Your Perfect Wellness-Focused Amsterdam Itinerary Guide
Thinking about taking a trip to Amsterdam? Here’s the only Amsterdam itinerary you’ll need for a health-focused 4 days in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is probably one of my top three cities in the world. It’s the perfect size and it’s full of things to do, great restaurants, cafes, and a lovely, friendly atmosphere. Transportation links are great and who can shake a head at the sustainable culture?
It’s a city made for both travelers visiting as well as locals and if it wasn’t for the cold and wet weather, I’d probably move there in a flash.
If you’re reading this then you’re probably thinking about visiting Amsterdam and I highly encourage you to! 4 days in Amsterdam is the perfect amount of time to see the city’s main attractions as well as go off the beaten track to discover the hidden cafes, charming canals and the best spots to relax in the beautiful city.
Keep reading for the best wellness-focused Amsterdam itinerary and spend 4 days in the capital of cool. We’ve got you covered for the best healthful restaurants and cafes to eat at, the best places to stay, and what to do in Amsterdam for the perfect city getaway in the Dutch capital.
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Getting to Amsterdam
Getting to and around Amsterdam couldn’t be easier. The city is well connected to the rest of the Netherlands, Europe, and beyond by bus, train and plane.
By plane– If you’re coming in from further away you’ll probably arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, located just southwest of the city. From the airport, you can easily take a train to Amsterdam Centraal Station and beyond.
Trains are easy to locate, just follow the signs from arrivals to the train station and then take any train that goes to Amsterdam Centraal. The journey takes about 15 mins.
By Train – Trains link Amsterdam with most cities in the Netherlands such as Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. Thalys high-speed trains also connect Amsterdam with Paris, Brussels, and Antwerp and there are train links between German cities and Amsterdam Central Station, however, you might need to change quite a few times.
Your connections will really depend on your origin destination so it’s best to use a booking platform to help you work out all the options.
I use and highly recommend Omio, where you can check out the best train and bus connections to Amsterdam from your origin destination.
From London, you can also get to Amsterdam by Eurostar.
By Bus – Flixbus as well as a variety of local companies connect Amsterdam with many different European cities. Taking the bus can be much more direct and a better option for budget travelers. Again, it’s best to use Omio to check out all your bus options to Amsterdam.
Getting Around
Getting around Amsterdam is very straightforward. Most of the compact city center is walkable but you can also get around by renting a bicycle and cruising around with the locals.
Bicycle– You’ll see many places that rent bikes around the center of Amsterdam. One of the best options I found is Black Bikes which has many locations around the city. You can rent a city bike for 3 hours but it’s worth going for at least 24 hours. This is the best way to get around and cover more ground, especially if it’s a nice day.
Metro & Tram– Amsterdam has a great metro system that connects the suburbs to the city center. It’s perfect for when you’re exploring some neighborhoods a little further out. Stations are however quite limited in the center so it won’t really help you to get around the immediate center.
The other option is trams which traverse the city streets. I personally didn’t end up working them out as I found myself walking everywhere. One-hour tickets can be purchased on board the tram or, if you have an I Amsterdam City Card, you’ll be able to use the trams and all other public transportation in the city for free. The card also gives you free entry to many of the city’s sights as well so it’s well worth it.
If you plan to use a fair bit of public transportation, it’s probably a good idea to purchase a GVB Public Transport Ticket that lasts from 1-7 days. The ticket offers access to all public transportation.
Where to Stay
There are many places to stay in Amsterdam for the ultimate relaxation experience for all budgets. I’d highly recommend staying in the city center or as close as possible for convenience and ease. The trendy neighborhood of De Pijp is also a great option for where to stay in Amsterdam.
Here are the best places to stay in Amsterdam for a top-quality, wellness-focused stay.
Pestana Amsterdam Riverside – The ultimate, modern, wellness hotel in the neighborhood of De Pijp. Located in a former town hall, this hotel has splendid, luxury rooms and a wellness area with a relaxing pool, two saunas, and spa treatments. The perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. Check rates and availability here.
Ambassade Hotel – Located in the heart of De 9 Straatjes- my personal favorite neighborhood in Amsterdam, Ambassade is a modern luxury hotel in Amsterdam’s famous canal-facing gingerbread houses. The hotel has beautiful, luxurious rooms, a library bar where you can choose from over 5,000 books, a gym, and access to fourteen different types of massage in their wellness center. The perfect place to be in Amsterdam. Check rates and availability here.
The Hoxton – The perfect choice for those looking for a boutique stay in Amsterdam, this beautifully decorated hotel provides gets with a super stylish stay in Amsterdam. Rooms are modern and unique with retro touches, just make sure to grab one overlooking the beautiful canals. Check rates and availability here.
De L’Europe Amsterdam– For those looking to splash out a little, look no further than De L’Europe. Located in a converted Medieval fortress, this 5-star hotel is stunning for decor, facilities, and luxury. Classically designed suites with Carrara marble bathrooms, a top-notch wellness center with pool, spa, gym, and saunas, and an on-site 2 Michelin star French brasserie all make this option unbeatable. Check rates and availability here.
