How to Spend 4 Days in Amsterdam: The Best Itinerary

Amsterdam is one of those cities I’d happily go back to again and again. No matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to see, eat, or photograph.

If you have 4 days in Amsterdam, you’re in a really good spot. It’s enough time to cover the big highlights, slow down and explore different neighborhoods, and even squeeze in a couple of easy day trips outside the city.

In this Amsterdam 4 day itinerary, I’ll walk you through exactly how I would plan your days, including must-see sights, local favorites, and a few places that are slightly off the typical tourist path.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.

Overview of Your 4 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary

Breakdown of your 4 days in Amsterdam

• Day 1: Dam Square & Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Madam Tussauds or The Amsterdam Dungeon, Begijnhof, Bloemenmarkt, Van Wonderen Stroopwafels, Damrak Canal Houses, Canal Cruise, Red Light District
• Day 2: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark, Anne Frank House, Amsterdam Cheese Museum, Jordaan & 9 Streets, Foodhallen
• Day 3: Hoftuin Park, Amsterdam Museum or Hermitage Museum, National Holocaust Monument, Skinny Bridge, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, Rembrandt House Museum, Albert Cuyp Market, Heineken Experience
• Day 4: Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken, Edam, A’DAM Lookout

Map for your 4 day Amsterdam itinerary

To make planning easier, I’ve created a custom map with all the stops included in this 4 day Amsterdam itinerary.

Each day is marked with a different color so you can quickly see how everything fits together. This way, you can follow along day by day or rearrange things if needed.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Day 1

Dam Square & Royal Palace of Amsterdam

There’s no better way to kick off your 4 days in Amsterdam than at Dam Square. It’s busy at pretty much any time of day, and you’re instantly surrounded by some of the city’s most important landmarks.

Right in the middle of the square, you’ll spot the National Monument, and just behind it, the impressive Royal Palace of Amsterdam.

Despite the name, the Dutch royal family does not actually live here. They’re based in The Hague, and the palace is mainly used for official events like state visits and award ceremonies. When it’s not in use, it’s open to visitors, and I definitely recommend going inside.

The interiors are huge, dramatic, and surprisingly ornate. I remember walking through the main halls and just constantly looking up at the ceilings.

Plan around 1 to 1.5 hours for your visit, and grab the free audio guide at the entrance. It adds a lot of context and makes the experience much more interesting.

Madame Tussauds or Amsterdam Dungeon

If you’re into pop culture and quick, fun attractions, Madame Tussauds Amsterdam is right on Dam Square, so it’s an easy add-on while you’re in the area.

It’s exactly what you’d expect: big international stars, Dutch celebrities, and plenty of photo ops. It’s fun, light, and doesn’t take too long to go through.

If you’d rather do something more immersive, walk a few minutes to the Amsterdam Dungeon instead. This one is all about live actors, dark rooms, and dramatic storytelling based on Dutch history.

I loved the London version, so I had high expectations, and honestly, this one delivered too. It’s intense, a bit chaotic in the best way, and very interactive.

ou can’t take photos inside, so you’ll have to experience it fully in the moment. If you enjoy theatrical experiences and don’t mind a few jump scares, this is a really fun alternative.

Begijnhof

After the crowds around Dam Square, stepping into Begijnhof feels like entering a completely different world.

Hidden behind a simple doorway, this quiet courtyard is surrounded by historic houses that once belonged to a Catholic sisterhood known as the Beguines. It’s one of the oldest inner courtyards in Amsterdam, and yes, people still live here today.

While you’re inside, look out for house number 34, which is considered the oldest surviving wooden house in the city. Just keep in mind that this isn’t a museum but a residential area, so stay quiet and be respectful while walking around.

Bloemenmarkt

From Begijnhof, it’s just a short walk to Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market.

The stalls sit on houseboats along the canal, and it’s one of those places that immediately feels very Amsterdam. You’ll see rows of colorful flowers, stacks of tulip bulbs, and plenty of classic Dutch souvenirs mixed in.

Tulips are available year-round, but if you’re visiting between March and May, you’ll catch them at their best. That’s when the colors really pop across the city.

If you’re thinking about bringing bulbs home, look for the pre-packaged ones that are approved for international travel and properly stamped for export. And even if you don’t buy anything, it’s still worth a quick wander through. It’s a fun, easy stop to include in your 4 days in Amsterdam.

Van Wonderen Stroopwafels

After a busy morning of sightseeing, it’s about time for a quick snack, and what would be a better way to treat yourself than trying the famous stroopwafels?

Just a short walk from Bloemenmarkt, you’ll find Van Wonderen Stroopwafels, the most buzzing spot in the capital for these sweet caramel-filled waffle cookies.

