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How many days in Amsterdam do you need? The perfect four-day itinerary

How many days in Amsterdam do you need? Here's a four-day itinerary with popular sights including Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum.

Visiting Amsterdam is stepping into the land of bicycles, canals, and winding cobblestone streets. Home to some of the world’s most famous artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Amsterdam is packed with rich history, painting-like scenery, and iconic art.

So, how many days in Amsterdam do you need to experience it all without feeling overwhelmed or rushed? A four-day trip to Amsterdam gives you enough time to cross famous tourist attractions off the list, such as the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House, and visit underrated locations such as Jordaan. This carefully curated Amsterdam itinerary will give you the ultimate four-day experience, perfect for solo travelling trips and those who don’t have much time but still want to visit all the famous locations — and squeeze a few hidden gems in, too!

In this article

Day 1: Explore the city center, Amsterdam Central, and the Red Light District

The Red Light District, also known as “De Wallen,” is one of the oldest districts and a must-visit location on our Amsterdam itinerary. Source: Unsplash

Begin your first day by heading to Amsterdam Central, the city’s main train station and lively hub.

Stop 1: Amsterdam Central

From here, you can explore Amsterdam’s historic city center, lively squares, and canals, which make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Walk along the city center’s cobblestoned streets and rustic buildings that have stood there for centuries. Stop at Dam Square, where you’ll find the Nieuwe Kerk, a 15th-century church that features modern art.

Stop 2: Canal cruise

From the city center, take an iconic midday canal cruise that offers views of the city’s 17th-century canals, merchant houses, and bridges. You’ll also pass many cozy cafes with outdoor seating, so be sure to spot a few to visit later. Many offer traditional Dutch apple pie, stroopwafel, and Dutch pancakes — some of the best food in Amsterdam.

Stop 3: Red Light District

When evening kicks in, head towards Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District. Known for its sex shops and red-lit windows, this area is a significant part of Dutch culture and history. It’s worldwide-renowned for adult entertainment but also features historic buildings and hidden courtyards. Visit during the day before nightlife crowds fully kick in.

Insider tip: It’s crucial that you do not take pictures in and around the red light district. It’s considered disrespectful to the sex workers and violates their privacy; you might also be fined.

Day 2: Visit Jordaan and the Anne Frank House

If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Amsterdam, one thing is certain — you must visit the famous Anne Frank House and the picturesque Jordaan neighborhood. Source: Mahnoor Bangush

While your first day in Amsterdam revolved around exploring the central side, day 2 is more historically relevant.

Stop 1: Jordaan

Begin your day by strolling through Jordaan, one of Amsterdam’s popular and hip neighborhoods, loved by the locals. Once a working-class neighborhood, Jordaan is now a trendy and soulful area packed with art galleries, quirky boutiques, cafes, cheese shops, and gardens. Walk around this historic neighborhood and stop for breakfast at one of the cozy cafes. Explore the Nine Streets for window shopping and Noordermarkt for organic food and local crafts.

Stop 2: The Anne Frank House and Anne Frank Museum

Next, make your way towards the Anne Frank House, located at Prinsengracht 263-267. This museum is dedicated to Anne Frank’s legacy, and inside, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through the secret annex where she and her family hid for years.

If you’re interested in learning more about that era, after spending a few hours at the Anne Frank House and Anne Frank Museum, visit the Dutch Resistance Museum to explore how the Dutch fought against Nazi occupation.

Stop 3: Local restaurants

As evening arrives, explore Jordaan’s wine bars, jazz cafes, and local restaurants for a tasty bite.

Insider tip: You must book your tickets for the Anne Frank House at least 4 weeks in advance, as they sell out very quickly. Ensure you have internet via a Netherlands eSIM to access tickets and other important bookings.

Day 3: Discover Museumplein: Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum

Explore the Dutch Golden Age in Van Gogh Museum’s four intriguing floors, and look out for its first ever painting called The Potato Eaters on your trip to Amsterdam. Source: Mahnoor Bangush

Spend your third day in Amsterdam, visiting famous museums and witnessing iconic masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age.

Stop 1: Museumplein

Start your morning by heading to the Van Gogh Museum in the Museumplein district. This structure features the most extensive collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh and offers a deep insight into the artist’s beginnings, struggles, and iconic masterpieces.

Inside, you’ll find:

Van Gogh’s self-portraits
Famous paintings such as “The Bedroom,” “Sunflowers,” and “Almond Blossom”
Heart-warming letters between Van Gogh and his brother Theo
Exhibits on his mental health and contributions to modern art

After exploring the Van Gogh Museum, head towards other popular museums in the area, including:

Rijksmuseum: Home to Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch”
Stedelijk Museum: Hosts contemporary exhibitions and features modern art

Stop 2: Vondelpark

After you’re done touring the museums, the surrounding areas offer a peaceful place to take a break and enjoy the greenery. Or, you can head to Vondelpark, one of Amsterdam’s largest and most famous parks just a short walk away.

