I’ve been fortunate to visit Amsterdam three times now, most recently to see the tulips bloom in Lisse. I’ve compiled a guide to some of the best things to see in Amsterdam, what to skip, and some day trip options.

Where to Stay

For an upscale experience, I highly recommend Sofitel Legend the Gra nd Amsterdam. We spent two nights there last summer, and the rooms and staff were phenomenal. For a fantastic B&B (they only have two rooms), check out The Lastage Inn. Both are in a great location and within walking distance of several sights.

Day 1: Anne Franke House, Van Gogh Museum and Evening Boat Tour

Reserve tickets for the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Experience before your trip. The Van Gogh Museum will release some tickets at 17:00 the night before for next-day time slots, but you have to be online and ready to grab them when they are posted. These both book up quickly, so book at least a month before your trip so you can secure the time slots you would prefer. Plan to spend a few hours at the Van Gogh Museum and about ninety minutes at the Anne Franke House. Please note that at the Anne Franke House, they request you don’t take photos inside during your tour. A free audioguide is included with your admission ticket.

Left: Van Gogh Museum. Right: Damrak Canal Houses

Amsterdam is home to over 75 museums and galleries, so you could enjoy the exhibits for several days if that is your passion. Other highly rated museums include Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, Moco Museum, and the Rembrandt House Museum. If you’re feeling bold, go to the top of A’dam Tower and enjoy the six-person swing over the red light district. If the swing is not your style, you can enjoy the views above on the observation deck during sunset.

After a morning of museums, walk around the canals and grab a local favorite, a Stroopwafle, to enjoy while you stroll. Stop at sights like the Damrak houses, and in the late afternoon to evening, jump on a boat and enjoy a tour from the water. For a unique experience, book a boat tour with Rederij Lampedusa to tour the canals while listening to stories from refugees who have landed in Amsterdam. For a luxury boat tour experience, complete with bar service on board, check out Friendship Amsterdam. They have two ticket options, one with unlimited drinks and one with a pay-per-drink-on board.

*Yusef sharing his story of fleeing from Somalia and winding up in Amsterdam*

Day 2: Day trip to Lisse for the tulips

*Tulip fields at the Tulip Barn in Lisse*

Depending on your love for flowers and the great outdoors, this could be a half-day excursion or a full-day (what we did). But to make the most of your day among the fields during tulip season in Amsterdam, plan to arrive at Keukenhof Gardens between 8-9:00. You will get an hour to enjoy the gardens with fewer tourists. Plan to spend several hours here; there is much to see, including an optional boat tour you can book on-site.

After you are finished in the gardens, grab your rental bike and choose a route to pedal around Lisse. They are all beautiful, and one option takes you to the beach. I talk more about a day visiting the tulips here.

Day 3: Day trip to Volendam, Zaans Schans or Haarlem

You can visit two of these locations in one day. You can pair Volendam with Zaans Schans or Haarlem with Zaans Schans. There are bus routes that go to both of these locations: Bus Line 316 will take you to and from Volemdam, and Line 391 will take you to and from Amsterdam to Zaans Schans. If you plan on visiting two of these locations in one day, the best way to get between the two locations is by Uber (public transport will take a long time). Then you can hop the bus home from the last city you decide to visit.

Of the three locations, Zaans Schans was the most “touristy.” The windmills were relocated to this tourist village with shops, cafes, and a museum nearby. This is a good choice if you want to get out of Amsterdam, especially if you have younger children. Haarlem and Volemdam are quaint towns, with the most to do in Haarlem of the three options. Visit Saint Bavo Church, take a scenic boat tour, and visit the country’s oldest museum, Teylers Museum. Or sit and enjoy a meal and an Aperol spritz at one of the many restaurants around Saint Bavo if the weather permits.

Left: Windmills at Zaans Schans. Right: Apple and bacon pancake at the pancake cafe at Zaans Schans.

Where to Eat in Amsterdam

There are so many options to choose from, but here are some fantastic and highly rated-options!

A-Fusion (great sushi!)

Van Kerkwijk (steak was perfection)

Williams Farmhouse

Poppy’s

Rasoi

The Greek Embassy

Pastries at Selma Bakery

What to Skip

Bloemenmarkt Floating Market. I, like many, see this and assume it will be this beautiful floating oasis of flowers. It’s not. It’s just a string of shops selling flower bulbs and souvenirs, really nothing to see unless you want to shop for those things.

When to Visit

Though Amsterdam is picturesque any time of the year, the best time to visit is late spring into early fall. During the winter, Amsterdam and Belgium tend to stay very dark, so if you want to enjoy the canals with sunshine, aim for April to October (though expect some random rain showers throughout the summer).

There is so much to do and see around Amsterdam. The people are friendly, and walking or public transportation is a breeze. One thing to note is that bikes are everywhere, so watch out for those bike lanes. I wouldn’t recommend renting a bike inside Amsterdam proper unless you are on a tour because it can get quite hectic, but any of the cities around Amsterdam are great for biking. Enjoy your trip!

*Some of the links above are affiliate links; should you click on them and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting my blog!

Amsterdam Spring Itinerary: City Highlights + Tulip Field Adventure

Macro Photography Tips: How to Capture Stunning Close-Up Shots