Perfect 5-day Itinerary for Amsterdam

5 Day Tour of Amsterdam

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Keizersgracht Canal at dusk, Amsterdam, Netherlands

5 Days 4 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Cultural Exploration

Exploring Scenic Countryside

Set out on a magical exploration of one of the most vibrant & inclusive cities in Europe on this 5-day trip to Amsterdam. Start the exploration with the lively outdoor market in Jordaan district followed by a private walking tour of Amsterdam. Explore the infamous Red-Light District and enjoy a treat or more from Oost. Take a guided day trip to the scenic Dutch countryside of Zaanse Schans & enjoy Dutch cheese. Explore museums in east Amsterdam and cruise through Anne Frank’s House & other highlights of the city. Visit Haarlem, famous for medieval architecture & Frans Hals Museum as a last stop on this perfect itinerary.

Walk through Jordaan district known for cozy and traditional cafes and bohemian vibes.
Visit Grachtengordel, a beautiful & historic network of canals designed during the Dutch Golden Age.
Explore the horseshoe-shaped old center of Amsterdam lined with gabled houses and straight canals.
Indulge your taste buds in a mix of flavours & cultures by grabbing a bite at Oost district.
Enjoy freshly baked cookies at Zaanse Schans while exploring Dutch handicrafts & windmills

Walk through Jordaan district known for cozy and traditional cafes and bohemian vibes.
Visit Grachtengordel, a beautiful & historic network of canals designed during the Dutch Golden Age.
Explore the horseshoe-shaped old center of Amsterdam lined with gabled houses and straight canals.
Indulge your taste buds in a mix of flavours & cultures by grabbing a bite at Oost district.
Enjoy freshly baked cookies at Zaanse Schans while exploring Dutch handicrafts & windmills

Old Town

Historic Landmarks

Museum Quarter

Museums & Galleries

Jordaan

Nightlife & Local Scene

Old Jewish Quarter

Jewish Heritage

Eastern Districts

Museums & Galleries

Anne Frank House

Historic Landmarks

Cycling in Amsterdam

Hiking, Biking & Kayaking

Must see sights

Old Town

Historic Landmarks

Museum Quarter

Museums & Galleries

Jordaan

Nightlife & Local Scene

Old Jewish Quarter

Jewish Heritage

Eastern Districts

Museums & Galleries

Anne Frank House

Historic Landmarks

Cycling in Amsterdam

Hiking, Biking & Kayaking

Starting from

$1700

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Amsterdam

Day 1

Arrive Amsterdam

To Be Determined

Arrival in Amsterdam Airport and Transfer by Taxi or Train

Amsterdam has one main airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Taxis are available directly at the terminal exit, or you can arrange a private transfer for added convenience. Uber is also available. The cheapest and often fastest way to reach central Amsterdam from the airport is by train, which delivers you in about 20 minutes to Amsterdam's Central station (Centraal), from where you can walk to your hotel, take public transport, or easily hail a taxi that will be much less expensive than from the airport. The NS train station is located directly below the airport terminal, so all you need to do is follow the signs.

Day 1

Arrive Amsterdam

To Be Determined:

Transfer from Airport

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Jordaan

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

Grachtengordel

Day 1

Arrive Amsterdam

Day 1

Arrive Amsterdam

To Be Determined

Arrival in Amsterdam Airport and Transfer by Taxi or Train

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Explore the Lively Streets of the Jordaan Neighborhood

The Jordaan district beckons with its narrow streets and quaint canals, epitomizing the charm and history of Amsterdam. Originally a working-class neighborhood established in the 17th century, Jordaan has evolved into one of Amsterdam's most sought-after areas. Known for its bohemian vibe, the district boasts an array of art galleries, unique shops, and cozy cafes, alongside traditional cafés and indie music venues. The Jordaan is also famous for its outdoor markets, such as the Noordermarkt, where locals and tourists alike browse for organic food, vintage clothes, and antiques. The area's historical architecture, including beautifully restored houses and hidden courtyards, provides a picturesque backdrop for leisurely walks.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Get a Grip on Grachtengordel

The Grachtengordel, or Canal Ring, in Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodies the city's 17th-century architectural and urban planning. This historic network of canals, designed during the Dutch Golden Age, is lined with elegant merchant houses and bridges, reflecting Amsterdam's rich past. Today, it's a lively district filled with cafes, galleries, and boutiques, A visit here is essential to understanding both Amsterdam's past and present.

Day 2

Amsterdam

Day 2

Amsterdam

Day 2

Amsterdam

Day 2

Amsterdam

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Privately Guided Walking Tour of Amsterdam

Make your introductions to Amsterdam with this 3-hour privately-guided walking tour. After picking you up from your hotel, your professional guide will lead you past many of the greatest highlights of the city, including its center, as well as the Jordaan, the Grachtengordel, and the infamous Red-Light District. The guide will explain how all these feature in the citiy's history and contemporary life. Your guide will be happy to share some great tips for the rest of your stay.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Experience the Pleasures of Old Town

The basis of the old joke that 'God created Earth, but the Dutch created the Netherlands' can best be seen in the horseshoe-shaped old center of Amsterdam where the early inhabitants reclaimed much of their city from the sea and built the perfectly straight canals to keep the new land dry. Most of the picture-perfect gabled houses still retain their winch beams and hooks for hauling goods to the attic. These days its most renown historic buildings share space with Amsterdam's famous Red Light District.

