My Perfect Four Days in Amsterdam Itinerary: What I Loved & What I’d Do Differently (2025)

Last Updated on March 29, 2025 by Oliver

I’ve traveled to Amsterdam many times—it’s always fascinated me. It also happens to be one of the easiest cities to fly in and out of when traveling through Europe, so I’ve ended up spending quite a few weekends (and sometimes weeks) here.

To me, Amsterdam is right up there with cities like Rome, London, or Paris. Maybe not in size, but in beauty, culture, and incredible food. There’s just something about its canals, museums, and cozy cafés that makes me want to keep coming back.

This time, I spent four days in Amsterdam before flying out of Schiphol Airport, doing the full tourist experience mixed with some new things I hadn’t tried before. I had an amazing time, but there were definitely some things I’d skip next time. So, here’s my take on what to do (and what’s not worth it) for your next four-day trip to Amsterdam.

Four Days in Amsterdam

For this trip, I went all in on the Amsterdam experience. I was with friends who hadn’t been before, so four days felt like the perfect amount of time to cover all the major sights.

Of course, we did the Anne Frank House (which you have to book in advance—it’s always packed), plus the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. We wandered through the Red Light District, took a canal cruise (or a grachten tour, as they call it), and generally just soaked up the city’s energy.

On our last day, we even had time for a day trip from Amsterdam. We ended up going to Zaanse Schans, but there are plenty of other great options if you have time to escape the city for a bit.

I’d say four days in Amsterdam is just right. It doesn’t have the overwhelming number of attractions that a city like London does, and since everything is super walkable, you can fit a lot into a short trip. Two to four days is the sweet spot—you’ll get to experience the best of the city without feeling rushed.

That being said, there were a couple of things I’d skip next time. Foodhallen was a total tourist trap, and the hop-on-hop-off bus is completely useless in a city where the best streets are too small for buses anyway.

Day 1: Exploring Amsterdam’s Museums and the City

I love starting a trip with a walking tour, especially in a city like Amsterdam. It’s the best way to get a feel for the place, learn some history, and get recommendations from a local. But first, we decided to have a slower start in the day.

Vondelpark

We were staying near Vondelpark, which is basically Amsterdam’s version of Central Park or Hyde Park. It’s beautiful, with a lake running through it, and it was the perfect spot to start the morning. We grabbed a coffee to go from Coffee District Overtoom, which is right next to the park, and went for a stroll. It was early spring—chilly but sunny—so walking through the park felt like a great way to wake up.

Vondelpark is long and narrow, so if you check Google Maps, you’ll see that you can start at one end and walk straight up to the Museum Quarter. That’s exactly what we did, making our way toward the main museums without any unnecessary running around the city.

Rijksmuseum

It had been a while since I last visited the Rijksmuseum, so this time, I actually went inside. It’s huge—if you’re really into art, you could easily spend a few hours here. The collection features classic Dutch artists, and while I personally enjoyed it, some of my friends got a little bored.

A quick disclaimer: most of Amsterdam’s museums are very art-focused. I don’t mind that (though I do tend to prefer history or cultural museums), but if you’re not into art, you might want to be selective with which ones you visit.

Even if you don’t go inside, the Rijksmuseum is worth seeing just for the building itself. It’s stunning. Walking around the museum grounds and gardens is an experience on its own. I actually said at one point that if the Netherlands had its own Hogwarts, this would be it.

Van Gogh Museum

Between the two, I preferred the Rijksmuseum, mostly because it’s a bit more diverse with its collection and has more historical context. The Van Gogh Museum, as the name suggests, is entirely dedicated to Van Gogh’s work. It’s amazing to see, and you’ll definitely recognize some of his most famous paintings, like Starry Night and Sunflowers.

This was my first time inside the Van Gogh Museum, and I really enjoyed it. But again, some of my friends weren’t as into it. If you love art, definitely check it out (especially if it’s a rainy day), but if you’re traveling with kids or people who aren’t into museums, it might not be a must-do.

Free Walking Tour

To wrap up the first day, we did a free walking tour. You can also book a paid one, but honestly, even the free ones work the same way—you’ll always end up tipping the guide.

