How To Spend 4 Days in Amsterdam + Inside Tips and Stay Options

Planning a 4-Day Trip to Amsterdam? You're in the Right Place!

If you're planning to spend 4 days in Amsterdam and want to make the most of your visit, I've got you covered! I've put together an optimized 4-day itinerary to help you explore all the must-see attractions in the city and even some charming spots in the surrounding areas, like the Waterland villages and the Zaanse Schans windmills. I'll guide you through the best places to visit and the top activities for each day. Plus, I'll share my best tips and recommend accommodations to suit your budget. Let's make your Amsterdam adventure unforgettable!

But first, some tips to keep in mind

1. Fast Track Tickets for Amsterdam's Top Attractions

Amsterdam is a bustling tourist destination, and getting fast track tickets for the main museums and popular activities can be a real time-saver. During our 4-day trip, my husband and I chose fast track tickets for a few key attractions. It made our sightseeing much smoother and less overwhelming. For the rest, we just went with the flow and enjoyed the spontaneity. Trust me, a mix of planning and spontaneity can make your trip even more enjoyable!

2. Get the I Amsterdam City Card

One great way to save time and money while exploring Amsterdam is by getting the I Amsterdam City Card. My husband and I found it incredibly useful during our trip. The City Card is valid for 1 to 5 days, so you can pick the option that best fits your 4-day stay in Amsterdam. Here’s what you get with the I Amsterdam City Card:

- Free entrance to the city’s top museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.

- A canal cruise, which is a fantastic way to see the city.

- Discounts on attractions like the Amsterdam Dungeon and the Heineken Experience.

- 25% off bike rentals and discounts at certain restaurants.

- Unlimited use of public transport, making it easy to get around the city.

This card really made our trip smoother and more enjoyable. It’s definitely worth considering for your Amsterdam adventure!

3. Plan Ahead

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you do!), it's a good idea to book your accommodation right away. Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and the best value hotels often get booked up months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can tell you that planning as far ahead as possible has always helped me find the best hotel or apartment deals. For our trip, we booked almost 3 months in advance, and I started researching good hotels about 4 months ahead of time. One of my favorite hacks for finding great hotels in any city is to stay just outside the city center, rather than in the central business district. This not only saves money but also lets me book stunning 4-star hotels at more affordable prices. You definitely don’t want to ruin your stay in Amsterdam by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that cost you a fortune, right? So, plan ahead and secure the best deals!

Now, lets see what you can do in 4 days in Amsterdam with my Amsterdam travel guide.

Day 1 - The Historic Centre

Let’s kick off your 4-day visit to Amsterdam at Dam Square, the city’s main square. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal station via Damrak or Nieuwendijk streets. If you prefer, you can also hop on a tram right from the station. At Dam Square, you’ll see:

The National Monument

Nieuwe Kerk church

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam: This is a must-visit! Originally the City Hall, it’s now a royal residence and museum. Inside, you can admire beautiful period furniture, paintings, and sculptures.

Just a tip: the entrance to the palace isn’t included in the City Card, so be sure to buy your skip-the-line tickets in advance. You don’t want to waste time waiting in line on your first day! Enjoy exploring this historic square and all it has to offer.

Walking tour

Next, let’s continue our walking tour of the city with a visit to the Béguinage, one of Amsterdam’s oldest inner courtyards. It’s a peaceful and historic spot that’s definitely worth exploring. The Béguinage was once home to a community of women known as the Béguines, which is where it gets its name. While you're here, make sure to check out Amsterdam’s last wooden house. Wooden houses were banned in the city due to the high risk of fire, so this is a rare and fascinating piece of history.

Canal Cruise

To bring this day to a relaxing close, take a canal cruise. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the unique architecture and traditional houses from a different perspective. It’s truly one of the best experiences during your 4 days in Amsterdam! There are various types of cruises available, depending on the boat and duration. We chose a 1-hour cruise with a live guide at sunset, allowing us to enjoy the views in both daylight and twilight.

Just a tip: I always opt for sunset cruises when available—they offer the best of both worlds and provide some of the most scenic views of any city. Don’t forget, if you’ve bought the I Amsterdam City Card, you’re entitled to a free cruise!

Sit back, relax, and let the beauty of Amsterdam unfold before you as you glide along its iconic canals.

