Epic 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary (2024)

Whether you’re flying straight into the city for a short trip, or you’re backpacking in Amsterdam, there are so many things to see and do!

While you can do a lot of walking around the different neighbourhoods, it may take you a while to get from one to another on foot. Most Mokummers (or Amsterdammers) travel by bike, and for this reason, public transport is not as reliable as one would hope. 

That’s why it’s important to stay in the right area. Luckily, most of Amsterdam’s epic hostels are located in the ideal neighbourhood to explore the city. They might even offer free bikes that you can make use of!

You can travel by bus or tram through the city too. Buying a transport pass will save you some money. Alternatively, you can rent a bike for the duration of your stay, and look like a real local! 

While getting from one stop to the next, really try not to rush things and rather enjoy the beautiful city with its parks, cute alleys and canals. We’ve planned each day to be entertaining but not overpacked, so there’s always time to stop at a little coffee shop or chill along one of the beautiful canals here and there.

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3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in Amsterdam: Jordaan District, Anne Frank House, Westertoren Tower, A’Dam Lookout, Brouwerij ‘t IJ, Heineken Experience, Red Light District
• Day 2 in Amsterdam: Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Hash Marijuana & Hemp Museum, Cannabis Coffeeshop, Canal Cruise, Leidseplein
• Day 3 in Amsterdam: Ferry to Amsterdam North, House of Bols, Stroll a Park, Dam Square
• More Places to See in Amsterdam: Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, Foodhallen, OT301

Amsterdam is quite small but full of diverse and interesting neighbourhoods. The entire city is divided into 8 districts, each of which has its own neighbourhood divisions. Choosing a place to stay in Amsterdam is probably a question of what kind of visit you want.

For example, there are quite a lot of hostels right inside the red light district and in fact, some of the best hostels in Amsterdam are here. However, it can be loud and raucous and some find the surrounding temptations hard to resist.

Most visitors find the Old Centrum district the easiest and most convenient place to stay. You can reach anything and everything from here. It’s perfect whether you’re looking to shop, go on a canal cruise, or explore a museum or three. Old Centrum is also home to the infamous Red Light District, for those who are intrigued. There are also loads of the Best Airbnbs in Amsterdam in this location.

A slightly less touristy neighbourhood would be Oud Oost. This is the ideal place to find accommodation if you’d like to immerse yourself in the life of locals. While there aren’t as many tourist attractions to be found in the neighbourhood itself, you’ll be close enough to the Old Centrum district to enjoy the activities there.

With so many things to do in Amsterdam, you should be sure to stay somewhere where you can get to all the sights easily and quickly.

Best Hostel in Amsterdam – St Christopher’s at the Winston

With so many amazing hostels to be found in Amsterdam, it can be hard to pick a favourite. This is one that really stands out though. Its central location, beer garden, and cheap continental breakfasts put this hostel at the top of the list. They also give food and drink discounts for nearby bars and restaurants!

Best Airbnb in Amsterdam – Best Amstel View

For a novel stay in Amsterdam, what could be better than renting a private houseboat? This cool Airbnb can sleep up to seven people in three bedrooms (plus a sofa bed in the living room). The comfy living room provides incredible views over the water, and you can sit and chill on the outside deck too. There’s a long dining table and a well-equipped kitchen, as well as a separate toilet and the main bathroom.

Best Budget Hotel in Amsterdam – Hotel Plantage

Located in the heart of Amsterdam this hotel offers brilliantly green views of the city. With many fascinating attractions and landmarks, you’ll be positioned perfectly to enjoy Amsterdam. Free WIFI, comfy rooms, and all necessary amenities will ensure you experience a pleasant, but affordable stay.

Best Luxury Hotel in Amsterdam – Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

Flowing with luxury from the inside out, Andaz Amsterdam is the most elegant place to stay in this magnificent city. The beautifully designed rooms, all boasting modern comforts, are sure to make you want to stay in all day. The convenient location makes this one of the best hotels in Amsterdam to enjoy the best of your visit.

You can also check out all the best VRBOs in Amsterdam!

The first day of your 3 days in Amsterdam is packed with all sorts of things. From exploring famous districts to some short physical activity (nothing too bad, we promise!), a bit of culture and beer tasting.

For all the curious people, we’ve added in the Red Light District at the end of Day 1, but if that’s not your thing, you can skip it!!

8:30 AM – Explore Jordaan District

The Jordaan district is a culturally-rich area of the city is possibly the best place to start your Amsterdam travel adventure.