We did the Classic Amsterdam Free Walking Tour, which you can book through Free Walking Tour Amsterdam. Our guide, Bjorn, led us through the city center, around the canals, past the Old and New Church, into the Red Light District, and even to the main train station, all while sharing tons of history and stories.

I almost always do a walking tour in a new city. Without it, I’d just be wandering around without really knowing what I’m looking at. Plus, local guides always have the best recommendations for food, drinks, and things to do. I made sure to ask for their top picks, and it definitely paid off later in the trip.

Day 2: Anne Frank House, French Fries & the Red Light District

Day two in Amsterdam was a little lighter on museums and a lot heavier on fun—at least according to my friends.

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is hands down one of the most important places to see when visiting Amsterdam. And no, it’s not a tourist trap. If you think it is, you probably don’t understand the historical weight of this place.

Walking through these rooms, where Anne and her family hid, is surreal. I read her diary in school, but actually seeing the secret annex and learning more about the realities of Jewish persecution during WWII made it all hit differently. The experience is deeply moving, and if you’re even remotely interested in history, you shouldn’t miss it.

One thing, though—tickets sell out fast. Like, months in advance. If this is on your list, book your tickets ASAP.

Best French Fries in Amsterdam – Fabel Friet

This stop was purely about indulgence. Right after the Anne Frank House, we walked a few minutes over to Fabel Friet Runstraat, and let me tell you—these fries are next level.

There’s always a line, but don’t let that scare you. It moves quickly, and within 5-10 minutes, you’ll have the best fries of your life. I got their best-seller—fries with truffle mayo—and wow. Wow. Easily some of the best fries I’ve ever had. I also grabbed a frikandel speciaal (a Dutch sausage with curry ketchup, mayo, and onions), which was delicious.

If you’re in Amsterdam, you owe it to yourself to eat here.

Canal Boat Tour

Next on the list: a canal boat tour, because you can’t come to Amsterdam and not do one.

There are two types of boat tours—the classic glass-roofed boats and the smaller open-air boats. I’ve done both, and trust me, the open boats are way better.

We booked with Floating Amsterdam, which operates out of the Red Light District, and it was such a good call. Their boats are small (about 15 people max), super comfy, and they even have a bar onboard. Our guides were great—funny, knowledgeable, and ready to pour you a beer while telling you wild stories about Amsterdam’s history, houseboat life, and real estate prices.

For $25, we got a 1-hour cruise with three drinks included. On a sunny day, this is without a doubt the best way to see Amsterdam.

Red Light District

Since our boat tour started and ended here, we figured we’d take a walk through the area.

Yes, the Red Light District is exactly what you think it is—red neon lights, women in windows, and a whole lot of wild energy. But it’s also just… part of the city. People come here to drink at bars, hang out, and soak up the unique atmosphere, totally unrelated to anything ahem extra.

Fun fact we learned on our boat tour: there’s a kindergarten right in the Red Light District where sex workers can drop off their kids before work. Only in Amsterdam.

Day 3: Heineken, Markets & Cheese (a Lot of Cheese)

For day three, I made sure we focused a little more on food and drinks—because honestly, that’s half the reason to visit Amsterdam.

Albert Cuyp Market

I have mixed feelings about this place, but I’m still including it.

Here’s the deal: Albert Cuyp Market is a mix of super tasty street food and random stalls selling off-brand T-shirts, cheap sunglasses, and other stuff you’ll probably never use. I only come here for the food—and specifically for one thing: the XL fresh stroopwafel.

They make them right in front of you, they’re warm and gooey, and they cost next to nothing. That alone is reason enough to stop by.

Heineken Experience

This one divides opinions. Some people call it a tourist trap, but I actually like it.

Yes, it’s a bit pricey (just over $20 USD), but you get a few Heinekens included, so really, it evens out. The tour walks you through the history of Heineken, the brewing process, and—most importantly—how they turned their beer into a global brand. I thought it was super interesting, especially if you’re into beer.

Would I call this a must-do? Not really. But is it fun, especially with a group? Absolutely. Also, solid option for a rainy day.

