With its multi-cultural diaspora, rich historical gems and scenic landscape, Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It boasts a fantastic nightlife, is home to some of the finest collections of art and music and has a truly remarkable canal system that has earned it the colloquial title of ‘Venice of the North’.
Planning to spend a week in this vibrant city? This Amsterdam travel blog is everything you need! Our detailed itinerary comprises a fun-filled schedule for each day, travel and stay suggestions, and of course, only the best recommendations to satisfy your interest in local cuisine.
7 Days in Amsterdam - How To Spend Your Day
Amsterdam In 7 Days - Detailed Itinerary
Indulge in a Relaxing Exploration of Amsterdam
Vondelpark
Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam Canals
After a long travel journey, you can take the first half of the day to unwind and bask in the sunlight amidst nature. Head to Vondelpark, one of Amsterdam’s oldest and most famous parks. You can rest on the freshly-cut grass or stroll around the pond. If you’re lucky, you can attend an open-air festival too. Vondelpark has several eateries to stop by like Adam, the Uptown Meat Club or Dikke Graaf. Entry to Vondelpark is free!
- You can opt for well-known shopping streets, PC Hoofstraat and Beethovenstraat. Both of these shopping streets are pretty much crowded because of its popularity. If you are looking for a quieter place to shop, go to Cornelis Schuytsraat.
- Tourists interested in equine can fulfil their craving at Hollandsche Manege, which is Vienna’s celebrated Spanish Horse Riding School.
- Taking a Taxi for the commute is the fastest option as it would only take 15 mins. However, the cost would be on a little higher side with 40 Euros a ride.
🇳🇱 Local Travel Tip 🇳🇱
Amsterdammers turn out in droves for the free open-air theater performances every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during summertime.
Restaurant Recommendations
Time for breakfast? Fret not, there are many good restaurants around the area. Our personal recommendations include:
The next stop on your list is the national museum of Netherlands: Rijksmuseum. Take a slow, detailed tour through this museum, savouring all the art work. The Rijksmuseum is home to more than 600,000 pieces of art, including Rembrandt and Vermeer. It is open daily between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including holidays like Christmas. Visitors above the age of 18 are charged €20, while those under 18 get free admission. Buy your tickets online to avoid waiting in lines.
- As one of the most popular landmarks in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum is generally crowded and the waiting line at ticket counters is usually long. Avoid this by pre-purchasing your tickets online.
- Begin your visit in the Gallery of Honour and Night Watch Gallery will position you smack in the center of the second floor, which is bookended by the Great Hall and Sculpture Gallery.
- Take advantage of the free wifi, since there are several types of tours, integrating thematic tours or specific rooms/galleries tours and mentioning the highlights among artists, times, or types of works.
🇳🇱 Local Travel Tip 🇳🇱
Set an early alarm and beeline for the Gallery of Honour. The museum’s most famous painting, “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt van Rijn, is framed by an arched entryway at the far end of the hall.
Walk up to the canals after Rijkmuseum. The relaxing sounds of water, soft lighting and hustle and bustle of the city is sure to give you a wholehearted Amsterdam experience. You can drop by Cafe de Dokter -- a bar designed to represent Amsterdam’ city -- and enjoy a drink from their selection of beer and whiskey.
- Try booking your Amsterdam canal cruise tickets online to avoid waiting in long lines.
- Consider Skip the Line Tickets & Combo Deals.
- For Travel Flexibility, Try The Hop-On-Hop-Off Cruise.
- Make Use Of The Audio Guides.
Visit Some of the Museums in Amsterdam
Van Gogh Museum
Heineken Museum
FOAM Museum
Start Day 2 in Amsterdam with a healthy dose of art. The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Vincent van Gogh -- one of Europe’s most famed artists, also well known for having cut his ear off. This museum features van Gogh’s largest collection of artwork, including Sunflowers and Self Portrait with Straw Hat from the late 1800s. Owing to its popularity, the Van Gogh Museum is always crowded. Consider booking tickets online to avoid waiting in a line. It is generally open between 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and an adult ticket costs €19
- The museum closes at 6:00 PM from Saturday to Thursday, while on Friday it closes at 9:00 PM. Last admission to the museum is 30 minutes before closing time, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Take out sufficient time for your visit and avoid going on a rainy day.