You can expect to find a line outside at any time of day, but the minute you tuck into your chocolate, marshmallow, or Lotus-topped stroopwafel, I think you’ll find that they’re worth the wait.

We loved these sweet treats so much that we went back almost every day – no kidding! I’d recommend going for the medium or mega size and topping it with marshmallows. It was my favorite combo, and it was absolutely delicious.

Damrak Canal Houses

From the stroopwafel shop, walk toward the water and follow the canal north. This stretch gives you that classic Amsterdam feel with rows of narrow houses leaning slightly over the water.

After around 20 minutes of walking, you’ll come across the Damrak Canal Houses, some of the most famous and historic homes in all of the city.

Often nicknamed the Dancing Houses, these colorful buildings have gotten their names thanks to their slightly crooked appearance and always seem to look as if they’re holding each other up.

This is one of my favorite photo spots in Amsterdam, and you seriously can’t take a bad photo here!

Canal Cruise

If there’s one experience you absolutely shouldn’t skip during your 4 days in Amsterdam, it’s a canal cruise.

Seeing the city from the water gives you a completely different perspective. You’ll glide under low bridges, pass historic canal houses, and get a front row view of daily life along the waterways. It’s relaxing, but you’re still covering a lot of ground at the same time.

There are plenty of boat tour options to choose from, from simple daytime cruises to evening sailings.

My personal pick is the Amsterdam Classic Saloon Boat Cruise, which runs on a smaller, elegant boat and feels much more intimate than the larger tours. You can also add a wine and cheese option, which makes it even better.

Red Light District

Depending on where your canal cruise ends, you’ll likely be within a short walk of De Wallen, the most famous part of Amsterdam’s Red Light District and a very different side of the city to explore on your first evening.

Here, you’ll walk past neon-lit windows, adult shops, erotic museums, and plenty of bars that stay busy well into the night. It’s bold, unapologetic, and definitely one of the most talked about areas in Amsterdam.

Despite its reputation, the area is generally safe thanks to a visible police presence. The one rule you absolutely need to respect is no photos of the workers. Keep your phone in your pocket and be mindful.

If you’d prefer more context instead of wandering around on your own, joining a guided Red Light District tour is a good option.

Tours usually run in the evening and cover the history of prostitution, coffee shops, and how the district operates today. It helps you understand what you’re seeing rather than just walking through it.

Day 2

Rijksmuseum

One of the best things to do in Amsterdam is touring its many museums, so it’s time to start!

If I had to pick only one museum to visit in Amsterdam, it would be the Rijksmuseum, so I recommend starting your day with this one. Easily the capital’s most-visited museum, this is a can’t-miss attraction for anyone with an interest in art.

Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Vermeer’s Milkmaid, and Van Gogh’s self-portrait are just some of the thousands of incredible artworks from the Dutch Golden Age that call the Rijkmuseum home, and you could easily spend hours here.

Getting your tickets online is best if you’re visiting during the summer, but they’re also available on entry.

Van Gogh Museum

Within a five-minute walk from the Rijksmuseum is the Van Gogh Museum, where you’ll have the chance to see some of the Dutch painter’s most treasured pieces.

As well as seeing the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works in the world, including Starry Night and Sunflowers, hundreds of his favorite paintings and prints from artists he admired are also on display. 

Along with the permanent exhibits, there are usually some temporary showcases, too.

With so much to see, it’s a good idea to join a guided tour to get a better understanding of what you’re looking at, but you can also buy a standard ticket if you prefer.

Vondelpark

Just a short walk from the Van Gogh Museum, you’ll find Vondelpark, the city’s favorite green escape.

This is where locals come to run, picnic, bike, or just hang out on a sunny day. You can follow the winding paths past small ponds and open lawns, or rent a bike and cruise through like everyone else.

There are a few casual cafés inside the park where you can grab a coffee or something simple to eat, and if you’re visiting with kids, there’s also a large playground. After a busy morning of museums, this is the perfect place to slow things down for a bit during your 4 days in Amsterdam.

Anne Frank House

A devastating but unmissable addition to your Amsterdam itinerary is a stop at the Anne Frank House, a museum formed on the site where this young girl chronicled her family’s journey as they hid for two years during the Holocaust.

When you visit, you’ll see the bookcase that hid the entrance to the secret annex and original items from the kitchen, along with countless photos and videos.

Tickets for the Anne Frank House always tend to sell out well in advance, so you’ll need to snap up yours as early as possible. Every Tuesday, tickets for the upcoming six weeks become available online, so keep your eyes on the website!

