend staying in addition to the city centre are Museumplein, Plantage Middenlaan, and De Pijp. All are central, buzzing with good vibes and things to see and do. From here most of the city’s must-see attractions are within easy access. 

Check out these gorgeous boutique hotels! It will be quite the experience, I guarantee it!

Andaz Amsterdam

The Hoxton

The Lancaster

The Pulitzer

You can pay with a debit card almost everywhere in Amsterdam as well as with credit cards though not in every shop. I would recommend having some cash with you for small purchases, local markets, taxis, and emergencies.

Yes, you are expected to tip in Amsterdam! For some strange reason people tend to think that the Dutch don’t tip well, but we do! We tip between 10-12% in restaurants and bars.

Carry a reusable water bottle when you are sightseeing in Amsterdam. This is not only cheaper and more convenient, but it is also a more sustainable way to travel. This way you won’t have to purchase plastic drink bottles when out and about.

Have an adaptor with you for all your electronic devices. 

The cheapest way to have internet when abroad is by purchasing a local SIM card for your phone. Internet access is great for sharing fab pics on social media, for navigation, online purchases, parking, as well as safety reasons. 

Get an iAmsterdam City Card and save money! The iAmsterdam City Card is a pre-paid pass and discount card to museums and other Amsterdam attractions around the city. It also gives you free access to public transport. If you plan to visit museums and attractions during your visit, it is worth checking their free entry and discounted admission list. You can buy it at the airport or tourist information offices.

Safety tips

Don’t buy drugs from street dealers. If you want to explore the wild side while staying in the legal safe zone, stick to your local coffee shop or smart shop. 

Please do not walk around with valuables in your back pocket or any pocket for that matter. I see tourists putting their phones for example in their back pockets as they probably do at home. In busy touristic areas, this is not a clever move.

Beware of pickpocketers especially on public transportation.

Have your hotel’s address and phone number with you when you are on the go.

Day 1 in Amsterdam

Start your day off with a walk in Vondel park; our (mini) version of Central Park. A green lung in the heart of the city; trees, grass, water, and ducks, all very calming indeed. During spring and summer, the park is buzzing with energy, live concerts during weekend evenings are a fun experience. Vondel Park is where the locals’ jog, hang out with their friends, relax on the water’s edge, sunbathe, and have picnics.

PRO TIP! Try to find a sculpture by Picasso called ‘The Bird’ made in 1965 to commemorate the park 100th birthday.

You can have an enjoyable breakfast or a coffee break at the Vondelpark3 restaurant. You will have views of the park from their gorgeous terrace. 

Walk through P.C Hoofdstraat, Amsterdam’s Rodeo Drive if you will. Beautifully chic boutiques. Continue to the Museum Quarter for your cultural fix. The Rijks Museum, The Stedelijk (modern art museum), Van Gogh, and Moco are situated here.

Options for a delicious lunch in the area

• Have lunch where calories don’t count, and the food is to die for ~ The Corner Bakery. They are famous for their freak shakes and beautiful pancakes. 
• MOMO: A stylish hotspot in the Park Hotel offering Asian dishes. 
• Fenicie: Lebanese cuisine done so well! 
• For the sushi lovers: SUMO has an ‘All you can eat’ concept, delicious! They feature a large menu to choose from including meat, fish, seafood, and noodles, it’s great value for money. 
• For sandwiches, salads, poke bowls, burgers and finger food check out Café in the city 

Continue walking toward Leidse Square & Leidsestraat which will take you into the centre of the city while crossing the major canal belt of the city. Walk through the Flower Market and turn right towards Rembrandt Square. On sunny days, the terraces are packed with people enjoying the sunshine.

Continue straight ahead and cross the Blue Bridge. This bridge has the most beautiful views of them all! You can see the famous Skinny Bridge and the Amstel River on the one side, and typical Dutch architecture on the other- It’s magical! 

There are many markets in Amsterdam, my personal favourite and most authentic in my view is Waterloo Square Market. It is about 5-minute walk from the bridge, behind City Hall. There are many treasures to be found here. You can also walk around the Plantage neighbourhood and what was the Jewish Quarter before the horrors of WWII hit. 

