Amsterdam, Netherlands 5 Day Itinerary

Amsterdam 5-Day Itinerary: A Comprehensive Guide

Day 1: Arrival & Central Amsterdam Exploration

  • Arrival: Schiphol Airport is the primary airport serving Amsterdam. You can reach the city center by train (approximately 20 minutes) or a taxi/ride-hailing service.

  • Accommodation: Depending on your budget, consider staying at hotels like Pulitzer Amsterdam (luxury), Hotel V Nesplein (mid-range), or Flying Pig Downtown (budget).

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam near Dam Square.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces from artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer. Then, stroll around Museumplein and head towards the Van Gogh Museum nearby.

  • Evening: Take a leisurely boat trip on the Canal Ring (Prinsengracht, Herengracht, and Keizersgracht). Enjoy dinner at Brouwerij ’t IJ, a brewery located near the Nieuwmarkt square.

Day 2: Museums & Alternative Amsterdam

  • Morning: Visit the Anne Frank House. Book tickets online to avoid queues. For lunch, try the sandwich shop Stach.

  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy neighborhood of De Pijp, known for its vibrant markets and eateries. Don’t miss Albert Cuyp Market and Foodhallen.

  • Evening: Head to the hip area of Jordaan and grab dinner at one of its many cozy restaurants like Winkel 43 or CafĂ© de Jordaan.

Day 3: Biking & Parks

  • Morning: Rent a bike (there are numerous rental shops around the city) and explore Vondelpark. Have lunch at one of the food trucks inside the park.

  • Afternoon: Visit Artis Zoo or the Botanical Gardens. In the afternoon, bike to the eastern part of Amsterdam to see the beautiful residential area of Oostelijk Havengebied.

  • Evening: Dinner at Pllek, a restaurant built on recycled materials overlooking the IJ river. Afterward, enjoy the nightlife in nearby NDSM Wharf.

Day 4: Day Trip to Zaanse Schans & Volendam

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Zaanse Schans (cheese, clogs, and windmills) and the picturesque fishing village of Volendam.

  • Afternoon: Return to Amsterdam and spend some time at the NEMO Science Museum.

  • Evening: Have dinner at De Kas, a restaurant located inside a greenhouse where the chefs grow their own ingredients.

Day 5: Unusual Amsterdam & Departure

  • Morning: Visit the Houseboat Museum and The Torture Museum. For lunch, try traditional Dutch food at De Luwte in Jordaan.

  • Afternoon: Spend your last hours shopping for souvenirs or exploring any remaining areas you haven’t visited yet. Depending on your flight schedule, head back to the airport.