5-day itinerary
Amsterdam
Haarlem is 20 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal and receives a fraction of the visitors — the Grote Kerk van St. Bavo has a Müller organ that Handel and the 10-year-old Mozart both played, and the Frans Hals Museum holds Golden Age portraits that rival anything in the Rijksmuseum with shorter queues and a better experience. Go on a weekday. This 5-day Amsterdam itinerary front-loads the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, puts the Anne Frank House on day two alongside a Jordaan canal walk — book those Anne Frank tickets the moment you book your flights — and adds Amsterdam Noord on day four for the EYE Film Museum and the NDSM creative wharf. Rent a small canal boat yourself rather than booking a glass tour boat; the operators near the Jordaan will show you how.
Day 1
Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, and De Pijp
Both museums require advance booking. The Rijksmuseum is best in the morning when it opens — the Night Watch room is least crowded before noon.
Rijksmuseum
Established800 years of Dutch art and history — Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's Milkmaid are the anchors. Book timed-entry. Allow three hours.
View on mapVan Gogh Museum
EstablishedThe world's largest Van Gogh collection — from the dark Dutch period through to the Arles works. Book timed-entry online.
View on mapVondelpark
EstablishedThe central park — good for a walk after the museums. Open-air theatre in summer. Free.
Explore areaDe Pijp neighbourhood
EstablishedThe most international and least touristy neighbourhood in Amsterdam — the Albert Cuyp market until 5pm, then restaurants and bars. The best evening option within walking distance of the museums.
Explore areaDays 2–5
Get the full plan
Personalised to your travel style, group size, and budget. Day 1 always free.
Build my Amsterdam plan →Build your own Amsterdam plan
Personalised to your travel style, group size, and budget. Day 1 free.
Plan my Amsterdam trip →