Amsterdam, Netherlands-7-day-itinerary

Amsterdam Travel Itinerary (7 Days)

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Center

Places to Visit:

  • Dam Square: Start your journey at Dam Square, a lively square surrounded by cafes, shops, and street performers. Here you’ll find the Royal Palace of Amsterdam.
  • Nieuwe Kerk (New Church): Located next to the palace, this church is known for its beautiful architecture.

Activities:

  • Explore the local markets and shops around the square.
  • Take a stroll through the surrounding streets to get a feel for the city’s charm.

Where to Eat:

  • De Kas: For dinner, try De Kas, a restaurant located in a former greenhouse. It serves modern Dutch cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Asterisk: Consider staying at Hotel Asterisk, which is conveniently located near the city center and offers stylish rooms at a reasonable price.

Day 2: Canals and Jordaan Neighborhood

Places to Visit:

  • Canal Boat Tour: Start your day with a leisurely boat tour of Amsterdam’s canals. This will give you a unique perspective on the city.
  • Anne Frank House: After the boat tour, visit the Anne Frank House, where the famous Jewish girl and her family hid during WWII. The museum is located in the house where they lived.

Activities:

  • Wander through the charming Jordaan neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, picturesque canals, and trendy boutiques.
  • Visit the Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes), a shopping area with a variety of unique shops selling everything from handmade jewelry to antique items.

Where to Eat:

  • Café Papeneiland: For lunch, try Café Papeneiland, a cozy spot located in the Jordaan neighborhood. It serves traditional Dutch cuisine.
  • De Pijp: In the evening, head to De Pijp, a lively area with many bars and restaurants.

Day 3: Art and Culture

Places to Visit:

  • Rijksmuseum: Spend your day exploring the Rijksmuseum, which houses an impressive collection of Dutch art, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
  • Stedelijk Museum: After lunch, visit the Stedelijk Museum, which focuses on modern and contemporary art.

Activities:

  • Take a stroll through the beautiful Vondelpark, located near the museums.
  • Visit the EYE Film Museum, a unique museum that shows classic films in a unique setting.

Where to Eat:

  • The Pancake House: Try The Pancake House for breakfast or lunch. It serves delicious pancakes and waffles.
  • De Kas: For dinner, consider returning to De Kas for another meal.

Day 4: Amsterdam’s Green Spaces

Places to Visit:

  • Vondelpark: Spend the day exploring Vondelpark, a beautiful green space with plenty of walking paths and picnic areas. You can also rent a boat and enjoy the park from the water.
  • Westerpark: After lunch, visit Westerpark, another green oasis in the heart of Amsterdam.

Activities:

  • Take a bike ride through the city’s many parks and green spaces.
  • Visit the Tropenmuseum, a museum that showcases art and artifacts from around the world.

Where to Eat:

  • De Pijp: For lunch, head back to De Pijp for more food options.
  • Haesje Claes: Try Haesje Claes for dinner. It’s a cozy restaurant with traditional Dutch cuisine.

Day 5: Food and Drink

Places to Visit:

  • Albert Cuyp Market: Start your day at the Albert Cuyp Market, a bustling outdoor market selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.
  • The Jordaan neighborhood: Explore the charming streets of the Jordaan neighborhood, known for its specialty food shops and cafes.

Activities:

  • Take a food tour to sample some of Amsterdam’s best cuisine.
  • Visit the Heineken Experience, a museum that showcases the history of the famous beer brand.

Where to Eat:

  • The Foodhallen: For lunch, try The Foodhallen, a unique food hall with many vendors selling everything from burgers to salads.
  • De Kas: Consider returning to De Kas for dinner.

Day 6: Amsterdam’s Outer Neighborhoods

Places to Visit:

  • De Pijp neighborhood: Spend the day exploring the trendy De Pijp neighborhood, known for its street art, independent shops, and bars.
  • The Oosterdok neighborhood: After lunch, visit the Oosterdok neighborhood, which offers a more local experience with many cafes and shops.

Activities:

  • Take a walk along the Amsterdam Canal Ring, a scenic path that follows the city’s canals.
  • Visit the Hermitage Museum Amsterdam, a museum that showcases art from around the world.

Where to Eat:

  • De Pijp: For lunch, head back to De Pijp for more food options.
  • Haesje Claes: Try Haesje Claes for dinner.

Day 7: Last Day in Amsterdam

Places to Visit:

  • The Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt): Spend your last morning at the Flower Market, a unique outdoor market selling flowers and souvenirs.
  • The Spui neighborhood: After breakfast, visit the Spui neighborhood, which offers a more local experience with many cafes and shops.

Activities:

  • Take a final stroll through the city’s charming streets.
  • Visit the Anne Frank House one last time to reflect on your journey.

Where to Eat:

  • The Pancake House: Try The Pancake House for breakfast or lunch.
  • De Kas: Consider returning to De Kas for another meal, or try somewhere new.

Transportation:

  • Schiphol Airport: If you’re flying in, Schiphol Airport is the main airport serving Amsterdam.
  • Trams and Buses: Amsterdam has an excellent public transportation system, including trams and buses that cover most areas of the city. You can also use a tram to get from the airport to your accommodation.
  • Bicycles: Renting a bike is a great way to explore the city.

Tips:

  • Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable weather. Bring an umbrella, raincoat, or sunscreen as needed.
  • Crowds: Amsterdam can be crowded, especially during peak season. Plan accordingly and consider visiting popular spots early in the morning or later in the evening.
  • Respect Local Customs: Respect local customs, especially when visiting churches or other cultural sites.

Other Things to Know:

  • Language: Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands, but many people speak English as a second language. You may still encounter some language barriers, especially among older locals.
  • Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency of the Netherlands.
  • Emergency Services: If you need emergency services, dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire department assistance.

This itinerary provides a good balance of culture, history, food, and entertainment to give you a well-rounded experience in Amsterdam. Enjoy your trip!