Dubai → Amsterdam: Holiday Itinerary (28 Dec 2025 – 3 Jan 2026)
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions (28 Dec)
Morning: Arrive at Schiphol Airport and take the train to your hotel in the city centre. Settle in, freshen up, and enjoy a quick stroll along the nearby Dam Square to soak up the festive decorations.
Afternoon: Wander through the historic Royal Palace and explore the surrounding shopping streets, stopping for a warm Dutch apple cake at a local café.
Evening: Dine at a canal‑side restaurant and take an introductory Evening Canal Cruise to see the illuminated bridges and houses.
Find HotelsDay 2: Museum Quarter (29 Dec)
Morning: Visit the world‑renowned Rijksmuseum, marveling at Dutch Golden Age masterpieces and the iconic “Night Watch”.
Afternoon: Head next door to the Van Gogh Museum for an immersive experience of the painter’s most famous works.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in the lively Leidseplein area, followed by a brief walk to admire the festive lights of the nearby Vondelpark.
Find HotelsDay 3: Historical Heart (30 Dec)
Morning: Explore the moving Anne Frank House, booking tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
Afternoon: Stroll through the charming Jordaan district**, visiting boutique shops, art galleries, and the historic Westerkerk church.
Evening: Sample traditional Dutch cuisine at a cozy restaurant in the De Pijp neighbourhood, then finish the night with a drink at a local brewery.
Find HotelsDay 4: Modern Amsterdam (31 Dec – New Year’s Eve)
Morning: Discover contemporary culture at the Eye Film Museum**, located on the waterfront with striking architecture.
Afternoon: Take the free ferry to A'DAM Lookout for panoramic city views and, if you’re daring, try the “Over the Edge” swing.
Evening: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Nieuwmarkt, where live music, fireworks over the canals, and a festive crowd create a memorable night.
Find HotelsDay 5: Day Trip to Zaanse Schans (1 Jan – New Year’s Day)
Morning: Board a train to the wind‑mill village of Zaanse Schans, wandering among historic mills, cheese farms, and wooden shoe workshops.
Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Dutch lunch by the river, then visit the Zaans Museum for insight into the region’s industrial heritage.
Evening: Return to Amsterdam and unwind with a quiet dinner in the Haarlemmerstraat area, reflecting on the day’s sights.
Find HotelsDay 6: Shopping & Leisure (2 Jan)
Morning: Browse the upscale boutiques of Kalverstraat and the historic department store De Bijenkorf for souvenirs.
Afternoon: Relax in the winter‑lit Vondelpark, perhaps ice‑skating at the nearby rink, and sip hot chocolate at a park café.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a canal‑front restaurant, tasting fresh seafood and Dutch specialties.
Find HotelsDay 7: Departure (3 Jan)
Morning: Take a leisurely walk along the Amsterdam Canals, capturing final photos of the picturesque bridges and houseboats.
Afternoon: Check out of the hotel and head to Schiphol Airport via train, allowing plenty of time for security and duty‑free shopping.
Evening: Board your flight back to Dubai, carrying memories of a magical winter in Amsterdam.
Find HotelsTime and Cost Estimates
- Dam Square – 1 hour – €0 (free)
- Royal Palace – 1.5 hours – €10
- Evening Canal Cruise – 1 hour – €20
- Rijksmuseum – 3 hours – €20
- Van Gogh Museum – 2.5 hours – €19
- Anne Frank House – 2 hours – €14
- Jordaan district – 2 hours – €0 (free)
- De Pijp – 2 hours – €0 (free)
- Eye Film Museum – 2 hours – €13
- A'DAM Lookout – 1.5 hours – €15
- Nieuwmarkt (New Year’s Eve) – 4 hours – €0 (free, optional drinks)
- Zaanse Schans – 5 hours – €15 (train + entry)
- Zaans Museum – 1.5 hours – €12
- Kalverstraat & De Bijenkorf – 3 hours – €0 (shopping)
- Vondelpark (Ice‑skating) – 2 hours – €10 (rink ticket)
- Amsterdam Canals (final walk) – 1 hour – €0 (free)
- Transportation (trains, trams, metro) – 7 days – €60
- Meals (average €30 per day) – 7 days – €210
- Accommodation (mid‑range hotel) – 6 nights – €720 Total Estimated Cost: €1,108
Tips
If you have extra days, consider adding a day trip to the historic city of Utrecht or the coastal town of Zandvoort for beach scenery. For a shorter stay, you could combine Day 4 and Day 5 by visiting Zaanse Schans in the morning and returning for an afternoon at the Rijksmuseum, trimming the itinerary to five full days without missing the main highlights.