Amsterdam Itinerary 5 Days

5 Days in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, also known as Venice of Netherlands, is a city with a rich history and impressive culture. It has a network of more than 100 kilometers of canals that boast of a bustling city on its banks. With only 5 days in Amsterdam, you can easily soak in its flavor and discover what it has to offer. Its museums and art galleries are engaging for every type of traveler. This itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Amsterdam.

Day 1 in Amsterdam: Explore the gems in Old City

Center of the city is packed with numerous interesting places. You can visit the Royal Palace of Amsterdam in the morning. This majestic palace dates back to the 1650s and carries an influence of different architectural styles. Spend some time before lunch here and learn about the history of the city. It is recommended to take a guided tour to immerse yourself in fascinating stories of the past.

You can spend an afternoon at Madame Tussauds Amsterdam. This wax museum was opened in 1970 and is home to numerous wax figures of political leaders, sportspersons, film stars, singers to name a few. You must not miss a chance to click photos of these life-size statues.

Ripley's Believe It or Not Amsterdam is another place nearby that is a must visit for people who are looking for quirky, bizarre sites in the city. You will get a chance to see human shrunken heads and a megladon jaw along with a ride through Ripley’s 5D Moving Theatre. Learn all the peculiar stories about different artifacts and displays.

You can have dinner at one of the restaurants at Dam Square. The streets here are dotted with shops, stores, and boutiques. Go on a shopping spree, pamper your taste buds, or simply sit and watch the world go by. If you can manage to spend more time on shopping in Amsterdam, then areas like Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat are also good for you.

Day 2 in Amsterdam

Start your 2nd day in Amsterdam by visiting Nieuwe Kerk. also located at the Dam Square with other famous landmarks, this 15th-century church in Amsterdam is a lovely place. Though it is used as an exhibition space today, its majestic exterior and tastefully decorated interior are worth visiting.

With only 5 days/4 nights in Amsterdam, exploring Anne Frank House is a must. Established on a canal Prinsengracht, this house is less than a kilometer away from the Dam Square. This is the place where Anne Frank and her family hid during the Holocaust. The museum on the premises has displays that will tell you about the life of Anne Frank and the Second World War.

You can also visit Westerkerk that is established in the Grachtengordel neighborhood near Anne Frank House. Built during the 1620s, the church is influenced by Renaissance style architecture. As this is considered to be the largest church in the Netherlands that was built for Protestants, it attracts travelers and locals alike.

And now that you are here, spending an evening in the neighborhood of Jordaan is recommended. This area is packed with historic buildings, modern art galleries, local markets, restaurants, and cafes. This is the place that will let you explore the nightlife in Amsterdam at your own pace.

Day 3 in Amsterdam: Explore the Museum Square

With only 5 days in Amsterdam, you must dedicate an entire day to visiting museums in Amsterdam. Head towards Museumplein or Museum Square in the morning and you will see how true the name of the square is. There are Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Diamond Museums, and Stedelijk Museum around here. These places will take you back in time and will tell you about the history, art, and culture of Amsterdam. Every museum has an extensive collection of artifacts that are significant when it comes to understanding the city.

You can consider visiting Vondelpark in the evening. As the park has an open-air theatre, a playground, and a couple of restaurants, you can easily spend a couple of hours here and unwind with your loved ones. There are small ponds and historic buildings around that add charm to the whole park.

And when it comes to dancing the night away, head off to Leidseplein neighbourhood. It has become a paradise for club-hoppers with its bustling clubs, bars, and pubs. Catching a street performance here will give you a chance to soak yourself in local flavor. You can also visit other cultural centers like Rembrandtplein. The Paradiso, Melkweg in the city.

Day 4 in Amsterdam: Make it about spending quality time

Visiting Amsterdam’s oldest building is a great way to start your day. Oude Kerk is a significant landmark in the city as it has been dominating the skyline of Amsterdam from last 800 years. Include this site in your Amsterdam itinerary for 5 days and admire the ancient structure.

Visiting Science Center NEMO is another way to spend a day. Many people prefer to spend half a day here. This center is engaging enough for kids as well as adults. There are five different floors full of interactive exhibits and displays. You can buy some lovely souvenirs from a gift shop on the premises and satiate your hunger at a small cafe.

Do not forget to visit De Gooyer Windmill that is only 15 minutes away from the science center. Considered to be the tallest wooden mill in the Netherlands, this National Monument is an ideal place to catch a sunset. Though the mill was built in the 16th century, it has been destroyed several times. But, it has been restored in such a way that its ancient charm will take you back in time.

Include canal cruising in Amsterdam in your plan as it will help you understand the true essence of the city. If you take a cruise after the sunset, then watching the canals illuminating with sparkling lights and boating through the reflections will make for a memorable time.

Day 5 in Amsterdam: Visit nearby areas

You can opt for a day trip from Amsterdam as it will introduce you to other nearby areas as well. Though there are several places around the city that are hardly half an hour away, Alkmaar cheese market ranks on top of that list. This market dates back to 400 years and is established in a charming little town near Amsterdam. You can wander through the market, visit small boutiques around, pamper your taste buds at rustic cafes, and spend a day away from all the hustle and bustle of a city.

Keep in mind that the cost for a 5-day trip to Amsterdam can go up to EUR 2,000 per person. But, if you plan a mid-range or a budget trip, the cost will come down significantly. You can use TripHobo’s budget calculator to check all the details.