Planning a Netherlands road trip itinerary? You’re in the right place! In this post, we’re sharing the ultimate 3-day route with all the best stops along the way. From must-do activities and foodie spots to road trip tips, hacks, and how long you’ll be driving each day—this itinerary will help you make the most of your time on the road. Let’s dive in!
The Netherlands is pretty small, so most places are easy to reach. In this post, we’re starting and ending each day in Amsterdam to keep things simple—there’s really no need to switch hotels every night, especially on a quick trip like this.
Parking in Amsterdam
That said, we definitely recommend staying on the outskirts of Amsterdam. Parking in the city center is no joke—think up to €7 an hour, which can add up to over €80 a night. Prices vary depending on the zone, check out this website where you can check the rates and pick your accommodation accordingly.
A great way to save on parking in Amsterdam is by using the P+R (park and ride) car parks just outside the city. They’re super budget-friendly—but there are a few rules you’ll need to follow to get the discount. This is the official site so you can check the details. It’s a solid option if you’re watching your budget or still want to stay closer to the action in the city center.
Day 1: Amsterdam, Zaandam & Zaanse Schans
Total driving time: ≈1h
Day 1 we’ll be exploring Amsterdam, then after lunch we’re heading back to the car and making our way through Zaandam to check out some really unique buildings. We’ll be spending the afternoon and early evening in Zaanse Schans—and trust us, there’s a lot to explore there.
Amsterdam
Breakfast in Amsterdam
Of course, we need to start the day with a good brunch. We’ve linked some recommendations in the description for you, but if you feel like something a little lighter we highly suggest Coffee & Cakes Amsterdam. They have great coffee and pastries.
Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Afterwards, head over to the Blue Boat Company dock located right by the Hard Rock Café to hop on a canal cruise. One of the best ways to experience Amsterdam is by going on a canal cruise. You can sit back, relax, and take in the city while floating through its famous canals, see all the beautiful 17th-century buildings, charming houseboats and bridges from the water.
Take a leisurely stroll along the main canals—Herengracht, Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Singel—for some fantastic photo ops.
Lunch in Amsterdam
Then, head over to The Pantry for lunch, one of our absolute favorite spots for traditional Dutch food. We tried their special lunchtime menu, which gives you four set options, each including a starter, a main, and a dessert. Their beef and onion stew, served with red cabbage and mashed potatoes, is a must-try. And if you can, don’t miss their poffertjes—tiny, fluffy Dutch pancakes dusted with powdered sugar. So delicious!
Dinner in Amsterdam
For dinner, we highly recommend Moeders. Moeders, which means “mothers” in Dutch, opened in 1990 with a unique twist—guests were asked to bring their own plates, glasses, and cutlery, which still decorate the restaurant today. The walls are filled with hundreds of photos of mothers, along with antique kitchen items, creating a cozy, homey vibe.
Zaandam
The Inntel Hotel in Zaandam is pretty hard to miss—it’s got this cool design that looks like a stack of traditional Dutch Zaan houses, all painted in green. It’s a nod to the area’s history, which used to be big in the milling industry. Definitely make sure to drive past them on your way to Zaanse Schans.
Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum just outside Amsterdam, where you can get a glimpse of what traditional Dutch life was like in the past. It’s famous for its old windmills, wooden houses, and artisan workshops.
You can visit the windmills, see how they work, and even go inside some of them. There’s also a clog-making demonstration, and you can check out cheese-making in action. They’ve also got a fantastic cheese shop, packed with a wide variety of Dutch cheeses in all sorts of flavors, and plenty of samples to try!
It’s a nice spot to walk around, learn about Dutch culture, and snap some photos. Plus, it’s only about 40 minutes from Amsterdam.
24 Hours in Amsterdam FULL ITINERARY
If you’d rather spend a full day in Amsterdam to really soak up the vibe of the Dutch capital—or if you just want some extra ideas and tips on how to get around—check out our 24-hour Amsterdam itinerary and this video where we take you through the whole day, step by step.
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