Netherlands 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Netherlands Itinerary: A Quick Taste

This itinerary focuses on Amsterdam, the capital city, offering a mix of classic sightseeing and iconic Dutch experiences.

Day 1: Canals & History

  • Morning: Arrive in Amsterdam (Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - AMS).

    • Transportation:

      • Public transport from the airport: The easiest way to get around is by GVB public transport. Purchase a “disposable” OV-chipkaart at the airport for convenient travel on trams, buses, and trains within the city.

    • Things to do:

      • Take a canal cruise to see Amsterdam’s charming waterways from a different perspective. Many companies offer tours in Amsterdam, and it’s a great way to get your bearings while enjoying beautiful views of the city’s canals and historic architecture.

      • Explore the Jordaan district: Wander through its narrow streets lined with charming canal houses, quaint cafes, and independent shops.

        • Things to see: Anne Frank House (Amsterdam), Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam), Vondelpark for a stroll, and enjoy a traditional Dutch dinner at a “brown cafe” in the Jordaan.
          • Morning: Visit a “brown cafe” like Cafe de Prins or De Pijp. These cafes are known for their cozy atmosphere, dark wood interiors, and often serve local beers and snacks.

Day 2: Art & Culture

  • Morning: Cycle through the streets of Amsterdam’s historic center, stopping to admire the canals, bridges, and charming houses along the way.

    • Things to do:
      • Visit the Van Gogh Museum: Explore the life and work of the famous Dutch painter.
      • Explore the Anne Frank House.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch in Vondelpark or a nearby park (remember to check visa requirements for your nationality).

  • Things to do:

    • Visit a local market: The Albert Cuyp Market is a great place to find fresh produce, flowers, and local delicacies.
    • Explore the canals by bike: Rent a bike and discover hidden gems along Amsterdam’s picturesque waterways.

Day 3: Nature & Relaxation

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Zaanse Schans, a charming windmill village just outside of Amsterdam.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Dutch cheese tasting experience at one of the many cheese shops and farms in the area.

  • Evening: Take a relaxing walk or bike ride along the canals (remembering to enjoy the beauty of the canal houses).

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the historical windmills and learn about traditional Dutch crafts.
    • Enjoy a canal-side dinner and take in the beautiful views of the city’s illuminated canals.

Day 4: Food & Fun

  • Morning: Visit the Heineken Experience, a fun and interactive museum dedicated to the iconic beer brand.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Vondelpark, the largest park in Amsterdam, with its stunning gardens and lakes.

  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner of traditional Dutch cuisine (consider trying Indonesian food as well - it’s part of Dutch culinary history).

    • Things to know:

    Remember that many restaurants in the Netherlands require reservations, especially during peak hours or on weekends.

  • Activities: You can enjoy a picnic lunch by the canals, visit the Vondelbunker, a former WWII bunker now turned into a museum, or explore the many museums and historical sites** Amsterdam has to offer**.

  • Things to do in Amsterdam:

    • Explore the Anne Frank House, a powerful reminder of the Holocaust.
    • Visit the Rijksmuseum, which houses masterpieces by Dutch artists like Rembrandt and Van Gogh (especially the “Van Gogh Museum”).

  • Important: Check entry requirements for museums.

This itinerary is just a starting point. You can customize it based on your interests, budget, and time constraints.

Enjoy the canals:

  • Rent a bike and explore the city’s canals at your own pace. Enjoy the open-air atmosphere and explore the cafes and shops along the way.

  • Things to do in Amsterdam (cont.):

    • Visit the Anne Frank House, a former hiding place for Anne Frank and her family during the Holocaust.

  • Transportation:

    Enjoy the many canals by boat! Many companies offer canal cruises with different itineraries, but the beauty of a “boat tour” is experiencing the Netherlands from its canals.

Things to do in Amsterdam (cont.):

  • Visit the Rijksmuseum Gardens. A beautiful green space for relaxation and enjoying the outdoors.

  • Enjoy the canal-side cafes, like those in Amsterdam’s Jordaan district, are known for their cozy atmosphere and delicious Dutch treats.

  • Museums:

    The Anne Frank House is a must-see, but there are many other museums to explore during your time in Amsterdam.

  • Traditional “brown cafe”:

    Enjoy the traditional charm and ambiance of a “brown cafe”.

Things to do (cont.):

  • Enjoy a canal cruise: Experience Amsterdam’s canals by boat, a truly unique way to see the city.

  • Explore the Rijksmuseum:

    Explore the canals and enjoy the beauty of the city.

Important:

  • The Anne Frank House is a popular destination, so it’s crucial to book tickets in advance.

  • Enjoy a “brown cafe” experience:

    Sit back and relax, savor a local beer with your cheese plate.

Travel Tips for Amsterdam:

  • Buy a “I amsterdam City Card”: This card offers free access to public transportation and many museums and attractions.

  • Explore the canals by bike:

  • Enjoy the ambiance of Amsterdam’s historic streets:

    Take a break from the museums and enjoy the unique charm of Amsterdam.

Transportation (cont.):

  • Cycle like a local: Enjoy the experience of cycling through the city’s beautiful streets.

  • Explore the canals by boat: Take a relaxing canal cruise on a canal boat tour.

    • Enjoy the canals: They offer a great way to see the city and its many canals and bridges.

  • Visit the canals by bike, enjoy the vibrant street art scene.