Where to Eat
There are countless, amazing restaurants and places to eat in Amsterdam and you will no doubt run out of time in the city before trying them all. When it comes to finding healthy food, Amsterdam is one of the best cities in Europe. You’ll find an abundance of juice bars, wellness-focused cafes, and contemporary restaurants around the city.
For plant-based travelers this is one of the best cities in the world for food options. Enjoy!
Restaurants
Meatless District – One of the best plant-based restaurants in the city, this is a sophisticated, modern eatery with outstanding food. Modern and hearty dishes with great flavor.
The Avocado Show – An Amsterdam classic, the avocado show is for avo-lovers. Great place for brunch during a morning of exploration around the city.
Buffet Van Odette – A beautiful cafe right on Prinsengracht, this is the perfect option for both lunch and dinner. Try any one of their tasty, modern dishes which celebrate vegetables and fresh ingredients. A must!
Clos – The best wine bar in the city, and the perfect, cozy place to relax in the evening. Choose from a selection of over 100 wines from around the world and pair them with some tasty nibbles.
Choux– A lovely, relaxed, restaurant, our meal here was outstanding. This Michelin Guide-approved restaurant has no menu but instead offers, a combination, vegetarian or vegan tasting menus that are beautifully presented and creative.
Momo– One of the best pan-Asian restaurants in Amsterdam- the food here is light, fresh and with seafood and vegetables as the focus. On the menu, you’ll find many different types of sushi, salads, and delicious vegetable dishes.
Cafes
Kafenion– A hip specialty coffee shop and one of the best coffee spots in Jordaan.
Ree7 – A cute little cafe in Negen Straatjes- perfect for brunch, breakfast, or coffee.
Pluk– A flower-themed cafe with outdoor tables, a pretty setting, and the perfect place for a mid-morning coffee.
Juice Brothers– The place to satisfy your juice fix. They sell freshly pressed, natural juices, açai bowls, and coffee.
Chun Cafe– The most amazing spot in Amsterdam for coffee and matcha.
Top Tip: Coffee shops and cafes are not the same thing in Amsterdam. Cafes are for coffee and coffee shops are for smoking marijuana and consuming other soft drugs like mushrooms. They are mainly found around the Red Light District and you’ll be able to smell them before you see them. They aren’t allowed to serve alcohol, only tea, and soft drinks to consume with your cannabis.
Amsterdam Itinerary: Where to Shop
Cloud – Part gallery, part concept store, make sure to pop into Cloud when walking around this trendy neighborhood. Come here to grab a coffee, see some art and shop for home decor.
Skins Cosmetics – It’s easy to spree around the 9 Straatjes neighborhood and if you’re looking for skincare, make sure not to miss this gem. The perfect place to shop for clean skincare and discover some new brands too.
4 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary Overview
Amsterdam Itinerary Day 1– Damrak, Dam Sqaure, Prinsengracht & Keizersgracht, Anne Frank’s House Museum, Jordaan, De 9 Straatjes, Bloemenmarkt, Canal Cruise
Day 2 – Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, P.C Hooftstraat, Vondelpark, Bike Ride, W Hotel Rooftop Bar
Day 3 Amsterdam Itinerary– Hortus Botanicus Garden, Albert Cuyp Market, Wellness Afternoon, Oude Kirk & The Red Light District
Day 4 – Lisse, Zaanse Schans and/or Giethoorn
Find more about each of these in the itinerary below.
The Perfect 4 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary
Day One- The Canals and Neighbourhoods
Start the first day of your Amsterdam itinerary by exploring the most famous aspect of the city; its canals. You’ll find canals pretty much everywhere you go in Amsterdam but some areas are prettier than others.
The main areas to head to on day one are Jordaan and De 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets) where you’ll be able to find dreamy canal streets, beautiful boutiques, and classy cafes. These were some of my favorite neighborhoods to visit in Amsterdam.
Damrak
Start at Amsterdam Centraal Station and head to Damrak. You’ll soon come across the tour boats’ docks and in front of them- the famous, narrow canal houses known as the Damrak waterfront. The houses almost look like gingerbread houses that might topple over any minute. A mix of different shapes and sizes, these houses make for a picture-perfect postcard from Amsterdam.
Just across from the Damrak Waterfront you’ll find Beurspassage, a beautiful little green, mosaic passageway with a marine theme. The chandeliers here are also pretty impressive.
The rest of this neighborhood is just large shopping chains and nondescript restaurants so just keep walking down towards Dam Square.
Dam Square
Dam Square is Amsterdam’s main square. The open square contains many of Amsterdam’s most notable buildings so it’s worth wandering around for a while. Some of the main sights to take note of or even visit in Dam Square are:
- Royal Palace of Amsterdam– a historic building and the residence of the Dutch Royal family.
- Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)– a 15th Century, northern European Gothic cathedral just over from the Palace
- National Monument – a large, concrete monument to commemorate those that died during the second World War.
Prinsengracht & Keizersgracht
From Dam Square double back north a little to Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals- two of the most picturesque canals in this area.
