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Guide to Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM · ITINERARY

Amsterdam in 7 Days – Complete Itinerary

7 days / 6 nights · Canals, museums, neighborhoods, markets

The route is organized by area to reduce travel time and leave plenty of time for leisurely sightseeing. It starts in the historic center, continues through the major museums and Jordaan, then explores Plantage, Amsterdam Noord, and the districts of De Pijp and Oud-West. Museum visits are concentrated in the morning or early afternoon; for Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and panoramic attractions, it’s best to book well in advance. Prices and opening hours are indicative and may vary depending on the season, availability, and date of the visit.

Stops
4 · 4 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
1.9 km · 22 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 19 m · 1 min
  2. 672 m · 8 min
  3. 1.2 km · 14 min

Day 1 – Historic center and origins of the city

10:00–20:30 Moderate walks

Get oriented in the historic core and discover squares, courtyards, and medieval architecture.

10:00

Dam Square and Royal Palace

Start at Dam Square, the scenic heart of the center, and admire the Royal Palace and the Nieuwe Kerk from the outside. If the palace is open to visitors, allow about an hour for the interior; admission can cost roughly €12–15.

Check the palace calendar: it may close for official events.

11:45

Walk to the Oude Kerk

Reach the Oude Kerk on foot in about 10 minutes by crossing the city’s oldest streets. The visit takes 45–60 minutes; expect an indicative admission fee of €13–15 and take time to admire the stained glass, tombstones, and contemporary installations.

13:00

Lunch in the center

Stop at a brown café or a bakery between Nieuwmarkt and the historic center. For a simple lunch, budget around €15–25 per person; the more central places can be pricier.

14:30

Begijnhof

Reach the Begijnhof on foot in about 15 minutes and discreetly visit this historic courtyard, which is still inhabited. Access is usually free and the stop can last 20–30 minutes; respect the silence and the signs at the entrance.

16:00

Canals in the city center and a boat trip

Stroll toward the canal belt and board a cruise of about an hour, an easy way to take in the city from the water. Tickets often have indicative prices of €16–25; choose a pier near the center and check the included duration.

19:00

Dinner between Nieuwmarkt and Dam

End the day with dinner in the city center, choosing Dutch or Indonesian cuisine. Budget around €25–40 per person, drinks excluded, and book ahead if you're traveling on the weekend.

Museumplein and the greenery of Vondelpark
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 2

Museumplein and the greenery of Vondelpark

09:30–19:00 An intense museum day

Spend time on the main collections and finish with a relaxing walk in the park.

09:30

Rijksmuseum

Reach Museumplein by tram or on foot from the center and set aside at least three hours for the Rijksmuseum. Focus on the Gallery of Honour, Rembrandt and Vermeer, and the decorative arts; admission is roughly €22–25 and booking online is useful.

Choose a morning entry slot to visit the most popular rooms with greater peace of mind.

13:00

Lunch break at Museumplein

Have lunch around the square or in the museum cafés, allowing about €15–25. A short stop helps you keep your energy up for the second visit.

14:00

Van Gogh Museum

Devote about two hours to the collection, following Van Gogh’s artistic evolution through paintings, drawings, and letters. The ticket costs approximately €22–25 and access is usually by reserved time slot.

16:30

Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

If you’re interested in modern and contemporary art, spend about 90 minutes in the galleries devoted to design, photography, and the avant-garde. Admission is roughly €20–25; alternatively, you can simply enjoy the square and the architecture from outside.

18:00

Vondelpark and dinner

Walk to Vondelpark in about 10 minutes and take a 45–60 minute stroll among lawns, ponds, and tree-lined avenues. Admission is free; for dinner nearby, budget about €20–35 per person.

Day 3 – Jordaan, Anne Frank, and the Nine Streets

09:00–19:30 Leisurely walks

Getting to know the city’s history and the residential character of the western canals.

09:00

Anne Frank House

A visit to the house and hiding place takes about an hour and a half and carries great historical and human significance. Tickets are available only according to the museum’s set methods and time slots: check the official website well in advance and expect an approximate cost of €16–20.

