48-72 hours in Amsterdam! Proooost!

You know the images that pop up in your head when someone says Amsterdam? Yes? Well, it's 10X more than that!!!

And what vibe! We're truly blessed to still have cities that offer absolute freedom to just be and there'll be no judgmental fellow humans around - the only code here is your own!

I would recommend an Amsterdam visit without a second thought - if you have a layover at Schiphol, extend it and explore the city! If you're headed to Belgium, Germany - include Amsterdam! Basically just go to Amsterdam even if you have 48-72 hours! Don't trust me - please continue reading and choose your day's itinerary (or combine it as you please)!

Day 1: Amsterdam & some more Amsterdam

I would suggest you take a flight that lands you at Schiphol in the morning so you can head to your hotel by the time check-in is allowed. AirBnBs and apartments facing the canals will definitely be a plus, since you'll be in the centre of all things Amsterdam then! Areas such as Prinsengracht or Keizersgracht are perfect locations for a canal view apartment.

You'll get a preview of what's in store for you when you're on your way from the airport to your stay!

Once you've checked-in and settled well, Day 1 should focus on exploring the canals and the best way to do so is walk. If you're lucky to stay in one of the canal areas, you'll get to see the transition of the canals during the day and the lights in the night!

I would suggest you head to Damrak - the main pier right opposite the Amsterdam Centraal station. It is truly, the heart of the city. You can book the various canal cruises from this point and explore Amsterdam exactly how it should be! You get beers on board and there are multiple routes so don't hold back if you want to go for a canal ride again!

Don't forget to catch some fries from Manneken Pis Damrak. You can even sit on the promenade next to the pier and enjoy the view post sunset. There are many eateries facing the pier as well - would recommend dinner at one of these places and call it a night!

Day 2: Amsterdam, again!

Amsterdam has a very strong history. And so it makes sense to explore it in depth.

Head straight to the Rijksmuseum - you easily need about 3-4 hours here. I would recommend pre-booking your slot, coming in early, having some epic dutch pancakes in one of the cafes nearby and then starting your visit. There are sculptures, paintings, art and of course, the stunning library! Even if you're not a museum-person, I would recommend spending a couple of hours here, you won't regret it!

Next to the Rijksmuseum are the Museum Gardens, which are beautifully kept. There are also some food trucks around so you can grab a bite and a drink in parallel without exiting the garden area. There are innumerable photo spots around the museum, so feel free to loiter around.

Rijksmuseum is accompanied by various other museums around. Two specific ones are the Anne Frank Museum, as well as the Van Gogh exhibition. Both have their own charm and significance and add to the feel of Amsterdam's historic significance.

For dinner, you can head to Dam Square where there are many options. You even try some of the splendid street side cafes which serve amazing food - I loved some Italian cafes in the area. There are street performances as well, which you may catch while you hog. So explore away!

Day 3: Zaanse Schan & the Red Light District

Amsterdam is synonymous to two things - windmills and tulips! If you're lucky to be visiting in April-May, you can book yourself a day trip of the spectacular tulip gardens at Kuekenhof. It takes a couple of hours from the main city, but the ride is so worth it!

However, if you're visiting in a non-tulip season, do not worry as you can head to the beautiful village of Zaanse Schans. The village is known for the wooden clogs, the cheese and the gorgeous windmills! You can easily spend 3-4 hours here and attend workshops on clog-making and cheese-making. You can see an authentic Dutch windmill in action and of course there are innumerable spots for that perfect photo!

In the evening, you can head to The Grasshopper, which is on Damrak, however it is right next to the famous Red Light District of Amsterdam! You don't need any ticket to enter this side of the town. Despite there being a canal and the cute houses, the vibe here is completely different, of course. You can settle for a walk around this area or you can opt for a show. To each their own. But I would suggest keeping an open mind when you visit!

Day 4: Just city things in Amsterdam!

Begin your day at ease with some brunch at Mortimer Amsterdam. It's a quaint cafe, which is practically full in the mornings. I recommend having the Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon Sandwich!

Once you're fed and watered, head back to the Dam Square and go crazy shopping! There many local stores that you can explore. You also have options of Primark, H&M and other global brand to shop from. I've found the collection varies from country to country so do check them out!

You'll also find a lot of options in the back lanes, which sell souvenirs. You can pick up gifts and magnets and other collectibles.

I would also recommend trying the various coffee shops around Amsterdam. The coffee shop essentially means a place where you can legally buy marijuana. Since marijuana is legal in Amsterdam, you can actually buy it and smoke up anywhere that allows smoking. If you are into this, do try out the various coffee shops, pick up some stuff, and enjoy it next to the canal - it'll be one experience to remember!

Some great recommendations that you can fit in as you go - Zaandam half-day trip, day trip to Rotterdam and The Hague, the famous Van Stapele cookie (pre-book it online to avoid the queue) and the various bookstores around (The American Bookstore).

While any amount of time spend in Amsterdam will never be enough, you can grab as many as many days as you can! Hope you enjoy the vibe as much as I did! Proost!

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