Netherlands-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam

  • Place: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
  • Time: Arrive at any time depending on your flight schedule
  • Activity: Pick up your luggage and take the train or bus to your hotel (approximately 20-30 minutes)
  • Thing to know: Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially at the airport and train stations.
  • Transportation: Take the NS train or a taxi from the airport to your destination. You can also use the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus service
  • Accommodation: Check-in to your hotel and rest after the long flight

Day 2: Explore Amsterdam

  • Place: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and Vondelpark
  • Time: Spend the day exploring these iconic attractions (approximately 9am-6pm)
  • Activity: Visit the world-famous paintings of Rembrandt, Van Gogh’s art studio, and learn about the Jewish history at the Anne Frank House. Take a stroll in Vondelpark for some relaxation.
  • Thing to know: Be prepared for crowds at these popular attractions and consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets or guided tours
  • Transportation: Use public transportation (tram 2, bus 170) or walk between destinations

Day 3: Amsterdam Canal Boat Tour

  • Place: Amsterdam’s picturesque canals (approximately 1pm-4pm)
  • Activity: Take a leisurely boat tour to see the city from a different perspective and admire its beautiful architecture
  • Thing to know: Be prepared for the possibility of rain and wind on the canal, but also enjoy the unique views and stories shared by your guide
  • Transportation: Depart from the canal nearest to your hotel or a designated departure point

Day 4: Explore Haarlem

  • Place: Haarlem (approximately 30 minutes by train from Amsterdam)
  • Time: Visit the Grote Markt, St. Bavo’s Church, and the Frans Hals Museum
  • Activity: Explore this charming town with its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant atmosphere
  • Thing to know: Be prepared for a shorter time in Haarlem as it is relatively smaller than Amsterdam. Consider staying overnight if you have time.
  • Transportation: Take the NS train from Amsterdam to Haarlem (approximately 10 minutes) and walk or use public transportation within the town.

Day 5: Return Journey

  • Place: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
  • Time: Depart for your international flight (depending on your schedule)
  • Thing to know: Double-check the time of your return flight, purchase any souvenirs you might have missed earlier in your trip, and avoid last-minute rush at the airport.
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or public transportation from your hotel back to Schiphol Airport for your departure.

Other Information:

  • Visa Requirements: Check if you need a visa to enter the Netherlands (currently available online through the Dutch government website)
  • Budget: Plan your budget accordingly, considering transportation, accommodation, food, and attractions. An average tourist can expect to spend around €500-€700 per day for two people
  • Additional Tips:
    • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
    • Learn a few basic Dutch phrases like “Dank je wel” (thank you) or “Hoe gaat het met u?” (how are you?).
    • Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.