I’m sure wandering around the city has given you a serious appetite for food as well as a cold beer or a beautiful cocktail.

Enjoy dinner in one of these hotspots

• WesterVilla
• TOZI: Italian delights.
• MaMa Kelly
• 5 & 33: Where food and art meet.
• Satchmo: Good food, stylish decor, and ambiance.

Cool bars to enjoy drinks at

• The top floor of the W Hotel
• The Sky Lounge at the Hilton Hotel
• The legendary Door 74
• Hiding in Plain Sight

Day 2 in Amsterdam

Stroll through the Jordaan neighbourhood: picturesque, colorful narrow streets along the canals that hold such charm. You can find modern art galleries you can peek through while exploring the streets. What started originally as a working-class area has become one of the most expensive and upscale neighbourhoods in the country, yes, that’s right. The 9 Streets are not too far. Nice to walk through and explore unique boutiques, vintage stores, and have a pitstop in one of the small cosy cafes.

Visit the Anne Frank House and the nearby Westerkerk. This is a large church located next door to Anne Frank’s house. The tower connected to the church is mentioned in her diary. If you climb to the top spectacular panoramic views of Amsterdam await.

Time for a lunch break! In the Magna Plaza, you’ll find the Food Department. Situated on the top floor of this iconic building you’ll find an indoor culinary market showcasing delights from around the world. Little stores selling Mediterranean, Chinese, seafood, and other delish dishes including beer and champagne bars.

Afternoons are perfect for taking a cruise, granted it is a very touristy thing to do, Amsterdam from the water is so different from what you see on land…It takes about 45 minutes and I highly recommend it! You can walk to the iconic Dam Square and the Royal Palace, walk 5 minutes further towards central station and you’ll find many cruise stations.

Take the ferry from behind central station (it’s free) to the other side of the water called Amsterdam Noord. Go up the ADAM Tower: spectacular views, restaurants, and one major attraction await you ~ The swing on the edge of the 22 floors, 100 meters up! Not for the faint-hearted, after all, it’s the highest swing in Europe!

It is a good place to spend the evening. Restaurants, bars, and glorious water/city views. 

MADAM has DJs playing during weekends. 

Day 3 In Amsterdam

Head to the Albert Cuyp Market in the Pijp, that’s always fun. Here you can taste Dutch delicacies such as herring, stroopwafels, and Bitterballen. You can visit the Heineken Brewery nearby if you’re interested in beer. You’ll learn about the history of the brand, beer production and of course, have a taste.

Stroll through the Sarphati Park located just off the market. Perfect for some R&R.

Lunch tips for this area: Little Collins or CT Coffee & Coconuts.

Walk along the Amstel River back to the city centre. You visit Nieuwmarkt, also known as China Town. The highlights here are the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple and De Waag. In the old days, this is where they used to weigh the goods coming into the city.

Visit The Begijnhof. This is a hidden courtyard right in the heart of the city. In fact, it’s located just off the main shopping street though you would never guess it’s there.

Bonus Tip! If you have extra time visit the Lord in the attic museum. This is probably the best hidden church in town. This unique museum stretches over three canal houses dating back to the 17th-century. These houses were secretly connected at a time when Catholics could not freely practise their religion in the Netherlands.

It is your last night in Amsterdam, why not sign off in style!

• Have drinks while watching the sunset in the Okura Hotel. 
• Have delicious Tel Aviv Street food in BARADAK
• IZAKAYA: Asian Kitchen & Bar
• The Harbor Club is fantastic on all fronts, stylish design, beautiful food and upscale service.
• Lion Noir: This restaurant’s amazing terrace is a hidden gem in Amsterdam as you can’t see it from the front…They have a beautifully manicured garden in the back serving delicious food, cocktails, and wine.

I wish you a wonderful stay in Amsterdam!

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We want to thank Diti for coming back to our blog after her great post on Tel-Aviv! Make sure to check it out if you haven’t done so yet.

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