Backpacking to Amsterdam for 5 days: The Complete Itinerary

Amsterdam five day itinerary can come in handy for all the travellers looking for a getaway which includes a little bit of everything – historic museums, serene countryside, lively beaches and crazy nightlife. The city of canals, bikes and freedom will impress one and all.

In order to fully explore and connect with the city of freedom, it is essential that you chalk out a reasonable itinerary. A lot of travellers limit their stay in Amsterdam for 4 to 5 days (although the region needs more time to fully be explored). A good Amsterdam five day itinerary will ensure you get the best of this place in less than a week’s time.

Being multicultural and liberal, Amsterdam stands out from the other cities of Europe. It is sometimes referred to as the sin city owing to legalized prostitution and cannabis-friendly coffee shops. Wandering in the alleys of Amsterdam and understanding its progressive attitude would be an interesting aspect of your Amsterdam five day itinerary.

This is how beautiful Amsterdam looks at night! Fondly known as Venice of the North, Amsterdam has over 100 kilometres of canals, with thousands of bridges built over them. The entire city was erected over the canals centuries ago, during the Dutch Golden Age. In the modern world, the canal cruises offer travellers a perspective of Amsterdam from the water.

Amsterdam Five Day Itinerary for Travelers

As a traveller, you must plan to spend at least 4 to 5 days in Amsterdam to cover the city properly. Amsterdam five day itinerary will help you explore the interesting aspects and parts in and around the region.

But first, let me throw some light on some essential details about Amsterdam.

Important Tidbits for Travelers Visiting Amsterdam

Here are some important points to be taken into consideration before you take off for your Amsterdam expedition.

Now that you’re acquainted with the basics of visiting Amsterdam for a trip, let’s move on to other details like budgeting, things to do, accommodation options, getting around, etc.

The systematic planning of Amsterdam is an example for many cities. Saying that the city is aesthetic is an understatement. I had only seen picture-perfect photographs like these in magazines to date. Seeing them for real was wonderful!

What’s a Doable Budget for a Good Amsterdam Five Day Itinerary?

Unlike central and eastern European cities, Amsterdam is not a very budget-friendly travel destination. However, if you invest enough time in planning your trip well in advance, you will end up spending lesser than your fellow travellers.

You can find below the approximate expenditure for your Amsterdam five day itinerary. Since I travelled from India, I will be mentioning the budget in Indian rupees in addition to Euros.

These were the expenses I roughly incurred during my Amsterdam trip. Your budget could vary depending on the choices you make, and on what you’re looking out for –  a luxury trip or an economical one.

Day Wise Amsterdam Five Day Itinerary

Travelling within and around the city of Amsterdam is fairly easy. The efficient public transport can get you anywhere around the city in less than an hour. You can follow your instinct and be creative with what you’d want to do on each day, or follow a pre-planned Amsterdam five day itinerary to make the most of your trip.

Exploring the wonderful streets and alleys of Amsterdam is the best thing a backpacker can do. I could literally spend days doing so. Streets here are full of surprises – cosy cafes, coffee shops, unique boutiques, concept stores, and fashionable eateries.

Day 1 of Amsterdam Five Day Itinerary

Arrive in Amsterdam early morning to utilize the day completely. The most important thing to do on arrival in Amsterdam is to buy the local transport tickets.

You can purchase the following right outside Amsterdam Central Station:

• 48-hour GVB chip card to be used on the first two days,
• Amsterdam 1-day region ticket for the third day,
• Holland off-peak travel ticket for the fourth day.

Head to your hotel or hostel by the most convenient means of transport – bus, tram or on foot. Google Maps will prove to be your constant guide on your Amsterdam five day trip. Hence keep your phone charged at all times.

Your place of stay will allow you to check-in only post 2:00 pm in Amsterdam. However, you can leave your luggage with them on early arrival. I recommend you reach Amsterdam latest by 10:00 am, drop your bags at your place of stay, grab a quick bite and set off to blow your mind with the vibe of the beautiful city of Amsterdam.

Here are the places where you should be heading out on Day 1 itself –

Dam Square

The ever happening Dam Square is the first place to visit. You can observe trams crossing every second, hundreds of people on their bikes and travellers all over.

