I’ve lived in Amsterdam for more than 30 years and I’ll never tire of exploring the city – there’s just so much to discover! Each time I wander around the city centre or the adjacent districts, I stumble upon something new, such as a quirky canal house, a unique museum or a cozy café tucked away in a lane. When I received an invitation from the tourism board to explore Amsterdam in three days with the I amsterdam City Card, I didn’t hesitate to accept. Armed with the City Card, I enjoyed free access to lots of attractions, which gave me the chance to discover new places. Based on this, I’ve created a 3-day Amsterdam itinerary that maximises the value of the City Card.
The row of houses across the street from the Amsterdam Central Station.
I amsterdam City Card
The I amsterdam City Card offers free access to more than 80 museums and attractions, and discounts on many activities. The City Card, available for 1-5 days, also includes free and unlimited public transportation (bus, tram and metro), a canal cruise and 24-hour bicycle rental. I received a 72-hour City Card worth EUR 110. In my opinion, it makes a lot of sense to purchase the City Card if you’re planning to visit numerous museums and attractions – the more places you visit, the more value you get out of the card. By using the I amsterdam City Card to follow my 3-day Amsterdam itinerary below, you’ll save more than EUR 100!
I amsterdam City Card
There are countless things to do in Amsterdam so it was a challenge to create a 3-day programme. To truly appreciate the city, I suggest spending a week (at least). However, if you only have a few days, then this itinerary is perfect for you!
I’ve crafted this 3-day itinerary to include a mix of world-famous attractions as well as lesser-known gems in Amsterdam. It also includes a lovely bicycle ride into the surrounding countryside. This 3-day Amsterdam itinerary is perfect for visitors who are especially interested in history, art, architecture and nature, but also for those who simply want to get to know the city beyond the highlights. Even if it’s not your first time in Amsterdam, I’m pretty sure that there are things in this itinerary that will appeal to you.
Day 1
Morning – city centre
Head to the I amsterdam store at the Central Station to purchase your 72-hour City Card. One thing I love about the store is that they sell all sorts of merchandise by local designers. I was thrilled to discover t-shirts, magnets and cards created by my friends at Orange Panda! So this is a great place to get a few unique souvenirs, as well as a water bottle, which you can refill at water fountains across the city.
I amsterdam store
From the Central Station, walk down the Damrak boulevard to the Dam Square, site of the iconic Palace on the Dam. This 17th century palace, originally built as the City Hall, became the residence of King Louis Bonaparte in the 19th century. Across from the Palace is the 15th century Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), which you can visit for free with the City Card.
Dam Square with the Palace (left) and the New Church (right) on a quiet winter’s day.
Continue to Spui square, where you can visit the Begijnhof (a gorgeous medieval beguinage). There’s also a lovely book market on the square every Friday.
Begijnhof
From Spui, cross the Singel and Herengracht canals to the Nine Streets neighbourhood. This is a vibrant neighbourhood packed with designer fashion and vintage stores, cafés and restaurants, making it a great place for some shopping and a bite to eat. Also in this neighbourhood is the Grachtenmuseum (Museum of the Canals), which is a must-visit if you’d like to learn about the history and construction of Amsterdam’s canals. Entrance is free with the City Card.
Afternoon – Museum Quarter and canal cruise
After exploring the Nine Streets neighbourhood, continue with a visit to the Rijksmuseum in the Museum Quarter. You can walk along the canals to get there (I recommend this) or take tram 12 from Leidsestraat to the Museum Quarter. Arguably the most famous museum in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum has an impressive collection of art from the likes of Rembrandt and Vermeer.
A guide explaining the clever use of light in Rembrandt’s iconic piece: the Night Watch in the Rijksmuseum.
In the Museum Quarter, you’ll also find other world-renowned museums such as the Van Gogh Museum (not included in the City Card), Stedelijk Museum (contemporary art and design museum that’s included with the City Card) and smaller museums such as Moco (contemporary art with works by Dali and Banksy; included in the City Card).
End the afternoon with a lovely canal cruise – the best way to experience the canals whilst giving your legs a bit of a rest. Cruise companies that offer City Card holders a free cruise from the vicinity of the Rijksmuseum include:
- Blue Boat Company (opposite Hard Rock Cafe)
- LOVERS Canal Cruises (next to Hotel American)
- Stromma (opposite Rijksmuseum)
A must-do in Amsterdam is to go on a canal cruise.
Evening – walk around the canals
If you’re in love with Amsterdam’s canals by now (like I am), I recommend strolling around the canals in the evening. It truly is an enchanting sight. Here’s an Amsterdam evening walking route I’ve crafted to assist you.
Experience the enchantment of Amsterdam in the evening.
Day 2
Morning – bike ride along the Amstel River
Kick off day 2 with a bike ride into the countryside and to see a windmill or two! Pick up your free 24-hour bike rental and head south. From the intersection of the Stadhouderskade and the Amstel River (map), follow the west bank of the river in a southerly direction to the village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. Depending on your pace, and number of stops, the ride takes approximately an hour in each direction. It’s a very scenic bike ride that starts in Amsterdam’s southern districts, De Pijp and Rivierenbuurt.
Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the Amstel River.
Keep following the river past houseboats, parks and riverside cafés to the Zorgvlied cemetery, the final resting place of many prominent Dutch figures, especially from the arts and theatre. It’s also a beautiful place for a stroll. From here, continue along the river to the Amstelpark, a large park with many trees, lakes and nature paths.
Amstelpark
At the southern end of the park, you’ll find one of two traditional Dutch windmills on this route. Keep following the river and you’ll pass elegant villas and verdant fields with cows and sheep.
Ouderkerk aan de Amstel is a wonderful place for a lunch break. There are several riverside restaurants and cafés to choose from, including Heisa and Loetje aan de Amstel.
Enjoy a riverside lunch in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel.
Afternoon – Amsterdam South (Zuid)
Return to Amsterdam and make a left turn when you reach the intersection of the Amstelkanaal and Amstel River (map). For fans of art and architecture, this is a great area to see and learn about the Amsterdam School of Architecture, a flamboyant architectural style rooted in Expressionism that emerged in the early-1900’s.
Spring blossoms along the Amstelkanaal.
Stop at the bridge intersection mentioned above for your first taste of this architectural style! Then continue westwards along the Amstelkanaal. As you explore the Zuid (South) districts, you’ll discover housing blocks and bridges with whimsical façades, intriguing sculptures, beautiful doorways and unique fonts. The Dageraad Museum (free with the City Card) in this district is a great place to learn more about this architectural style. Check out my Amsterdam School of Architecture guide for more info – also includes a walking route in this area.
Amsterdam School architecture in the Amsterdam Zuid district.
If you’re not interested in architecture, I recommend going on a self-guided food tour of De Pijp (free with the City Card). This vibrant neighbourhood is packed with great eateries! It’s also the home of Amsterdam’s most famous market: the Albert Cuyp Market.
Albert Cuyp market
Evening – Amsterdam North (Noord)
Take the free ferry from behind the Central Station to Buiksloterweg (in Amsterdam North), a 10-minute ride across the harbour. Proceed to the A’DAM Tower, where you’ll find the A’DAM Lookout (free with the City Card). This is a great spot to enjoy a panoramic view of Amsterdam. If you enjoy a thrill, buy a ticket for The Swing! I recommend getting to The Lookout before sunset. In the evenings, the bar at The Lookout transforms into a club with DJ’s, where you can dance the night away, and still enjoy the view!
View from The Lookout at sunset.
There are numerous restaurants and cafés in the area so it’s also a wonderful place for dinner. Places I can recommend include Moon (a revolving, fine-dining restaurant in the A’DAM Tower), THT, Polly Goudvisch and Café ONS.
Day 3
Morning – NDSM
In the morning, take the free ferry from behind the Central Station to NDSM (20-minute ride), the old shipping and warehouse district in Amsterdam North. This vibrant district is one of the most creative in the city. Here, you’ll find huge warehouses and shipyards that have been converted into homes, artist studios, markets (including the Ij Hallen, Europe’s largest flea market) and exhibition centres.
Enjoy the views as you ride the ferry to/from Amsterdam Centraal Station. 
Street art at the Ij Hallen in Amsterdam North/NDSM.
Wander around this colourful, street-art filled district, then visit STRAAT, the cavernous Amsterdam street art museum (free with the City Card).
STRAAT is housed in an old warehouse.
Afternoon – Nieuwmarkt
Take the ferry back to Central Station. From here, walk along Zeedijk, one of the oldest streets in Amsterdam, to Nieuwmarkt, a bustling square with a castle in the middle. You’ll find centuries-old pubs, medieval houses, and Amsterdam’s Chinatown. This is a great place for lunch as there are countless eateries to choose from, from pancakes and sandwiches to various Asian cuisines.
Zeedijk 
De Waag (castle) at Nieuwmarkt.
This neighbourhood, one of the busiest in Amsterdam due to its infamous Red Light District, is packed with beautiful canals and houses, and charming squares.
A gorgeous spot (Spooksteeg) in the Chinatown/Red Light district area.
If you’d like to taste a local brew, check out De Bekeerde Suster (founded by nuns in the 16th century) or De Prael.
This neighbourhood is also home to numerous museums and historic attractions. A hidden gem that’s absolutely worth a visit is the Our Lord in the Attic Museum (free with the City Card). In a 17th century canal house, you’ll find a beautiful secret church in the attic!
The secret Our Lord in the Attic Church
I also recommend a visit to the 13th century Oude Kerk (Old Church), one of the oldest buildings in the city. Entrance is free with the City Card.
The ‘Oude Kerk’ or Old Church.
Another historic attraction in the vicinity is the Rembrandthuis, the famous painter’s former home and studio. This is where he created many of his most famous pieces. Visit the museum for free with the City Card.
Evening – comedy
End your day with some laughter – visit Boom Chicago, a comedy club that’s a bit of an institution in Amsterdam. Arrive there 30 minutes before the show and flash your City Card for an evening of comedy, improv and song.
Save with the I amsterdam City Card
I’ve listed the prices* of the attractions listed above and added a canal cruise and bike rental. If you follow my 3-day Amsterdam itinerary above and use the City Card, you’ll have all the items below for free – I’ve included the normal price per item. Depending on which you choose, you could save upwards of EUR 100 with a 72-hour City Card (that costs EUR 110).
- Public transport 3-day pass: €21.50
- Nieuwe Kerk: €19.50
- Grachtenmuseum: €17.50
- Rijksmuseum: €25
- Canal cruise: €22.50
- Bike rental: €17.50
- Dageraad Museum: €16.50 or De Pijp food tour: €12.50
- A’DAM Lookout: €18.50
- STRAAT: €19.50
- Our Lord in the Attic Museum: €16.95
- Oude Kerk: €13.50
- Rembrandthuis: €21.50
- Boom Chicago: €23.50
*Prices: summer 2025
Note: my exploration of Amsterdam with the City Card was sponsored by I amsterdam. As always, all views expressed above are mine, and mine only.
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