Amsterdam makes one of Europe’s most effortless city breaks; a place where world-class art, cosy canal-side cafés, leafy neighbourhoods, and vibrant nightlife all sit within walking or cycling distance. With just three days, you can enjoy the city’s greatest hits while still wandering into quieter corners that locals love. Here is the perfect way to spend a long weekend in Amsterdam.
- Canals, Art and a Taste of Dutch Culture
- Neighbourhoods, Markets and a Touch of Nightlife
- Windmills, Waterways and a Final Art Fix
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Day 1: Canals, Art and a Taste of Dutch Culture
Morning: Canal Belt & Jordaan
Start your trip with a slow stroll through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal belt. This is the moment the city reveals its charm, with merchant houses tilting gently towards the water and cyclists gliding past. Wander through the Jordaan district, a maze of narrow streets filled with independent boutiques, galleries, bakeries and neighbourhood cafés.
Stop for a typical Dutch breakfast – think fresh apple pie, poffertjes, or a warm stroopwafel – before exploring the small shops around the Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets).
Early Afternoon: Anne Frank House or Canal Cruise
The Anne Frank House remains one of Amsterdam’s most poignant and meaningful experiences. Tickets must be booked in advance, so plan ahead. If you prefer something lighter for your first day, opt for a classic canal cruise instead. It gives you a relaxing overview of the city’s layout and history.
Late Afternoon: Rijksmuseum
Walk or cycle to Museumplein and spend a couple of hours in the Rijksmuseum. Even a short visit lets you see the highlights, such as Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s luminous interiors. The gardens outside are a peaceful place to unwind afterwards.
Evening: Dutch Dinner & a Scenic Stroll
Head to De Pijp or Jordaan for dinner in one of Amsterdam’s traditional brown cafés or modern Dutch bistros. End your evening with a peaceful walk along the canals as the city lights shimmer in the water.
Day 2: Neighbourhoods, Markets and a Touch of Nightlife
Morning: De Pijp & Albert Cuyp Market
Begin in De Pijp, one of Amsterdam’s liveliest districts. Browse the Albert Cuyp Market, which runs every day except Sunday. Try local snacks such as kibbeling (fried cod bites), stroopwafels made to order, or fresh herring if you want the full Dutch experience.
Late Morning: Heineken Experience or Museum Quarter
If you enjoy interactive attractions, the Heineken Experience offers a fun look at beer-making history. Otherwise, head back to Museumplein for the Van Gogh Museum. From early sketches to iconic sunflower paintings, this is one of Amsterdam’s most impressive cultural experiences.
Afternoon: Vondelpark & Local Coffee Spots
Walk to nearby Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest and most beloved green space. Join locals enjoying the sunshine, rent a bike, or relax by the ponds with a coffee from one of the park cafés.
Evening: Amsterdam by Night
As evening approaches, explore the city’s nightlife. The areas around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein offer everything from jazz bars and theatres to cocktail lounges. Prefer something quieter? Take a twilight canal walk or a self-guided architecture stroll through the smaller streets of the canal belt.
Day 3: Windmills, Waterways and a Final Art Fix
Morning: Zaanse Schans or Haarlem (Optional Half-Day Trip)
Spend your last morning on a classic Dutch excursion.
- Zaanse Schans – A short trip brings you to historic windmills, wooden houses, and traditional workshops.
- Haarlem – A charming small city with cobbled streets, a stunning central square, and the Frans Hals Museum.
Both are quick and easy trips from Amsterdam, ideal if you want a taste of the Dutch countryside or a quieter cultural morning.
If you prefer to stay in Amsterdam, visit the Amsterdam Museum or explore the quieter residential canals around the Plantage and Eastern Docklands.
Afternoon: Foodhallen & West Amsterdam
Head to Foodhallen, an indoor food market with stalls serving cuisine from around the world. After lunch, explore the surrounding Oud-West neighbourhood, full of boutiques, design stores, and cosy cafés.
