15 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam, Netherlands (5-Day Guide)

🇳🇱 Introduction: A 5-Day Spring Escape to Amsterdam

Every year, around Easter, we try to plan a trip that gives us a little breathing room from our usual routine, something that combines easy-going walks, cultural finds, and good local food. This year, we picked Amsterdam.

We had heard so many different things about Amsterdam that it’s touristy, that it’s romantic, that it’s packed with bikes and full of charm. What we discovered during our 5-day stay in late April was a bit of all that, and then some.

The trip was just the two of us, flying in from Berlin on a Royal Dutch Airlines flight that landed in the late afternoon. As soon as we stepped out of the airport, there was a buzz in the air. Not just from the Easter weekend traffic or spring break energy, but from the city itself. Amsterdam, even at first glance, felt like it had its own rhythm and a mix of canal reflections, busy cafés, and bikes whizzing by in every direction.

We stayed at The Social Hub, a modern, community-style hotel that turned out to be a great base. It offered breakfast, had a super friendly staff, and was conveniently located close to both the metro and train stations, with the city center just 10 minutes away and Schiphol Airport only 12 minutes by train. The location made a big difference, especially on the days when we were hopping between neighborhoods or catching an early tram to beat the crowd.

Our plan was simple: take it slow, explore like locals, and skip anything that felt rushed. No overstuffed schedules, no chasing sights just to tick them off. Instead, we followed our feet (and occasionally had to dodge some speedy cyclists), let curiosity lead the way, and found ourselves loving the balance between structure and spontaneity.

🚋 Getting There & Getting Around Amsterdam

When you’re in a city like Amsterdam, how you move around shapes your entire experience. The beauty of this place is that you don’t need a car, in fact, it’s better without one. Amsterdam runs on bikes, trams, and your own two feet.

Bikes are everywhere. There are more bicycles than people, and almost everyone, from teenagers to suited-up professionals zips around on two wheels. Since this was my first time and my husband had only been here once before for a work event (without really exploring), we decided to stick with trams and walking to take it all in at a relaxed pace. But if you’re comfortable biking, renting one is a fantastic way to see the city like a local.

To get around efficiently, we downloaded the GVB app and bought the 96-hour travel ticket for €27 each. It covered all GVB trams, buses, and metro lines in the city. Once activated, the pass gave us unlimited rides for 4 days. We used trams daily. Whether to get back after long walks, to reach new neighborhoods, or just because it started to rain (which it did a few times).

A Small Glitch (and Great Customer Support)

Later that day, my GVB app suddenly glitched and the barcode disappeared out of nowhere, and I couldn’t scan it to board anymore. It was frustrating, especially after having used it just once. I called GVB’s customer service, and they were incredibly helpful and understanding.

Since we were near Amsterdam Centraal Station, we headed straight to the GVB customer service desk located right outside. Within minutes, they issued me a physical version of the 96-hour pass.

Do note: the GVB pass doesn’t include the train ride from the airport to the city or any regional trains. For those, you’ll need to buy separate tickets or simply tap your credit card like we did.

🛏️ Arrival & First Impressions

We arrived in Amsterdam on a cool late-April afternoon. It was Easter weekend, and the airport buzzed with a familiar mix of excitement and mild chaos, families on vacation, students with backpacks, and tulip bouquets tucked into carry-ons.

We took the train to reach our hotel. We checked into our hotel The Social Hub and finally had a chance to slow down and breathe.

Our plan was simple: drop our bags, grab a bite, and head out with no fixed agenda, just a sense of curiosity and the hope of stumbling into something memorable.

My husband had been to Amsterdam once before for an event, but he hadn’t really explored the city. For me, it was my first time. So this was the first time for both us to see the city together and almost instantly, we realized all the clichés were true: the canals, the crooked houses, the endless rows of bikes. But none of it felt staged. It was chaotic and charming in equal measure.

🛬 Day 1: Arrival, Nieuwmarkt Fest & A Canal-Side Evening

After settling into our hotel and freshening up, we were eager to make the most of our first evening in Amsterdam. We took a quick train ride to Nieuwmarkt, where the square was alive with energy. It turned out we had landed right during April Fest, a local celebration we hadn’t planned for — but it was the best kind of surprise.

