3 Days in Amsterdam for First Timers
- Devyn
- Feb 17, 2019
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 30, 2019
Most people taking a Eurotrip have Amsterdam penciled in as a stop. And why wouldn’t they? One scroll of #amsterdam on Instagram leaves you with stunning pictures of quirky row houses, tulip-filled baskets on bikes, and of course the canals.
I didn’t do much planning the first time I visited the Netherlands. I was still getting the hang of this “travel” stuff and arrived with little expectations. Sure, everyone’s heard of the Red Light District, but I found the city to be a unique blend of charm and excitement. If you’re heading to Amsterdam for the first time and are looking for the best way to experience all the Dutchies have to offer in a short amount of time, this itinerary is perfect for you!
I hope to put together an Amsterdam Essentials post soon, but for now, know that the bus system is efficient and expansive. Spring for a bus pass to get around – it’s easy to get lost while walking! You can rent a bike if you’d like, but the riders are very serious and it’s a bit overwhelming.
PS - I'm not affiliated with any companies noted below, just personal suggestions!
Breakfast – De Bakkerswinkel
Start off with a delicious breakfast. De Bakkerswinkel has a few locations, but we hit up the centrally located restaurant on Warmoesstraat 69. This lovely little breakfast shop will feel like you’re having brunch at a friend’s house – it feels so cozy and inviting. Try out one of the breakfast spreads, which will come served with a delicious variety of house-made jellies. The bakery items are also solid choices. Expect to pay from 6-20€, depending on how “heavy” you like your breakfasts.
Walking Tour
Amsterdam, though lovely to get lost in, can be difficult to navigate. Start your trip off with a guided walking tour to get some help navigating the city while seeing the major sights. In addition to learning about the history of Amsterdam, you’ll explore Dam Square, the Royal Palace, the Red Light District, and more. New Europe Tours and Freedam run free walking tours throughout the day that last about 3 hours. Just make sure you book in advance to secure a spot and tip your guide – 10-20€ per person is a good tipping rule of thumb for tours.
Lunch- The Pantry
Rest your feet and try out some really traditional Dutch dishes at The Pantry, located near the Museumplein. Reservations are easy to make online and encouraged. This place feels homey and warm and the menu is extensive – you can opt for a fixed price meal or à la carte options. The pea soup is highly recommended! It’s can be a bit pricey for lunch, but it’s one of the few places I tracked down that has legit traditional Dutch food - definitely not unreasonable though!
Hit a Museum
Walk off your steak and sausage lunch with a stroll through one of the museums located in the Museumplein. The Rijksmuseum is my top choice, which is a Dutch National Museum filled with Amsterdam art and artifacts. Tickets are 20€ and are 1€ less if you book online. The Van Gogh Museum is another popular option and houses more works dedicated to the artist than anywhere in the world. Tickets are 19€ and can be purchased online – only a certain amount of tickets are available for each time slot. If you’re a museum buff, you could squeeze in both by hitting one of these up on Day 3.
Coffee Break – Back to Black
If you need a caffeine boost, head over to the nearby Back to Black café. You’ll find some of the best coffee in town here so spend some time recharging after your busy day. Grab a French press or espresso and a slice of cake to share.
Canal Tour
End your first day in Amsterdam with a boat tour through the famed canals. There are many options available, but a basic boat tour will take about one hour. You can splurge on a dinner cruise if you want something a little more inclusive. Amsterdam Jewel Cruises offers romantic dinner cruises starting at 99€ each while Amsterdam Canal Cruises has a 90 minute narrated cruise for under €22.
Dinner
If you didn’t partake in a dinner cruise, check out one of the many street food shops and stalls along Damrak. You’ll find anything and everything your heart (or stomach) could desire for a serious steal. I prefer Wok to Walk, which serves up some fresh rice and noodle dishes for cheap. Stroll over to the Red Light District to see it in its prime. Ice Bakery by Nutella is situated over there and will serve up an insane DIY-dessert concoction if you’re craving something sweet.