Day 2: The Famous Museums

Jordaan District

Start your second day in Amsterdam by exploring the charming Jordaan district. This iconic part of the city, along with the historic center and the Red Light District, is located just west of Dam Square. To get there, simply stroll along the canal and admire the red brick façades of the houses.

As you walk, you’ll pass by the Westerkerk church, the largest Protestant church in the Netherlands. It’s a beautiful landmark you won’t want to miss. If you’re worried about getting lost or want a more in-depth experience, consider booking a 2-hour guided tour of the Jordaan.

Cheese Museum

While we’re talking about food, our next stop is all about cheese! Head over to the Cheese Museum in the Jordaan district. Calling it a “museum” might be a bit of a stretch—it's really just a small exhibition in the basement of a shop with a few displays explaining how cheese is made. But the real highlight is the shop on the ground floor. It’s sure to catch your eye with its free Gouda tastings in every variety imaginable, from pesto and truffle to chili. Trust me, it’s a delicious experience you won’t want to miss!

Anne Frank Museum

Let's continue your 4-day Amsterdam itinerary by staying in the Jordaan district to visit the Anne Frank House. When I said this was an optimized itinerary, I wasn’t joking! 😄 During the Second World War, the Frank family hid here to escape deportation when Jews were being hunted down. Anne Frank’s diary, now famous worldwide, details the conditions they lived in. Today, you can explore the different rooms of the house and see photos and objects that belonged to the family, alongside extracts from Anne’s diary.

Just a tip: Tickets are available online only through the official website. 80% of the tickets are released two months in advance, with the rest released in small batches daily at 9:00 am. Make sure to book early to secure your visit!

Visit the other museums

Next on our Amsterdam adventure are two iconic museums you shouldn’t miss:

Rijksmuseum: It’s the largest and most famous museum in Amsterdam, showcasing an impressive collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age. Entry is included with the I Amsterdam City Card. If you don’t have the card, make sure to buy your fast track tickets in advance on the website. Van Gogh Museum: Dedicated to the renowned Dutch artist, this museum features 200 of his incredible works. Entry is free with the City Card, making it a must-visit. These museums offer a fantastic glimpse into Dutch art and history—enjoy exploring!

Vondelpark

And finally, end the day with a stroll around Vondelpark. Just a quick 5-minute walk from Museumplein, you'll find the largest park in Amsterdam—Vondelpark.

In Vondelpark, there are several lakes to enjoy, well-kept paths perfect for walking or cycling, and even play areas for the kids. It’s a great spot to unwind and soak in some natural beauty amidst the bustling city. Take a leisurely stroll, rent a bike, or simply find a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Vondelpark is a gem in the heart of Amsterdam!

Day 3 - On the outskirts

Zaanse Schans is definitely the most famous tourist attraction around Amsterdam! This would take approximately half a day.

Here, you can visit picturesque windmills right by the water. You’ve probably seen them on postcards around the city. Besides the windmills, there are charming shops selling cheese, souvenirs, and clogs. It’s touristy, but in a delightful way because Zaanse Schans has been developed to preserve its traditional charm.

To get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam, you have three options:

- Bus: Take bus no. 391 or 891 from the central station. There’s one approximately every 15 minutes. You can purchase your ticket here!

- Train: Take the train to Zaanse railway station (a 20-minute journey), then enjoy a 15-minute walk to the windmills.

- Day Trip: Book a day trip that includes transport and a guide for a hassle-free experience.

Whichever way you choose, you’re in for a treat! Enjoy the beautiful windmills and the charming atmosphere of Zaanse Schans.

For the rest of the evening, you can hire a bike and ride along the narrow lanes of Amsterdam and explore it like a local. If you have the I Amsterdam Pass, you can get a good discount on bikes.

On the contrary, you can even sign up for a Heineken Beer experience which is just a 5-minute walk from the market. Inside the historic brewery, you’ll discover the fascinating history of the famous Heineken company and learn about the different stages of brewing their iconic beer.

The best part? At the end of the tour, you get to enjoy a refreshing pint of Heineken. Cheers to that!

If you don't wish to wrap your day early, you can then head to the Red Light District. You’ve probably already heard about Amsterdam's Red Light District, famous for its unique red-fronted shop windows showcasing prostitutes. Yes, prostitution is completely legal in Amsterdam. The workers here have to pay taxes just like everyone else.

