Canals, Cafés & Charm: Amsterdam in 3 Days

Afternoon exploration

When in a new city, I always like to start off with a walk to start to familiarize myself with the rhythm of the place. Each city has its own vibe, and Amsterdam’s is relaxed and peaceful. It is an extremely walkable city, and there is nothing better after breakfast at the hotel than a stroll along the canals and waterways of this beautiful place. Whatever direction you choose to go, you will be met with historic buildings, cozy cafés, and unique shops that introduce you to the style of the Netherlands.

There is no shortage of cafes and pastry shops to tempt you as you walk. A word of warning—cafés are where you get coffee; coffee shops are where you go for cannabis.

Now that you have seen a bit of the city on foot, for the afternoon, I would recommend a canal cruise. There are several options that offer anything from light snacks and drinks to full meals. All will give you a unique perspective of the city.

Evening

For dinner, I recommend one of two options at the Dylan Hotel. Bar Brasserie OCCO is a relaxed all-day brasserie and bar serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and signature cocktails in a stylish yet informal setting. It’s also known for its “High Wine” experience, a fun wine-pairing concept with small bites.

The other option, Restaurant Vinkeles, is the hotel’s fine-dining destination, awarded two Michelin stars and known for its refined French cuisine and elegant atmosphere. Be sure to make reservations.

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is one of the most famous landmarks in The Netherlands, and should not be missed. It is the historic canal house museum where Anne Frank, her family, and four others hid from Nazi persecution during World War II. It preserves the original Secret Annex behind a hidden bookcase, letting visitors walk through the cramped rooms where Anne penned her iconic diary.

I recommend including the Introductory Program with your ticket. This short program sets the stage for your tour of the Annex and offers some additional details about those in hiding and the people that helped them. You can spend as much or as little time in the museum as you would like, but you should plan a couple of hours for the full experience.

• Insider tip: Tickets for the Anne Frank House are restricted to timed entry and must be purchased in advance from the official website. Tickets go on sale six weeks in advance, on Tuesday morning. Because tickets are limited, this should be the first thing you book, so other plans can be made around this visit.

Dutch food tour

After a somber morning, a great way to lighten things up is with a food tour. The Dutch have some unique and amazing cuisine, and a food tour led by a local is a great way to sample some of their specialties while also learning more about the culture.

The tour I did included tastes of Dutch gouda cheese, pickled herring with onions and pickles (so much tastier than it sounds!), stroopwafel, their special french fries, gehaktballen (meatballs), and the iconic Dutch apple pie. It was such a fun way to spend an afternoon and I would do it again any time!

Museums

Amsterdam has some of the best museums, containing some of the most famous works of art in the world. I highly recommend the Van Gogh museum. Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of his work, but a morning spent at the museum dedicated to his art, life, and legacy changed my opinion. Wandering through the exhibits of his work, along with that of the artists who inspired him was time well spent.

Rijksmuseum is another solid choice to see masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch Golden Age painters.

Shopping & café culture

For a final afternoon in Amsterdam, wander through the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes), a charming neighborhood of boutique shops, vintage stores, and cozy cafés perfect for finding unique souvenirs.

Alternatively, explore the Red Light District for its historic canals and lively atmosphere, or soak in local culture by relaxing in a brown café or coffee shop, chatting with locals over a coffee or Dutch beer. It’s a laid-back way to savor the city’s character before you say goodbye.