5-Day Comprehensive Netherlands Itinerary: Explore Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht & Beyond

Day 1: Explore Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Start your day with delicious Dutch pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam, known for its variety and cozy setting, open from 8am to 6pm.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Rijksmuseum

Explore the world-famous Rijksmuseum, housing masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. The museum opens at 9am and closes at 5pm.
EUR20, 2h

11:45am

Walk through Vondelpark

Enjoy a relaxing stroll in Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest park, ideal for a peaceful break amidst greenery.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Foodhallen

Discover diverse culinary options at Foodhallen, an indoor food market open from 11am to midnight, perfect for a vibrant lunch experience.
EUR15-25, 1h

2:30pm

Anne Frank House

Visit the poignant Anne Frank House to learn about the history of World War II and the Jewish experience; tickets must be booked in advance. Open 9am-10pm.
EUR14, 1h30m

4:15pm

Canal Cruise

Experience Amsterdam by water on a scenic canal cruise departing regularly until 8pm, offering unique perspectives of the city’s architecture.
EUR18, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at De Kas

Dine at De Kas, a farm-to-table restaurant housed in a greenhouse serving fresh seasonal dishes, open until 10pm.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 2: Utrecht Culture & History

Utrecht, Netherlands on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Gys

Enjoy organic and vegan-friendly breakfast at Gys, open from 7:30am, perfect for starting a day in Utrecht.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Travel Amsterdam to Utrecht by train

A convenient and fast train ride taking about 30 minutes connects Amsterdam Central to Utrecht Central.
EUR13, 0h30m

10:00am

Dom Tower Climb

Climb the iconic Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, for spectacular views. Open 10am-5pm.
EUR9, 1h

11:30am

Explore Museum Speelklok

Discover a unique collection of self-playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok, open until 5pm.
EUR15, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Broei

Savor delicious contemporary dishes at Broei, located close to the canals, open for lunch 11am-3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Canal Walk and Oudegracht

Stroll along the historic Oudegracht canal with its unique wharfs and waterside cafes.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Railway Museum Visit

Visit the Utrecht Railway Museum, known for its interactive displays and vintage trains. Open 10am-5pm.
EUR17, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Karel 5

Enjoy fine dining at the historic Grand Hotel Karel V, offering a blend of classic and modern Dutch cuisine, open until 10pm.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 3: Rotterdam Modern & Maritime

Rotterdam, Netherlands on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Baker & Moer

Start early with fresh organic bread and coffee at Baker & Moer, open from 7am.
EUR10, 1h

8:45am

Train Utrecht to Rotterdam

Convenient and quick train travel takes around 40 minutes from Utrecht to Rotterdam.
EUR15, 0h40m

9:30am

Visit Markthal

Explore the iconic Markthal, a massive market hall with eateries, fresh produce, and striking architecture, open 10am-8pm.
Free entry, 1h

11:00am

Cube Houses Tour

See the innovative Cube Houses by architect Piet Blom and visit the Kijk-Kubus museum to experience inside a cube house.
EUR3, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Fenix Food Factory

Dine at Fenix Food Factory, a popular indoor food hall featuring local vendors and craft beers, open 10am-6pm.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:00pm

Maritime Museum Rotterdam

Explore Rotterdam’s maritime history at this interactive museum, open 10am-5pm.
EUR16, 1h30m

4:00pm

Erasmus Bridge Walk

Walk across the iconic Erasmus Bridge to enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and the river.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Parkheuvel

Dine at the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Parkheuvel, famous for exquisite international cuisine, reservation recommended.
Approx EUR120, 2h
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Day 4: The Hague Museums & Coast

The Hague, Netherlands on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Anne & Max

Enjoy healthy breakfast choices with local ingredients at Anne & Max, open from 8am.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Train Rotterdam to The Hague

Travel by train from Rotterdam to The Hague in about 20 minutes for a smooth transition.
EUR9, 0h20m

9:45am

Mauritshuis Museum

Admire classic Dutch masterpieces including Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring; open 10am-6pm.
EUR16, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll in the Binnenhof

Visit the historical Dutch parliamentary complex and the charming Binnenhof courtyard, free and open all day.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bistro Hop & Stork

Enjoy fresh seafood by the harbor at Bistro Hop & Stork, open for lunch and dinner, with hours from 12pm to 10pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Scheveningen Beach

Relax or take a walk by the North Sea on Scheveningen Beach, a 15-minute tram ride from the city center.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Panorama Mesdag

Experience the 360-degree panoramic painting of Scheveningen Beach, open until 6pm.
EUR12, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Calla’s

Enjoy dinner at Michelin-starred Calla’s Restaurant featuring contemporary French cuisine, open till 10pm.
Approx EUR90, 2h
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Day 5: Final Day in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bakers & Roasters

Enjoy a New Zealand style brunch with a Dutch twist, open from 8am.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Travel The Hague to Amsterdam by train

Return to Amsterdam by train in approximately 50 minutes.
EUR15, 0h50m

11:00am

Visit Van Gogh Museum

Explore the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh artworks, open 9am to 6pm.
EUR19, 2h

1:15pm

Lunch at Café Winkel 43

Taste the renowned Dutch apple pie at Café Winkel 43, with a warm atmosphere and great coffee.
EUR12, 1h

2:30pm

Shopping and Leisure at De Negen Straatjes

Explore the charming 'Nine Streets' neighborhood full of boutique shops, cafes, and galleries.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Jordaan District

Wander the quaint streets, craft shops, and art galleries in this picturesque area of Amsterdam.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Moeders

Enjoy traditional Dutch home-style cooking, a perfect farewell dinner spot open until 9pm.
EUR30, 2h
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