How to spend three days in Amsterdam

Amsterdam East is one of the city’s most exciting neighbourhoods. It is diverse, creative and full of local character, with green spaces, cultural hotspots and excellent places to eat. As Hotel Casa is located here, it makes perfect sense to begin your three-day Amsterdam trip in this lively part of the city.

09:00 – Breakfast at EAST

After arriving at the hotel, you can leave your luggage and ease into the day with breakfast at Restaurant EAST, located in the lobby of Hotel Casa. A specialty coffee and a fresh pastry make for the perfect soft start to the trip, allowing time to settle in and enjoy the atmosphere before heading out to explore.

10:30 – A stroll through Oosterpark

From the hotel, it is an easy journey to Oosterpark, one of the most loved parks in Amsterdam East. Popular with locals, it is a lovely place for a morning walk and a first glimpse of everyday life in the city. With its open lawns, shaded pathways and relaxed feel, it offers a peaceful contrast to the busier parts of Amsterdam.

12:00 – Explore Dappermarkt

Just a ten-minute walk from Oosterpark lies Dappermarkt, one of Amsterdam’s best-known local markets. This is where locals come for everything from fresh produce and spices to fabrics, flowers and everyday essentials.

It is also an ideal stop for a midday snack. Visitors should try a freshly made Surinamese sandwich or opt for a hot stroopwafel straight from the stall — a classic Dutch treat that is hard to resist.

13:00 – Visit one of Amsterdam’s museums

Amsterdam is famous for its museums, and for those staying close to Amsterdam East, Wereldmuseum Amsterdam is an excellent choice. Located in a beautiful historic building near Oosterpark, the museum offers thought-provoking exhibitions centred around stories, art and cultures from around the world.

It is a wonderful option for travellers looking to explore something beyond the more obvious city centre institutions, while still enjoying a world-class cultural experience.

15:00 – Walk along the Amstel back to Hotel Casa

After the museum, a scenic walk back towards Hotel Casa via the Amstel River offers one of the loveliest routes in the city. Along the way, you can enjoy:

• Views of Amsterdam’s iconic river

• Sunny terraces along the water

• Quiet residential streets with a distinctly local feel

• Charming cafés for a quick coffee or afternoon drink

It is the perfect way to slow the pace before returning to the hotel to properly check in and get ready for the evening.

17.00 – Rooftop drinks at GAPP

Head up to the 8th floor of Hotel Casa to enjoy some drinks at rooftop GAPP. It’s the perfect place for some afternoon drinks, slow down, and take in the stunning views over Amsterdam East.

19:00 – Dinner and drinks in Amsterdam East

Amsterdam East is packed with stylish, relaxed and genuinely local dinner spots, making it a fantastic area to spend the first evening. Hotel Casa has curated several favourite dinner addresses in the neighbourhood, all ideal for a cosy yet memorable night out.

Recommended options include:

• Buurtcafé De Tros – casual, warm and full of neighbourhood charm

• Massalia – Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a stylish setting

• Troef – modern, lively and great for dinner with drinks

Whichever option you choose, the evening offers a perfect introduction to Amsterdam’s vibrant food scene.

Day two is all about experiencing the classic side of Amsterdam, but with a local touch. The best way to do this is by bike, weaving through neighbourhoods, markets, parks and canals at a relaxed pace. 

09:00 – Rent a bike at CASA and head to a local bakery 

Begin the day by hiring a bike at the reception. Cycling is not only the most practical way to get around Amsterdam, it is also one of the most enjoyable. 

Before heading fully into the city centre, a stop in De Pijp is highly recommended. This charming neighbourhood is full of independent shops, cafés and some of the city’s best bakeries. 

Popular bakery stops include: 

• Louf 

• Rise Bakery 

• Bakkerij Mater 

A quick breakfast and good coffee here set the tone for the day. 

10:00 – Shopping in De Pijp 

From the bakery, it is time to explore Albert Cuyp Market, one of the largest and most famous street markets in Amsterdam. The market is always lively and offers a wonderful mix of local atmosphere and colourful variety. You will find fresh produce, Dutch snacks, international street food, clothing and accessoires, flowers, cheeses and spices.

Even without a shopping list, it is a fun place to wander and people-watch. Afterwards, De Pijp itself is well worth exploring, with its independent boutiques, small concept stores and stylish local shops. 

13:00 – Lunch in Vondelpark 

From De Pijp, cycle on to Vondelpark, Amsterdams most iconic park. This will be the perfect place to slow down to have lunch. CASA recommends bringing your own snacks for a picknick or heading to Proeflokaal 't Blauwe Theehuis. Set in the middle of the park, this circular pavilion is perfect for a relaxed lunch outdoors.You can enjoy a light meal and perhaps try one of the local beers from Brouwerij ’t IJ.  

15:00 – Head to Museum Square 

After lunch in Vondelpark, make your way to Museum square one of Amsterdam’s most iconic cultural spaces. Surrounded by some of the city’s most famous museums, this broad open square is a lovely place to pause, take in the atmosphere and enjoy a slower afternoon. 