- The museum prohibits photography and the rule is strictly enforced. As a remembrance of your time spent with Van Gogh, you can pick up a souvenir or postcard from the gift shop.
Buying an online ticket will save you a lot of time! While buying the tickets, you choose a time-slot and you need to arrive within 30 minutes.
Always wondered about the behind-the-scenes workings of a brewery? Head to Heineken! An 80 to 90 minute tour takes you through the Heineken journey, covering its history, production, distribution process and the story behind the legendary beer. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy a delicious beer or (two) on the rooftop. This Heineken Amsterdam tour costs €18 and is available between 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM (last admission is at 5:00 PM) from Monday to Thursday and between 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (last admission is at 7:30 PM) between Friday to Sunday. Book your tickets online to get discounts and avoid lines.
- It is advisable to have Heineken experience contact number as it would help in solving any queries related to the tours and timings.
- Book the tickets in advance as getting tickets at the last moment is difficult and the last tickets are sold 2 hours before the closing time.
🇳🇱 Local Travel Tip 🇳🇱
The Heineken Experience has designed a digital app that provides extra information and fun facts as you explore the brewery. Unlock the app when you enter the Heineken Experience to get the most out of your visit.
Restaurant Recommendations
Satisfy your hunger pangs at local favourites. You can head to Zaza’s, The Seafood Bar Ferdinand Bol or Bakers & Roasters, all close to the Heineken museum.
Your next stop is Foam, an internationally-renowned exhibition of contemporary photography. They feature not just veterans in the field, but also provide a platform to emerging newcomers from across the world. Foam is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM between Monday to Wednesday and Saturday/Sunday, and from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Thursday and Friday. An adult ticket costs €15, while students pay €12. Children under the age of 12 get free admission.
Explore Some of Amsterdam's Most Iconic Spots
Anne Frank Museum
Jordaan
Your first stop on Day 3 in Amsterdam will be the Anne Frank House. This museum is dedicated to Anne, her family and the million others who were forced to go into hiding during the Nazis’ persecution of Jews during World War 2. The location where this museum currently stands is exactly where the Frank family hid, fearing for their life. It contains memorabilia like original photographs, facts and trivia and even the original diary in which she journalled her harrowing experience. This museum is open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM between April to November and 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM between November to April. Tickets are only available for purchase online.
- The Anne Frank House is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Ticket price for adults is €10 and for children aged 10-17, it’s €5. For children aged 9 and below, entry to The Anne Frank House is free.
- You can buy tickets online to avoid waiting in a line.
🇳🇱 Local Travel Tip 🇳🇱
You'll need to reserve your tickets to the Anne Frank House as early as possible. As soon as you know you're going to Amsterdam, book those babies.
Restaurant Recommendations
Time for lunch? Fret not, there are many good restaurants around the area. Our personal recommendations include:
From the Anne Frank museum, hop on a bike and ride to Jordaan, one of Amsterdam’s most interesting and lively neighbourhoods. Not only is Jordaan lined with quaint cafes, vibrant artwork and stretches of beautiful tulips, but it also houses hidden pubs that often feature underground musicians and art galleries that represent the spirit of the youth. Just cycle around and discover something new!
From Jordaan, you can cycle to Spuistraat, a street filled with some of the best graffiti and murals in Amsterdam.
🇳🇱 Local Travel Tip 🇳🇱
The best time to visit and experience the best of Jordaan is from the month of April to May, or from September to November when the weather is quite pleasant and allows you to explore the streets freely.
Delve into the History of Amsterdam
Royal Palace of Amsterdam
House of Bols
De Wallen
Begin your day with a visit to a historic gem, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Going back to the early 17th Century, this palace best represents Dutch resplendence. It is adorned with age-old sculptures and paintings, including one of the rarest collections of European furniture in the world. The Royal Palace is used as King Willem Alexander’s official location to host state functions and ceremonies. It’s open to visitors almost all year round between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tickets are available online and cost €10 for adults and free admission for those under 18.
- It's highly recommended to book your tickets for the palace online in advance. You can get tickets in person the day of, but the lines can be long.
- The palace is located on the western edge of the city center, and is very easy to reach on foot. However, if you're coming from further out, Madrid's excellent public transportation network can get you there quickly and efficiently.