The National Monument stands on one side and the Royal Palace on the other. Spend some time enjoying the first glimpses of Amsterdam and then head to the magnificent Royal Palace.

Royal Palace Amsterdam

Marvel at the architecture, royal furnishings and artwork of the Royal Palace Amsterdam for a couple of hours. The ticket to the Royal Dutch Palace costs 10 euros and is available over the counter. But do check in advance if the Royal Palace is accepting visitors on the said day.

Since the palace is still operational for the Dutch Royal House, it is closed for visitors when in use by the royal family.

Free Walking Tour

Free Walking Tours are a very unique experience and can be found in all major cities of Europe. They start right at the foot of the National Monument in Amsterdam, located right opposite the Royal Palace.

You can spot a guide with a white and orange umbrella for walking tours, which start at multiple times of the day. The tour lasts for about 2 hours and will help you uncover the history of Amsterdam, introduce you to the coffee shops, and includes a tasting of the famous Dutch cheese.

The number of cafes and eateries to choose from in Amsterdam is too many Remember that in the Netherlands, a “koffiehui” sells coffee, whereas a “coffee shop” is meant to sell soft drugs like cannabis and hashish. Don’t get confused.

You will walk through the narrow alleys of Amsterdam city centre and the popular areas of Begijnhof and the Red Light District.

Begijnhof

Begijnhof was built in the 14^th century for single women who lived like nuns without taking monastic vows. It encloses a beautiful courtyard with houses around it. Single women live in these houses to date. Men are not permitted inside the Begijnhof before 10 am and post at 6 pm.

Red Light District

You might have heard a lot about the Red Light District but you have to see it to believe it. A walk through Red Light District looking at scantily clad women behind glass windows, posing for the onlookers with their own free will, is exactly why Amsterdam is called as the city of freedom.

It might feel rather awkward or immoral to visit the popular red-light district in Amsterdam. However, your opinions will be changed once you actually visit here. If you want, you can visit one of the strip shows or a museum of prostitution.

At the end of the walking tour, it is advisable to tip the guide anywhere between 5-10 euros if you’ve had some takeaways and learnings. The long walk is likely to take a toll on your body. It is advisable to take some rest before you proceed to the highlight of your Amsterdam five day itinerary – the canal cruise.

Canal Cruise

End your day with one of the many available and popular canal cruises. They are more or less the same and start every half hour at the pier on Damrak.

The one-hour canal cruise will take you through the famous and significant canals, showing you the highlights of Amsterdam from the water. The canal cruise is very different from the mainstream boat ride and is a must-do activity in the Amsterdam five day itinerary.

Day 2 of Amsterdam Five Day Itinerary

Let me delve deeper into Dutch history, culture, and art on our second day, based on my Amsterdam five day itinerary. The first half of the day is planned at the Museum; Square in the legendary museums of Amsterdam – the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.

Rijk Museum

The most popular museum in Amsterdam, the Rijk Museum takes you on a journey of the Dutch middle ages. It showcases artefacts and paintings from centuries ago. The museum has an entire section dedicated to the life and paintings of Rembrandt, a notable artist from the Dutch Golden Age.

If you are a history buff, you will appreciate the museum-like none other. The opening hours of the museum are 9 am, and it is best to reach by then to avoid the rush and queue. The tickets for the Rijk museum are priced at 17.50 euros and are available over the counter.

Right outside the Rijksmuseum is the iconic ‘I Amsterdam’ sign which is a popular photography spot for all tourists. Pose for some whacky pictures around the ‘I Amsterdam’ sign and let the vibe of Amsterdam sink in. Be as crazy as the place is!

Van Gogh Museum

The masterpieces created by the world-famous Vincent van Gogh can be found at the contemporary Van Gogh museum. This museum will teach you a lot about the life of Vincent van Gogh and his paintings.

It is recommended that you buy the tickets online, priced at 18 euros. This is because only a specific number of people are allowed inside the museum at a particular time. You might have to come back disappointed if you don’t book in advance. You can spend about an hour or two at the Van Gogh Museum.

One of the most popular in the world, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam attracts visitors from every corner of the globe. Although this wonder was started in 1973, it has evolved and modernised a great deal over the years. Book tickets in advance.

