Featured Itinerary
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City Center & Canals
Day 1Start at Dam Square - see the Royal Palace and National Monument. Explore the atmospheric canal belt (UNESCO site) - Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht. Visit the Anne Frank House (book weeks in advance). Afternoon wandering the Jordaan neighborhood's charming streets and boutiques. Evening canal cruise at sunset.
Museum Quarter
Day 2Morning at the Rijksmuseum for Dutch Masters including Rembrandt's Night Watch (book timed entry). Lunch at Museumplein. Afternoon at the Van Gogh Museum (also requires advance booking). Stroll through Vondelpark. Evening in the lively De Pijp neighborhood - Albert Cuyp Market area and dinner.
Jordaan & Western Canals
Day 3Explore the Jordaan thoroughly - Noordermarkt (Saturdays best), Westerstraat shops, Café 't Smalle for drinks by the canal. Visit the Houseboat Museum. Afternoon at the quirky small museums - Pianola Museum or Amsterdam Tulip Museum. Evening enjoying brown cafés (traditional pubs) in the Jordaan.
Day Trip
Day 4Zaanse Schans & Countryside Half-day trip to Zaanse Schans for iconic windmills, wooden houses, and cheese-making demos (touristy but picturesque). Continue to Edam or Volendam fishing villages. Alternative: full day to Haarlem (charming city with Frans Hals Museum) or Keukenhof Gardens (spring only, mid-March to mid-May). Return to Amsterdam evening.
East Amsterdam & Maritime
Day 5Morning at the NEMO Science Museum (fun architecture and rooftop views). Explore the revitalized Eastern Docklands modern architecture. Afternoon at the Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum) or Het Scheepvaartmuseum. Visit the Plantage neighborhood - Artis Zoo or Hortus Botanicus botanical garden. Evening in the trendy Oost district.
Markets & Local Life
Day 6Morning bike ride (rent a bike - it's the Amsterdam way!) through Westerpark or along the Amstel River. Visit Albert Cuyp Market or Waterlooplein flea market. Afternoon exploring the De Pijp neighborhood or the Heineken Experience brewery tour. Evening in Leidseplein area for nightlife or catching a show at a brown café with live music.
Final Highlights & Hidden Gems
Day 7Morning at the Begijnhof (hidden courtyard oasis). Visit smaller museums based on interests - Rembrandt House, Amsterdam Museum, or Stedelijk (modern art). Afternoon shopping along the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) - vintage stores, boutiques, specialty shops. Final evening dinner in the canal belt, perhaps trying Indonesian rijsttafel (Dutch colonial legacy).