10 Days in Amsterdam: The Perfect 10-Day Itinerary (2026)

By Flavia Voican, 360 Business Tour · Updated April 2026

Day 1-2: Arrival & First Impressions

Welcome to Amsterdam! Upon arrival at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, take the train or a taxi to your hotel in the city center. A great base is the Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam, a boutique hotel just steps from Leidseplein. After settling in, start exploring the city by walking through the charming Jordaan district, known for its cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. Don’t miss a visit to the Rembrandtplein square, a lively spot with street performers and a great place to grab an aperitif at sunset.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Dutch meal at De Pijp neighborhood. Restaurant De Kromme Water offers a modern take on classic Dutch dishes. Finish your first two days with a scenic canal cruise. The Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off Canal Cruise allows you to explore the city’s UNESCO-listed canals at your own pace. The standard 24-hour pass costs €29 and is valid for multiple rides throughout the day.

• Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam: from €150/night
• Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off Canal Cruise: €29 for 24 hours
• Restaurant De Kromme Water: main courses from €20

Day 3-4: Museums & Culture

Amsterdam is a city of world-class museums. Start with the Rijksmuseum, which houses over 8,000 years of Dutch art and history. Highlights include Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. Opening hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, and the entrance fee is €20 for adults. The museum is closed on Tuesdays for cleaning, so if you visit on a Tuesday, you can explore the Van Gogh Museum instead. There, you can see over 200 works by the famous post-impressionist painter. The museum is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, and the entry fee is also €20.

On your second museum day, visit the Stedelijk Museum for modern and contemporary art. The museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free on Thursdays. After a day of art, relax in the Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest park. It’s a great place for a picnic, a jog, or simply people-watching. The park is open from 6 AM to 10 PM and is free to enter.

• Rijksmuseum: €20 entry
• Van Gogh Museum: €20 entry
• Stedelijk Museum: free on Thursdays
• Vondelpark: free entry

Day 5-6: Local Life & Hidden Gems

Dive into Amsterdam’s local culture by visiting De Pijp, a vibrant neighborhood filled with markets, bookstores, and cozy bars. Start your morning at the Albert Cuyp Market, open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM. Here, you can try stroopwafels, fresh produce, and Dutch cheeses. For a literary experience, stop by Wijde Weteringstraat for secondhand bookstores and independent bookshops.

On day six, explore the Amsterdam Noord district, a quieter and more industrial part of the city. Visit the NEMO Science Museum, perfect for families or curious adults. It’s open from 10 AM to 6 PM, and the entrance is €13.50 for adults. In the evening, take a ferry to Island of Java eiland, a local favorite for drinks and views of the city. The island is accessible via ferry from Sloterdijk Station, and the ride is just €2.50 one way.

• Albert Cuyp Market: free entry
• NEMO Science Museum: €13.50
• Java eiland ferry: €2.50 one way