Wondering what to do in Amsterdam for a week and keen to experience the city like a local—with rich stories, workspace gems, hidden retreats, and cultural depth? This comprehensive Amsterdam itinerary delivers all that and more. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple exploring romance, or someone working remotely, this guide helps you blend must-see landmarks with genuine local flavors. Want to immerse yourself fully? Keep reading.
The blog in short
- Start with iconic museums in Amsterdam like Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, including the Anne Frank House, booked weeks in advance
- Mix in quiet mornings at cowork cafés, canal tours, free walking tour experiences, and rent a bike while you are visiting Amsterdam
- Add two-day trips from Amsterdam to places like Zaanse Schans and Haarlem, plus evenings in atmospheric neighborhoods
What are the must-see highlights for your week?
Set aside your first two days for the cultural crown jewels. Begin at the Van Gogh Museum, where deeper insight into his art awaits beyond the famous sunflowers. Then, visit the Rijksmuseum to see Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Dutch Golden Age treasures up close. Don’t miss the Anne Frank House, but be sure to reserve tickets well weeks in advance to avoid disappointment. Wrap up these museum days with a scenic canal cruise that lets you rest your feet and soak in Amsterdam’s architectural charisma.
To break things up, take a canal tour by boat (or self-guided kayak!) so you’ll see the city from a different perspective. After, enjoy a free walking tour with a local guide—whether you choose a historical walking route, a foodie-centered one, or an art-focused exploration.
What hidden gems in Amsterdam should you explore?
Once you’ve covered the essentials, dive into Amsterdam’s lesser-known charms. Hortus Botanicus is a lush green haven perfect even if it drizzles. To explore the modern-art vibe, cross to Amsterdam-North via the free ferry, sprawl out in independent galleries, street art–covered walls, and industrial cafés. Another quiet part of the city is the Kloveniersburgwal canal—ideal for photography and leisurely reflection.
In De Pijp and De Baarsjes, uncover small galleries and organic street-food stands, sampling local cheeses or plant-based bites. These neighborhoods aren’t on every tourist map, making them truly authentic.
Where can you work comfortably in Amsterdam?
For those combining work with travel, Amsterdam offers excellent work-friendly cafés, the best of all coworking Amsterdam options. Try spots like CT Coffee & Coconuts in De Pijp, Volkshotel in East, or Café de Ceuvel in North. Each has strong WiFi, relaxed seating, and great coffee—plus organic snacks. Need serenity? Head to a café near the train station where mornings stay calm before commuter crowds roll in. And if your morning feels long, detour to local boutiques or vintage shops nearby.
Attend one of the many digital-nomad meetups in these areas—often held in coworking spaces or cafés. It’s a great chance to connect with fellow remote professionals without signing up for a full workspace membership.
Which day trips are worth leaving the city for?
Expand your horizon with a few breathtaking day trips from Amsterdam. You could start with the historic windmills and artisan workshops in Zaanse Schans, only 20 minutes by train. Combine it with a ride to the Tulip Museum (especially magical in spring) to deepen your appreciation of Dutch floral heritage.
If seaside scenes appeal, head to Zandvoort—sun, sand, and a relaxing seaside vibe. Haarlem, just 15 minutes from Centraal Station, offers cobbled streets, boutique stores, and the excellent Frans Hals Museum. Or consider a boat tour of the Kinderdijk windmills if you had enough time in the city.
Why you should go for a day tour to Keukenhof
If you’re visiting Amsterdam between mid-March and mid-May, one thing you simply can’t miss is the Keukenhof Gardens. It’s one of the largest flower gardens in the world, and during tulip season, it becomes a surreal landscape of color, scent, and perfectly designed flower beds. Whether you’re into photography, romance, or simply need a peaceful break from the city, go for a day tour to Keukenhof and let nature amaze you.
Which neighborhoods offer connection and character?
Every traveler benefits from authentic local interactions, and Amsterdam is friendlier than you might expect. De Jordaan charms with its intimate cafés, art studios, and informal terraces. Join a small guided tour through its labyrinthine alleys or stop at a local gallery opening on a Friday. In De Pijp, sample street food, meet friendly expats and locals at the Albert Cuyp Market, and linger at cafés with outdoor seating.
What are the best evening options away from tourist crowds?
If you are planning your trip and you are looking for the beste evening activities. You should enjoy the following places, where park side cafés light dimly and jazz spills out from tucked-away venues. Summer brings open-air movie nights and canal concerts across the East and North. Whether you’re a remote worker or a couple wanting a romantic retreat, these subdued nighttime environments create real, relaxed evenings. For drinks, try small cocktail bars in East-West or cozy brewpubs in North.
Is dining solo or as a couple easy and safe?
Amsterdam scores high for dining diversity and inclusivity. Plenty of restaurants near public transportation hubs serve awesome vegan, halal, or fusion food. In Amsterdam, Turkish, Indian, and Middle Eastern kitchens offer warm hospitality and delicious menus. Solo diners will feel at ease perched at bar seats or social tables, while couples can choose low-lit bistros near canals.
Plus: historical flavor runs through the city’s food scene—from the Dutch East India Company spice legacy to modern multiculturalism. Don’t miss tiny dim sum bars in De Baarsjes or authentic falafel stands in De Pijp.
How should you structure your perfect week?
This Amsterdam itinerary balances activity, culture, work time, and downtime—ideal across multiple traveler types.Here’s a day-by-day outline to use as a springboard:
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Van Gogh Museum | Anne Frank House | Canal cruise |
| 2 | Rijksmuseum | Free walking tour | Café terrace in Jordaan |
| 3 | Remote work café | Visit Hortus Botanicus | Jazz bar in East Amsterdam |
| 4 | Bike ride / rent a bike | Kunsthallen in Noord | Diner in De Pijp |
| 5 | Zaanse Schans day trip | Tulip Museum | Local brewery |
| 6 | Work in cowork café | Hidden courtyard walk | Open-air film |
| 7 | Walk near canal | Relaxed brunch | Sunset canal cruise |
Final thoughts – what to do in Amsterdam for a week
To answer what to do in Amsterdam for a week: you’ll explore world-class museums, charming canals, lush green escapes, welcoming cowork cafés, romantic evenings, and inspiring day trips. And you’ll experience it all not just as a tourist, but as someone who truly lived the city. With Hop On Hop Off, you can join various bus and canal tours. These are group experiences—perfect for meeting fellow travelers and making new friends along the way.
Do you have any questions about our tours? Feel free to contact our team. We are happy to help you have a wonderful time in the Netherlands.