Spend your morning strolling down the beautifully decorated streets. Enjoy the colourful architecture on one side and the picturesque canals on the other! There are little shops along the streets too, where you can find charming Dutch souvenirs!

There are plenty of markets to be found in the neighbourhood, as well as some charming old churches.

It’s also one of the best food spots in Amsterdam! If you need your coffee fix in the morning and tasty breakfast, you’ll find loads of cute little cafes in Jordaan District. We’d recommend stopping at Paradox Coffee Shop, one of the best-reviewed cafes in the area. Make sure to eat enough so you’re full for the next couple of hours of explorations.

• Cost – Free
• How long should I stay here? 1 hour max
• Getting there – Bike/Metro/Walk, depending on where you stay.

9:00 AM – See the Anne Frank House

If you haven’t yet heard of Anne Frank or her diary, you should definitely do some quick research before your Amsterdam trip. She was a young teen when her family had to go into hiding from the invading Nazis.

Long story short, Anne wrote a diary detailing her family’s time living in this confined attic space. The Anne Frank House is the very place where they hid away and lived for almost 4 years before being captured and tragically dying at a concentration camp!

The house is one of the more popular tourist spots, and it’s definitely a place that everyone should see at least once! However, it’s known to get quite busy and crowded.

Inside the museum, you’ll be told the story of Anne Frank and Amsterdam under Nazi Occupation. The way their lives were during those times, and what exactly happened in that attic. It can be quite an emotional activity, and it is definitely an educational trip, but it’s also a must-see attraction on your 3-days in Amsterdam itinerary.

Take a self-guided audio tour so you really get to grips with what happened here.

• Cost – $5-12 USD
• How long should I stay here? 1-2 hours max
• Getting there – It’s in walking distance from Stop 1

11:30 AM – Climb the Westertoren Tower

After a slightly sobering visit to the Anne Frank House, cheer yourself up a bit with some exercise and extraordinary views of Amsterdam! The tower is incredibly close to the Anne Frank House, in fact, Anne wrote about watching the tower out of the Annex’s window.

The Westertoren (or Westerkerk) Tower provides an incredible viewpoint from its platform, located about halfway up the tower. The only way to reach the platform is by climbing a winding spiral staircase, and then a set of ladder-like steps!

As such, it’s quite an active experience so you should be reasonably fit and mobile. Children younger than 6 are not allowed to do the tour.

You can’t go up yourself, so you’ll need to book a guided tour. These run every 30 minutes and are in groups of about 6 – 10 people. The guides are local university students, that speak impeccable English, and know their city well!

• Cost – $9
• How long should I stay here? 30 Mins
• Getting there – It’s in walking distance

12:30 PM – Enjoy the Views at A’Dam Lookout & Swing Over the Edge!

We’re not done seeing this city from the sky yet! With so much going on, sometimes higher up is the best place to be. You can pretty much see all of Amsterdam from this panoramic-view deck. If this is the only thing you manage to do while visiting the city, it would be worth it!

The A’Dam offers more than just some quiet reflecting over the city, though. The main attraction here is the Over The Edge swing! This recently opened attraction is the newest and possibly most exciting way to get a bird’s-eye view of this wondrous Dutch city.

The Over The Edge swing is Europe’s highest swing! It sits on A’Dam Lookout’s deck at 20 storeys high! Not only will you be able to enjoy 360-degree views of the city, but you’ll get your heart pumping and adrenaline flowing with this (literal) over the edge swing!

• Cost – $5-15 USD
• How long should I stay here? 30min – 1 hour
• Getting there – Take your Bike!

3:00 PM – Stop Off at Brouwerij ‘t IJ

Let your feet touch the ground and guide you straight to Brouwerij ‘t IJ. You can take a 20-minute cycle from the A’Dam Lookout, alternatively, hop on public transport or order an Uber. It’s just under 5km distance, so if you’re feeling fit you can walk it too!

However you decide to arrive, you will be rewarded when you get there! Brouwerij ‘t IJ is a small brewery on the IJ (pronounced ‘eye’) River. It produces certified organic beer and sits at the foot of a stunning windmill. Making it the perfect spot for an afternoon stop.

You can book a guided group tour (private tours are also available, but costly!) and see the ins and outs of a working brewery. Then, settle down to a beer tasting and/or pairing experience! The bar is open for those who wish to chill a little longer and enjoy full-size beers.

Once you’re done, make sure to cross the road and try some of the best ice creams in Amsterdam at De Ijsmolen (The Ice Cream Shop). It’ll make your stomach happy, cool you down after all those beer tastings and maybe even sober you up a bit.

