Plan the PERFECT week in Amsterdam with this 7-day Itinerary
Atmospheric, market-mad, creative – Amsterdam is a city that has to be experienced rather than described. Whether you’re walking along one of its famous canals or lingering in its museums, you feel grounded in the present.
7 days in Amsterdam hardly seem enough to explore all its narrow lanes and artsy hubs, but nevertheless, you’ll walk away charmed.
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How to spend a week in Amsterdam
If you’re wondering how to experience Amsterdam in a week, I’ve got a tip for you: tackle it by theme.
There are too many attractions and neighborhoods for you to cover so pick the best cultural experiences and dedicate a day to each of them. Walking tours are also efficient, informative, and fun. Local guides will get you to both famous landmarks and hidden gems that locals favor.
I highly recommend checking out the I Amsterdam card too! Independent travelers can benefit from city-wide public transport, free and fast-tracked entry to museums, and discounted experiences.
Day One | Take a tour around Amsterdam
Faced with Amsterdam’s colorful array of neighborhoods, I find city tours the best way to sample all of them! This way, you can jot down places you’d like to explore more deeply.
To immerse yourself in the Dutch lifestyle, kick off your trip with a small-group bike tour. For 3 hours, your local guide will lead you past important heritage sites and lesser-known haunts. From Central Station to the charming drawbridges of the Western Islands, then trendy Jordaan, buzzing Leidseplein Square, and even beyond the Museum Quarter; it’s the ultimate sneak peek.
While you’re in the area, the Old Church (Oude Kerk) is next on the agenda. Built in the 13th century, it’s one of the oldest buildings in the city, stunning Gothic architecture with the largest wooden vault ceiling in Europe. I won’t spoil it for you, but I promise it’s beautiful inside.
If you can fit it in before dinner, hit up the Museum of the Canals, too. Films and interactive displays will tell you all about the history of Amsterdam’s most famous characteristics. It’s also a fantastic transition for the last activity on your first day in Amsterdam.
An evening canal tour is a unique twist on the typical daytime cruise! Thousands of lights reflect off the bridges and iconic buildings as you pass by local hotspots. You’ll pick up plenty of stories, legends, and historical facts about Amsterdam.
Day Two | Visit World-Famous Museums
You really can dedicate one (or five) days out of 7 days in Amsterdam to visiting its impressive museum collection. One of my favorite weekend activities is spending the day at Museumplein a.k.a the Museum Quarter.
Three of the Netherlands' most famous museums are housed here: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum. The Rijksmuseum is full of Golden Age works, Vermeer and Rembrandt pieces; Van Gogh Museum holds the largest collection of its kind, and Stedelijk is heaven for modern art.
The Oud-Zuid district is also well-loved for its open-air markets and exhibits during the summer, while winter offers up an ice skating rink. For more contemporary pieces and eye-catching craftwork, visit the nearby Moco Museum and Diamant Museum.
I also recommend other art havens like the Museum het Rembrandthuis, or the Hermitage Amsterdam – a branch of classical Hermitage Saint Petersburg.
Day Three | Check out famous Dutch drink brands
The Dutch way of life encourages you to enjoy living, so learn about how they achieve it – like grabbing drinks with your pals.
Pad your stomach with a filling breakfast before making your way to the Heineken Experience. Revisit 1867, the year this famous Dutch brewery was introduced to the world. The self-guided tour tells you everything you need to know about the company’s history, the beer brewing process and even what it feels like to be brewed and bottled – don’t skip the Brew U ride!
Once you’ve poured the perfect draft and toasted your new friends, make your way back to Museumplein for those unchecked museums. Alternatively, Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat is just down the block for some upscale shopping (or window-shopping).
Your afternoon plans include the coolest cocktail experience every week-long Amsterdam itinerary needs. The House of Bols: Cocktail & Genever Experience teaches you the secrets to bartending, including a cocktail-making workshop. Walk out with two cocktails under your belt, ready to impress.
Your last stop is similarly classy, just more music-oriented. Catch a show at the 19th-century concert hall, the Royal Concertgebouw, one of the finest in the world.
Day Four | Enjoy the sunshine
No week in Amsterdam is complete without some outdoor time, and I don’t mean walking the streets. Make sure to bask in the sunshine!
