Are you looking for a short vacation plan to the Netherlands with your other half? Then, this 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary For Couples is just for you! Also known as the ‘Venice of the North,’ this city is renowned for its extensive network of canals, bridges, and islands, creating a picturesque and romantic ambiance perfect for couples. Its historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene further contribute to its appeal as one of the top destinations in Europe. And let’s not forget Amsterdam’s Red Light District and lively nightlife, which attract many adult visitors from around the globe.
👉 Bonus: We’ve even created a free downloadable 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary for Couples PDF to make your planning super easy. [Get it here👇🏻]
Budgeting For The Amsterdam Trip
Amsterdam is among the top travel destinations in Europe, and for a good reason. A seamless blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge modernity, the city caters to visitors from all walks of life. It is primarily popular among grown-up visitors, thanks to its abundant adult entertainment options, including legalized prostitution and public cannabis consumption. This has also led Amsterdam to earn its moniker as a “Sin City.”
Thanks to its increasing reputation, the Netherlands’ capital is ranked among the top 10 most expensive places to visit in Western Europe. The travel expenses can be compared to those of Paris and London. That said, you can minimize your costs and travel to the Venice of the North even on your limited savings.
Transportation
Amsterdam boasts an extensive public transport network, including buses, metros, trams, and ferries. Trams and buses are convenient for navigating the city center and neighborhoods, while the metro is ideal for longer journeys. You can access the public transit with the OV-chipkaart priced at €7.50. Single-day and multi-day passes are also cheaper options. Likewise, walking and biking are other means of exploring the city.
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Food
You can’t miss out on Amsterdam’s exquisite dishes, such as Stroopwafel, herring, and stamppot. These signature local delicacies can be found anywhere within the city. While drinking and dining costs can go pretty high, you will also find many budget-friendly options. A fast food meal can cost €8-12, while a mid-range restaurant charges up to €20-35 per person. Luxury dining will cost over €100 per person.
Accommodation
The rates for accommodation might vary depending on the season. During the busiest months, you will have trouble finding cheaper hotel deals. Nonetheless, expect to pay €30-50 for a dorm bed in a hostel. Budget hotels can charge anywhere from €80 to €150 per night, while luxury hotels charge €250 to €800+ per night.
3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary For Couples: Day 1: The Heart of Amsterdam
Morning: The Anne Frank House📔
- Address: Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 10 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Your Amsterdam trip starts at the Anne Frank House. This museum is the place where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during the World War II. Eight people, including the Frank, Van Pels, and Fritz Pfeffer families, stayed on the top floors of the Secret Annex until their tragic capture. Later, the Secret Annex was turned into the museum, where visitors can see how those eight people survived from the Nazi army. You can see the original Anne Frank diary and personal objects of the people in hiding. This historic museum is a great starting point and promises a meaningful experience.
Afternoon: The Jordaan District🛣️
- Address: Amsterdam, Netherlands; Google Map
- Things To Do: Walking, Biking, Shopping, Dining, Food tours
After a historical morning expedition, stroll through the Jordaan district. Boutique shops, cozy cafes, hip eateries, and pubs flank its narrow canals and streets. You can make a quick lunch stop at any restaurant that piques your interest. Moreover, if you want to experience local culture, head to Noordermarkt, a weekly market that specializes in fresh produce, local cheeses, and antiques. Likewise, visitors interested in the district’s history can explore the Museum Het Schip. The Houseboat Museum is another popular attraction here.
😋Foodie Tip: Try creamy apple pie at Winkel43~
Evening: Romantic Dinner🍝
- Recommended Destination: Café ‘t Papeneiland
- Address: Prinsengracht 2, 1015 DV Amsterdam, Netherlands; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 1 AM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram
Close your day with a romantic dinner at a canal-side restaurant in Jordaan. If you’re looking for recommendations, Café ‘t Papeneiland is a historic establishment that dates back to 1642. Jordaan is renowned for its brown cafes, and Papeneiland is its perfect example, offering coziness with a historic ambiance. Its most-renowned feature is the tunnel in the basement that once allowed Catholics to enter a church secretly. The cafe’s name means “papists island,” referencing to its early days as a sanctuary for Roman Catholics. While the menu features many exquisite dishes, don’t miss out on the delicious apple tart. Savor your apple pie as you enjoy stunning views of canals.
Day 2: Art, Culture, And Canals
Morning: The Rijksmuseum🖼️
- Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Did you know Amsterdam has 75 museums? While you can’t visit all of them, let’s add a few in this 3-day Amsterdam Itinerary for couples. Your first destination is the Rijksmuseum, one of the city’s most popular museums. This 19th-century museum building houses masterpieces of Dutch Golden Age painting and a vast collection of European art. It features over 8,000 works by renowned artists, such as Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer, and Vincent van Gogh. Some must-see masterpieces include The Night Watch by Rembrandt, Woman Reading a Letter and The Milkmaid by Vermeer, The Threatened Swan by Jan Asselijn, and Vincent van Gogh’s Self-Portrait.