Do not count on buying tickets on site: availability can sell out quickly.

11:00

Westerkerk and the Jordaan canals

From Anne Frank House, reach Westerkerk in a few minutes and admire the tower, one of the neighborhood’s landmarks. Access to the church and tower may have separate hours and fees; no ticket is needed for the exterior walk.

12:00

Jordaan walk

Explore on foot the residential streets between Prinsengracht and Lijnbaansgracht, pausing at courtyards, bridges, and narrow facades. Allow about an hour for the route and plan for a coffee break of €5–10.

13:15

Lunch and Noordermarkt

Have lunch in the area around Noordermarkt, where a market is held on certain days, with food stalls and local produce. Check the weekly schedule; for a snack or a simple lunch, budget around €10–20.

15:30

De 9 Straatjes

Reach De 9 Straatjes on foot in about 15 minutes and stroll among independent boutiques, vintage shops, and small cafés. The area is free to visit; allow 1–2 hours, depending on how much time you spend shopping.

18:00

Dinner along the canals

Choose a restaurant in the Jordaan or along the western canals to end the day without long transfers. A sit-down dinner typically costs about €25–40 per person.

Day 4 – Plantage and the Jewish Quarter

10:00–19:00 Cultural visits and green breaks

Explore the historic sites and cultural institutions of the eastern part of the city center.

10:00

Portuguese Synagogue

Start with the Portuguese Synagogue, famous for its historic candlelit interiors, and allow about 45–60 minutes. The adult duo ticket bought online currently costs €20 and also includes the Jewish Museum + junior, with a one-week validity; check the updated price before purchasing. The synagogue is closed on Saturdays and may have different opening hours on Fridays and during Jewish holidays: choose the day according to the official calendar.

11:15

Jewish Museum

Visit the Jewish Museum to delve into Jewish history and culture in the Netherlands through objects, testimonies, and exhibitions. Allow about 90 minutes and use the duo ticket already purchased for the Portuguese Synagogue, without adding a second ticket for these two venues. Check the terms and any included exhibitions on the operator’s website.

13:00

Lunch at Waterlooplein

Walk to Waterlooplein in a few minutes and stop for an informal lunch or a coffee. For a simple meal, budget around €12–22; the flea market may not be open every day.

14:30

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

Dedicate about an hour and a half to the botanical garden, visiting the tropical greenhouses and historic areas. The ticket costs approximately €12–15; it’s a pleasant stop even when it’s raining.

16:30

ARTIS

Continue on foot to ARTIS in about 15 minutes and plan for a two-hour visit, focusing on the gardens and the areas that interest you most. The ticket can cost approximately €25–32; check the closing time and availability online.

18:45

Dinner in Plantage

End your day in the Plantage district, which offers quieter venues than the city center. Allow around €20–35 per person for a casual or mid-range dinner.

Day 5 – Amsterdam Noord: architecture, cinema and street art

10:00–19:00 Urban exploration

Discover the creative side of the northern shore with free ferries and vast converted industrial spaces.

10:00

Ferry to Amsterdam Noord

Head to Central Station and take the free ferry toward Buiksloterweg, a ride of just a few minutes. Services are frequent, but check the signs at the pier to choose the correct line.

10:20

A'DAM Lookout

Go up to the observation deck for views over the city center, the harbor, and the polder landscape from above. Allow 60–90 minutes and budget around €18–25; the panoramic swing, if available, may cost extra.

12:00

EYE Filmmuseum

Walk to the EYE Filmmuseum, a contemporary building overlooking the water, and visit the temporary exhibitions or display spaces. The exterior and public areas make for a short stop; exhibitions can cost approximately €12–18.

13:30

Lunch in Noord

Stop at one of the places near the riverside or the harbor area. Budget around €15–25 for a meal; on weekends it’s a good idea to book ahead at the most popular restaurants.

