After spending three nights in Amsterdam, I discovered I’m a big fan of the city. Therefore, I’m sharing what to do in Amsterdam in 3 days. One of my best friends is a local who kindly recommended what to do in Amsterdam in 3 days.
I have stayed at the hotel Albus, and if you follow the link, you can read my review. The favourite thing about Albus is the location. Which meant I was only 10-15 min walk from two of my favourite neighbourhoods are De Pijp and 9 Streets (Negen Straatjes).
De Pijp
De Pijp is a very cool neighbourhood, where a lot of locals live. It has so many cool spots including great bars, shops and a market that’s on six days of a week called Albert Cuyp Market. They sell yummy food, flowers as weak as send hand stuff for thrift lovers.
I strolled around, stopping at the Monki store to look at clothes before meeting my friend for a coffee and pancakes. I also love to Wake me up when I’m famous wall. Its a super cute spot for an Instagram picture and my followers always love it when I post from there.
De Pijp reminds me of my neighbourhood in East London, and perhaps this is why it’s one of my favourites areas, and a must add to your “What to do in Amsterdam in 3 days” list. I loved getting lost in the area and taking the authentic Amsterdam in.
Best restaurants in De Pijp:
Bar Fisk – is my latest obsession, and it’s a shared small plates vibe. Order 2, 3 plates for one person and wash it down with yummy vino. It has lots of different influences, Israeli and Middle Eastern but done so so well and in a very chic style.
Brut De Mer – hands down fantastic seafood and wine and champagne. It is tiny but sooo delicious, the best tuna tartare I have ever had! It’s on a cute square full of other restaurants and Dutch bars, so lots to do around here.
Wijpje Beukers – run by a gay couple, it is so cool and full of locals, seasonal menu, you can’t book it’s always packed and cool so expect to wait for a little, but it’s worth it.
Glou Glou – wine bar, such fabulous wines, and opposite its Pizzakamer which does amazing pizza which makes it a perfect combo.
De Bazar – is pretty cool too, it’s like a big space beautifully decorated, and Middle Eastern type food, it’s on the Albert Cuyp market.
9 Streets
The 9 Streets are three streets that cross three canals and thus form 9 ‘little streets’. They are sooo cute, such cute canal locations for photos all over. The 9 Streer is famous for charming boutiques, cafes and picturesque surroundings, especially in Autumn. Also very central, very near the Dam square in the middle of Amsterdam where the Royal Palace is.
I’m sure you’ve been in that square before, as it’s quite easy to access from Central Station. The whole area is so cute to explore and walk around and walk into places you like the look of.
Pluk – is an adorable cafe serving pretty yummy food. It is sooo Instagrammable it’s crazy. It’s also a perfect spot to get a few Christmas stocking fillers for your family and friends.
The Marqt supermarkets are around too. They are the Whole Foods equivalent should you fancy a snack on the go.
Toos & Roos – is a cute lunch place right on the corner of the canal. They do a great soup and bread combo.
OU Boutique – is a charming little shop that has so much cool stuff, you want to buy it all
Yellow Korner Gallery – such a fantastic gallery, it sells the most stunning art photographs. Must visit!!
In terms of other areas, walk around Sarphati park (in De Pijp), Vondel Park (the biggest park in Amsterdam).
If you fancy some shopping, De Bijenkorf is the Harrods equivalent, with a beautiful food court and great views at the top. It has yummy food options and not massively expensive.
The area with Rijksmuseum is cute but very touristy, so it put me off a little bit this time around. I hope to visit this museum when I’m in town next.
The flower market is along the Singel, cute but very busy and they mostly sell bulbs. I looked to buy some tulips for myself but only plastic tulips where on offer so I skipped. I suppose this market will come in handy if you are looking to buy bulbs and plant some flowers of your own.
Lastly getting lost in Amsterdam is the best thing because the city is best explored on foot so definitely walk along the main canals: Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht (gracht means canal in Dutch).
You can also stop at a cafe and buy a brownie for an extra Amsterdam experience. My matra is when in Rome, so I had two on this trip, and I loved it. One thing is that they don’t take regular cards in cafes and you will need to have the cash to purchase.
Amsterdam is a beautiful city with the most relaxing vibe, and I love the energy. It’s cool, its hip and it doenst care to comfort to rest of Europe which is pretty much one of my favourite things about it.
I can’t wait to be back. Do let me know if you use this post when you visit as I would love to hear if you found it helpful?
Tania xxx