Netherlands 3 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital city and one of the most popular destinations in the Netherlands.
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Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings. (Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is also worth visiting if you’re interested in modern and contemporary art.)
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Afternoon: Explore the historic Canal Ring area by taking a canal cruise. Don’t forget to snap some photos at iconic landmarks like Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, and the houseboats!
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Evening: Stroll through the vibrant Jordaan District, where you can find charming boutiques, galleries, and cozy restaurants. Visit the Noorderkerk for a breathtaking sunset view over the city.
Things to Know:
- Language: Dutch (Nederlands), but English is widely spoken.
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Tipping: Service charge is usually included in bills, but rounding up is appreciated if the service was good.
- Emergency Number: 112
- Public WiFi: Freely available at many locations like cafes, museums, and city hotspots.
Day 2: The Hague & Delft
The Hague (Den Haag) is the political capital of the Netherlands and home to many international institutions. Delft is a historic university town famous for its blue pottery.
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Morning: Visit The Hague’s Binnenhof, home to the Dutch parliament, and explore the Peace Palace. Then, head over to the Mauritshuis Museum to see works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and other Masters.
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Afternoon: Travel to Delft (15 minutes by train) and visit the iconic New Church where the royal family is buried. Wander through the historic city center, shop for Delft Blue pottery, or relax at one of the charming canalside cafes.
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Evening: Return to The Hague and have dinner at a local restaurant in Scheveningen, the seaside resort area. Don’t miss trying Dutch herring!
Day 3: Rotterdam & Kinderdijk
Rotterdam is a modern city with an impressive skyline, while Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the historic Dutch water management system.
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Morning: Spend your morning in Rotterdam exploring the Erasmus Bridge, Markthal, and the Cube Houses. Visit the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen for an impressive collection of art and sculptures.
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Afternoon: Head to Kinderdijk (45 minutes by train) to see the famous windmills lined up along the Alblasserwaard polder. Take a guided tour to learn more about Dutch water management history.
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Evening: Return to Amsterdam for your final night. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Dutch restaurant or try some street food at Albert Cuyp Market, Europe’s largest outdoor market.
Visa Requirements: If you’re from outside the EU/Schengen area, you may need a Schengen Visa to enter the Netherlands. Check with your local Dutch embassy or consulate to confirm requirements and application procedures.
Transportation: The Netherlands has an excellent public transportation system consisting of trains, trams, buses, and ferries. Use the 9292.nl journey planner to plan your trips easily. Bicycles are also a popular way to explore the cities.