Albert Cuyp Market

Time for some street food and street shopping. A must-try delicacy at the Albert Cuyp Market is the Stroopwafel – a kind of a waffle, but really thin and stuffed with caramel.

The culinary skills of the chefs making the Stroopwafel live is a treat to the eyes. You have a chance to use your bargaining skills all that you can, shopping for clothes, accessories, and souvenirs at the Albert Cuyp Market. You can also pick up some farm-fresh vegetables and fruits here.

A’DAM Lookout

A’DAM Lookout gives you an opportunity to admire the skyline of Amsterdam from across the river Ij. Take the free GVB ferry from Amsterdam Centraal station to the Ij-zijde to reach the Amsterdam Lookout Tower. It is a host to Europe’s highest swing ‘Over the Edge’, that’ll give you an adrenaline rush the first time you see it.

Go for it, a teeny bit of adventure on every trip makes it worthwhile. The panoramic view of the city of Amsterdam and beyond from the observation deck is spectacular. The deck has a café, good music, and bean bags to unwind and watch the fiery sunset from the top.

Day 3 of Amsterdam Five Day Itinerary

If you are wondering about what would you do without a local transport ticket, that’s because something special is in store for the day. The third of the Amsterdam five day itinerary is going to be on a bike, cycling around town like a nomad. Rent a 24-hour bike at your hostel or one of the trusted bike rentals and take off on a biking adventure.

Also known as the cycling capital of the world, Amsterdam will leave you awe-struck with the multitude of population zipping around town on their bikes. Biking would be an essential component in your Amsterdam five day itinerary!

Anne Frank House

One of the most remembered figures from the dark times of German History is the young and bold Anne Frank. She was barely a teen when she started penning down the sufferings of the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Her family went into hiding in an Amsterdam warehouse and stayed there for two years before being arrested by the Nazis in 1944.

This house is now converted into a museum dedicated to Anne Frank, and the tour of the museum takes you on a journey of her life. The tickets to the Anne Frank House priced at 10 euros, are to be purchased online and are sold out days in advance. A handful of tickets are available online on the day of a visit as well, but getting hold of them is quite a luck.

Westerkerk

Mere footsteps away from the Anne Frank House are the biggest church in Amsterdam. Westerkerk is one of the oldest churches in the city, and the bell tower is of utmost significance ringing every full hour.

Westerkerk church is open to visitors throughout the year. The church is shut on Sundays on account of a religious service. Furthermore, the Westerkerk tower, as can be seen in the picture, is only open in the months from April to October.

Vondelpark

Enjoy the ride from Westerkerk to Vondelpark, biking through the well-known areas of the Nine Streets and Jordaan. You will find fashionable boutiques and cosy cafes to spend some quality time with yourself. Biking in the bustling city streets is different from biking in a park.

Vondelpark is massive and exploring it on a bike is better than on foot. The calm surroundings of Vondelparkmakes it a relaxing place for an afternoon siesta. Enjoy the evening in Vondelpark reading a book or watching the interesting street acts or just biking around the park savouring mother nature.

Red Light District

Get ready to uncover the history of prostitution in Amsterdam on foot in the Red Light District. It is natural to be a little apprehensive about walking around the Red Light District, but you’d be amazed at how professional and safely guarded the locality is.

If you are unsure of walking around the area alone, you can join a walking tour organized by various operators. They’re priced anywhere between 15-25 euros.

End your Red Light District experience at the world’s only museum of prostitution –the Red Light Secrets Museum. A sneak peeks into the life of people in the oldest profession in the world, would bring you so close to reality.

Murals and paintings of the sort can be found all across Amsterdam. They depict the bohemian and hippie spirit in the city.

Day 4 of Amsterdam Five Day Itinerary

After spending the first three days of your Amsterdam sojourn within the city, take the opportunity to explore the serene countryside of the greater Amsterdam region. A day trip to the windmills of Zaanse Schans, the old Holland fishing villages – Volendam and Marken, and the gorgeous golden Zandvoort beach is on the cards.

You must use your 1-day Amsterdan& Region travel ticket for the entire day, which is valid until 4 am the following morning.