You have to reserve your tickets for a specific timeslot, so you might need to move around the activities on this day depending on which timeslot you receive.

Photography and videography are forbidden inside, so you can leave your camera in the cloakroom along with your other stuff.

Amsterdam Cheese Museum

After a gut-wrenching experience at the Anne Frank, you’ll appreciate something a little lighter at the nearby Amsterdam Cheese Museum.

The Netherlands has its fair share of excellent cheeses from Edam, Gouda, and Maasdam, and the Amsterdam Cheese Museum gives you an insight into how these cheeses are made.

When you walk in, you’ll be offered a ton of free samples, including truffle goat cheese and chili cheese, while downstairs is the super cute and free museum.

If you have room in your suitcase, stock up on your favorite varieties, most of which are vacuum-packed and easy to travel with.

Jordaan & 9 Streets

Next up is the trendy and picturesque neighborhood of Jordaan, which is just a 10-minute walk from the Amsterdam Cheese Museum. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam, and also my favorite area to stroll around!

Jordaan was once a working-class area of Amsterdam and has developed into one of the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods, consisting of boutique stores, hip cafes, and a thriving nightlife scene.

The enchanting nine streets, a collection of stunning avenues lined with upscale shops and some of the city’s most incredible hotels, lie within the Jordaan district. They have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to their old-world allure and beauty.

If you love cute cafes, you have to stop by my favorite one: Le Petit Deli. It’s a cute little café with French-inspired decor and incredibly delicious pastries and cakes.

Foodhallen

Amsterdam is packed with great restaurants, but if you want variety in one place, head to Foodhallen.

It’s about a 20-minute walk from Jordaan, and it’s perfect if you’re traveling with someone who never agrees on what to eat. Inside, you’ll find a mix of food stalls serving everything from tacos and banh mi to burgers, noodles, and Dutch snacks.

If it’s your first time, start at De Ballenbar and order bitterballen. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and savory inside, and basically a must-try while you’re spending 4 days in Amsterdam. Grab a drink, find a table, and just sample your way around.

Day 3

Hoftuin Park

Kick off day three in a quieter part of the city, around the Old Jewish Quarter and Plantage.

Tucked behind the museum buildings, Hoftuin is a small garden that most visitors completely miss. It’s right next to H’ART Museum and only a few minutes from Waterlooplein metro station, but it feels surprisingly calm compared to the busier areas.

This hidden gem is perfect for a peaceful morning stroll or a picnic surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees.

It’s also home to one of my favorite breakfast places in Amsterdam: Dignita Hoftuin. This cozy cafe offers delicious and healthy breakfast options, as well as a beautiful outdoor seating area in the park.

Amsterdam Museum or H’ART Museum

After breakfast (or just a quick stroll around the park), you have two museums to choose from for your next stop: the Amsterdam Museum or the Hermitage Museum.

The Amsterdam Museum gives you an overview of the highs and lows of the Netherlands throughout time.

With a unique exhibition for each historical period, the Amsterdam Museum uses displays, videos, art, and artifacts to take you through the city’s storied history, which is really brought to life with the audio guide included in your ticket.

The building in which the museum is set is also steeped in history, having once stood as an orphanage run by nuns during the 1500s, prior to the Reformation.

On the other hand, H’ART Museum is now presenting various arts from three international partners: the British Museum, Centre Pompidou, and Smithsonian American Art Museum.

The museum was formerly known as Hermitage Amsterdam, and it used to house an impressive collection from the world-renowned Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. After the recent events, the museum has cut ties with Russia and renamed itself H’ART with a new concept.

Both museums offer unique and fascinating exhibitions, so choose whichever one interests you more.

National Holocaust Monument

Another attraction you can’t miss next to Hoftuin Park is one of Amsterdam’s newest and most culturally significant landmarks, the National Holocaust Monument.

The four red brick, mirror-topped sections of the monument come together to spell the Hebrew phrase for ‘In Memory Of’ from above.

Each brick has a name engraved onto it for each of the known Holocaust victims in Amsterdam, while some are left blank to represent unnamed members of the Jewish community who suffered during World War II.

An incredibly solemn point of interest, this monument sheds some light on the darker sides of Dutch history.

Skinny Bridge

Seeing Amsterdam in 4 days wouldn’t be complete without a walk to the Skinny Bridge, just a 5-minute walk from Hoftuin Park.

Connecting the areas of Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, this revered white bridge is said to be one of the most romantic spots in Amsterdam, and it’s believed that couples who kiss under the bridge will be blessed with eternal love.

You might wonder why it’s fondly called the Skinny Bridge despite not being particularly narrow, but this overpass was initially much smaller and was only wide enough to allow two people to pass each other at a time.