🇳🇱 Local Travel Tip 🇳🇱
Avoid long queues. Visitors can skip the line by purchasing I Amsterdam Card. Remember to ask for the audio guide, as it is always included in the entry fee
Restaurant Recommendations
Time for breakfast? Fret not, there are many good restaurants around the area. Our personal recommendations include:
Mixology is quite the art! At the House of Bols, learn the nitty gritties that go into creating signature Amsterdam cocktails. Witness how carefully selected exotic herbs, spices and fruits are blended together to create delicious cocktails, some of whose recipes date back about 400 years. This experience also takes you through the history of Genever, a traditional liqueur of Netherlands. It is open between 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM from Sunday to Thursday and till 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Buy a ticket online for €16.
🇳🇱 Local Travel Tip 🇳🇱
Visitors must be at least 18 years old. Tours conclude with a complimentary cocktail. You can purchase bottles of alcohol and souvenirs at the gift shop.
No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the De Wallen, better known as the world famous red light district. Home to the world’s oldest profession -- prostitution -- De Wallen is the grittier, darker side of Amsterdam, with semi-clad women seductively dancing in glass windows of brothels, erotic theatres and strip clubs, all engulfed in bright neon lights that are symbolic to this street. You can also visit the Hash, Marihuana and Hemp museum in De Wallen. Don’t leave the red light district without trying popular eateries and bars like Blauw aan de Wal, Stach, Little Saigon, The Tailor, Martine of Martine’s Table and Mister Meatball.
🇳🇱 Local Travel Tip 🇳🇱
The Red Light District is known for its nightlife. This Dutch city never sleeps, and if you’re looking for a place to go out you’ll be happy to find places around every corner. Some of the locals’ favourites include Excalibur Cafe, Drink n Sink, and Cafe Old Sailor.
A Day Trip From Amsterdam
Day Trips from Amsterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam, perhaps best known for having been completely destroyed by the Nazis during World War 2. It was reconstructed from scratch after the war and today, this port city is known for its modern, tourist-friendly atmosphere. You can visit museums that showcase war memorabilia, beautiful churches, take in the artistic architecture and walk along the harbours to enjoy a fine Dutch experience. Rotterdam is located roughly 80km from Amsterdam and takes about 1.5 hours to reach by car. A faster journey would be to take an intercity train, which takes less than an hour of travel time.
- Rotterdam has a lot of cheap snack and falafel shops that cost 5-10 EUR. Additionally, buying food at the market is a great way to stock up on groceries for the week.
- If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, get the city tourist card. It offers discounts on most attractions (and some are free) as well as three days’ worth of travel on the train and bus system. It’s a bargain if you are going to stay in the city for a while and see a lot.
- If you want an overview of the city, take a free walking tour with Free Walking Tour Rotterdam. They offer insightful tours that can help you learn about the city on a budget. Just be sure to tip!
- Uber is cheaper than taxis here and is the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.
🇳🇱 Local Travel Tip 🇳🇱
The easiest and cheapest way to get around the city (besides walking) is to rent a bike. Donkey Republic is an app that has locations all over the city.
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam, perhaps best known for having been completely destroyed by the Nazis during World War 2. It was reconstructed from scratch after the war and today, this port city is known for its modern, tourist-friendly atmosphere. You can visit museums that showcase war memorabilia, beautiful churches, take in the artistic architecture and walk along the harbours to enjoy a fine Dutch experience. Rotterdam is located roughly 80km from Amsterdam and takes about 1.5 hours to reach by car. A faster journey would be to take an intercity train, which takes less than an hour of travel time.
- The best time to visit Batam is between April and October when the weather is dry and sunny.
- Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats and sunglasses as the sun can be quite intense.
- There are a number of ATM machines located around the island, but it is always best to bring cash as some places only accept Indonesian Rupiah.
- When travelling by boat, be sure to check in with the Harbour Master’s office first.
- Batam is a Muslim majority island, so be sure to dress modestly when out in public.
- There are many delicious Indonesian dishes to try on the island, so be sure to sample as many as you can!
🇳🇱 Local Travel Tip 🇳🇱
Good for one month for non-residents, this card gets you into several museums in the Netherlands for only 64.90 EUR. With the Museum Card, you get access to more than 400 museums throughout the Netherlands.