Important: Please remember, it's not allowed to take photos of the hookers from the street. Respect their privacy while you explore this intriguing part of the city.

Day 4 - Geithoorn Day Trip

Now this was on my list since forever. This is one day trip from Amsterdam that requires an entire day. But it is so totally worth it. Planning a trip to Giethoorn from Amsterdam? It's 121 kilometers away and easily accessible by public transport. The Netherlands has excellent public transport, making it easy and comfortable to travel anywhere in the country by train, bus, tram, or metro.

Starting from 6:00 AM, trains from Amsterdam Central Station head towards the Giethoorn area. However, since there’s no train station in Giethoorn village itself, you’ll need to focus on getting to the Dutch train stations of Zwolle or Steenwijk.

Here’s how you can do it:

Train: Travel by train to Steenwijk station. You can buy your train tickets here.

Bus: From Steenwijk station, take bus no. 70 or bus no. 270 to reach Dominee Hylkemaweg in Giethoorn.

Most visitors come to Giethoorn to sail, so renting a boat is a must. At Giethoorn Boat Rental, you can reserve a boat in advance. We reached the village and rented a self-ride boat. Trust me, it's worth it! Enjoy the beautiful canals and the serene atmosphere of this charming village. It was definitely an experience riding a boat for over an hour.

Where to stay in Amsterdam?

Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre

If you're looking for a high-end stay in Amsterdam, I highly recommend the Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the railway station and the city center. The rooms are spacious, modern, and comfortable, with some offering stunning river views. Prices start from ₹17,000, and breakfast is available for ₹2,500 approximately.

Highlights include: Convenient location, exceptional comfort, friendly staff, complimentary access to the sauna.

Rates: ₹17,000 onwards

Park Inn by Radisson Amsterdam City West

This is where we stayed during our trip to Amsterdam. This is right outside the city centre. It costed us around ₹10,000 per night per room approximately. From Amsterdam central station the Sprinter train takes you to "Amsterdam Sloterdijk" in 6 minutes (350 meters from the hotel).

Highlights include: Comfortable, colourful and stylish room, convenient location, exceptional comfort, and complimentary steam and sauna access.

Rates: ₹11,000 onwards

ClinkNOORD

For a unique and memorable stay in Amsterdam, consider ClinkNOORD, located in the vibrant Noord area. Just a brief ferry ride from the city center, this hostel combines a modern, artsy vibe with the historical charm of a renovated 1920s building. The atmosphere at ClinkNOORD is friendly and laid-back, perfect for meeting fellow travelers and relaxing in the shared spaces. Whether you're in Amsterdam for the culture, nightlife, or just to unwind, ClinkNOORD has something for everyone.

Key Highlights: Short ferry ride to Amsterdam city center, modern, artsy design in a historical building, variety of room types to suit every traveler, regular events and activities for guests, and on-site café and bar serving snacks and drinks

Rates: Dorm beds from ₹4,200 and Private rooms from ₹16,000 approximately.

Flying Pig Downtown

Located just a short walk from Central Station and the buzzing Red Light District, this hostel is a favorite among young backpackers eager to experience Amsterdam's vibrant culture and nightlife.

Flying Pig Downtown is known for its lively and welcoming atmosphere. The funky and eclectic interior, along with communal spaces, encourages guests to mingle, share stories, and make new friends. If you're seeking fun, adventure, and a social hostel experience in one of Amsterdam's most dynamic neighborhoods, this is the place for you.

Key Highlights: Near Central Station and the Red Light District, vibrant, social atmosphere that is perfect for meeting new people, suits different needs and budgets, on-site bar and smoking room.

Rates: Dorm beds from ₹3,600 and private rooms from ₹17,000 approximately.

Traveling to Amsterdam is an adventure filled with rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque scenery. Whether you're exploring iconic landmarks like the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum, cruising through charming canals, or indulging in local delicacies, the city offers a diverse array of experiences. With this 4-day itinerary, you'll be able to immerse yourself in the heart of Amsterdam, enjoy day trips to enchanting nearby destinations like Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn, and find the perfect places to stay that suit your style and budget. Amsterdam's unique blend of tradition and modernity ensures an unforgettable journey that leaves you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

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