How to Spend 3 Days in Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam! Today is all about familiarizing yourself with the city. Be prepared to stretch your legs, as Amsterdam is very walkable. Start at Amsterdam Central Station and head south. Wander through the Red Light District, ogle the Royal Palace, and marvel at the "Drunken Houses." A visit to Bloemenmarkt, the world's only floating flower shop, is a must.

If you're feeling hungry, stop for a Dutch pancake or fries; Vleminckx is a popular spot for authentic Dutch fries topped with a variety of sauces. If stroopwafels aren't your thing, then make sure to try the viral cookie at Van Stapele Koekmakerij. I recommend checking availability for online ordering the week leading up to your trip so you can skip waiting in line.

Tonight, treat yourself to a nice dinner to kick off your time in the city. While out of the way for tourists, Cafe Modern has a surprise tasting menu that is worth the visit.

Today, venture outside of the city to see some of the countryside.

First stop: Zaanse Schans, a historic windmill village located just outside Amsterdam. Explore the working windmills, see how traditional clogs are made, and learn about Dutch cheese production. If you're lucky, you can even pet some farm animals!

Our next stop is Giethoorn, a village that's earned the nickname 'Venice of the North' for its picturesque canals and thatched-roof houses. Here, you can choose your adventure: join a boat tour, rent a boat to navigate the waterways, or simply take a leisurely stroll through the village. And don't forget to savor a delicious lunch at 't Achterhuus restaurant before embarking on your canal journey.

In case your day trip didn't include enough boat time, end your day with a relaxing evening river cruise along Amsterdam's canals upon your return. It's a great way to see the city from a different perspective and admire its beautiful architecture illuminated at night.

Now that you have explored the city by boat, it's time to take a bike tour! Tour the west side of the city on two wheels, followed by lunch in Westerpark.

Reserve the afternoon for a visit to the Anne Frank House, a place of profound historical significance. Remember, tickets must be booked in advance as they are in high demand, and this experience is one you won't want to miss.

As dusk starts to settle, take in one last view of the city - this time from 20 stories up. A'DAM Lookout is Europe's highest swing off the rooftop of the A'DAM Tower. Once again, reserving tickets in advance is highly recommended.

For your final meal, go where the locals are and venture out to IJver, a vibrant but casual beer hall in an old shipbuilding warehouse at NDSM Wharf. Don't forget to spend some time exploring the vibrant art scene in the surrounding buildings.