Start your Amsterdam exploration with a relaxing 1-hour canal boat tour, an excellent way to see Amsterdam's charming architecture and scenic canals. After the tour, head to the must-visit Rijksmuseum to admire the artworks by the Dutch Masters, including Rembrandt and Vermeer. The museum also houses many other impressive collections spanning the Middle Ages to modern art.
Unleash your artistic side by visiting the Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh's work on the planet. Next, explore Amsterdam's history by visiting the Anne Frank House, which hosts exhibits exploring the life and legacy of Anne Frank, the Jewish girl who wrote a diary while hiding from the Nazis. Complete the day by discovering Amsterdam's hippest neighborhood, Jordaan, brimming with trendy cafes, contemporary galleries, and picturesque canals.
Spend the last day enjoying Amsterdam's diverse shopping, cultural, and natural offerings. Start by relaxing in the 120-acre Vondelpark, a gorgeous green lung right in the city center. Next, head to Albert Cuyp Market, one of Amsterdam's street markets and the perfect place to sample street food, buy souvenirs, or simply people-watch. End the day at the Red Light District Museum, a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of Amsterdam's infamous red-light district, offering visitors an insight into the area's evolution, culture, and politics.
Amsterdam is a compact city, and many of its landmarks are easily accessible on foot or by bike. Renting bikes is affordable and easy in Amsterdam, and it's a fun and quintessential way to get around. Alternatively, Amsterdam's public transportation network includes trams, buses, and metro lines. A 24-hour ticket costs €8.50 and it's valid on all public transport.
If you have more time, consider visiting the nearby picturesque towns of Volendam and Zaanse Schans, or take a day trip to the fairytale city of Bruges, Belgium. Alternatively, if you have less time, prioritize the must-visit attractions, such as Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is Amsterdam's main airport, located approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam. Schiphol is Europe's third-busiest airport, serving over 300 destinations worldwide. The airport has excellent transport links with Amsterdam Centraal Station, taking around 15-20 minutes by train or taxi.