Canals, Cafés & a Castle: A 3-Day Amsterdam & Utrecht Itinerary

By: McKenna Kopras | FORA WEB BLOG LINK

CURATOR'S STATEMENT

As our tour guide said, the Dutch love to plan things in advance—and Amsterdam is a city that truly rewards it. From gliding through glowing canals and savoring world-renowned food to lingering in cozy cafés or wandering to Utrecht’s fairytale castle, the right reservations turn a great trip into a seamless, unforgettable experience. Experiencing it firsthand, I saw how the city effortlessly blends everyday life with magical moments—especially when everything falls into place just right.

DAY 1: Arrive & Explore the Canals

Arrive in Amsterdam and take the train from the airport to Amsterdam Centraal to get right into the heart of the city. Ease into your visit with a leisurely walk along the canals to get your bearings. Spend the afternoon exploring the Nine Streets, stopping for coffee or a fresh stroopwafel along the way. In the evening, enjoy a nighttime canal cruise—there’s truly no better way to see the city than from the water after dark.

Dinn

er is planned at a local restaurant with reservations already secured, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. I suggest Secret Garden for a cozy atmosphere, or De Kas for farm-to-table flavors.

Tip: Book your canal cruise a few weeks in advance to secure the best times and views—or reach out and I can take care of it for you!

DAY 2: Culture, neighborhoods & food

Start the morning near Museumplein and visit one of Amsterdam’s iconic museums such as the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum (or the Anne Frank House, if booked well in advance). After lunch, explore some of the city’s most charming neighborhoods like the Jordaan or De Pijp, stopping at the Albert Cuyp Market and sampling Amsterdam friets (fries) along the way.

For those curious about Amsterdam’s more colorful side, a stroll past the Red Light District or popping into one of the city’s legendary coffeehouses is an option to add a local twist to your day. The afternoon is ideal for wandering, shopping, and enjoying the streetscapes. End the day with a relaxed dinner along the canals or at a cozy café.

DAY 3: Day trip to Utrecht & Kasteel de Haar

On your final day, take a train from Amsterdam to Utrecht, followed by a short bus or taxi ride to Kasteel de Haar. The castle and grounds feel straight out of a fairytale and are well worth the visit. After exploring, head back into Utrecht’s city center for lunch and a walk along its unique canal-level wharves, and consider climbing the Dom Tower for panoramic views of the city before returning to Amsterdam in the late afternoon. In the summer, enjoy lunch down by the canal water.

Need to Know

Tip: Tickets for the Anne Frank House become available six weeks in advance and go fast! They are big planners in the Netherlands—dinner and tour reservations are definitely necessary.

Inquire about booking a trip here.

You might also like this blog about exploring Dublin, Ireland.