• Cost – $7.30 USD
• How long should I stay here? 1-2 hours
• Getting there – Bike/Uber/Public Transport

4:30 PM – Get the Full Heineken Experience

While our morning was all about viewpoints, our afternoon is pretty much all about beer! Something Amsterdammers actually know quite a bit about.

Set in Heineken’s first-ever brewery, The Heineken Experience is a top attraction in Amsterdam. Run by local Amsterdammers, the tour offered will not only give you insights into Heineken’s past, and how they became the much-loved beer that they are now but will also let you see how it is made.

While the actual brewery was closed down years ago, due to it being too small for demand, it has been transformed into an epic beer experience. You can take a group guided tour, or set off on your own self-guided tour of the brewery. After the tour everyone sits down for a Heineken or two and a few laughs!

Once you’ve had enough of beer, head to dinner at one of the fabulous restaurants in Amsterdam and recharge so you’re ready for the last stop of the day. Just keep your hands off garlic if possible. You’ll see why…

Be sure to snap up tickets before you go and take a guided tour around the facilities.

• Cost – $26.40 + 2 free beer
• How long should I stay here? 1-2 hours
• Getting there – Take the Ferry!

8:00 PM – Discover the Red Light District

The Red Light District may have a controversial reputation, but it is definitely an interesting place to experience.

Also known as De Wallen, this neighbourhood is internationally known for its openly tolerated brothels, sex shops, and even its lenient drug laws. This is one neighbourhood where the darker (or more fun) side of humanity is allowed to roam free.

The Dutch have allowed this district to keep running, with soft laws, and it works! It’s also a fantastic tourist spot, because where else can you be sure to see a museum of prostitution or a sex peep show?!

Whether you visit for the more hardcore places, or simply to see what all the fuss is about, visiting the Red Light District is a must on your 3-day Amsterdam itinerary if you’re looking to fully experience the city!

If you want to check out this area but you’re a little unsure or you want to learn a bit more about the history of the Red Light District, why not take a guided walking tour instead.

• Cost – Free unless you go into Clubs… expensive if you do!!
• How long should I stay here? Up to you…
• Getting there – Take public transport in case you want to have a drink.

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Day two is going to start nice and slow. After a tasty coffee, we’re going to fresh up your art knowledge by checking out some of the most famous museums in Amsterdam. Afterwards, you’ll experience what Amsterdam is mainly known for among young travellers: coffee shops and weed!

9:00 AM – Check Out the Rijksmuseum

This fantastic museum is home to many famous artists’ paintings and artwork. It also has an impressive research library, as well as other exhibitions and displays.

The exhibitions constantly change, so be sure to check out online what’s being showcased during your visit.

You can organise a private or group guided tour, or simply browse through the galleries at your own leisure once you’ve got your tickets.

If you’re an art lover, you might already know about this museum as it showcases classic paintings like Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch”.

If you haven’t had breakfast yet, the Rijksmuseum cafe (also called Groot Cafe) has some of the best and most delicious breakfasts in the area.

• Cost – $22.50 USD
• How long should I stay here? 2 hour
• Getting there – Walk from Rijksmuseum.

11:30 AM – Visit the Van Gogh Museum

Thanks to the famous Van Gogh’s Dutch heritage, this museum is one of Amsterdam’s most well-known. It is also home to one of the largest collections of his works!

See the well-known painter’s drawings, letters, and (of course) some of his most famed paintings. There are also displays that change often and show other pieces that influenced Van Gogh’s works.

Thanks to this museum being so popular, it can get really busy! So, expect a few crowds and embrace the experience. The time of day doesn’t really make much of a difference to how busy it gets. However, doing this visit before lunchtime will probably mean slightly fewer crowds.

To visit the Van Gogh museum, you must buy your tickets online beforehand. The website shows time slots and days that are available. You won’t be able to buy tickets when you get there, so go prepared!

If you fancy yourself a painter, you can join one of the walk-in workshops while you’re there and try your hand at painting a masterpiece!

Insider Tip: If it’s raining – especially during the weekend – the museum is bound to be extra busy, so avoid visiting over this time, or come prepared to deal with the crowds!

• Cost – Around $22 USD
• How long should I stay here? 2 hours
• Getting there – In walking distance from Spot 2.

2:00 PM – Discover the Hash, Marijuana & Hemp Museum

Cannabis enthusiasts will fall in love with this museum, which is dedicated to all things Cannabis Sativa L. There is an Amsterdam branch as well as a branch in Barcelona too. The building in Amsterdam, however, is the oldest Cannabis museum in the world, also thought to be the most important!

The museum has various displays showing the history and use of hemp, hash, and Marijuana. From early Japanese hemp clothing to Christopher Columbus’ connection with Cannabis, you can learn more about the different uses of hemp and hash throughout the years. All very educational!

Visit both of the two venues that make up the museum – a hash and marijuana venue with a Cannabis garden, and an industrial hemp museum. Together, these venues hold over 12 000 objects relating to Cannabis.

• Cost – $10 USD
• How long should I stay here? 1 hour
• Getting there – Take your bike or public transport.

3:00 PM – Experience an Amsterdam Cannabis Coffeeshop

There are many designated coffee shops in Amsterdam where you can go to buy and smoke weed. While this is somewhat of a controversial topic in places, it’s also one of the biggest tourist attractions to the city!

It’s important to note that coffee shops are different from koffiehuises and cafes. A coffee shop is the only place you’re going to find Mary-Jane on the menu. In many of the shops, you can bring your own and smoke – but it’s only legal to buy from the coffeeshops so the smartest thing to do is buy off their menu.

To find a licensed seller, look for the green and white sticker on their window. You won’t find joints on sale in an ordinary cafe or koffiehuis.

The strains and potency of the weed are not regulated in Amsterdam, so be careful when smoking – try out small amounts at a time. It’s also a great idea to share with a group! Cannabis can be a great way to make friends.

If you’re a little unsure about the ins and outs of visiting a coffee shop, why not take a guided walking tour, which includes an optional joint, it’s a great way to get some more information whilst making you feel totally comfortable.

• Cost – Can vary between $7-$13 USD per gram
• How long should I stay here? Up to you!
• Getting there – You can easily find a shop in walking distance.

4:00 PM – Enjoy a Relaxing Canal Cruise

Something that everyone should do at least once in Amsterdam, is a canal cruise! Leaving this activity for last means that you’ll enjoy the sun setting over the city. This makes for some idyllic views.

The evening cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes, and an audio guide is provided in your preferred language (they have 21 options). You’ll hear the history of Amsterdam, how it came to be the magnificent city it is today, and how it continues to thrive.

This is the perfect end to a busy day, and after the cruise, you can easily make your way to one of the nearby restaurants to enjoy a lovely meal.

If you’re here during the busy season you might want to pre-book your cruise to be sure you get it at the right time for sunset or dinner.

Insider Tip: This is actually quite an activity to do right after visiting one of the coffee shops! (If you know what we mean!)

• Cost – $25 USD
• How long should I stay here? 1.5-2 hours
• Getting there – If you’re close to the canal, the next station will be in walking distance.

6:00 PM – Explore Leidseplein

Get ready to party with the locals at Leidseplein! This square comes alive at night, offering up a host of nightclubs, bars, and other fun-loving spots. There are 100s of restaurants in and surrounding the square, and some great international food to be found!

For those who are into betting, there’s a casino in the area as well. Arguably, though, the biggest highlight of the area is the assortment of live music found at various establishments.

It’s also not too far away from the Central district, and public transport runs through to the other districts as well, so you won’t have any hassle getting back to your hotel! This is the best way to end your Amsterdam visit if you only have 2 days in Amsterdam.

• Cost – Depends on your consume.
• How long should I stay here? 2-3 hours
• Getting there – Take Public Transport/Uber so yo can have a few drinks!

If you’ve booked 3 days in Amsterdam (or perhaps even more!) then you’ve got the perfect opportunity to view some of the lesser-known Amsterdam attractions. While the city caters well for the throngs of tourists it receives each year, there are many more things that you should take a look at.

9:00 AM – Take a Ferry to Amsterdam North

Don’t be one of ‘those’ tourists! You know, the ones that never leave the central district. It can be tempting – since most of the sights are right there! Trust us, though, you should see the Northern districts if you’re staying for longer than a day or two.

The ferries to the Noord are an experience unlike most. Firstly, the majority of them are completely free! They allow bicycles and mopeds to be taken on as well, so you have your transport ready for exploring on the other side.

There is no booking, no tickets, and no fuss! Amsterdam’s northern districts are full of delightful spots for a small bite to eat and a refreshing drink. Or you can take a short trip up to the nearby nature reserve, where you can take in gorgeous views of the landscape, and the windmill!

While you’re there, you should really check out the pancake boat. This is a small cruise boat that takes you down the IJ River while serving you an all-you-can-eat pancake buffet!