Midday: Van Gogh Museum🖌️
- Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Continue your art expedition to the Van Gogh Museum. As its name suggests, this museum houses a gigantic collection of Van Gogh’s paintings, drawings, and letters. The permanent exhibition showcases the artist’s masterpieces, including Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, Almond Blossom, Irises, The Bedroom, The Harvest, and The Sower. Van Gogh’s personal interpretation of nature, search for color, and ambition to paint farmers are given priority in the museum. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see the infamous Starry Night in Amsterdam. The original painting is at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Afternoon: A Canal Cruise🛶
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Price: $20 onwards
- Included: Blankets, Captain, Host or Live Guide, Onboard Bar
Amsterdam, a city of picturesque canals, is a haven for lovers. One of the most romantic things to do here is to take a canal cruise to see the city from the water. These cruises are usually sixty to ninety minutes long and include a captain and a host/live guide. As you set sail, you will see beautiful facades of stately canal houses, iconic city landmarks, and gorgeous houseboats. This is a perfect afternoon activity for all visitors, including couples and families. Tip: Book a luxury canal cruise with unlimited drinks and bites option.
Evening: Dinner & Nightlife🍷
- Top Nightlife Destinations: Rembrandtplein Square, Leidseplein
- Top Bars And Clubs: Melkweg, Paradiso, Door 74, Tales & Spirits
Enjoy dinner in a trendy eatery before embarking on an epic nightlife experience. The vibrant Rembrandtplein Square is a top party destination, featuring numerous clubs and bars. The energetic atmosphere continues until the early hours of the morning, allowing you plenty of time to dance and drink. Another lively spot for nightlife enthusiasts is the Leidseplein. It is known for its lively dance bars and clubs, such as Melkweg or Paradiso. You can also check out cocktail bars such as Door 74 or Tales & Spirits for an intimate vibe.
Day 3: Parks And Unique Experiences
Morning: Vondelpark💚
- Address: 1071 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Social Media: Official Website
- Things To Do: Jogging, Biking, Picnicking, Attending events
Since it’s your last day in Amsterdam, let’s explore attractions close to the city center. Your first destination is Vondelpark, a 19th-century urban park spanning 47 hectares. It offers a serene retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. It features lakes, avenues lined with trees, manicured lawns, ponds, a rose garden, and aesthetic statues. You can relax at the park with a picnic or enjoy a bike ride. You can also catch live performances at the open-air theater within the park. It often hosts classical music concerts, dance performances, cabaret, and stand-up comedy shows.
Afternoon: Skinny Bridge💏
- Address: Magere Brug, 1018 EK Amsterdam, Netherlands; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Things To Do: Taking photos, cycling, sharing a kiss
Share a kiss on the iconic Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug). This most romantic bridge in Amsterdam was featured in the 1971 James Bond movie, Diamonds Are Forever. It only allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross, making it a popular attraction among locals and tourists alike. A local legend says that couples who kiss passionately on Magere Brug will be in love forever. As such, many choose this bridge for proposals and romantic gestures. Tip: Book a professional photography experience to commemorate the moment with your partner.
Afterwards, visit the quirky NDSM Wharf for street art and cafes.
Night: Amsterdam Red Light District🍻
- Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 39, 1012 EJ Amsterdam, Netherlands; Google Map
- Things Legally Allowed: Smoking cannabis, sex shows, public drinking, prostitution
We have saved the best for the last on your final day in the Dutch Capital. First, enjoy a special dinner at a fine dining spot, then head to the Amsterdam Red Light District. This district gets lively after 11 PM and continues till 2 to 3 AM. It has everything you can expect from a red light district, including sex shops, sex theatres, a cannabis museum, and peep shows. Public drinking and smoking weed are legal here. You can even smoke cannabis outdoors on coffee shop terraces. If you want something milder, visit Madame Tussauds Amsterdam, Red Light Secrets, Amsterdam Dungeon, Torture Museum, or Amsterdam Museum. The Red Light District is the ideal destination to wrap up your trip.
Also Read:
- Things to Do in Amsterdam: The City of Bicycles
- 5-Day Venice Itinerary For Couples: Free Download & Insider Tips
- Top 5 European Music Festivals to Experience This July
This 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary For Couples is primarily centered around adult activities and attractions. However, you can replace them with kid-friendly options and use this itinerary for a family vacation. For more activities and attractions, check out TourTeller, where we offer you thousands of travel deals from the top-tier Online Travel Agencies. You can also find the best tours from other European cities.