Rembrandt House Museum

The Rembrandt House Museum is one of Amsterdam’s most underrated museums. It doesn’t get the hype of the Anne Frank House, and it’s not in the Museum Quarter, so a lot of people skip it—but they shouldn’t.

Unlike the Van Gogh Museum (which is basically just a gallery of his work), this museum is Rembrandt’s actual house. You get to walk through where he lived and worked, with a mix of his art and insights into his daily life in 17th-century Amsterdam.

We did the audio guide, which was surprisingly well done, and honestly I’d take this over the Van Gogh Museum any day—even though Van Gogh is technically the bigger name.

Cheese Tasting (The Right Way)

I decided for everyone in our group that we had to do a cheese tasting. No arguments.

But before I get into it, please don’t go to the so-called ‘cheese museums’ (looking at you, Amsterdam Cheese Museum). They’re just glorified souvenir shops and 100% tourist traps. If you want a proper cheese experience, go to an actual cheese bar.

We went to Kaasbar Amsterdam (which literally means ‘cheese bar’), and it was amazing. Imagine one of those sushi conveyor belt restaurants, but instead of sushi, it’s cheese and wine. You sit at the bar, order some wine, and watch different cheeses roll by on a conveyor belt—you just grab whatever looks good.

You can also sit at a table and order from their menu, but honestly, the conveyor belt experience was way more fun. The staff here are absolute cheese nerds, and they know everything. If you want a real cheese tasting in Amsterdam, this is the place to go.

Day 4: A Classic Dutch Day Trip

For our last day in Amsterdam, we decided to get out of the city for a bit. There are quite a few great day trip options, but we went with Zaanse Schans—because windmills.

Zaanse Schans

This place is basically the Dutch countryside postcard come to life. Picture traditional windmills, little wooden houses, and locals walking around in clogs (okay, maybe not actual locals, but the vibe is there).

Zaanse Schans is only about 30 minutes from Amsterdam, so it’s an easy trip. Once we got there, we just wandered around, took a million photos of the windmills, and checked out a few of the free workshops—there’s one where they show you how they make wooden clogs, and another all about Dutch cheese (yes, more cheese).

There are also a few windmills you can go inside, which I’d recommend. Some of them still function as sawmills or spice grinders, and watching them in action makes you realize just how genius these things were back in the day.

We spent a couple of hours here, grabbed a snack at one of the cute cafés, and then headed back to Amsterdam in time for dinner. It was the perfect low-effort, high-reward day trip.

Alternative: Giethoorn

If I had more time (or if I were in an extra photogenic mood), I probably would’ve gone to Giethoorn instead. This place is often called the “Dutch Venice” because it’s a village with zero roads—just canals. People get around by boat, and it looks straight out of a fairy tale.

It takes a bit longer to get to (about 2 hours), so if you want to go, I’d recommend making a full day of it. But if you’re into super scenic, peaceful places (or just want a break from Amsterdam’s energy), this is one of the most unique spots in the Netherlands.

What I’d Skip Next Time in Amsterdam

Not everything in Amsterdam is a must-do, and a couple of things on this trip definitely fell into the “meh, wouldn’t bother again” category.

Foodhallen

I love a good food market, but Foodhallen is Massive tourist trap. I had high hopes—indoor food hall, cool vibe, lots of different food stalls—but honestly its Overpriced, crowded, and the food was just… fine. Not bad, but not nearly good enough to justify the hype (or the wait times).

If I’m paying that much for street food, I want it to be incredible. Instead, I got a tiny portion of decent-but-not-life-changing tacos, waited 15 minutes for an underwhelming bao bun, and spent more on a drink than I would at an actual bar.

I was still hungry after that, so we decided to find another spot for dinner. We randomly ended up at Takumi Tonkotsu Ramen, which happens to be right next door. The ramen there was amazing—definitely worth a visit!

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

I don’t know why I thought this would be useful in Amsterdam, but it’s honestly pointless. In cities like London or Paris, a hop-on hop-off bus makes sense because things are super spread out. In Amsterdam the streets are tiny, everything is walkable, and a lot of the city center is not even accessible by bus.

The bus mostly stays on the outskirts, which means you’re not really getting to the good stuff. Plus, the canal boat tours are a way better way to see the city—so if you’re thinking of doing one or the other, skip the bus and go for a boat.