Late Afternoon: A Final Cultural Stop
Choose one last museum depending on your mood:
- MOCO Museum – Modern and contemporary art including Banksy and Kusama
- Stedelijk Museum – Amsterdam’s home of contemporary art and design
- Rembrandt House Museum – Step into the artist’s former home and studio
Evening: Bid Farewell to the Canals
End your trip with a relaxed final dinner by the water. Whether you choose a canal-side terrace or a hidden neighbourhood gem, it makes the perfect farewell to Amsterdam’s unique blend of history and creativity.
Where to Stay
For a short city break you should aim to stay somewhere central so that you don’t use up any of your time in transit.
Hotel Estheréa: Only 300 metres from Dam Square, a quieter area of the city centre, this property offers all guests a good night’s sleep. Elaborately decorated and furnished in an elegant, extravagant style, some of the rooms overlook the canal. Relax over free hot chocolate, coffee and tea in the drawing room with classic city views. There is a small library for residents, and the breakfast is renowned for its range of choice and quality.
Amsterdam Jewel Canal Apartments: Ideal for couples or solo travellers, these light, airy studios in a classic Amsterdam house provide self-contained accommodation with a fully equipped kitchenette. With views of the canal and stylishly decorated, the apartments are perfect for a weekend break in the city. You’ll be based within walking distance of major attractions like the Royal Palace and Anne Frank’s house.
Radisson Blu Hotel: Located in a central, yet tranquil, area of the city, this hotel boasts generously-sized rooms, welcoming staff and charming canalside views. With a seating area, LCD TV, and free WiFi, these thematically decorated rooms offer delight and modern amenities in equal measure. The bar and its food are highly recommended, and the staff are known for their friendly, professional assistance.
How to Get There
The flight to Amsterdam from the UK is the shortest route for the Brits to reach the Continent. Direct flights take less than an hour and, as the destination is popular for business and pleasure, there are frequent departures, operated by multiple airlines, throughout the day from all the main airports.
You can book an airport transfer to the city centre with Shuttle Direct as soon as you’ve secured your airline tickets.
Overview
UK to AMS Flight Time: 1 hour
AMS to city centre: 17 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 20-25 minutes
Types of Transfer
It’s a relatively short transfer from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to the centre, and we have a range of options that you can book before you leave the UK.
Taxi: The most recommended service for a long weekend break is our airport taxi from AMS to Amsterdam. By booking in advance with us, you can skip the queues outside the Arrivals terminal. Your vehicle and its friendly driver will be waiting when you land.
Shuttle Bus: If you’re travelling light for a 3-day visit, our airport transfer bus is a reasonably priced, prompt and reliable service. Reserve your seat with Shuttle Direct for a transfer to and from Amsterdam.
Private Transfer: For a more luxury experience, book one of our private transfers from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the city centre. Our fleet of upmarket vehicles are enjoyed for their comfort and friendly, professional drivers.
Minibus Transfer: If you’re travelling with a group of friends or family, our large capacity minibus services are a convenient and reliable Amsterdam transfer. There’s plenty of room for luggage and you’ll all get to travel in the same vehicle. Easy!
Choosing the Right Transfer
While, at Shuttle Direct, we’re unapologetic for offering so many highly recommended airport transfer services to Amsterdam, we recognise that customers appreciate some guidance when choosing.
Cost: For value for money, our shuttle bus transfers are hard to beat. With regular departure times and conveniently located stops, you get reliability and great service at a very reasonable price.
Convenience: If you don’t want to waste any of your short break waiting on bus timetables, or simply prefer to travel in your own vehicle, then paying a little more for a private transfer or airport taxi makes sense. A driver will be waiting for you at the airport and will depart when you are ready to be delivered to the door of your accommodation.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct has been transferring city break visitors to and from AMS for years. We understand that every moment of a long weekend is precious, so we make sure that you get your holiday started as promptly and smoothly as possible after your plane touches down.
