What to do in Amsterdam in 4 days
With such a characteristic charm and an atmosphere of relaxation, Amsterdam remains one of the favorite destinations for those looking for a weekend getaway in an European city. However, in a city as cultural as Amsterdam, deciding what to do can be a daunting task.
We have put together for you a complete guide of what you can see in Amsterdam in 4 days, including a suggested itinerary for each day. Now, you just need to pack your bags and head to the Netherlands: let’s start this adventure!
Amsterdam: what to do in 4 days
Anne Frank House
One of the most popular museums in the city, it portrays the story of Anne Frank and her family from her memoir, showing how they lived in hiding for two years at the time of World War II. The museum is located right in the house where Anne Frank was hidden, which makes the visit even more engaging and emotional.
Tip: book the tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly. With 2 months in advance, you can buy them on the museum's website, guaranteeing your place on the day you wish to make the visit.
Van Gogh Museum
This museum contains the largest collection of works by the Dutch painter in the world. In addition to some of the painter's most famous works, such as the Sunflowers painting and several self-portraits, you can also find works by some other artists of the same time.
Rijksmuseum
The National Museum of the Netherlands, dedicated to the art and history of the country. As well as having a large collection of Dutch paintings, it also has a substantial collection of Asian art.
Amsterdam Museum
A museum that aims to tell the history of the city, a must stop for lovers of European history.
Madame Tussauds
A name recognized around the world, the Madam Tussauds of Amsterdam was the second unit of this famous wax figures museum to be inaugurated in the world, in 1970. There, you can find figures of different celebrities, such as Barack Obama, Beyoncé and the Incredible Hulk , from Marvel.
Heineken Experience
The famous beer brand has a specialized tour to one of its factories, in Amsterdam, where you can learn more about the beer production process and also taste some of the flavors available at the end of the visit.
Boat Tour through the Canals
Amsterdam's canals are one of the most emblematic features of the city, and it is therefore essential that you visit them by boat. This way, you can also get to know the city in a more involving way, while enjoying a good time on board of a boat! There are several tours that you can choose, depending on the duration and budget you are looking for.
Red Light District
A liberal city by nature, in Amsterdam you can witness how legalized prostitution works in the country, when visiting the Red Light District. We advise you to visit at night, when you can see all the windows open.
What to do outside the city center
Zaanse Schans
The Netherlands is historically known for its wind mills. However, you won't find them in the center of Amsterdam, but in Zaanse Schans. The famous Windmills Village is located 17km from Amsterdam and is a must stop for anyone looking to learn more about the history of this country and how they live in older times.
Keukenhof
Another one of the national symbols of the Netherlands are tulips. And to see them in all their splendour, there's nothing better than visiting Keunkenhof, the Tulip Garden. However, consider that you will only be able to see the tulips between March and May, the months when they flourish in the country.
Where to eat in Amsterdam
A foodies' paradise, Amsterdam has food and restaurants to suit all tastes. We recommend visiting Albert Cuyp Market and Foodhallen to try some of the most famous local delicacies such as Stroopwafel, pancakes and fench fries.
Tip: Amsterdam has, historically, a big connection with Indonesia, and in the city you will find several restaurants with typical delicacies of this country. We recommend Sie Joe, a small restaurant whose owner is originally from Indonesia, and where you can taste typical dishes of the country, made with fresh ingredients every day.
Itinerary suggestion for the 4 days:
1st day:
- Boat ride
- Anne Frank House
- Amsterdam Museum
2nd day
- Van Gogh Museum
- Rijksmuseum
- Red Light District
3rd day
- Zaanse Schans
- Keukenhof (if traveling between March and May)
4th day
- Heineken Experience
- Madame Tussauds
With 4 days in Amsterdam, deciding what to do is easier, as you can divide the attractions by days, giving you enough time to walk around and enjoy the city to the fullest in your free moments.
How to travel in Amsterdam
In the city center, you can walk or, if you prefer, use the most popular means of transport in the city: the bicycle. To visit Zaanse Schans and Keukenhof, we advise you to hire a car, so you can travel with more freedom and flexibility and get to know both places in the same day, and more easily.
Rent your car in Amsterdam from the Enterprise Portugal website and start improving your mobility abroad.