1. 🏛️ Nieuwmarkt Square & April Fest

The square was buzzing. Families, couples, kids running around, groups of friends catching up. Everyone seemed to be outside enjoying the spring evening. Music played from one corner, and the smell of food and beer filled the air. We grabbed a couple of beers and soaked it all in, happy to just be part of the moment. After spending some time at the square, we started exploring the Nieuwmarkt district.

2. 🏰 De Waag

De Waag is a 15th-century building that once served as a weighing house and city gate. It’s one of Amsterdam’s oldest buildings and adds a lot of character to the area. Its castle-like design makes it a standout, especially with the backdrop of a lively city square. It looks like something out of a medieval movie, stone walls, turrets, and a quiet kind of authority in the middle of all the liveliness. We paused here for a while, appreciating the contrast between the building’s quiet history and the movement all around it.

3. 🌊 Canal Walks & Zeedijk

From Nieuwmarkt, we began wandering without much of a plan. The canals led us toward Zeedijk, one of Amsterdam’s oldest streets. Historically, Zeedijk was constructed as a seawall to protect Amsterdam from flooding. Today it is famous as the Main Street of Amsterdam’s Chinatown with a varieties of chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai restaurants. Additionally, the street is also lined with shops, cozy cafés, special shops, and eateries. It is also a home to only Buddhist temple in Amsterdam, it had a lively but relaxed charm. We admired the way the houses leaned just slightly like the city had aged with character rather than wear.

4. 🍟 Fries at Fabel Friet

We stopped at Fabel Friet, a small local spot known for its Dutch fries. Served in paper cones with creamy mayonnaise on top, it was the perfect comfort snack for a cool spring evening.

5. 🌃 Ending the Day by the Water

As night settled in, we found ourselves slowly tracing our way back, passing canal bridges and glancing into warmly lit windows. The city felt quieter now, with the sound of bicycles in the distance and gentle waves in the canals. We weren’t rushing toward any landmark or photo opportunity. Just walking, watching, and winding down

☀️ Day 2: Museums, Markets & Canal Moments

After a quick breakfast at the hotel, we grabbed our GVB passes and made our way toward one of Amsterdam’s most iconic cultural landmarks.

6. 🖼️ Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum is a Dutch national museum. It is dedicated to arts and history of Amsterdam. Our tickets to the Rijksmuseum were booked in advance, and that turned out to be a smart move. The building itself was impressive. It was part gallery, part grand palace.

The highlight for us was Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. It’s massive and dramatic, and seeing it in person gave it a weight we hadn’t expected. What we appreciated most about the Rijksmuseum was that even if you’re not a history or art expert, it’s still easy to get absorbed. Every room had something to discover, and by the end, we felt like we had walked through a visual timeline of the Netherlands.

7. 🚤 Canal Cruise from Open Havenfront

As we left the museum, the sky cleared and the sun came out. Amsterdam looked completely different in the sunlight, the golden reflections on the canals, people sitting outside cafés, tulips blooming along the footpaths. It felt like the perfect moment to be outside, so we decided to take a canal cruise.

We headed to Open Havenfront, just in front of Amsterdam Centraal, and bought our tickets at the counter. The boat was a classic glass-roof canal cruiser, and the tour was guided, with stories and historical facts shared through onboard audio. The cruise took us through some of the most picturesque stretches of the city. From elegant houseboats and arched bridges to narrow canal homes and the leaning gables Amsterdam is famous for, it was relaxing and informative, giving us a whole new perspective on the city we were walking through just the day before.

8. 🛍️ Albert Cuyp Market

After the cruise, we went straight to Albert Cuyp Market, one of the city’s busiest and most beloved open-air markets. Located in the De Pijp district, it was buzzing with energy. There were stalls selling everything from sunglasses to cheese, and the smell of freshly fried snacks filled the air.

We tried crispy fish fry from one vendor and juicy chicken meatballs from another. They both were simple, flavorful, and exactly the kind of local bite we were hoping for. We browsed through souvenir shops, sampled Dutch chocolates, and picked up a few small gifts to take back home. The vibe of the market was casual and fun, perfect for strolling and snacking.

9. 🏛️ Muntplein (Mint Square)

Later in the afternoon, we made our way to Muntplein, a small square at the intersection of several canals. The main highlight here is the Munttoren (Mint Tower), a historical tower that once guarded the city gates. It’s not a major tourist attraction, but we liked how it marked a quieter, charming part of the city.

From the square, we paused for photos and spent some time admiring the canal bridges and passing boats. It was the kind of place where you don’t have to do much, just stand still and watch the world go by.