Say Hello to the A’dam Lookout and Food Tours
A’dam Lookout
NEMO museum
Food Tours
Kick off Day 6 in the city with an unparalleled view: aboard the A’dam Lookout, an observation deck that offers visitors a splendid panoramic view of Amsterdam. You can opt to go aboard the Sky Deck, or thrill seekers can also hop onto Over the Edge -- the highest swing in Europe -- and enjoy a jaw-dropping sight of Amsterdam. Visitors can also indulge in a delicious meal on A’dam Lookout, complete with salads, main course and dessert. A regular ticket costs €13.50 for adults and €7.50 for children and is open daily between 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- The Amsterdam Swing does not require a minimum age. It does require a minimum length though. You need to be at least 120 cm.
- Just wear the clothes you’re wearing that day. This is important to know: At such heights the wind blows more than at street level. So bring warm clothes.
- You do not have to show your identity at the entrance of this attraction. Know that there is an identification requirement in the Netherlands. The police may ask for your ID if necessary.
🇳🇱 Local Travel Tip 🇳🇱
Do not wear a cap or hat. It can blow off. Don’t go in the Amsterdam Swing on an empty stomach.
Next, head to NEMO museum, that attempts to impart knowledge about science and technology through interactive exhibits and entertainment. Learn about Earth’s elements wind, sun and water, nature’s shapes and constructions, space and time and much more. NEMO museum is open between 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on a daily basis, with the exception of some holidays. Tickets cost €17.50 for visitors above the age of 4, while those under get free admission. You can find out more about tickets and other essential info on the NEMO website.
- Intended for a public from 3 to 16 years old, this museum makes us rediscover our children’s eyes while dismantling certain adult certainties!
- Open from 10:00 AM to 05:30 PM every day except Monday
- Spanning 4 floors, the museum plays host to an extensive collection of experiments and equipment to set the cogs of your mind running.
🇳🇱 Local Travel Tip 🇳🇱
Admire the city while sipping a glass of homemade lemonade or enjoying a sandwich in the glass lounge of the DAK Restaurant.
Restaurant Recommendations
Time for lunch? Fret not, there are many good restaurants around the area. Our personal recommendations include:
Looking to unwind with some flavorful food and magical views? Sign up for a food and drinks tour! Try authentic Dutch cuisine and cocktails and catch a glimpse of the city’s popular icons on these tours. The food and drinks are prepared with only the best ingredients by gourmet chefs. Moreover, it’s a great opportunity to connect with fellow travelers and friendly locals.
- Puffy pancakes (known as poffertjes in the Netherlands) are topped with an amazing combination of butter, powdered sugar, and maple syrup
- Some of the best food in Amsterdam isn’t actually Dutch – it’s Indonesian. Full of spices and savory, salty goodness.
- In the Netherlands, apple pie has been part of the regular menu for 500 years. Stacked thick with apples and surrounded by a firm crust, the Dutch apple pie is easily the most delicious thing.
Go Shopping in Amsterdam
Street Shopping
On your last day in the city, take a few hours just to walk through old neighbourhoods and street markets. Areas like the Albert Cuyp market, The 9 Streets and Leidsestraat offer more than just shopping options; inhabited by traders and merchants from different parts of Europe and the Middle East, they are quite multicultural in nature. You’ll find authentic Dutch clogs, cheese, licorice and classic crockery, and local chocolate delicacies, not to mention Turkish and Moroccan food, Iranian carpets and handmade wallets, bags, belts and jewelry.
- Puffy pancakes (known as poffertjes in the Netherlands) are topped with an amazing combination of butter, powdered sugar, and maple syrup
- Some of the best food in Amsterdam isn’t actually Dutch – it’s Indonesian. Full of spices and savory, salty goodness.
- In the Netherlands, apple pie has been part of the regular menu for 500 years. Stacked thick with apples and surrounded by a firm crust, the Dutch apple pie is easily the most delicious thing.
🇳🇱 Local Travel Tip 🇳🇱
Licorice is a Dutch favorite. In fact, the average Dutch person eats 2 kilograms every year. It comes in hard and soft varieties.
