Amsterdam in 5 Days

De Koffieschenkerij

Gingerbread Houses

Head straight down from the Central Station and you will pass the famous gingerbread facades on the Damrak. If you want to see more examples of architecture, head down to the Nieuwebrugsteeg street that curves into the Sint Olofssteeg.

Oude Kerk

The Old Church is located right next to the Red Light District and offers a great view of the Old City Center. The building is done in the Gothic style (don’t you just love medieval architecture) and is the oldest building in Amsterdam. It also hosts modern art exhibitions within its walls. Climb to the top of the tower to be rewarded with a great perspective! The entrance is free with the iAmsterdam City Card, otherwise be prepared to pay a €10 fee.

Red Light District

Hidden Begijnhof Garden

The Begijnhof is a secluded garden built during the Middle Ages as an alternative to a convent. It is conveniently located near the Spui square, a bustling spot surrounded by shops and cafes. The houses surrounding the garden were private property and established for women who dedicated themselves to their religion while still maintaining relative freedom of choice. When visiting, you are required to keep silent so as not to disturb the residents who live there and pay tribute to this unique place.

Blue Amsterdam

A café with a panoramic view, hidden from sight in the very city center. Its entrance is through the shopping center Kalvertoren: just take the elevator up to the 3rd floor and climb one short flight of stairs. The menu offers sandwiches, salads, burgers, a breakfast menu, and dessert. Tourists don’t usually stumble in unless they know where to go—which means you can enjoy a local experience while dining with a view of the whole center.

Flower Market and Munt Tower

Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market and it is absolutely beautiful. The market is open with fresh, beautiful flowers.
Address: Singel, 1012 XN

The Flower Market starts at the edge of the Munt Tower (Munttoren), which stands for “Coin Tower” as this is where coins were once made. Destroyed during a fire and later rebuilt, the Tower continues to shine.

9 Streets Area

“De Negen Straatjes” is an Amsterdam area filled with independent boutiques selling vintage and designer clothes, unique DIY stores, and just about any shopping experience you can imagine. The shops are all located in the main canal streets on the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Herengracht. Some great cafes to check out in the area are Ree 7 and Pluk.

Famous Albert Cuypstraat Market

You will find everything here, from fresh fish to souvenirs. This is the place to stock up on kitchen magnets, tiny clogs, and keychains. Souvenir shopping at Albert Cuyp’s is a must! It’s also the perfect spot to try the famous stroopwafels: a thin waffle with a layer of caramel in between. Check out the “Goudsche Stroopwafels” stall—they are homemade by an old recipe and considered really, really good. Grab some snacks—think “picnic-ey”! This market has all the typical Dutch food you can’t miss, so go ahead and eat your way through it.

Scandinavian Embassy

Original Stroopwafels

This popular Dutch treat is made from two thin layers of baked dough—like very skinny waffles—stuck together with caramel syrup. They come in mini versions or the size of your face. You can find these in local stores, food trucks, and bakeries throughout Amsterdam.

Wake Me Up When I’m Famous Sign

Bakers & Roasters

Boutique Del Caffe Torrefazione

Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum

Price: €18 per adult
Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ

(Buy tickets in advance.)

Explore the Giant Vondelpark

Vondelpark is a big, beautiful park in the center of the city. It’s a great place to explore by bike, especially since the park is quite large. Grab some snacks you purchased at the market and head out for a picnic.

Koffie Academie

Back to Black

Caffènation Amsterdam

Foodhallen

An amazing alternative to a typical food court. This large space at Bellamyplein 51 has a variety of kitchens, from steaks to dim sum, from waffles to falafel. After you’ve had your fill, grab a dessert waffle at I-Scream Waffle. Then head out to explore the Oud-West neighborhood of Amsterdam—a chance to see a slightly off-center neighborhood where people go about their daily lives.

Lot Sixty One Coffee Roasters

Monks Coffee Roasters

White Label Coffee

Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam

The Central Department of the Public Library is open for all visitors. Wander around this multi-floor building with glass windows to enjoy a unique view over the city.

Amsterdam Windmill at Brewery ’t IJ

To see a real windmill without leaving the city, head to the Brouwerij Het Ij—a local beer brewery that is just a short walk away from the Royal Artis Zoo. It’s a cool vantage point and the best way to combine traditional Dutch views with a good beer.

Enjoy the Beautiful Rooftop Views and Plant Walkway at Zoku

Zoku is the perfect place for a combination of rooftop views and awesome design.

Rembrandt Square and Tuschinski Theatre

A mere step away from the Flower Market, Rembrandt Square is worth a visit. There you will find a statue reimagining of Rembrandt’s famous work “The Night Watch.” Head down the Reguliersbreestraat to reach the square. On your way, you will pass the Tuschinski Theatre, a really beautiful cinema building. While you can go inside, the facade is what makes it special! As soon as you see the Rembrandt monument, you know you’re in the right place.

Kaldi

Bocca Coffee

A great stop for coffee enthusiasts.

(Note: The windmill at Brouwerij Het Ij is also close by if you’d like to combine both.)

Botanical Garden

The Anne Frank House

You really can’t visit Amsterdam without seeing the Anne Frank House. It’s a deeply moving and humbling experience. Inside, you can see documents, photos, and belongings of those who hid there. Anne Frank’s original diary and notebooks are also displayed. Standing in those rooms—where Anne and her family lived in hiding—is an unforgettable experience. Bring tissues.

Price: €10 per adult
Address: Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV

Caffè Il Momento

Dam Square

This is the heart of the city; it connects the Kalverstraat and the Nieuwendijk—the main shopping streets filled with all the popular chain stores.

Coffee Black

Coffee Bru

Rum Baba Café

The Coffee Virus – A Lab

Toki

Barney’s Coffeeshop Amsterdam

Canal Boat Tour

Depending on whether you are using the iAmsterdam Card, you might receive a discount for a boat tour. A 1.5 or 2-hour boat trip in a smaller boat is highly recommended. There’s nothing like cruising through the Amsterdam canals while resting your legs from a day of walking. Go for an open boat rather than an enclosed, more touristy one—if the weather is great, it will be truly unforgettable.

matijagrcic/Amsterdam.md

Beers

Coffee places

Food

Attractions

More info