The Best Things To Do In Amsterdam in 3 Days

3 days is the perfect amount of time to wander the charming capital city of Amsterdam.

Picture this. You take a stroll over the brick-laid bridge, looking over the intertwined canals. And there seem to be more bicycles than people.

Sprawling fields of tulips open up in front of you, and you can see windmills in the distance. It’s like you’ve stepped into your very own fairytale.

This is the magic Amsterdam, my friend.

Yes, you can’t ignore their open acceptance of soft drugs and sexuality. But let me assure you, there is so much more to Amsterdam beyond this reputation.

The best thing about Amsterdam is that it can check a lot of boxes for any type of traveler.

Do you like exploring historic places and taking in stunning architecture? How about learning about the art of cheese making and tasting the local food?

Or would you prefer to see the city while on a bicycle, as the locals do? Or, would like to spend the day in the quaint Dutch countryside.

No matter how you like to travel, here are incredible things to do in Amsterdam with only 3 days to explore.

If you need help planning out each day, check out the suggested daily itinerary after this list.

VISIT A CAFE

Amsterdam is not short on cafes, and you’ll find everything from the quirky to the cozy.

While there are many cafes to choose from, De Bakkerswinkel is at the top of my list. I can still remember our daily stop for an espresso and sausage pastry from this bakery, even years later.

Their central location is on the smaller side, and ideal for breakfast on the go. If you prefer a sit-down meal, you’ll want to go to their Amsterdam South or Zoetermeer location.

When looking for a cafe for coffee or breakfast, don’t look up directions for a “coffeeshop.” Coffeeshops in Amsterdam are places to smoke weed and socialize with friends.

DO A LOCAL FOOD TOUR

A local food tour is one of the best ways to welcome yourself to a new destination. You get to sample the food that makes up a culture and get to connect with the people who are so passionate about it.

A food tour like this one throughout the popular Jordaan neighborhood fits the bill.

But why take a food tour vs exploring on your own? You’ll even hear the stories behind the food you’re sampling to better remember your experience.

Plus your guide will share the hidden gems along the way that are often missed by the average tourist eye.

You’ll have an authentic experience of taking in the city alongside a local. So, skip the huge tour buses, and opt for a small group food tour instead.

TAKE A CANAL TOUR

After two days of experience-packed things to do in Amsterdam, you’ll want to rest your feet.

At the end of your day, hop on a canal tour with Those Dam Boat Guys. Yes, that is in fact their real business name.

And they are nothing like the generic canal boats you’ll line up ready to take on massive crowds.

Funny stories, insider tips, and a healthy dose of humor will make these canal tours a highlight of your trip. Book one during the day for the best way to take in the slights, or book one at night as the city started to shine.

CHEESE MAKING & TASTING

Did you know the production of cheese in the Netherlands dates back to 80 BC? Even if you book a food tour, a separate cheese tasting is well worth your time on your next visit to Amsterdam

Consider this Dutch cheese tasting. For the full experience, pair it with organic wine or a Dutch pilsner. What could be better than that?

There are many cheese-making & tasting experiences to choose from in the Netherlands. You can choose to stay in the city or head to a family-owned farm that looks like it’s right out of a Disney movie.

DAY TRIP TO THE DUTCH COUNTRYSIDE

One great thing about European travel is the amazing train system in most countries. The Netherlands is no exception.

You’ll feel like you’re transported back in time, all within a 30-minute commute.

In Volendam, walk along the historic harbor and take in the site of the famous wooden houses. Eat traditional fish like herring and eel. Or explore one of the museums highlighting the folklore of this fishing village.

Next door to Volendam, you’ll find yourself in Edam where you’ll be in awe of the architecture. Explore the art of cheese making at De Kaaswagg (the Cheese Weigh House). If you visit, be mindful that they are only open from April through September.

RENT A BIKE

When it comes to things to do in Amsterdam, sightseeing on a bicycle should be at the top of your list.

One thing you’ll notice upon your first trip to Amsterdam is that bicycles are everywhere! You can even see canal boats operating as a floating parking areas for them in some areas of the city.

And no need to be nervous about biking in a new place. Both cars and people look out for bicycles and most often give them the right of way.

Wide, well-marked bike lanes are along every road so you can feel safe while traveling around the city.

Rent a bike in Amsterdam at one of the many rental storefronts in the city. Look for the “fiet” in the store name, and you’ll be well on your way to exploring Amsterdam like a local.

THE PERFECT 3-DAY ITINERARY

How should you map out these activities? Here’s an itinerary for each day:

DAY ONE

Start breakfast at one of the cozy cafes, then rent a bike to explore the sites. After sightseeing, ditch the bike and keep exploring on foot. From Dam Square to the Ann Frank House, there is something to see around every corner.

DAY TWO

Escape the city and head out to the land of cheese, windmills, and wooden shoes. Take a full day to explore the Dutch countryside. You can walk by the harbor, do some shopping, and learn the art of cheese making.

DAY THREE

End your trip with a canal tour for a unique perspective of the city you’ve been wandering for the past few days. To cap off your trip, get some dutch apple pie or mini pancakes (good any time of the day).

As you can see, you can cover a lot of ground in a few short days. No matter if you want to take to exploring by foot, pedal, or boat, Amsterdam has plenty to offer you.

Which one of these experiences would you do? Share in the comment section below!

Looking for another destination ideal for a foodie? Check out this post all about what to eat in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain.