Amsterdam 4-Day Seasonal Itineraries

Spring in Amsterdam - Tulip Season

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Morning (8:00 AM)

Visit BloemenmarktFree entry - floating flower market

✓ World's only floating flower market. Best selection early morning. Tulip bulbs €3-8. Can ship internationally. Peak season March-May.
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Mid-Morning (10:00 AM)

Anne Frank House€14 - book online weeks ahead

✓ MUST book online 6-8 weeks in advance at annefrank.org. No tickets at door. Allow 1.5 hours. Very moving experience. Children under 10 free.
🍴

Lunch (12:30 PM)

Dutch pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam€8-15

✓ Try traditional Dutch pancakes (sweet or savory). Popular spot - expect 15-30min wait. Huge portions.
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Afternoon (2:30 PM)

Canal cruise UNESCO Canal Ring€16-22

✓ 1-hour tours from Central Station. Audio guide in 20+ languages. Spring blossoms along canals stunning. Book online for discount.
🎨

Morning (9:00 AM)

Rijksmuseum€22.50 - Dutch Masters & Rembrandt

✓ Book timed entry online. Allow 3-4 hours. Don't miss "The Night Watch". Under 18 free.
🎨

Afternoon (2:30 PM)

Van Gogh Museum€20 - world's largest collection

✓ MUST book online with time slot. Sells out days ahead. Allow 2-3 hours. Audio guide included.
🍺

Evening (6:30 PM)

Indonesian rijsttafel at Tempo Doeloe€35-50

✓ Traditional rice table - 15-20 small dishes. Reservations essential.
🌹

Morning (8:00 AM)

Day trip to Keukenhof Gardens€21 + €12 bus - 7 million tulips

✓ ONLY open late March-mid May! Express bus 858 from Schiphol. Arrive early (9AM) to beat crowds. Peak bloom mid-April.
⛲

Afternoon (3:00 PM)

Visit Zaanse SchansFree entry windmill village

✓ 15min train from Amsterdam Central. Working windmills €4-5 each to enter. Very photogenic.
👛

Morning (9:00 AM)

Albert Cuyp MarketFree entry - largest street market

✓ 260 stalls. Try fresh stroopwafels €1-2, herring €3-5. Monday-Saturday 9AM-5PM.
🚲

Late Morning (11:00 AM)

Bike rental & cycle like a local€10-15/day

✓ MacBike near Central Station. Cycle to Vondelpark (20min) - beautiful in spring.
🌈

Afternoon (4:00 PM)

Explore 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets)Free

✓ Charming boutiques, vintage shops. Great for unique souvenirs. Very Instagrammable.

Summer in Amsterdam - Festivals & Canals

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Morning (9:00 AM)

Rent canal bike€18/hr pedal boats

✓ Pedal boats for 2-4 people. Great summer activity. Bring sunscreen. Return to any dock.
🏖

Afternoon (2:00 PM)

Beach day at Blijburg aan ZeeFree

✓ 15min tram from center. Beach chairs €5. Restaurant on site. Or try Zandvoort beach (30min train).
🎨

Morning (9:00 AM)

Rijksmuseum€22.50 escape the heat

✓ AC inside - perfect summer escape. Gardens behind museum free. Ice rink area in summer has outdoor cafe.
🌲

Afternoon (2:00 PM)

Outdoor events VondelparkFree

✓ Free concerts June-August. Check schedule. Bring blanket. Very popular with locals.
🚢

Full Day Trip

Giethoorn "Venice of the North"€25 boat + €20 train

✓ 2hr train ride. Rent electric boat €25-40/hr. No cars - only boats. Extremely peaceful.
🎊

Check Events

Amsterdam Pride (August), Grachtenfestival (August)Varies

✓ Many free outdoor events summer. Canal Pride boat parade spectacular. Book hotels early during events.

Autumn in Amsterdam - Cozy Cafes & Colors

☕

Morning (9:00 AM)

Coffee at brown cafe€3-8

✓ Try Cafe Papeneiland (since 1642) or Cafe Hoppe. Apple pie with cream €4-6.
🌲

Afternoon (2:00 PM)

Autumn colors at Amsterdamse BosFree

✓ Huge park - 3x Central Park size. Peak foliage October-November. Bike rental €8/day.
👛

Morning (10:00 AM)

Waterlooplein MarketFree entry

✓ Vintage clothes, antiques, books. Monday-Saturday. Bargaining expected.
🍲

Lunch (1:00 PM)

Traditional stamppot€12-18

✓ Mashed potato with vegetables - perfect autumn dish. Very filling comfort food.
🎨

Morning

Stedelijk Museum€20 modern art

✓ Contemporary art. Next to Van Gogh Museum. Under 18 free. Allow 2 hours.
🏠

Morning

Explore Begijnhof courtyardFree

✓ 14th century courtyard. Very peaceful. Oldest house in Amsterdam. Magical in autumn mist.