Option 1
One thing I love about this city is how green it is – just look at its parks!
At 120 acres, Vondelpark is the largest grassy pocket in Amsterdam. Welcoming almost 10 million visitors a year, this 19th-century park offers a variety of attractions ranging from open-air theater shows to bike paths to a horse riding school. Westerpark is steampunk; old gasworks had been converted into indie shops, eclectic eateries, and nightlife venues. For a quieter green lung, Flevopark is a great alternative. You might appreciate the Jenevir tasting bar there.
Option 2
If you’re an urban-lifer who doesn’t like grass, why not café hop? Amsterdam is filled with a myriad of charming cafés, some with an outdoor terrace. Highly-rated eateries include: Greenwoods Keizersgracht, Locals Coffee, Vegabond, Winkel 43 and De Koffieschenkerij.
Eating your way across Amsterdam is a legitimate approach, I promise.
Option 3
Say bye-bye city for some quality countryside time.
If your legs are up for it, join a countryside bike tour. The more luxurious option is to opt for an all-inclusive tour to villages like Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken. Enjoy the picturesque Dutch country via a coach, the first stop being Zaanse Schans' historic windmills. Follow up with a visit to traditional cheese shops, clog-making workshops, and other cultural activities.
Those spending a week in Amsterdam during spring will also love a visit to the Keukenhof. Where else will you see 7 million flower bulbs?
Day Five | Visit Amsterdam Noord
The redeveloped Amsterdam Noord is the liveliest area in town! Chic restaurants and art galleries line the wharf area to offer a sensory day out.
I won’t limit your creativity with a strict itinerary, but there are some attractions that deserve attention.
Experience street art at NDSM; you can’t miss the giant mural of Anne Frank next to Straat, an indoor street art museum. Then, explore the industrial shipyard and all its cultural events. For stomach-dropping views, head over to the 20-story A’DAM Tower – Europe’s highest swing flies out over the edge!
Get in more flying time with the Holland Ultimate Flight Experience, a 5D simulator that brings you all over the Netherlands. Artistic souls may also enjoy the Eye Film Museum, which offers an awesome curation of film posters, plenty of films, and a great cafe overlooking the water.
Day Six | Do as the locals do and visit markets
Stock up on that Amsterdam charm at the local markets – I guarantee you friendly chatter and the cutest bits and blobs. Here are some of my local favorites:
Albert Cuyp Market – A favorite for locals, many Amsterdammers do their grocery shopping here. For me, it’s a generous wandering ground during the week. Apart from great-value meat, you’ll find plenty of home essentials, clothes, and decent cafés around.
Noordermarkt – Saturday’s flavor is Noordermarkt, a paradise for foodies. Premium and organic fresh produce, tasty pancakes, colorful fruits, and flowers make up the farmer's market. Other sections sell antiques, books, jewelry, fair-trade goods… you name it.
Sunday Market – When open, visit this art, fashion, and design-themed market. I’ve picked up some stunning ceramic wares here; accessories and affordable art are highlighted too. It also hosts creative workshops and live music.
Pure Markt – Drop by Pure Markt, for a wide variety of stands full of homemade crafts and food that you’ll only find in the Netherlands. Enjoy street food in the open air; seating areas are available. Stomach grumblings will definitely be satisfied.
Take it easy today and go with the flow!
Day Seven | Explore Jordaan via food and Anne Frank
Day 7 is a little heavy on both palate and the heart – but in the best way.
Skip breakfast because the first activity of the day is an all-Dutch food tour around Jordaan. Delectable bites are on the menu, running the gamut from smoked sausage and Gouda to fried meatballs. Yes, 400-year-old apple pie recipes do churn out results.
After your 13 tasting samples, it’s time for a historical tour. The ‘Life of Anne Frank’ walking tour reminds us just how precious life is, and how acts of bravery make their mark on history. You’ll stop by significant monuments such as the Portuguese Synagogue, Jewish Historical Museum (Anne Frank’s house), and Auschwitz Monument. Learn about Anne Frank’s love of writing and life during World War II.
If you need a pick-me-up after, let loose on the boutiques and trendy shops in Jordaan! Wrap up your Amsterdam week with some last-minute souvenirs.