3-day itinerary

Amsterdam

The Anne Frank House has no walk-in tickets — none, ever. Book online as soon as you have a travel date; in summer, availability disappears months out. A small release happens at 9am each day, 60 days in advance, which requires patience and luck. This 3-day Amsterdam itinerary puts the Rijksmuseum first — book timed-entry, allow three hours, and accept that the Night Watch room will be busy regardless — then the Van Gogh Museum in the afternoon. Day two is the Anne Frank House and the Jordaan, where the hofjes (hidden courtyard gardens) and Café 't Smalle on the Prinsengracht are worth more of your time than the Heineken Experience. De Pijp in the evening is where Amsterdam actually goes out.

Day 1

Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Museumplein

Both major museums require advance booking — buy timed-entry tickets online. The Rijksmuseum is larger; allow three hours. The Van Gogh Museum can be done in 90 minutes.

Morning

Rijksmuseum

Established

The national museum of Dutch art and history — Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's The Milkmaid are the centrepieces of a collection that spans 800 years. Buy timed-entry tickets online. Allow three hours minimum.

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Afternoon

Van Gogh Museum

Established

The world's largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings — 200 paintings and 500 drawings spanning his career from the dark Dutch period to the blazing Arles years. Buy timed-entry tickets online.

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Vondelpark

Established

Amsterdam's central park — a long green strip of ponds, paths, and open-air performances in summer. Good for a post-museum walk. The outdoor theatre runs free performances from June to August.

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Evening

De Pijp neighbourhood

Established

The neighbourhood south of the canal belt — the Albert Cuyp market runs until 5pm, after which the bars and restaurants take over. The most international and least touristy neighbourhood in Amsterdam.

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Brouwerij Troost

Explorer

A craft brewery in De Pijp with a large tap room and a terrace. The house IPA and the seasonal saison are good. Food is secondary to the beer but solid enough. Busy by 7pm.

Verify hours before visiting

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Days 2–3

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Build your own Amsterdam plan

Personalised to your travel style, group size, and budget. Day 1 free.

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