ZaanseSchans

The windmill neighbourhood of ZaanseSchans is less than 30 minutes away by bus number 391, from the Amsterdam Centraal Station. Entry to one of these mills will cost you 4.50 euros. Walk or bike through the green meadows breathing in the fresh air and appreciating the view of picturesque windmills.

Zaanse Schans is a stone’s throw from Amsterdam. The first glimpse of it is no less than that of a fairy-tale land. The tiny oil, paper and colour mills dated back to the 18th century, and are operational to this day. Do plan an excursion to this fairyland. 

Volendam and Marken

Embark on a journey taking you back in time, to the ancient Holland villages. Admire your ride through the traditional Dutch towns to reach Volendam in a direct bus from ZaanseSchans. Volendam is one of the popular fishing villages in the Netherlands with its harbour full of old ships.

The town is known for its restaurants serving seafood delicacies by the shore. Take a stroll around and board the next ferry to Marken which starts every half hour. Marken is much smaller than Volendam, but the adorable wooden houses make the visit worthwhile. It won’t take you more than 15 minutes to walk through the village on foot. Head back to Amsterdam Centraal by bus number 315, departing from Marken.

Zandvoort

I am particularly fond of beaches and would suggest that you visit the nearest beach on any trip that you are pursuing. Zandvoort beach is nearly 30 minutes in a Sprinter from Amsterdam. A quiet evening on the beach, watching the waves is all that’s required after a long day in your Amsterdam five day itinerary.

For all the adventure freaks, the beach offers water sports activities including parasailing. Relax all you want before heading back to your base.

Zandvoort is a favourite among solo travellers, families, as well as adventurers. It always some great options for stay, in case you’re looking out to spend more than just a day here. There are also more places worth visiting around Zandvoort!

Day 5 of Amsterdam Five Day Itinerary

The last of the Amsterdam five day itinerary is an interesting excursion south of Amsterdam to the beautiful tulip gardens and a miniature park. The Holland travel ticket is useful for the day since these destinations are farther away from Amsterdam.

Keukenhof

A large open park with a colourful array of flowers will welcome you with open arms from the months of March to May. The best time to see the Dutch tulips bloom is from mid-April to mid-May, though they are seasonal and the exact dates change every year. It’ll take you a little more than an hour to get you to Keukenhof from Amsterdam by the intercity train.

Madurodam

Located in the heart of The Hague, is a theme park full of fascinating miniatures of everything Dutch – palaces, historical monuments, settlements, parks and more. Madurodam is home to models built to the scale of 1:25, and a range of other attractions and activities.

Entry tickets to Maduroram are available at a discount online. Hence, it is advisable that you buy them online prior to the day of the visit. If you have some time to spare, use it wisely uncovering the city of The Hague – home to the United Nation’s International Court of Justice.

Your Amsterdam five day itinerary ends here, departing to the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, or the nearest train station for your next destination.

A miniature park that’s loved by kids and adults alike, Madurodam is truly one of a kind. It can be accessed both by car and by public transportation. Keep in mind that closing times vary depending on the time of the year and the day of the week.

Now that I’ve elaborated on a reasonable Amsterdam five day itinerary, I would like to dig a little deep into the history and overall culture of Amsterdam. Amsterdam is one of the most loved destinations in Europe. It is well known for its artistic heritage,  open culture, elaborate canal system and artistic heritage. Let’s dig into some of the important aspects of this beautiful city.

How did Amsterdam Come into Being?

About 750 years ago, existed a fishing village in Northern Europe. It developed into a city over a ‘dam’ in the river ‘Amstel’. Hence was born ‘Amsterdam’, a trade centre for Europe in the 14^th century. This led to people from across the world settle in Amsterdam and develop the city into a liberal society that it is today. Amsterdam has some of the most forward-thinking laws in the world today.

Amsterdam in the 21^st Century

Amsterdam is one of the most culturally diverse and progressive cities in the world today. Tourism is an important component driving the economy of the Netherlands, with nearly 15 to 17 million tourists visiting Amsterdam yearly. Amsterdam is becoming increasingly popular as a holiday destination among the youth, solo travellers, and families. Reason being, that it boasts of enough places to keep people across various age groups entertained.

