A beginner’s guide to a 3 day city break in Amsterdam

A beginner’s guide to Amsterdam’s coffee shops

Let’s get the green chat over with then shall we? Yes, Amsterdam is famous for its coffee shops – and no, it’s not all wild.

If you’re curious, just remember to be sensible. You don’t want to waste a day lying on a bench – you can do that anywhere! (That’s legal of course).

Let me explain how it works. You’ll find a menu in each shop with the option of weed, hash, cakes and pre-rolls. If you are a beginner or very rare smoker, then go for the weaker options. This stuff is strong. The people behind the counters are always happy to help, they’re used to us tourists not having a clue what’s going on. If you can’t roll, get pre-rolls. If you can, get a small bag and go easy. 

Note: you can’t smoke tobacco inside. Or at least you can’t roll with it if said café is more lax. You can buy herbal ‘baccy though which is basically like dried tea. Yum. The menus will have a rating, or at least the weaker stuff will be at the bottom. Decide if you want to be giggly/happy or extremely chilled. Then ask.

I personally stuck with one called ‘Power Plant’. It made me want to explore endlessly and giggle in museums. Perfect. Right let’s crack on with your Amsterdam itinerary. 

Amsterdam itinerary: day one

Chill vibes in Vondelpark and Rembrandtpark

You’re tired, you’ve travelled. So let’s get straight to the chill. After a midday arrival (or once you’ve devoured brekkie in your accommodation), head out to the top of Vondelpark.

This area is packed with restaurants, cafes and of course the famous coffee shops that you’ll find all over the city. It’s the perfect chance to see what Amsterdam is really like without throwing yourself into a tourist trap.

If you want to start your day experiencing coffee shop culture, head to Rookies. This place has an idiots guide to green menu and make a cracking hot chocolate. Once you’re feeling floaty, walk it off in Vondelpark. It’s the Hyde Park of Amsterdam and packed with couples, families, pups and potheads. Everyone’s chilled, everyone’s happy. 

Grab a tasty toasted bagel from Bagels and Wraps close by to enjoy by the lake then mooch through the park until you reach the end. Enjoy the sunshine, the birdsong, the odd wiff of herb.

If you fancy carrying on your park wanderings, make your way to Vondelpark’s next door neighbour (sort of), Rembrandpark. This pretty patch of green is dedicated to the famous Dutch artist. Various sculptures of him and strange objects are found within including a bridge with two gigantic dogs on either side (or did I dream that? No picture evidence was taken).

Alternatively…

If you’d rather swap the green space for galleries, head to the nearby Stedelijk Museum for modern art and design exhibitions.

Rooftop drinks at Floor17

Time for another rest stop. At the top of the park you’ll find a small farm with goats and horses to give a quick pat before entering the Ramada Apollo.

It’s nothing to look at from the outside, but this hotel will surprise you when as you sliver past reception up to the 17^th floor in the lifts.  

The originally named ‘Floor 17’ combines a restaurant and sky bar with panoramic views over Amsterdam. Although the city isn’t Europe’s best for skylines and skyscrapers, it’s still a beautiful way to admire the parks and enjoy a cheeky drink with a view.

 

Sushi dinner and cocktails in Jordaan

Craving sushi? Amsterdam delivers. We went to Sumo, a casual, great-value spot perfect for a post-walk feast. It was packed, quick and excellent quality.

Afterwards, pop into nearby Vesper Bar in Jordaan for creative cocktails in an intimate setting inspired by James Bond. It’s small, stylish, and strong on flavour.

Naturally I picked a delightful twist on an Old Fashioned, my favourite drink. Note: the menu on the website is not always the one in printed form.

Amsterdam itinerary: day two

Good morning! Hope you’re feeling fresh. And I hope you’ve pre-booked your tickets for Anne Frank’s Museum if you’re hoping to go along? We didn’t. So we missed out on one of Amsterdam’s top places to visit. 

Instead check out a guided walking tour of Amsterdam through Anne Frank’s life.

