7-Day Amsterdam Vacation Itinerary: Explore Canals, Culture, and Cuisine

Day 1: Arrival & City Center

Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 12, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Start your day with Dutch pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam near Centraal Station, known for traditional and international varieties. Open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR10-15, 1h

10:30am

Canal Cruise

Enjoy a 1-hour scenic canal cruise departing nearby to see Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal belt and historic architecture from the water.
EUR18, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Foodhallen

Eat lunch at Foodhallen, an indoor food market featuring diverse cuisines in a vibrant atmosphere. Open daily from 11:00am to midnight.
EUR15-25, 1h

1:30pm

Anne Frank House

Visit the Anne Frank House museum to learn about Anne Frank’s story and WWII history. Advance tickets are required. Open 9:00am to 10:00pm.
EUR14, 1.5h

4:00pm

Stroll Dam Square & Royal Palace

Walk around Dam Square to see the Royal Palace and vibrant street life. Free to visit the square; Palace tours cost extra.
EUR12 for Palace, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Moeders

Enjoy traditional Dutch cuisine at Moeders, known for homestyle dishes in a cozy setting. Open till 10:00pm.
EUR20-35, 1.5h
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Day 2: Museums & Jordaan

Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bakers & Roasters

Fuel up with brunch-style food and coffee at Bakers & Roasters, a popular café open from 8:00am.
EUR10-15, 1h

10:00am

Rijksmuseum

Explore the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm. Booking tickets ahead is recommended.
EUR20, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at RIJKS Restaurant

Dine at RIJKS Restaurant inside the museum for Dutch cuisine with fresh, local ingredients. Open 12:00pm to 3:00pm
EUR30-50, 1h

2:00pm

Van Gogh Museum

Visit the Van Gogh Museum to see the world’s largest collection of his paintings. Open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR19, 1.5h

4:00pm

Walk Through Jordaan Neighborhood

Explore the charming Jordaan district with its narrow streets, art galleries, and boutiques. Free to explore and soak in local life.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Winkel 43

Try famous apple pie and a relaxed meal at Winkel 43, a cozy café located in Jordaan.
EUR15-25, 1.5h
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Day 3: Art & Parks

Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vinnies

Enjoy organic, locally sourced breakfast dishes at Vinnies, a sustainable spot open from 8:00am.
EUR10-15, 1h

9:30am

Stedelijk Museum

Visit Stedelijk Museum for contemporary art and design. Open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR20, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch picnic at Vondelpark

Grab takeaway sandwiches or salads and enjoy a relaxing picnic at Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest urban park.
EUR10-15, 1h

1:30pm

Relax in Vondelpark

Spend leisure time walking or biking through Vondelpark’s green spaces and ponds. Free access.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Heineken Experience

Tour the historic Heineken brewery to learn brewing history with tastings included. Opens 10:30am to 7:30pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Seafood Bar

Savor fresh seafood at The Seafood Bar near Museumplein, open till 10:00pm.
EUR30-45, 1.5h
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Day 4: Historic & Modern East

Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club

Visit The Breakfast Club for hearty breakfast classics in a laid-back setting. Open from 8:00am.
EUR10-15, 1h

10:00am

NEMO Science Museum

Explore interactive exhibits and science demonstrations at NEMO, ideal for curious minds. Open 10:00am to 5:30pm.
EUR17.50, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Oosterdok Food Court

Enjoy casual dining with varied options at Oosterdok Food Court, located near the science museum.
EUR10-20, 1h

2:00pm

Walk along Eastern Docklands

Discover modern architecture and waterfront views in the Eastern Docklands neighborhood. Free to explore.
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Visit Artis Royal Zoo

Spend late afternoon at Artis Zoo, a historic zoo with a planetarium and aquarium. Open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR25, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at De Plantage

Dine at De Plantage for elegant meals in a leafy setting adjacent to Artis Zoo. Open till 10:00pm.
EUR30-50, 1.5h
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Day 5: Markets & Neighborhoods

Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Stach

Begin with a coffee and pastry at Stach, a trendy local chain open from 7:30am.
EUR8-12, 1h

9:30am

Albert Cuyp Market

Browse the lively Albert Cuyp Market, Amsterdam’s largest street market with food, crafts, and more. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Free entry, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Loetje

Famous for Dutch steak dishes, Café Loetje near the market offers a relaxed lunch atmosphere. Open all day till late.
EUR20-30, 1h

1:30pm

Explore De Pijp Neighborhood

Wander through the vibrant De Pijp area with boutiques, cafes, and street art. Free to explore.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Sarphatipark

Rest at Sarphatipark, a small green park in De Pijp, ideal for a peaceful afternoon break.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Lebanese Sajeria

Enjoy authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at The Lebanese Sajeria in De Pijp. Open for dinner till 11:00pm.
EUR20-35, 1.5h
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Day 6: Day Trip to Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans & Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 17, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Zaanse Schans

Take a 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaanse Schans, a scenic village with traditional windmills and Dutch crafts.
EUR7 round-trip, 0.5h

9:00am

Explore Windmills and Workshops

Tour working windmills, cheese farms, and clog makers to experience Dutch heritage. Most attractions open 9:00am to 5:00pm, some with small fees.
EUR10-15, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at De Kraai Pancake Restaurant

Enjoy lunch at De Kraai, a pancake restaurant offering local specialties near the windmills. Open 11:00am to 5:00pm.
EUR15-25, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Amsterdam

Take train back to Amsterdam to relax or explore more at your own pace.
Included above, 0.5h

4:00pm

Free time in Central Amsterdam

Spend the late afternoon revisiting favorite spots or shopping.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Café de Klos

Savor hearty ribs and Dutch BBQ at Café de Klos, a lively local favorite open till 11:00pm.
EUR25-40, 1.5h
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Day 7: Relax & Departure

Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Stooker Specialty Coffee Roasters

Have your final Amsterdam breakfast with specialty coffee and light bites at Stooker, open from 8:00am.
EUR8-12, 1h

10:00am

Take a Bike Tour or Rent a Bike

Explore lesser-known areas of Amsterdam like De Pijp or Oud-West biking through the city streets and parks. Bike rentals start around EUR15/day.
EUR15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Broodje Bert

Grab a delicious sandwich at Broodje Bert, a popular local sandwich spot open till mid-afternoon.
EUR8-15, 1h

2:00pm

Last-minute Shopping and Coffee

Pick up souvenirs or relax with coffee in central Amsterdam.
Varies, 2h

5:00pm

Departure preparations

Head to your accommodation to pack and prepare for your journey home.
N/A, Until departure
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