A Weekend in Amsterdam – Three Suggested Itineraries
- Inbal Tur-Shalom ענבל טור-שלום
- Mar 25, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Planning a short city break in Amsterdam? Even a weekend is enough to soak in the charm of the canals, world-class museums, lively markets, and outstanding Dutch cuisine. With the right itinerary, you can experience the highlights of this vibrant city without feeling rushed.
In this guide, I share three thoughtfully curated itineraries for a weekend in Amsterdam — designed for first-time visitors, seasoned travelers, and culture lovers. Each one includes my insider tips as a local guide, plus links to further resources so you can plan your trip with ease.
A Weekend in Amsterdam - Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Friday | Day 1: The Heart of Amsterdam – Dam Square and the Flower Market
Arrive in the morning, check into your hotel, and start your Amsterdam adventure with a canal cruise. Boats depart right next to Central Station and return to the same spot after an hour. Slip on the audio guide, lean back, and let the city glide past you.
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Afterwards, take a stroll along Damrak. Stop at the famous Manneken Pis fries — Just remember: in the Netherlands, we eat fries with mayonnaise.
Continue to Dam Square, where you can visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not or Madame Tussauds. From there, head to Kalverstraat shopping street for international brands like Mango, Uniqlo, and Zara, alongside Dutch shops such as Van Haren.
The street ends near the Flower Market (which today is more of a souvenir market than a true flower market). It’s open daily until 5:30 PM. After the shops close, relax with a drink in one of the cafés or pubs nearby, such as Taboo Bar.
Saturday | Day 2: City Views, Flea Market & Albert Cuyp Market
Begin with the A’DAM Lookout Tower for sweeping views of the city (or, for thrill-seekers, the swing that goes over the edge of the building). Just behind it, visit This is Holland, a 5D flying experience over the Dutch landscape.
Take the free ferry back to Central Station, then hop on metro lines 51/53/54 or tram 14 to Waterlooplein Flea Market (closed Sundays, open until 5:30 PM).
After browsing antiques and curiosities, cross the Blue Bridge into Rembrandt Square for a café break. From there, take tram 4 toward RAI and get off at Stadhouderskade to explore the famous Albert Cuyp Market. Expect fresh produce, street food, cafés, clothing, and souvenirs (open daily except Sunday and public holidays, until 5:00 PM).
From the west end of the market, it’s a short walk to the Heineken Experience, where you’ll learn the art of brewing — with tastings included.
The Harbor Club offers a four-course dinner menu that includes a spectacular show featuring Dutch illusionist Hans Klok, dance performances and live music. An evening that is an experience! Weekends only and tickets are selling out fast!
Sunday | Day 3: Instagram Museums, Sweet Treats & Shopping
On your last morning, take it easy with a visit to one of Amsterdam’s Instagram museums: Amaze Amsterdam or WONDR Experience. These interactive spaces feature themed rooms — from ball pits to mirror rooms — perfect for playful photography.
📌 To read about 4 must-visit attractions for Instagram, TikTok, and optical illusion enthusiasts, click here.
Afterwards, stop at Van Stapele for their famous chocolate cookie, then squeeze in some final shopping at a Dutch supermarket before heading to the airport.
Itinerary for Returning Visitors
Friday | Day 1: Royal Palace, Panoramic Café & Leidseplein
Visit the Royal Palace, Amsterdam Dungeon, or Body Worlds exhibit. For lunch, try Vleminckx Fries. Right next door, take the elevator inside Kalvertoren Mall up to Blue Café for coffee and pastries with a panoramic city view.
Walk down Leidsestraat to Leidseplein, where cafés, theaters, and live music venues fill the square.
Saturday | Day 2: Farmers’ Market, Canals & Vondelpark
Begin at the Noordermarkt Farmers’ Market (open Saturdays), followed by apple pie at Winkel 43, a true Amsterdam institution.
Stroll south along Prinsengracht Canal, admiring the canal houses and houseboats. Then turn toward Herengracht Canal to visit the Museum of the Canals.
End the day at Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s beloved green oasis, perfect for a picnic.
Sunday | Day 3: Jewish Quarter & Sunday Market
Spend the morning in the Jewish Quarter, visiting the Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum.
A ten-minute walk will bring you to the Artis Royal Zoo, which also includes the Bacteria Museum - ARTIS Micropia, the ARTIS-Groote Museum, and a planetarium.
Later, if your visit coincides with the monthly Museumplein Sunday Market (usually the fourth Sunday of the month), enjoy browsing Dutch art, design, and street food.
Itinerary for Art & Culture Lovers
Friday | Day 1: Museumplein & Gallery District
Start at Museumplein, home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, and Moco Museum (with Banksy, Hirst, Warhol, and more).
Afterwards, stroll through the nearby gallery district filled with art dealers, jewelry shops, and antique stores.
Saturday | Day 2: The Nine Streets, FOAM Photography Museum & Evening Performance
Wander through the boutique-filled Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes), full of designer shops, vintage stores, and cafés.
Continue to the FOAM Photography Museum, always featuring intriguing exhibitions.
End the evening with opera, ballet, or a classical concert.
Sunday | Day 3: Hermitage Museum, Rembrandt House & Chinatown
Your last morning in the city will begin at the H’art Museum (formerly the Hermitage). The museum houses the Amsterdam Museum collection while it is undergoing renovation, and presents temporary exhibitions. A short walk away is the Rembrandt House Museum, where you can step inside the artist’s studio.
Stroll to Nieuwmarkt Square, home to Sunday antique markets in summer, then into Amsterdam’s lively Chinatown with its shops, restaurants, and Buddhist temple.
Practical Information
If your morning flight lands in Amsterdam between 9–10 AM - expect to start your day around 11:30–12:30, that is after customs, ride to the city and hotel luggage drop.
To enjoy a full third day until around 5:30 PM book an evening return flight that departs between 9–10 PM.
Opening times for museums and attractions may vary, so always check before your visit. Advance booking is recommended especially if you want to make sure that you will have a spot.
Closing Thoughts
Amsterdam offers endless possibilities, whether you’re here for the first time or the fifth. These itineraries are just a starting point to help you experience the best of the city at a relaxed pace.
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