Evening

Dining Out in Amsterdam's Oost District

Eating out in Amsterdam Oost district has never been more popular as it is now, with all its new hotspots. There are so many great options for food and drinks that any foodie will see this district as it is …the place to be! Whether you are looking for fine dining for a family dinner or a great burger for lunch, you can find everything here, from a quick bite to an Instagrammable spot for brunch. Oost has its charm, a district with a nice mixture of everything: busy streets, green parks, historical boroughs or modern cultural gems and of course everything is very diverse and colorful. The neighborhood is continuously developing and is an ideal place to witness the city's lifestyle. Oost is where the first movements in Amsterdam started – a once shady Javastraat is full of the most exciting bars, restaurants, and places to hang out. In Oost, you can find a good mix of different cultures, brown cafes, hip hotspots, and young creatives.

Day 3

Amsterdam

Day 3

Amsterdam

Day 3

Amsterdam

Day 3

Amsterdam

Morning/Mid-Day

Impress yourself in the Museum Quarter

Arranged in a tight knot on the aptly named Museumplein, Amsterdam's premier world-class museums include the Van Gogh Museum (pre-booked tickets required), the Rijks Museum with its collection of Rembrandts, and the Stedelijk Museum of modern and contemporary art. The Amsterdam Diamond Museum is nearby as well. Choose to visit one or more of these wonderful cultural venues from the detailed descriptions provided in the Full Itinerary.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

A canal cruise is one of the best ways to discover Amsterdam! A 1-hour tour includes many of Amsterdam's most famous monuments and memorials. Starting from the dock near the Anne Frank House, you will float along the impressive Unesco Heritage Golden Age canals of Amsterdam, and pass the Jordaan neighborhood known for its famous Prinsengracht (Princes' Canal). Spy the romantic Magere Brug, the Amstel river, the 7 bridges, and the important Golden Bend before returning to land.

Late Afternoon to Evening

Tour of Old Jewish Quarter

At the time of the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands, Amsterdam had about 75-80,000 Jews living in the just the city alone. The Old Jewish Quarter is home to several museums that memorialize the 104,000 Dutch Jews who lost their lives along with those who made it through and whose families live in the country today. You can explore the Portuguese Synagogue, learn about Jewish culture at the Jewish History Museum, and pay respects at the National Holocaust Museum and Memorial.

Day 4

Amsterdam

Day 4

Amsterdam

Day 4

Amsterdam

Day 4

Amsterdam

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Privately Guided Excursion to Zaanse Schans Windmills and Marken

On this 4-hour private excursion you will visit the famous neighborhood of Zaanse Schans, known for its beautiful windmills, artisan crafts and clog-making. You will be amazed with the recreation of an 18th-century Dutch village, albeit with running water and modern utilities. The neighborhood is also famous for cheesemaking, so you will have a chance to try this local specialty. During the tour you can also visit the charming villages of Marken and Volendam before being dropped off at your hotel.

Afternoon to Evening

Discover the Museums of the Eastern District

The Eastern Districts of Amsterdam host a wide array of museums and activities that serve all ages. The districts include the areas of Waterlooplein, Eastern Docklands, Weesperbuurt, and Plantage. Get in touch with nature at the Botanical Garden or ARTIS, Amsterdam's famous zoo. Experience some hands-on learning at the NEMO Science Museum. See where the famous Dutch painter, Rembrandt, lived and created some of his most famous works. It might not be the most well-known area of the city but there is plenty to explore!

Day 5

Depart Amsterdam

Day 5

Depart Amsterdam

Day 5

Depart Amsterdam

Day 5

Depart Amsterdam

Morning to Afternoon

Self-Guided Tour of Haarlem

Haarlem, only a short 20-minute train ride away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, is celebrated for its medieval architecture, cultural vibrancy, and historical significance as North Holland's capital. Home to the majestic Grote Kerk, the city's Grote Markt serves as a focal point surrounded by historical buildings. Famous for its contribution to the 17th-century tulip mania and picturesque canals, Haarlem offers a blend of art, history, and natural beauty, making it an enriching visit with a quiet charm.

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport by Taxi

Amsterdam has one main airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The most affordable and often fastest way to reach the airport is by train. Local direct trains to the airport depart every ten minutes, usually from platform 14a or platform 15, and get you there in about 20 minutes. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with about two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

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Perfect 5-day Itinerary for Amsterdam

5 Day Tour of Amsterdam

$1700

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Arrival in Amsterdam Airport and Transfer by Taxi or Train

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.