• Cost – Free!
• How long should I stay here? 1-2 hours
• Getting there – Use maps to find the closest station!

11:30 AM – Enjoy a Tour of the House of Bols

The Bols family were celebrated Dutch spirit-makers and alcohol sellers who left quite a legacy. Located centrally to all the exciting happenings in Amsterdam, you’ll find the House of Bols. This Genever house is both an academy and a museum of sorts.

You can book a self-guided tour through the distillery, which will give you a detailed history of Lucas Bols himself. See how the Bols legacy began, and how it has evolved through the years.

Take a tour through the different rooms in the ‘house’. You’ll make your way through an entire cocktail experience that will ignite your senses. From sight, smell and, of course, taste.

Then you’ll make your way to the ingredient room, which will help you discover the ingredients that go into creating an authentic genever. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Genever Room, and learn more about the history of Genever itself.

Then, finally, it’s time for one of the skilled bartenders to create your choice of cocktails. Enjoy it slowly with your group in the mirror bar. Once you’ve finished your drink, you’ll get a crash course in bartending, and will have the chance to make your very own cocktail!

• Cost – $18
• How long should I stay here? 1 hour
• Getting there – Take a bike and enjoy the city views.

1:30 PM – Stroll through a Park or Two

Amsterdam is home to more than 30 parks and gardens – each one as majestic as the next! These green oases are perfect for a break from city life. You’ll find parks both big and small, as well as many extraordinary Botanical Gardens.

If you’ve already managed to view and visit the big tourist attractions throughout the city, your next move should definitely be a picnic in the park.

During fair weather months, you may even catch some live music, or a festival bringing one of the parks to life! These are sure to get you in the spirit and are a great way to meet other travellers and locals.

Many of the parks are also fantastic places to hop on board a gondola and enjoy one (or more!) of the famous canal cruises that we keep talking about!

• Cost – Free
• How long should I stay here? 2-3 hours
• Getting there – Walk or take your bike!

3:30 PM – Check Out Dam Square

The city square, known as The Dam, is home to many famed Amsterdam attractions. Places such as the Royal Palace, New Church and Madame Tussauds are all around the square. You can easily walk from one attraction to the next, and manage to see them all in a day!

The square is also close to the Red Light District and offers many cannabis coffeeshops along its streets. Visit one of these and experience the smokier side of Amsterdam. The Red Light District offers up its own itinerary of interesting fun.

You can also go for a canal cruise from nearby, making this the best spot to start a day of exploring! Since there are so many things to do and see, it’s best if you dedicate a large portion of your day to The Dam.

If you’re in town during one of the festivals or special days, you’ll see the square light up with excitement and transform into what seems like another world! The best and most popular festival is probably King’s Day, which is celebrated every April.

• Cost – Free
• How long should I stay here? Up to you!
• Getting there – Public Transport/Bike is the most efficient way.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Amsterdam

BEST AREA IN AMSTERDAM

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Westerpark

Westerpark is close enough to the city centre to make exploring a breeze, yet just far enough away to offer a more chilled out stay making it the best place to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors.

Places to visit:

• Admire the artistic works at Museum Het Schip.
• Relax at Het Stenen Hoofd, an urban beach that’s popular with locals.
• Sample local beers at De Prael brewery and Troost.

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Did you fall in love with the city? Don’t worry, we don’t blame you! We’ve listed up a couple of other awesome places that you might want to check out if you’ve got more than 3 days in Amsterdam. 

Visit Ouderkerk Aan de Amstel

This quaint little village sits just outside Amsterdam. You can reach the village easily by bike, bus, or boat! Or, if you prefer, you can take a drive out; either with a rental car or by ordering an Uber.

There are many groups that cycle together from Amsterdam to Ouderkerk Aan de Amstel, but the boat ride up the Amstel River is just as scenic! You could also opt for an early morning cycle, and then go back to the city in an open boat – weather permitting!

There is quite a surprising number of things to do in the village! From checking out the beautiful windmill at the bottom of the village to trying out some traditional Dutch cuisine in one of the many restaurants dotted along the river bank.

Mostly, strolling through the cobbled streets and greeting the friendly locals is an experience on its own! The village offers a delightful break away from human chattering and car motors and lets you sit in wonder while listening to the birds sing.

• Cost – $18
• How long should I stay here? 2-3 hours
• Getting there – Preferably by boat, but Uber works too.