10. 👜 Ivan Alexis Tote Bag Shop

Next up was a personal errand, a visit to the Ivan Alexis tote bag shop. I had seen their bags online and really wanted to visit in person. The shop did not disappoint. There were so many beautiful, minimalist designs that choosing just one was surprisingly difficult. The quality stood out right away. Their material was sturdy fabrics, clean stitching, and just the right mix of practicality and style.

11. 🏠 Anne Frank House

We also stopped by the Anne Frank House, though we hadn’t booked a tour in advance. Even from the outside, it felt heavy standing in front of that modest canal house, thinking of the story inside, made us pause. It’s a place that doesn’t need much explanation or buildup. Just being there made us reflect quietly before continuing on.

12. 🌇 Slow Evening

By the time the sun began to set, we were ready to slow down. We didn’t want dinner in a loud place or a packed square. Instead, we found a quiet spot near the canal, grabbed a bench, and just let the evening roll in. Boats drifted past, bikes zipped across bridges, and the city glowed in that soft, golden hour light. It was peaceful and grounding, the kind of ending that lets you carry the day with you a little longer.

🌷 Day 3: Tulips, Windmills & Dutch Village Charm

Our third day in Amsterdam was set aside for something iconic: tulips and windmills. We had pre-booked a full-day tour via GetYourGuide that included both Keukenhof Gardens and Zaanse Schans windmill village. The cost was €90 per person, and the tour started at 9 AM, wrapping up around 6 PM. It was a guided experience, well-paced and filled with interesting local stories along the way.

13. 🌸 Keukenhof Gardens: A Sea of Color

Our first stop was Keukenhof, often called the Garden of Europe. Known for its seasonal tulip displays, it draws visitors from all over the world and it showed. Because of the long Easter weekend, the place was packed, and navigating through the crowds took a bit of patience. But even with all the foot traffic, the gardens were undeniably beautiful.

Every section was bursting with color, from traditional tulip beds to creative floral displays in different shapes and patterns. There were walking paths that curved around reflective ponds, sculptures nestled between flower patches, and covered pavilions showcasing rare tulip varieties. It felt more curated than wild, but there were still quiet corners where we could pause and admire the blooms.

14. 🐐 Zaanse Schans Windmill Village: A Glimpse of Old Holland

From Keukenhof, we continued on to Zaanse Schans, a preserved historic village just outside Amsterdam that showcases what traditional Dutch life once looked like. The atmosphere here was much more relaxed. Set along a riverbank, the village is home to green wooden houses, working windmills, and charming little workshops.

We first visited a wooden clog-making demonstration and watched how traditional Dutch clogs are carved and finished. The process was surprisingly fascinating and quick and yes, we did try on a few!

Next, we joined a cheese-making demonstration, where we learned about the process behind famous Dutch cheeses. Afterward, there was a generous tasting session, and we ended up buying a couple of our favorites to bring back home.

We get some free time to wandered around the scenic paths, admired the slowly spinning windmills, and watched farm animals grazing nearby.

By the time we returned to Amsterdam in the evening, we were pleasantly tired. It had been a full day, but the kind that leaves you smiling, with new stories, photos, and a little more appreciation for Dutch culture.

🍃 Day 4: Local Markets, Secret Courtyards & Amsterdam After Dark

After a packed third day, we were ready to explore a different side of Amsterdam. One that blended lively local scenes with peaceful hideaways and a bit of after-dark city charm.

15. 🛍️ Museumplein Market: Easter Vibes & Local Finds

We started our morning at the Museumplein Market, which was in full swing thanks to Easter Sunday. Set right in front of the Rijksmuseum, the market takes place every third Sunday of the month, and we were lucky to catch it during our trip.

It had a buzzing atmosphere, families browsing handmade crafts, friends picking out prints and souvenirs, and travelers like us soaking it all in. The stalls offered everything from unique art and jewelry to creative ceramics and vintage pieces. It felt festive but authentic, the kind of place where you could chat with the artist behind a print or discover something truly one-of-a-kind.

16. 🌳 Vondelpark: Springtime Strolls & Open Skies

From there, we walked to Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park. It’s big, relaxed, and full of life like a local version of Central Park but with more bikes and fewer rules. The whole place felt alive as the sun was shining. People were lounging on the grass, walking their dogs, riding bikes, playing music, or just enjoying the sunshine.