Breakfast – Omelegg
This is one of my most favorite restaurants, regardless of the mealtime, in the whole world. Try to beat the rush and if you don’t, know that this gem is worth the wait. This small little shop serves up some of the best omelettes that range from traditional to downright weird. Where else can you find a banana peanut butter omelette? If you aren’t feel adventurous, the Viking Fisherman and Greek Wedding were favorites of mine and weren't too out there. You can score breakfast for under 15€ here and it’ll be worth every bite.
Anne Frank House
This is truly a necessary experience. You NEED to buy tickets early – they can sell out weeks in advance. It’s definitely a somber itinerary event, but it’s very moving and these hard historical reflections are so vital to growing as a person. Take your time and be a respectful visitor. There is no photography allowed and it’s really frustrating to see people obviously ignoring this request. One thing to note is that the house is narrow and the steps are steep. Pickpocketers are also rampant in this area so be mindful when waiting in line.
Lunch – Winkel 43
After your tour, wander the canals until your hungry for lunch. Winkel 43 is nearby and serves up the best apple cake in Amsterdam. Don’t worry, there are plenty of lunch entrees on the menu as well. Dishes change monthly so it’s fresh and seasonal. The prices are reasonable, with most dishes coming under 10€. But seriously, don’t skip out on the apple cake.
Heineken Experience
When in Amsterdam, visiting this brewery is basically a must. Located right in the city center, Heineken provides visitors with a 90 minute self-guided tour and two glasses of beer for 18€ when you book your tickets online. If you’re a brew master and want to dedicate some more time to this experience, a VIP tour is available that offers a behind the scenes look at the brewery. You’ll get a guide for a 2 ½ hour tour, 5 paired beer tastings, and a personalized bottle to bring home for 55€.
Dinner – Bulls and Dogs
If we started our day with funky omelets, why not end it with funky hot dogs? Bulls and Dogs serves up gourmet, unique spins on sausage in a bun. Try out a Bourbon Bacon Dog or a Luxurious Dog (topped with truffles and hazelnuts). They also have loaded fries and burgers and can accommodate vegetarians. Go for a platter to share for the best experience. However, don’t leave without indulging in an insane milkshake – they are truly decadent and over the top.
Breakfast – The Pancake Bakery
End your last day with a traditional Dutch pancake for breakfast. The Pancake Bakery is definitely the popular location and serves up both savory and sweet creations. You can find other breakfast items here, but when in Rome Amsterdam, right? Specialty pancake creations go up to just shy of 14€ but some basic pancake variations start at under 9€.
Bike Tour
By now, you’ve probably witnessed the amazing transportation system that is Amsterdam’s bikes. Spend the day feeling like a true Dutchie by hopping on a bike and taking a long day tour. We took a guided bike ride to the countryside with Mike’s Bike Tours. It took about 4 hours and took us near the Amstel river, by a windmill, and finally to a Gouda farm and clog maker. It was truly a unique experience and the highlight of our trip. 32€ will cover the tour, but make sure you pack along a lunch. Also, if you don’t know how to ride a bike, don’t do this tour. I figured that goes without saying but we actually had someone on our tour who couldn’t and still went. We had quite a few near accidents...
Jordaan
End your day by wandering the Jordaan area and popping into the endless shops you’ll encounter. This is located near the western part of Amsterdam and one of the most popular parts of town. Some of the best shops to wander are Mendo (a bookstore made from books), De Knopenwinkel (buttons and more buttons), and Chocolatl (known for their drinking chocolate).
Drinks - Proeflokaal Arendsnest
Go out in style with a stop to this unforgettable bar. Proudly serving up over 100 Dutch brews, you’ll be hard pressed to find something you don’t like. It’s can be chaotic and noisy when it’s crowded, but hey, that’s what you’d expect at a dive bar. The staff are friendly and will help you find a beer you’ll enjoy. It’s the best way to sample a variety of craft beers from the region. Cheers it up in celebration of your trip.
Is Amsterdam calling your name? It's a fantastic city - the canals are something everyone should see at least once in their life! The food is incredible and there's plenty you can squeeze in for a short trip. It's accessibility makes it perfect for an extended weekend or a stop when in route to a nearby country. I've gotten a lot of airfare alerts from the US to Amsterdam lately (under $400 roundtrip), too!
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