Foodhallen

If you love food, and who doesn’t, then this is the best place in Amsterdam. In this neighbourhood, you’ll find everything you’ve ever wanted to eat from dim sum to pizza and doughnuts. This area was once an old tram depot, so it has plenty of history behind it. But it’s now filled with food stores that offer some of the best snacks in the city.

Take your appetite and go from stall to stall in this area. Try everything that peaks your fancy and take your food to one of the outside benches and watch the crowds while you eat. When you’re full, there are several shops and boutiques selling clothes, ornaments and other goods that you can browse in.

And as is the norm with Amsterdam, the shops are all quirky and unique, so make sure you enjoy the atmosphere while you’re there.

• Cost – Free to visit
• How long should I stay here? 1 hour
• Getting there – Easy to reach by Public Transport

OT301

Chances are that you’ve never seen anything like the alternative music scene in Amsterdam. This is a city that prides itself on being different from everyone else, and that’s definitely reflected in the music at this venue. Run by volunteers, this is the best place to hear some of Amsterdam’s up and coming musical talent. And the location is actually a legal squat, which makes it all the more interesting and unusual.

Chances are that you’ve never seen anything like the alternative music scene in Amsterdam. This is a city that prides itself on being different from everyone else, and that’s definitely reflected in the music at this venue.

• Cost – It really depends on the night.
• How long should I stay here? Up to you
• Getting there – Grab an Uber!

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Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

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While it is impossible to say that there is a ‘worst’ time to visit Amsterdam, many have differing opinions on the ‘best’ time to go.

Of course, it depends solely on the type of activities that you enjoy most. Each of the four seasons fully transforms and takes over Amsterdam’s landscapes, and each brings with it a new list of things to do.

Visiting Amsterdam during the winter will mean lots of rain and dreary days. This is also the low tourist season in Amsterdam, which means there will be fewer tourists and cheaper prices. You also might get lucky and see some snow!

The best time to visit Amsterdam is during the spring and autumn i.e. the shoulder months. The weather will be fair, the tourists haven’t arrived in force yet, and prices will be reasonable.

Summer is when the streets of Amsterdam are jam-packed. As such, prices will be higher but Amsterdam is really fun during this time and it’s the best time for taking day trips in Amsterdam due to the longer and warmer days.

While you’re there, why not check out other places in the Netherlands? The country might be small, but there is an incredible amount to explore.

Packing for Amsterdam is like packing for any other European country. Depending on the season, you’ll need shorts & t-shirts or warm things to cover up. Amsterdam can get quite cold during the winter months, so be sure to pack a warm pair of boots and a good jacket. Apart from that, dressing casual and packing the essentials is plenty enough for your Amsterdam trip. When you’re in Northern Europe it’s always best to pack a waterproof jacket too!

OK, Amsterdam is a relatively safe city.  However, its popularity with tourists – and permissiveness for drugs and sex – can sometimes cause slight chaos. It is arguably the most dangerous city in the Netherlands … which actually isn’t saying much!!

Don’t be alarmed though! The peril is not quite as bad as it may seem. Most of the crime and chaotic disturbances happen in the Red Light District. While many tourists arrive in the city with the decided purpose to visit this notorious district, it’s not advised that you stroll the streets alone at night. Petty theft in this area is pretty common and inebriated tourists are often the victims.

Staying safe everywhere else in Amsterdam is quite easy, actually. Stay vigilant when walking down quiet streets alone. Keep your valuables close to you. Don’t buy any illegal drugs – this is the quickest way to screw up your visit.

Also, don’t fall for scammers. As with any tourist destination, you’re going to find people looking for a quick buck. Stick to your guns and don’t let sob stories or crafty tales cause you to lose valuable exploring money.

And last, but definitely not least, don’t smoke weed anywhere but in a coffee shop. It’s not legal everywhere, and you wouldn’t want to get yourself into trouble in a foreign city.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Amsterdam

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Amsterdam itinerary.

Ready for your Amsterdam adventure yet? We bet you are! This city is indeed a fast-growing commercialised tourist spot but it’s still a wondrous place to visit. Between the natural beauty, the spectacular architecture, and the great cultural vibes, it’s a city that everyone should see at least once.

Spend a fast-paced weekend in Amsterdam, or book a longer, slower stay – it’s up to you! It may work out a bit too expensive to spend more than 3 days in Amsterdam, but there is always the option to stay in a neighbouring village. Many locals cycle from these villages to the city centre, so it can’t be that hard!

However long you do decide to stay, be sure to tick off the must-see attractions so that you leave with no regrets!

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