Even for those not planning another museum visit, the area itself is worth exploring. The square is lively yet spacious, often filled with locals and visitors relaxing on the grass, walking through the gardens or simply enjoying the surroundings. 

From here, you have several options depending on your interests: 

• Admire the exterior and gardens of the Rijksmuseum 

• Visit the Van Gogh Museum or Moco Museum if time allows 

• Sit by the square and enjoy a coffee while taking in one of the city’s most recognisable cultural landmarks 

16:30 – Cycle a little further 

The late afternoon can be left open for a little spontaneous exploring — one of the best ways to experience Amsterdam. Guests might choose to: 

• Cycle through the canals of the Jordaan 

• Stop at a terrace for an afternoon drink 

• Browse the boutiques in the 9 Streets 

• Discover hidden courtyards and side streets 

Sometimes the most memorable parts of the city are found by simply following wherever the bike leads. 

19:30 – Dinner in Oud-West or the Jordaan 

After a full day in the city centre, the evening calls for a relaxed dinner in one of Amsterdam’s atmospheric neighbourhoods. Two excellent options are Oud-West or the Jordaan, both known for their cosy streets and great dining scene. 

A few lovely choices include: 

• Bar Centraal – a stylish yet relaxed wine bar with seasonal plates 

• La Parole – a cosy restaurant with a French bistro vibe 

• Café Binnenvisser – modern, creative and very popular with locals 

• Parlotte – intimate, elegant and ideal for a slightly more refined evening 

For a more informal option, CASA recommends to go to De Hallen. Here you’ll find a food court with different stalls and there will be a great option for everyone.  

22:00 – Go out at Leidseplein 

For those with energy left, Leidseplein is one of the city’s best-known nightlife areas and a natural place to continue the evening. It is packed with bars, cafés, live music venues and clubs, making it ideal for a fun night out. 

Whether it is cocktails, dancing or simply one last drink, this is where Amsterdam’s evening energy really comes alive. 

For the final day, it’s time to discover a different side of Amsterdam. Amsterdam North feels creative, spacious and a little more alternative than the city centre, with industrial architecture, waterside terraces, bold street art and some of the city’s most exciting cultural spots. It’s the perfect place to spend a final day before ending the trip with a classic Amsterdam cinema experience.

09:00 – Breakfast at Hotel Casa

Start the day with a relaxed breakfast at Hotel Casa. After two full days of exploring, this is the perfect moment to take it a little slower, enjoy a proper coffee and ease into the final day of the trip

10:00 – Head to Amsterdam North

From Hotel Casa, take the metro to Amsterdam Central Station, then hop on one of the free ferries across the IJ. In just a few minutes, you’ll arrive in Amsterdam North, a district known for its industrial heritage, artistic atmosphere and great views over the water.

The ferry crossing itself is part of the experience and gives you a great first look at the city from a different angle.

10:30 – Explore NDSM Wharf & IJ-hallen

Start the morning at NDSM Wharf, one of Amsterdam’s most creative and characterful areas. Once a shipyard, it has transformed into a cultural playground full of large-scale street art, waterside hangouts, artist studios and industrial architecture.

If IJ-Hallen happens to be taking place during the visit, it is absolutely worth adding to the itinerary. Known as one of Europe’s largest flea markets, IJ-Hallen is a dream for vintage lovers and treasure hunters.

13:00 – Lunch at Pllek

For lunch, head to Pllek, one of the best-known spots in Amsterdam North and a favourite for a reason. Set right on the waterfront near NDSM Wharf, Pllek is built from repurposed shipping containers and has a laid-back, creative atmosphere that perfectly matches the neighbourhood.

Whether you sit inside or on the terrace, you’ll have beautiful views across the IJ towards the city skyline. On a sunny day, this is one of the best lunch spots in the city.

15:00 – Visit Nxt Museum & the A’DAM tower

After lunch, continue the creative theme with a visit to Nxt Museum. This immersive museum is dedicated to digital and new media art, with large-scale installations that are often interactive, futuristic and visually striking.

From Nxt Museum, make your way to A’DAM Tower for one of the best panoramic views in Amsterdam. From the top, you’ll get a sweeping view over the city, the IJ and beyond, a cool way to reflect on the trip and see just how much ground has been covered over the past three days. If you’re in the mood for something a little more adventurous, you can even try the rooftop swing. If not, simply enjoy the skyline.

19:00 - Dinner in the city centre

Head back to the city centre for dinner. Stroll along the restaurants and pick one. If you have a hard time choosing, Contra is a great option. It’s a cosy restaurant in the middle of the city. On multiple nights a week they’ll have live music. Definitely a fun last activity for your last evening in Amsterdam.

21:30 – End the day at Tuschinski

Stay at Contra to enjoy the music for a little bit longer, or if you’re up for another last activity, make your way to Tuschinski for a movie.

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world, Tuschinski is a destination in its own right. Its dramatic Art Deco interiors, historic details and old-world glamour make it feel like stepping into another era.

For the best experience, it is worth checking in advance whether the chosen film is showing in one of the two original historic screening rooms.