Explore the 9 Streets

Head to De Negen Straatjes (9 Streets) for brunch, boutique shops and canal views. These famous lanes connect Amsterdam’s parallel canals.

There are so many incredible cafes in Amsterdam, each with a uniquely branded front that look like they were created by the coolest hipster going. Our personal favourite was Aardbei. If you speak Dutch you’ll know what’s coming. The entire menu is strawberry themed. Smoothies, froyo, pie, salad or just the ingredient in question dribbled in chocolate. We were in heaven.  

Alternatively…

Not feeling strawberries? Try Scandinavian Embassy in De Pijp — minimalist, but their coffee and cardamom buns are next level.

After that, drop by Amsterdam’s ‘best coffeeshop’, Amnesia – ideal for a scenic break by the canal.

Walk through Dam Square to the Sex Museum

Ready to mix things up? Take a detour through Dam Square and Red Light District, ticking off the more touristy sights en route to the Sex Museum.

Equal parts hilarious and eye-opening, it’s one of Amsterdam’s quirkiest attractions and worth every cent. 

Check out the Red Light District’s Secrets Museum too.

And don’t miss your chance to stop by one of city’s droolworthy cheese shops to enjoy with a loaf later on. I ate every sample in the Amsterdam Cheese Company, finally deciding on a truffle goat’s cheese.

End the night at Tales & Spirits

Now you’ve seen it all, we’re going for a drink at Tales & Spirits to discuss our bizarre day.

This award-winning cocktail bar books up fast – seriously, it’s so popular they had to employ someone just to turn you away.

If you’re lucky to get a seat, you’re in for a treat. Expect inventive drinks with a story behind every menu item. The Nutcracker from their Old Fashioned menu was a personal highlight – hazelnut honey and a chunk of honeycomb. As was Mary Poppins, served with a fizzing lollypop.

Amsterdam itinerary: day three

Museumplein: Van Gogh, Moco and modern art

Hopefully you’ve already got tickets for the Van Goph Museum but don’t worry if not. Avoid the queues by sneakily pre-booking online for an hour or two ahead. It’ll give you just enough time grab a bite to eat at the Stedelijk Museum’s Urban Restaurant. It’s spacious, casual and a great lunch time choice.

Get your Van Goph museum tickets today!

And don’t forget the obligatory photo with Amsterdam’s famous sign – lucky folks will have an initial to pose with!

Save

I would also highly recommend a visit to the Moco Museum, Amsterdam’s modern art gallery. During our visit the highly popular Banksy and Dali exhibition had taken over the beautiful mansion. It housed a fantastic contemporary collection of both artists’ work, displayed in small rooms dotted around the venue. Although busy, we were able to join a short queue.  

Alternatively…

Prefer something immersive? You could swap Moco for the ultra-visual NXT Museum — Amsterdam’s digital art space just north of the IJ.

Bonus tips for your Amsterdam city break

• Get around easily: Trams are your best friend. Or rent a bike – just be prepared for Dutch cycling rules.

• Book museums in advance: The big ones get busy. Van Gogh, Anne Frank House, and Moco are best reserved online at least 1–2 weeks ahead.

• Use lockers at the station: Amsterdam Centraal has great facilities for storing your luggage on departure day.

• Contactless payments: Amsterdam’s public transport now accepts contactless credit/debit cards. No OV-chipkaart needed.

• City cards: If you’re planning to visit a few museums, consider the I amsterdam City Card. It includes free entry to top attractions (Rijksmuseum, ARTIS Zoo, canal cruise etc.) plus unlimited public transport.

• Cashless venues: Many places are card-only. It’s normal.

There is of course a list of other parts of Amsterdam I didn’t have time to explore however it immediately felt like a city I would return to and so the desperation to see it all was lessened. Next time I’ll be back for the fascinating Bodyworks, the nearby Keukenhof tulip gardens and of course more of the city’s irresistible café culture (the food and drink kind, I mean it!).  

Find more city break guides including a beginner’s guide to Hamburg, what to do in Innsbruck and where to eat in Berlin.