Check out how we spent our days in Amsterdam. Including the tours we went on, museums we explored, breweries we drank at, beautiful sights we saw. We loved Amsterdam and all the things it has to do!
Day 1: Walking Tour
We landed super early (8:00am) so we had the whole day ahead of us! First stop was our hostel to drop our bags off and come up with a plan for the day. We decided to take it easy and we signed up for a free walking tour in the city. I always enjoy these tours, even though I’m not much of one for guided tours. They tend to be pretty funny and filled with history that I would never seek to find out on my own but I’m always impressed.
We stopped for a quick lunch on our way back to the hostel, snuck in a nap, had a beer at the hostel happy hour and headed to bed early! An easy and lovely first day to get familiar with the city.
Day 2: Jewish Museum, National Holocaust Museum, Brouwerij ‘t IJ Brewery
We would have loved to go to the Anne Frank House, but you need to get tickets 6 weeks in advance, we were about 5 weeks too late for that, lol. So, we did the Jewish History Museum and Holocaust Museum. Both were fascinating and I would recommend both. They are a nice blend of information. If you have time, make a stop at both.
After the heavy setting of those two museums, we needed a lighter activity. So, we headed to the Brouwerij ‘t IJ Brewery which is located right next to a windmill. Super cute, great variety of beer and fun atmosphere. We had their classic flight and some vegan oyster mushroom bitterballs, which were delicious.
Day 3: Kings Day, Rijksmuseum, Canal Cruise
Amsterdam was a sea of orange in celebration of the King’s birthday. Streets and parks were packed with vendors, musicians, and 700,000 people who showed up to party.
We started the day at the Rijksmuseum admiring art work. Its a huge museums with paintings, sculptures, and decorative pieces. We stopped for a beer and veggie dog right outside the museum before heading to our canal cruise.
It was maybe not the best day for a cruise since the canals were bursting with boats and people celebrating but it was a fun way to people watch!
Day 4: Heineken Experience
I had never had Heineken before and glad that my first Heineken was in Amsterdam! It is actually a really great beer. The Heineken Experience was also super fun and if you find yourself in Amsterdam, be sure to check it out. You get a little guided history and information but its mostly a self guided interactive tour that explains the brewing process and talks about the Heineken brand and company. We ended the tour at the rooftop for one more beer and a view of the city!
We were suppose to go on another free walking tour of the Red Light District, but I was not feeling well. So, I went to bed instead!
Day 5: Keukenhof Garden and Cocktail Experience
I have never seen so many tulips in so many varietals and colors. The Garden is HUGE and gorgeous. We spent 3 hours walking around and still missed a section. Even if you are not a flower lover, this place will impress you! Its definitely a bucket list item worth checking off.
We booked our tickets a week in advance for the entrance fee and the bus ride to and from the Gardens. It was a really smooth process and I’m glad we did it that way. The bus pick up location was a bit far from the downtown/uptown area of Amsterdam so we took a taxi there since I still wasn’t feeling great. But, by the end of the day I was feeling much better and we figured out the metro for our way home. There was a metro stop right by the bus station so we figured we should try. Plus, its a lot easier to figure out public transportation when you aren’t worried about time.
We found this Bols Cocktail Experience and weren’t really sure what to expect but it sounded like something we would enjoy so we got tickets to check it out! It was really unique and interesting. It is all self guided (which I always like) and part museum with a bunch of history and also had interactive exhibits and then a mixology part where you can learn to properly shake your cocktail. Finally, it ends at a bar where you can enjoy one of their signature cocktails. If you visit, add in the workshop! We didn’t know what it was so we didn’t, but basically you get to be your own bartender and make yourself a drink!
That’s a wrap of our days in Amsterdam! We would love to go back and visit the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Red Light District! Let me know what you loved most about your visit or what is on your bucket list for when you visit!
Check out our other travels:
Two Weeks in the Azores