We wandered along the winding paths, watched dogs play near the ponds, and sat for a while just to take it all in. Vondelpark doesn’t feel manicured or overly planned. It feels lived in, like an open backyard where everyone’s invited.

17. 🕊️ Begijnhof: Amsterdam’s Hidden Sanctuary

Next, we made our way to Begijnhof, one of Amsterdam’s best-kept secrets. Tucked behind an unassuming wooden door, it opens into a peaceful courtyard surrounded by historic houses, some dating back to the 14th century.

This place was once home to the Beguines, a community of religious women who lived here in quiet devotion without taking formal vows. The grass courtyard, the small English church, and the silence inside make it feel like another world compared to the busy city outside.

It’s not a place to linger too long. It was more like a respectful pause. But the stillness stays with you. It’s a reminder of the layers that exist in every city.

18.🌼 Bloemenmarkt: A Floating Burst of Color

From Begijnhof, we walked over to the Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s famous floating flower market. The stalls are built on houseboat-style structures, making it one of the world’s only canal-based flower markets.

It was a burst of color and scent. Tulip bulbs in paper bags, flower seeds, wooden tulip souvenirs, and rows of blooming plants. While parts of it felt a bit touristy, we still found it charming.

19. 🌃 Red Light District: A Different Kind of Evening

As the sun dipped lower, we ended our day with a visit to Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Not out of curiosity, but because we genuinely wanted to see how it looked in the evening.

The streets were buzzing with people, lights reflecting on the canals, and a mix of tourists and locals moving through the area. While the red-lit windows are the main draw, the district is more than its reputation. There are cozy pubs, quirky shops, historical spots like the Oude Kerk (Old Church), and an atmosphere that’s surprisingly relaxed.

We didn’t go into any shows or tours. Just walked, watched, and let the city show us a different, more open side of itself. It was a good reminder that Amsterdam doesn’t fit into neat boxes, it’s layered, honest, and unapologetically itself.

📚 Day 5: Rainy Mornings, Jordaan Wanders & A Slow Goodbye

Our final day in Amsterdam began with a light rain tapping against the window. It was the kind of drizzle that didn’t demand an umbrella, just a slower pace and maybe a warm drink in hand. With our flight scheduled for the evening, we decided to take it easy and enjoy one last walk through the city.

20. ☕ A Slow Start & Rain-Kissed Streets

We waited out the heaviest showers over a cozy breakfast and some much-needed coffee. When the skies softened to a mist, we headed out. The streets glistened, the canals reflected more than usual, and the air smelled like spring and fresh stone.

21. 🚶‍♀️ Jordaan District: A Gentle Last Stroll

We made our way to Jordaan. Known for its quaint canals and laid-back charm, Jordaan was the perfect setting for our final few hours. The cobbled lanes were lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, and little cafés with steamed-up windows.

Despite the wet morning, people were out biking, walking dogs, chatting under shared umbrellas. The canals here felt more intimate, winding through rows of tilted houses and flower-filled balconies. We didn’t follow a map, just wandered with no particular aim.

22. 📖 A Bookshop Break

Along the way, we ducked into a small bookshop to escape a quick burst of rain. The place was quiet and warm, filled with second-hand books, vintage covers, and a little reading corner that made us want to stay longer than we could.

23. ⛵ Canals: Our Final Goodbye

The rain eventually stopped, and the city glowed under a silvery sky. We took our time walking along the canals one last time, pausing to take photos, sitting by the water, and just letting it all sink in.

The calm ripples, the bikes leaning along every bridge, the gentle creak of boats. It was everything we had grown to love over the past few days.

24. 🍯 Stroopwafels Before We Go

Before heading back, we made one last stop for stroopwafels.

Amsterdam didn’t rush us that day. It gave us the space to say goodbye gently, with full hearts, damp shoes, and that special feeling of having experienced a city not just through its sights, but its rhythm.

Our 5 days in Amsterdam gave us exactly what we were hoping for — a break from routine, time to explore at our own pace, and a chance to experience the city beyond the typical postcard version. From early museum mornings and canal-side walks to market snacks and quiet corners in bookshops, it was a trip full of small, memorable moments. Yes, Amsterdam is touristy in parts, but it also knows how to slow you down, surprise you, and make you feel like you’re part of its everyday rhythm. We left with tired feet, a phone full of photos, and a soft spot for this city that balances charm and chaos so effortlessly. We’ll be back — hopefully sooner than later.