Winter in Amsterdam - Lights & Ice Skating

🎨

Morning (9:00 AM)

Rijksmuseum€22.50 escape the cold

✓ Warm inside. Ice rink in front November-February €7-10 including skates.
⛸

Afternoon (2:00 PM)

Ice skating Museumplein€7

✓ Mid-November to mid-February. Magical winter experience. Mulled wine €4-6.
💡

Evening (6:00 PM)

Light Festival cruise€22-35

✓ Late November-January. 75min boat tour past illuminated art. Book ahead. Dress warm!
🎄

Afternoon

Christmas markets DecemberFree entry

✓ Try oliebollen (Dutch donuts) €3-5. Mulled wine €4-6. Leidseplein, Museumplein locations.
🍻

Afternoon

Heineken Experience€21

✓ Self-guided tour 1.5 hours. 2 beers included. 18+ only. Great winter indoor activity.

Where to Eat and Drink in Amsterdam

A Guide to Best Cafes and Restaurants

Amsterdam Food Guide
The White Room
★ Michelin

The White Room

French Fine Dining €€€€

Two Michelin stars in a stunning Art Nouveau setting. Tasting menus showcase seasonal ingredients with French techniques.

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De Kas

De Kas

Farm-to-Table €€€

Restaurant in a 1926 greenhouse. Vegetables grown on-site. Daily changing menu based on harvest.

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Lot Sixty One

Lot Sixty One Coffee Roasters

Specialty Coffee €€

Award-winning specialty coffee roastery. Expertly crafted espresso and filter coffee in minimalist space.

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Moeders

Moeders

Traditional Dutch €€

Cozy restaurant serving authentic Dutch home cooking. Stamppot, erwtensoep, and other traditional favorites.

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Restaurant Vinkeles
★ Michelin

Restaurant Vinkeles

Modern European €€€€

Michelin-starred restaurant in an 18th-century bakery. Creative tasting menus in an intimate candlelit setting.

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Bakers and Roasters

Bakers & Roasters

Brunch Cafe €€

Kiwi-Brazilian fusion brunch spot. Famous for banana bread French toast and Brazilian eggs. Weekend queues!

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Back to Black

Back to Black

Specialty Coffee €€

Tiny coffee bar in Jordaan. Single-origin beans, expert baristas. Standing room only but worth it.

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Cafe de Reiger

Cafe de Reiger

Dutch Brown Cafe €€

Classic Amsterdam brown cafe since 1890. Gezellig atmosphere, traditional Dutch food, canal-side terrace.

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Ciel Bleu
★ Michelin

Ciel Bleu

Contemporary French €€€€

Two Michelin stars on 23rd floor. Stunning city views with innovative French cuisine. Dress code enforced.

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The Pancake Bakery

The Pancake Bakery

Dutch Pancakes €€

75+ varieties of Dutch pancakes in 17th-century canal house. Sweet and savory options. Tourist favorite for good reason.

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CT Coffee and Coconuts

CT Coffee & Coconuts

All-Day Cafe €€

Converted cinema with tropical vibes. Great coffee, brunch, and Instagram-worthy interior. Popular weekend spot.

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Tempo Doeloe

Tempo Doeloe

Indonesian Rijsttafel €€€

Authentic Indonesian rice table. 15-20 small dishes served traditionally. Book ahead - intimate space, very popular.