4 Days in Amsterdam Cost

I spent around $600 USD for four days in Amsterdam, and as expected, the biggest chunk of that went to the hotel. Amsterdam is not a cheap city, and accommodation prices reflect that. My mid-range hotel, Corendon Amsterdam, cost about $350 for three nights (split between two people).

Other than that, I spent around $100 on food and drinks—grabbing fries at Fabel Friet, cheese tasting at Kaasbar, Aussie-style breakfast at Bakers & Roasters, and a few beers along the canals. Activities were another $100ish, including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Heineken Experience, and the canal boat tour (which included drinks). Transport was minimal since Amsterdam is so walkable, and I only took the tram a couple of times.

Could you do it cheaper? Absolutely—hostels and street food would cut costs. Could you spend more? Easily—but for me, this was the perfect balance of comfort and fun without going overboard.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

💎 $$$ Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center

The Radisson Blu isn’t the most over-the-top luxury hotel in Amsterdam (that title probably goes to the Waldorf Astoria), but it’s definitely one of the best high-end stays. The rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated, and right by the canals—so you get those classic Amsterdam views without sacrificing comfort.

✨ $$ Corendon Amsterdam (This is Where I Stayed Recently)

I stayed at Corendon Amsterdam on my last trip, and for the price, it’s honestly a steal. Amsterdam hotels tend to be either ridiculously expensive or budget stays with bad reviews, but this one hits that sweet middle spot. The rooms are modern, the beds are comfy, and the breakfast was solid.

🎒 $ The Flying Pig Downtown (My Go-To When Backpacking)

When I was backpacking Europe, I stayed at The Flying Pig Downtown, and it was everything you want in a hostel—cheap, social, and in a perfect location. Clean dorms, breakfast included, and a fun vibe. Obviously, it’s not five-star luxury, but if you’re looking for an affordable, friendly place to crash, this is a great pick.

Where to Eat in Amsterdam

• Fabel Friet – The best fries in Amsterdam. The truffle mayo? Obsessed. Worth the line.
• Takumi Tonkotsu Ramen Amsterdam – Perfectly done ramen, especially on a cold night.
• Albert Cuyp Market – Fresh, gooey stroopwafels. Hot off the press, absolutely worth it.
• Kaasbar – Cheese tasting done right. Think sushi train, but with wine and Dutch cheese.
• De Laatste Kruimel – Cozy little spot with amazing cakes and coffee.
• Bakers & Roasters – Aussie-style breakfast that’s actually as good as in Australia.
• Lot Sixty One – Best flat white in Amsterdam. Enough said.
• Waterkant – Beers by the water with the perfect sunny-day vibe.

FAQs About Four Days in Amsterdam

What to do for four days in Amsterdam for couples?

Long canal walks, cute cafés, wine and cheese tastings, and a sunset boat tour—Amsterdam is effortlessly romantic. Skip the touristy spots in the evenings and explore neighborhoods like Jordaan or De Pijp for a more local feel.

What can I do in four days in Amsterdam with kids?

The NEMO Science Museum, Artis Zoo, and a canal cruise are all fun for kids. Skip the Red Light District (obviously), and if they’re old enough, consider Anne Frank House—it’s educational but heavy.

Is worth visiting Amsterdam for weekend?

Absolutely! Two days are enough for a highlights tour, but four days let you explore at a more relaxed pace and even squeeze in a day trip.

What to do in 4 Days in Amsterdam?

A mix of museums, canal tours, markets, and good food. Day 1: Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum. Day 2: Anne Frank House & Red Light District. Day 3: Heineken Experience & cheese tasting. Day 4: Day trip.

Final Thoughts on My Ultimate 4 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary

Four days in Amsterdam gives you time to visit the must-sees without rushing, explore the city’s vibe, and even take a break from the crowds with a day trip. It’s a city that’s both historic and effortlessly cool, where you can start your day with a museum visit, spend your afternoon sipping beer on a canal boat, and end the night in a cozy, candlelit bar.

I’d come back in a heartbeat—and next time, maybe I’ll finally nail cycling without looking like a clueless tourist.

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