Amsterdam in 3 days

Start at the Rijksmuseum on Museumplein to see Dutch Golden Age masterpieces including Rembrandt’s Night Watch; arrive early to avoid lines. After the Rijksmuseum, walk across the square to the Van Gogh Museum for the largest collection of his works and insightful context about his life.

Stroll through Vondelpark and grab lunch at one of the park cafés or nearby de Vondeltuin. Continue to the nearby Stedelijk Museum if you enjoy modern and contemporary art, or relax with a canal-side coffee along the Singelgracht.

Head to the De Pijp neighborhood for dinner—try traditional Dutch fare or modern international restaurants around Albert Cuypmarkt. Finish with drinks at a cozy brown café like Café de Dauphine or a craft beer bar such as Brouwerij 't IJ (nearby in East via a short tram).

Begin at Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht; book timed tickets well in advance and allow at least 90 minutes for the visit. Afterward, walk the nearby canal belt (Grachtengordel) to admire 17th-century canal houses and the Westerkerk tower.

Take a casual canal cruise departing from a dock near the Prinsengracht or Leidseplein to see the UNESCO-listed canals from the water. Get off near the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) for boutique shopping and a light late-afternoon snack at a local café.

Dine in the Jordaan district, choosing from cozy restaurants on Noordermarkt or Lindengracht. For a mellow evening, enjoy live folk or jazz at a small venue like Cafe t Smalle or a canal-side walk to admire illuminated bridges.

Visit Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp for stroopwafels, cheeses, and local produce; if you prefer indoor markets, try Foodhallen for diverse stalls. Walk up to Sarphatipark for a short refresh before heading north across the Amstel River to the modern Zuidas or the creative NDSM Wharf (take the free ferry from behind Central Station if going north).

Explore the Hermitage Amsterdam or the Rembrandt House Museum depending on your interest; both sit within easy tram distance of the center. If you go to NDSM Wharf, check out street art, the A’DAM Tower (and its lookout/’Over the Edge’ swing), and waterfront cafés.

For a final-night dinner, return to the city center to try a canal-view restaurant near the Leidsegracht or Keizersgracht. Finish with a visit to a music venue—Paradiso near Leidseplein for concerts or Melkweg for club nights—depending on your taste.