Commence your Amsterdam trip with visits to three iconic places that will provide insights into Amsterdam's rich history. Explore the lavishly decorated Royal Palace of Amsterdam, the former residence of the Dutch monarchy. Move on to the somber yet insightful Anne Frank House to learn about Anne's diary and the Nazi occupation. End your day by stepping back in time at Begijnhof, a fairytale-like enclosed courtyard of 14th century homes that used to be occupied mostly by lay Catholic women.
If you are an art lover, this day is for you. Begin by visiting the Van Gogh Museum, which holds the largest collection of Van Gogh's work in the world. The Rijksmuseum houses a vast collection of Dutch art and history with over 8,000 pieces of art and historical objects. Spend your afternoon taking a stroll in Vondelpark, a large public park with manicured gardens and ponds, coffee shops, and a rosarium.
Get ready to explore the most talked-about area in Amsterdam - the Red Light District. Besides a glance at the notorious sex industry, explore the area's hidden gems, such as the Dutch theater and the Oude Kerk, a Gothic-style Protestant church. Afterward, visit NEMO Science Museum, an interactive museum with fun science exhibits that cater to both adults and children.
End your trip by exploring the charming Jordaan neighborhood, which has several vintage shops, boutique stores, and galleries. Walk to the famed Bloemenmarkt, a floating flower market on the Singel canal. Cap off your Amsterdam experience with a leisurely canal cruise, and view the city from the water.
Most of the destinations on this itinerary are within walking distance, so you don't need to worry about spending money on public transportation or renting a car. However, if you prefer not to walk, use Amsterdam's public transportation system GVB, with trams, buses, and metro lines to navigate the city. Single-use tickets cost €3.20 for a one-hour trip or €8 for a day pass.
If you have more time, we suggest checking out the Hermitage Amsterdam, a branch museum of the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Shops and restaurants are compatible with all preferences in the 9 Streets area. If you are here during April, you have to stop at Keukenhof Gardens to experience the Tulip Festival. Unfortunately, if you have less time, you might want to cut visits to the museums in half or deprioritize and omit some items off your itinerary.
The Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is the largest airport in the Netherlands and one of the largest in Europe. It is 9 km southwest of Amsterdam's city center and is easily accessible by train, bus, or taxi. The train is the fastest mode of transportation and takes about 15 minutes to arrive at the Amsterdam Centraal Station in the city center.