Relax by the ponds, watch the street performers, and enjoy the green space. If you’re visiting in the summertime, this space is exceptionally breathtaking and vibrant. It definitely contributes to making Amsterdam one of the best summer destinations in Europe.

Stop 3: De Pijp

End day 3 by exploring the nearby neighborhood of De Pijp, which has street markets, cafes, and small boutiques. You can even try some popular Dutch street food, such as Bitterballen and traditional herring snacks.

Insider tip: Visit the Van Gogh Museum right when it opens or during the last hour before closing to avoid touristy crowds and rush. You can pair it with the I Amsterdam City Card to save money and skip lines.

Day 4: Cycle through Amsterdam’s hidden gems

Canal-side dinners in Amsterdam tend to become even more scenic in the evening as yellow lights illuminate the surroundings. Source: Unsplash

Day 4 on our Amsterdam itinerary is all about slowing down and savoring Amsterdam’s local life.

Stop 1: Oost and Noord

Start your morning by renting a bike or opting for a guided bike tour through the city’s lesser-known areas, like Oost or Noord.

These districts differ entirely from the city center and central Amsterdam and offer more of a multicultural atmosphere.

Oost is known for its trendy cafes and lush parks like Oosterpark, whereas Noord is packed with modern art spaces and innovative architecture, such as the A’DAM Tower. You can also reach Noord via a quick ferry from Amsterdam Central.

Stop 2: Albert Cuyp Market

After a morning ride alongside the canals, head to Albert Cuyp Market in the De Pijp neighborhood — the Netherlands’s most largest and busiest street market. Here, you can try cheeses and local snacks and satisfy any cravings for stroopwafels.

To make day four more interesting, stop at Brouwerij ‘t IJ, a local brewery next to a traditional Dutch windmill. Here, you can taste organic craft beers and relax in a garden atmosphere.

Stop 3: Canal-side dinner

End your final evening in Amsterdam with a farewell dinner at a canal-side restaurant. For more authentic Dutch cuisine, opt for Rozengracht 251, Restaurant Greetje, and The Pantry.

Insider tip: Reserve your table early to get the best seating. Popular areas for beautiful views include Jordaan, the Nine Streets, and the Eastern Canal Belt.

Tips for planning your Amsterdam trip

Here is some crucial advice to make the most of your four days in Amsterdam (or five days if you want to add in a day trip).

Book famous attractions as early as possible

Locations like the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and Rijksmuseum are among Amsterdam’s most popular tourist attractions. Tickets tend to sell out immediately; try to finalize your booking at least 4 weeks in advance.

Choose your stay in Amsterdam wisely

Besides wondering how many days to stay in Amsterdam, it’s also important to consider where to stay. Booking your accommodation near the city center gives you short walking distances to major sights like the Red Light District and Dam Square. Look for accommodation in Jordaan for an extra cozy experience.

Save money with city passes

If you’ve got most of Amsterdam’s famous attractions on your list, the I Amsterdam City Card can save you lots of money. Calculate how much money you’d spend individually versus for one Card.

Embrace the bike culture

Biking is an essential part of Dutch culture and an ideal way to explore Amsterdam. There are actually more bikes than people here, which shows how important they are to everyday life. If you plan to tour Amsterdam on a bike, remember to stay in bike lanes and be mindful of pedestrians.

Pack for all types of weather

The weather in Amsterdam can be extremely unpredictable. Afternoon showers can turn a bright sunny day into cloudy gloom. Bring light jackets or umbrellas, just in case!

Ensure you have reliable internet

Whether you’re here for a short stay or as a remote worker, frequent traveler, or digital nomad, ensure you’re prepared with reliable internet. You’ll find public WiFi in cafes such as Coffee & Coconuts (De Pijp) and Bocca Coffee (city center). However, it may not be the most reliable.

Grab a Holafly Connect monthly subscription for only $64.90/month and get unlimited data (and unlimited hotspots) in over 170 destinations. No contracts or complicated registration processes are required; simply sign up and have your internet travel with you wherever you go.

Enjoy a four day-trip in Amsterdam with Holafly

On the other hand, if you’re only in Amsterdam for a short stay, opt for Holafly’s Amsterdam eSIM and match your vacation to your plan, so you never have to pay extra. Plus, the more days you add, the cheaper the daily price gets!

4 days in Amsterdam for $16.90 ($4.22/day)
5 days in Amsterdam for $20.90 ($4.18/day)
6 days in Amsterdam for $24.90 ($4.17/day)

Enjoy peace of mind with reliable, high-speed internet on your trip to Amsterdam.

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