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

As you might have figured out from the name, the Hortus Botanicus is Amsterdam’s botanical garden, which happens to be one of the oldest of its kind on the planet.

At just over 5 minutes from Hoftuin Park or 10 minutes from the Skinny Bridge, these gardens feel like a tropical oasis hidden amongst the busy streets of central Amsterdam.

Home to a spectacular butterfly house with dozens of colorful species, vibrant flowers, and a rainforest room, you won’t have to be an aspiring botanist to be impressed by this serene corner of the city.

If you would rather visit some free parks, you can stroll around either J. W. van Overloopplantsoen Park or Wertheimpark, both right next to Hortus Botanicus.

Rembrandt House Museum

Less than a 10-minute walk away is the Rembrandt House Museum. Most of you could probably make a good guess as to who this place is named after!

Rembrandt van Rijn called this townhouse home for almost 20 years during the mid-1600s, and seeing where he completed many of his most coveted paintings makes for a totally different experience from that of the Rijksmuseum while also giving some detail about his private life.

Most of his pieces lie in galleries, but many of his etchings are on display here, and you might even catch an art demonstration during your visit.

Albert Cuyp Market

Situated around a 30-minute walk from the Rembrandt House or a 20-minute metro ride away is the Albert Cuyp Market.

Everything and anything is available to buy here, and I mean everything! Think clothes, jewelry, flowers, fresh vegetables, souvenirs, and pretty much whatever else you can think of.

Even if you don’t plan on buying anything here, it’s worth spending time passing by each of the 260 stalls and seeing Europe’s largest market in action.

For a truly authentic Dutch experience, pay a visit to the Albert Cuyp Market between 9 am and 5 pm any day except Sunday.

Heineken Experience

Around a 7-minute walk from the market is the Heineken Experience, a must for all beer enthusiasts out there. I must admit, I’m not a beer fan myself, but I still enjoyed this experience very much!

The standard experience includes a 1.5-hour-long interactive self-guided tour of Heineken’s former brewery, learning the brewing process, how Heineken became one of the world’s best-loved lagers, and sampling two glasses of this famous beer.

If you want to go all in, choose the VIP experience. This tour lasts for 2.5 hours and is led by a knowledgeable guide. It also includes a visit to a hidden bar, plus a tasting of 5 different beers!

Day 4

For the last day of your Amsterdam itinerary, it’s time to venture out of the city and discover the gorgeous towns that lie in the Dutch countryside. 

I have four recommendations for you: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken.

Now you have a choice to make: you can either explore independently by using public transport, or you can book this Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour, which will take you to all four towns and provide a guide for the day.

If you want to visit all these four places, I strongly recommend booking this tour. While it’s possible to visit them independently, you won’t be able to fit all of them into one day if you’re relying solely on public transport. Plus, the tour is an excellent value for money and will provide you with interesting information about each town.

If you’d rather explore independently, the good news is that you can easily reach all four towns by public transport. I’ll give you all the details below on how to get there from Amsterdam Central Station and you can choose your favorite towns to visit.

Another great way to visit these towns is to rent a bike and cycle there. The Netherlands is known for its cycling culture, and it’s a really popular way to explore the countryside. We visited Zaanse Schans this way on our first trip to Amsterdam, and it was such a lovely experience!

Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is a perfect example of the other side of The Netherlands, as this neighborhood is filled with traditional windmills and colored wooden homes from the 1800s dotted along the riverside, many of which have been relocated from other parts of the country.

You can easily spend a few hours here exploring the windmills, visiting the wooden shoe workshop, and trying some delicious Dutch cheese. You can even enter one of the working windmills to see how they operate and learn more about their importance in Dutch culture.

How to get to Zaanse Schans:

• Bus (45 minutes): Take bus 391 from Amsterdam Central Station. It runs every 15 minutes.
• Train + walk (35-40 minutes): Hop on a regional train and get off at Zaandijk – Zaanse Schans station. From here, it’s a 15-20 minute walk to reach Zaanse Schans.
• Bicycle (1 hour)

Edam

Visit the birthplace of the beloved Edam cheese, which is positioned just 20 minutes from the Dutch capital.

The town of Edam itself is quaint and idyllic, with peaceful canals and pretty buildings, but let’s face it, the cheese is what it’s all about here.

You’ll most likely find yourself hitting the Edam Cheese Market and the Story of Edam Cheese, a little museum detailing the rise of this popular cheese that also happens to offer some free samples.

From Amsterdam Central Station, catch the 314 bus, which will have you in Edam within 35-45 minutes. 