15:00

NDSM Wharf and STRAAT Museum

From the Buiksloterweg area, take the free F3 ferry back to Central Station, then transfer to the F4 ferry bound for NDSM Wharf. Allow time for the change and check departures in the GVB app. Set aside at least two hours for the complex and the STRAAT Museum; museum admission is paid, while walking around NDSM’s public spaces is free. Check the updated museum fare before you go.

18:00

Return and dinner

Take the ferry back to Central Station and pick a restaurant in the city center or along the waterfront. For dinner, budget about €20–35 per person, excluding drinks.

De Pijp, market and Amstel
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 6

De Pijp, market and Amstel

09:30–19:30 Neighborhood strolls

Soak up the everyday rhythm of De Pijp and finish with a walk along the Amstel.

09:30

Albert Cuyp Market

Arrive at the market in the morning, when the stalls are liveliest, and try local specialties like stroopwafel or herring if you’re curious. The visit is free; for a snack, budget around €5–12 and check the opening days.

11:30

Sarphatipark

Reach Sarphatipark on foot in just a few minutes and take a break among lawns, trees, and ponds. Entry is free and 30–45 minutes is enough for a relaxed stroll.

12:30

Lunch in De Pijp

Choose one of the neighborhood’s cafés and restaurants, known for its international food scene. For a casual lunch, budget around €15–25 per person.

14:00

Heineken Experience

Visit the former brewery with a route dedicated to the brand’s history and beer production. The visit takes about two hours and the ticket costs approximately €23–28; check access conditions and age restrictions.

16:45

Magere Brug and the riverside

Reach Magere Brug on foot in about 20–25 minutes or by tram and a short walk. Stop on the bridge to take in the Amstel and continue along the bank; access is free and the late-afternoon light is especially lovely.

18:30

Dinner between Amstel and De Pijp

Head back toward De Pijp or choose a riverside restaurant for dinner. An estimated spend is €25–40 per person; booking is recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Day 7 – Oud-West and the western district

10:00–19:00 Flexible day

Finish with architecture, green spaces, and casual food in the neighborhoods west of the city center.

10:00

Museum Het Schip

Start with the Amsterdam School social housing complex and visit the museum to understand the relationship between architecture, design, and housing policy. The visit takes about 60–90 minutes; the ticket is approximately €10–15 and opening hours may be limited on some days.

11:45

Walk to Westerpark

Reach Westerpark on foot in about 20 minutes, or take a tram to shorten the journey. The park is free and offers a pleasant break among tree-lined avenues, lawns, and event spaces.

13:00

Westergas

Explore the converted industrial buildings of Westergas, now home to cultural activities, cafés, and temporary initiatives. Set aside about an hour for the area; exhibitions and events may have different prices and opening hours.

14:30

Casual lunch

Stop at a venue in the complex or nearby for a light lunch. Allow around €15–25 per person, depending on your choice and drinks.

16:30

Foodhallen

Take the tram to Foodhallen, an indoor market with international food stalls. Entry is free, and you can sample several specialties for an estimated €15–30; it can get busy on weekends.

18:00

Final stroll and dinner

Wrap up the week with a walk through the neighborhood or head back toward the city center by tram. For a final dinner, budget around €25–40 per person; check the evening opening hours of your chosen venue.

Estimated budget

Accommodation in a double room, per person and per night€90–220
Meals and drinks, per day€35–75
Urban transport, per day€8–18
Admissions to selected visits, for the whole week; cruise not includedAbout €220–310 per person for the extended program, as an estimate to be checked against the selected tickets; less if you choose only some visits
Canal cruise€16–25

Local currency: euro (EUR). The amounts are estimated per person and do not include travel to/from Amsterdam; they may vary depending on the season, how far in advance you book, the accommodation category, and dining choices. Check rates, availability, and conditions directly with the providers.

Practical tips

  • Book well in advance for Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and timed-entry attractions: spots can sell out.
  • For getting around, combine walking, trams, and ferries; check updated fares and payment methods on the local public transport website.
  • Bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes: the weather can change quickly, and many streets in the city center are cobblestoned.
  • At markets and museums, check opening days and hours before visiting; holidays, maintenance work, and events may change the schedule.