Begin the day by strolling along the picturesque canals of Amsterdam. Start at the Anne Frank House to learn about the young diarist's experiences during WWII. From there, visit the Rijksmuseum to see a vast collection of Dutch art, including works by Vermeer and Rembrandt. Take a break for lunch at a local cafe before heading to the Van Gogh Museum to see the Dutch painter's most famous works. End the day with a relaxing canal boat tour.
Start the day at the Amsterdam Museum, located in a 17th-century building, and learn about the city's rich history. From there, head to the Rembrandt House Museum, where you can see the artist's former home and studio. Take a break for lunch at a nearby restaurant before visiting the Museum Het Rembrandthuis to learn more about the artist. End the day at the Begijnhof, one of Amsterdam's oldest inner courtyards and home to historic buildings and a tranquil garden.
Today, explore Amsterdam's alternative side. Start at the NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard turned creative hub, where you can see street art and grab lunch at one of the trendy cafes. From there, take a ferry to the Eye Filmmuseum, which hosts exhibitions and screenings. Afterward, head to the Heineken Experience for a tour of the brewery and tasting session. End the day with live music at the Paradiso, a famous music venue housed in a former church.
Take a break from the city today and explore Amsterdam's surrounding countryside. Start with a visit to the Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum with historic windmills, cheese-making demonstrations, and traditional crafts. From there, head to the Keukenhof Gardens, open seasonally from March to May, to see over seven million flowers in bloom. End the day with a visit to the Muiderslot Castle, a 14th-century castle with beautiful gardens and intricate architecture.
If you have more time, consider a day trip to Utrecht, a charming city located a short train ride from Amsterdam. If you have less time, skip the Keukenhof Gardens and spend more time exploring the city's museums.