Getting to Amsterdam

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is located about 22 kilometres from the city centre. All major airlines fly to Amsterdam, connecting the city with almost all countries. To get to the main city from the airport, it is recommended that you take a direct train which takes 15 to 20 minutes and costs 5.40 euros. If you are travelling in a group, you can hire a cab for 39 euros.

Travellers reaching Amsterdam by train from other European cities would arrive at the Amsterdam Central Station located in the heart of the city, near Dam Square. Owing to the brilliant European rail network, trains are the fastest and cheapest mode of transport while backpacking across Europe.

Amsterdam Central Station is truly beautiful. Every day, more than 200,000 people visit the station. Travelling by train is the best, and cheapest way to explore Europe. You can easily find more details on fares and schedules online. 

The major cities closest to Amsterdam which can be reached in less than 5 hours include Paris, Brussels, London, Frankfurt, Cologne and Luxembourg City.

Accommodation in Amsterdam

Staying in Amsterdam can turn out to be an expensive affair during the peak tourist season from July to September. Travelling off-season and when the climate is favourable in the months of April and May is an ideal alternative. Hostels are available in plenty and prove to be cost-saving while travelling on a tight budget. 

Recommended Hostels

Some of the best budget Hostels near Dam Square are:

For people who don’t mind splurging on accommodation and want to holiday luxuriously, there are good hotels located centrally near Dam Square.

Recommended Hotels near Dam Square

These are some of the hotels near the Dam Square:

Getting Around Amsterdam

Though the hostels are situated slightly away from the city centre, they are very well connected by trams and buses. The public transport ticket is valid to get to any place within Amsterdam using the extensive public transport network operated by GVB.

Travelling around Amsterdam by metro is a must. It’s really comfortable, safe and convenient. It began operations in 1977 and continues to transfer large numbers of people within and to the outskirts of Amsterdam. Do try it out at least once.

My Amsterdam five day itinerary recommends purchasing a mix of the multi-day transport chip card, Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket, and the Holland Travel Ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers Backpacking to Amsterdam

Q1. Does Amsterdam have enough eateries around? What are the most popular cuisine and must-try dishes?

Amsterdam is filled with cafes and restaurants and you don’t need to worry about food at all. Enough vegetarian options are available as well. The Dutch cuisine is popular amongst locals, though overall the food in Amsterdam has a lot of foreign influence.

Must-try dishes include Stroopwafel, Bitterballen, Poffertjes, and Herring

Q2. Amsterdam is popular for its nightlife. Is it safe for solo travellers, including women, to visit clubs?

Amsterdam is safer than you can imagine. The people in the city are non-judgemental, and you’d find police protection almost everywhere, including the Red Light District. I have made no mention of nightlife in the itinerary to make it suitable for families with kids. However, most of the evenings are free in the Amsterdam five day itinerary. If you are travelling with a group of friends or even solo, you can party hard all night long in Amsterdam. Pub crawls are as crazy as they sound, and you can join one to make the most out of the place.

Q3. Are cannabis-friendly coffee shops trustworthy?

Cannabis is legal in Amsterdam, with strict regulations and taxes, and you can trust the coffee shops certified to sell them. The interesting fact is that most coffee shops have a menu on the display of their cannabis offerings. They have a diverse menu which also includes the Malana Cream Hash from Himachal Pradesh in India. Ensure that you don’t purchase it from roadside vendors, as the police keep a tight watch and you might end up in trouble.

Q4. Should you carry cash along at all times or does a card work?

Most places in Amsterdam accept cards for monetary transactions. However, it is best to keep some cash on hand just in case of an emergency. Euro is the only accepted currency in all of the Netherlands.

Exploring Amsterdam was a different experience altogether. It changed my views and thoughts on a lot of topics and really exposed me to a different way of thinking. That’s the thing about travel – it completely changes you as a person.

Amsterdam five day itinerary gives you an exhaustive understanding of the Dutch culture and traditions, popular sights, and the crazy nightlife. What’s in it for you to visit Amsterdam? Let’s just say, words don’t do justice to the place that it is. Plan a trip to Amsterdam to live the time of your life.

Happy wayfarers