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Photo Spots in Amsterdam

A Guide to Best Spots & Hidden Gems

Amsterdam Photo Spots
Canal Houses
Iconic

Brouwersgracht Canal

Free
👕 Outfit: Classic Amsterdam style, earth tones, denim jacket, bike-friendly
⏱ Best Time: Golden hour (6-8am or 7-9pm), early morning for empty canals
📷 Photo Tips
• Most picturesque canal in Amsterdam - voted #1 by locals
• Shoot from bridge for symmetrical reflections
• Include houseboats and bikes for authentic feel
• Autumn foliage along trees is spectacular
• Early morning mist creates dreamy atmosphere
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Begijnhof
Hidden Gem

Begijnhof Courtyard

Free
👕 Outfit: Soft neutrals, vintage inspired, modest and respectful
⏱ Best Time: Weekday mornings (9-11am), avoid peak tourist hours
📷 Photo Tips
• 14th century hidden courtyard - secret oasis
• MUST be quiet - people still live here
• Oldest wooden house in Amsterdam (No. 34)
• Beautiful chapel interior (free entry)
• Spring tulips in center garden stunning
• Wide angle lens captures whole courtyard
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I Amsterdam
Iconic

IAMSTERDAM Sign at Rijksmuseum

Free (gardens)
👕 Outfit: Bright colors pop against red letters, casual chic
⏱ Best Time: Early morning (7-8am) or late evening to avoid crowds
📷 Photo Tips
• Famous Instagram spot - get creative with poses
• Climb the letters for different perspectives
• Include Rijksmuseum in background
• Very crowded midday - patience required
• Multiple signs around city - this is the main one
• Museum pond creates nice reflections
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A'DAM Lookout
Hidden Gem

A'DAM Lookout Rooftop

€16.50
👕 Outfit: Edgy urban, all black, rooftop-ready
⏱ Best Time: Sunset for golden hour over city, or blue hour
📷 Photo Tips
• 360° panoramic views from 22nd floor
• "Over the Edge" swing €5 extra (photos included!)
• Glass floor observation deck
• Free ferry from Central Station (5min ride)
• Sunset over historic center is magical
• Rooftop bar for drinks with views
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Magere Brug
Iconic

Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge)

Free
👕 Outfit: Romantic flowing dress, soft pastels, elegant casual
⏱ Best Time: Blue hour (just after sunset) when bridge lights up
📷 Photo Tips
• Most photographed bridge in Amsterdam
• White wooden drawbridge from 1691
• 1200 light bulbs illuminate at night
• Shoot from Amstel riverbank for best angle
• Watch it open for boats (romantic!)
• Long exposure at night for light trails
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Bloemenmarkt
Hidden Gem

Bloemenmarkt at Dawn

Free
👕 Outfit: Spring florals, bright colors, garden party vibes
⏱ Best Time: 7-8am before crowds, spring (March-May) for tulips
📷 Photo Tips
• World's only floating flower market
• Early morning - vendors setting up, no tourists
• Colorful tulip displays create rainbow effect
• Shoot from Singel canal side
• Include canal boats in composition
• Macro shots of individual blooms beautiful
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Seven Bridges
Iconic

Seven Bridges View

Free
👕 Outfit: Classic Amsterdam casual, layers, photogenic neutrals
⏱ Best Time: Blue hour or nighttime when all bridges light up
📷 Photo Tips
• Stand on Reguliersgracht bridge facing east
• See 7 bridges lined up - incredible perspective
• At night, all bridges illuminate - stunning
• Tripod essential for night shots
• Symmetry creates powerful composition
• Local secret spot - fewer tourists
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Vondelpark
Hidden Gem

Vondelpark Rose Garden

Free
👕 Outfit: Boho summer dress, floral patterns, garden party aesthetic
⏱ Best Time: June-July peak bloom, morning light (8-10am)
📷 Photo Tips
• Hidden rose garden within main park
• 70+ rose varieties - stunning colors
• Peaceful escape from city center
• Victorian-style garden setting
• Beautiful for portrait sessions
• Combine with Blue Tea House nearby
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Bicycle Scene
Iconic

Amsterdam Bicycles on Canals

Free
👕 Outfit: Casual cyclist chic, denim, comfortable and mobile
⏱ Best Time: Anytime - quintessential Amsterdam scene
📷 Photo Tips
• Find colorful bikes parked on canal bridges
• Brouwersgracht & Prinsengracht best spots
• Include canal houses in background
• Capture local cyclists in motion
• Flower baskets on bikes add charm
• Morning commute (8-9am) most authentic
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NDSM Wharf
Hidden Gem

NDSM Wharf Street Art

Free
👕 Outfit: Urban streetwear, edgy style, graffiti-friendly bold colors
⏱ Best Time: Afternoon for best light, weekend for markets
📷 Photo Tips
• Former shipyard turned creative hub
• Massive street art murals everywhere
• Free ferry from Central Station (15min)
• Industrial aesthetic with raw energy
• Monthly flea market (first Sunday)
• Skateparks and alternative culture
• Completely different from tourist Amsterdam
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