More Amsterdam Itineraries
Don't have a whole week in Amsterdam? That's alright, we've got other options for you. Check out our other itineraries for further inspiration:
How To Spend 7 Days in Amsterdam Under €200?
Day 1 : Skip-The-Line Entry Tickets to Rijksmuseum + 1-Hour Canal Cruise
€32.81
Day 2 : Van Gogh Museum Tickets
€20
Day 3 : National Maritime + Canal Cruise
€29.30
Day 4 : Flagship Amsterdam: Luxury Canal Cruise With Live Guide
€19.95
Day 5 : Skip-The-Line Entry Tickets to the Heineken® Experience with Free Drinks
€34
Day 6 : Anne Frank Story & Neighbourhood Walking Tour
€32.50
Day 7 : Amsterdam Museum Entry Tickets & Audioguide
€18
Total
€186.56
Book your Amsterdam Attractions tickets on Headout, and spend just €186.56 on your 7 day vacation in Amsterdam! Hit up all the prime attractions in the city and save more while you explore more. Read on to see our detailed 7 day Amsterdam Itinerary and learn more about visiting each of these attractions.
Where To Stay in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is home to a variety of housing options since it sees millions of tourists every year. Depending on your budget, you can choose to stay in either quirky, comfortable hostels, welcoming homestays or luxurious hotels. Here’s a list of options to choose from:
Recommendations:
1. Around Van Gogh Museum:
- Conservatorium Hotel (5-star)
- Amsterdam Marriott Hotel (5-star)
- Hotel van de Vijsel (4-star)
- Jan Luyken Hotel Amsterdam (4-star)
- Hotel Seven one Seven (5-star)
- Leonardo Boutique Museumhotel Amsterdam City Center (5-star)
- The Bedstee Boutique Capsule Hotel (3-star)
- Amsterdam Hostel Leidseplein (2-star)
- Pulitzer Amsterdam (5-star)
- W Amsterdam (5-star)
- Sebastian's (4-star)
- Hotel Mercier (4-star)
- Nova Hotel & Apartments (3-star)
Tips & Hacks For Making The Best of Amsterdam In A Week
- The Amsterdam public transport system is almost entirely cashless. You will not be able to pay for a bus, metro or tram ticket by cash. Make sure to top up your transport pass before traveling at any nearby convenience store.
- Don’t drink alcohol on the streets of De Wallen. The fine is extensive, more than €100 for each individual. Goes without saying: do not attempt to communicate, harass or get involved with women in the red light district. Photography is also not allowed unless specified otherwise.
- Carry a universal adaptor to charge your devices
- Avoid walking in lanes dedicated to bicycles. And if you’re on a bicycle, make sure to stick to your lane and not stop in the middle so as to avoid obstructing the path of fellow bikers.
- Cannabis is available for recreational use in dedicated Coffeeshops. Avoid consuming it in any form in public places as it is a legal offence.
- Ask for tap water in restaurants and not ‘still’ or ‘sparkling’. Amsterdam’s tap water is fresh, clean and completely healthy for consumption.
- Always carry cash in hand, particularly when in street markets. ATMs are available in most street corners and accept all major credit and debit cards.
- Clothing essentials: Always carry an umbrella and a light sweater or jacket in hand since evenings in Amsterdam are prone to rainfall and cool breeze. Also remember to wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Make reservations as far as possible in restaurants and bars to avoid waiting in long lines
- To discourage the use of plastic, most stores charge for a carry bag. You can always carry a foldable cloth bag on your way out.
- Buy an I Amsterdam Card for easy and free access to public transport and major museums.
- Carry your photo ID at all times
FAQs
Yes, Amsterdam is worth-visiting for everybody to unleash their wanderlust and discover the beauty and heritage of this city.
Some of the must-visit places in Amsterdam are Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Speciality Museums, Van Gogh Museum, The Jordaan, A'dam Lookout, Vondelpark, and Moco Museum among others.
The best time to visit Amsterdam is between March to April and September to November.
Tourists are usually seen bustling on the roads of Amsterdam. One can take a tour of the canals, go sightseeing, cycle to hidden gems, visit museums, try herring from a herring cart and much more.
If you don’t want to walk around the city while experiencing the beautiful sights, you can choose to opt for an OV chip card.