How to get to Edam:

• Bus (30 minutes): Take either bus 314 or bus 316 from the bus terminal at Amsterdam Central Station. Buses depart every 15 to 30 minutes.
• Bicycle (1 hour 10 minutes)

Volendam

This colorful fishing village is just 23 km north of Amsterdam and has a much slower pace of life than the capital. I was absolutely blown away by this town!

Volendam has a picture-perfect harbor, delicious seafood, and a bunch of adorable streets to be explored, and it’s a window into Dutch traditions that you don’t always get to see in the bigger cities.

For a cultural experience, you can also visit the Volendam Museum or take a tour of the Cheese Factory.

How to get to Volendam:

• Bus (30 minutes): Take bus 316 from the bus terminal at Amsterdam Central Station. Buses depart every 15 minutes. You can take this same bus to Edam which is only 5 minutes from Volendam so you can easily combine them into a day trip!
• Bicycle (1 hour)

Marken

Not far from Volendam is the tiny village of Marken, which lies on a peninsula just 25 minutes from Amsterdam.

As small as Marken is, it boasts a history museum, a wooden shoe factory, and a 19th-century lighthouse, all of which are well worth visiting and easy to reach.

How to get to Marken:

• Bus (20 minutes): Bus 315 runs from Amsterdam directly to Marken and it leaves very frequently throughout the day.
• Ferry (30 minutes): If you want to combine a visit to Marken with Volendam, hop on the scenic ferry that connects the two areas.

A’DAM Lookout

As the final evening of your 4 days in Amsterdam comes to a close, you’ll hopefully arrive back in the city center before the sun sets.

Many of you will land at Central Station, and just 10 minutes from here is the A’DAM Lookout, home to the famous rooftop swing, a thrilling VR ride through Amsterdam, and some of the most magical views in the city.

There’s also a rooftop bar, which is one of my favorite places for a glass of wine in the city. It’s especially amazing at sunset as the city lights start to twinkle below.

Get your tickets online or at the office on-site, head up to the observation deck, and finish your vacation with a drink at the plush Sky Bar.

Useful Info for Spending 4 Days in Amsterdam

Where to stay in Amsterdam

If you’re visiting Amsterdam for 4 days, you’ll want to stay as close to the city center as possible. While staying in the city center is one of the most convenient options, it’s also quite expensive. You can save some money by staying a bit further out and using public transport to get around.

Some popular areas to stay in Amsterdam are:

• Jordaan: A trendy area filled with cafes, galleries, and boutique shops. It’s also close to major attractions.
• De Pijp: A lively district with plenty of bars and restaurants. It’s a bit further from the city center but still within walking distance.
• Museum Quarter: As the name suggests, this area is home to some of Amsterdam’s top museums, like Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. It’s also close to Vondelpark, a popular park for picnics and strolls.

To learn more about each neighborhood and find the perfect accommodation for your stay, check out our complete guide to where to stay in Amsterdam.

• Ultimate Luxury | Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
• Best Views | Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
• Rooftop Pool | W Amsterdam
• Mid-range | Hotel Mercier
• Budget | Conscious Hotel Westerpark

How to get to Amsterdam

If you’re visiting from elsewhere in Europe, the easiest way to reach Amsterdam is by train. Amsterdam Centraal Station is well-connected to other major cities like Paris, London, and Berlin.

For those traveling from further away, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is a major international airport with flights arriving from all over the world. From there, you can take a 20-minute train ride to Amsterdam Central Station or hop on a bus or taxi.

How to get around in Amsterdam

Most attractions are within walking distance from the city center, so get ready to put on those walking shoes! You can also take advantage of Amsterdam’s extensive public transport network, which includes buses, trams, metro, and ferries.

To use public transport in Amsterdam, I recommend buying a GVB Public Transport Ticket. They have different options from one to seven days, so you can choose the one that best fits your itinerary.

One single GVB ticket costs €3.40, so if you’re planning to use public transport more than twice a day, the GVB ticket will definitely save you money.

Another popular option is to purchase an I Amsterdam City Card, which offers free access to public transportation as well as discounts on attractions and activities. This card is valid for one, two, three, or four consecutive days.

Best time to visit Amsterdam

The best time to visit Amsterdam is during the spring (April and May) when the tulips are in full bloom or in September when summer crowds have dispersed. The weather is mild and pleasant during these months, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Summer is the peak tourist season in Amsterdam, and while the city is buzzing with energy, it can also get quite crowded. If you’re planning to visit during this time, be prepared for long lines at popular attractions and higher prices.

No matter when you decide to visit, make sure to check the weather forecast beforehand and pack accordingly. Bring an umbrella for those unexpected showers and dress in layers to stay comfortable, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.