Anything goes in Amsterdam.

Or at least, it seems to be that way. The exciting, liberal city is a blur of bikes, beer, and bridges, as renowned for its canals for streets as it is for its wild nightlife. And if you haven't visited yet - what are you waiting for?

The Netherlands in general provides the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. You can spend a wild night on the town in its capital and recover the next day with a quiet trip to the beach. In this itinerary, you get to have a little bit of both.

If you've only got 3 days, spend them exploring Amsterdam. If you've got a few more to spare, venture out into the Dutch countryside for a glimpse of the other treats Holland has to offer.

Keep reading for a 3-5 day itinerary to make the most of a trip to Amsterdam, including when to visit, what to do, and where to go for the best Dutch pancake in the country.

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Day 1: Hit the streets

In my opinion, one of the best ways to get to know a city is by hitting the pavement. There is so much to explore in Amsterdam. Simply getting lost amidst the cobblestones and canals will give you a peek into the simple beauty and unique energy this city evokes.

Follow the canals as they carve navy streets through the city, admiring the rows of distinctly-Dutch buildings shimmering in their surfaces as you wander into boutiques or cafes.

Take a canal cruise and see the sights of the city by water. The canals are such an intrinsic part of Amsterdam that getting up-close-and-personal with them is basically a rite of passage for first-time visitors - not to mention, it brings a whole new perspective of the city into play.

Then make your way over to Vondelpark. The 120-acre park is Amsterdam's largest, and provides the perfect excuse to unwind with a snack and people-watch.

Hit up the Albert Cuyp Market for some street shopping. Rumored to be the largest market in Europe, the pop-up stalls sell everything from tulips to t-shirts. You can visit every day except Sundays from 9:30am to around 5pm.

And of course, you might be curious to visit Amsterdam's infamous Red Light District. There are actually three of these in town, but the most famous lies in the city center. The district encompasses several blocks along a canal, filled with adult theaters, peep shows, Dutch coffeeshops (*ahem* they don't sell coffee), and sex workers peering out at you from behind windows.

The area is quite the spectacle after dark, when the red neon lights lining the windows come to life and tourists descend upon the district.

Day 2: Get your museum fix

Amsterdam is brimming with world-class museums, which means you could likely spend weeks exploring them all. On a quick trip, however, devoting a day to them will give you at least a taste for what's on offer.

One of the best museums you can visit is the Anne Frank House. Taking visitors through the exact rooms Anne and her family hid in during World War II, the museum is a beautiful, emotional tribute to her words and her story. It features educational programs on discrimination and persecution, seeking to incite conversation on how to prevent future tragedies like Anne's. Be sure to purchase tickets well in advance; you can do so here.

*The beautiful Rijksmuseum in Museumplein (though sadly the I Amsterdam sign is no longer there!)*

The remainder of your day can be spent at Museumplein, home to two of Amsterdam's most popular and finest museums: the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.

The Van Gogh Museum features the largest collection of works from the Netherlands' most famous artist (4,165 to be exact!) It's no surprise, then, that the museum frequently ranks as one of the most-visited in the world! Tickets can only be purchased here.

Housing some of Holland's most internationally acclaimed artwork, the Rijksmuseum building alone is art. Featuring works from Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Verneer, the museum's collection illustrates the history of Holland dating back to the Middle Ages. You can purchase tickets in advance here.

Day 3: Eat and drink your way through town

If there's one thing the Netherlands knows how to do right, it's cuisine. Whether it's the scores of Dutch treats sold around the city, or the pancake houses nestled amongst the town squares, Amsterdam is a foodie's dream.

Not to mention, the Dutch kinda like to drink.

As such, you could easily spend an entire day exploring the city's dining and drinking scene. Indulge in a leisurely brunch, sample some of Holland's most well-known treats, and check out what the nightlife scene is all about.

Head to hipster De Pijpe neighborhood, where you'll find no shortage of options, from the trendy Coffee & Coconuts (try their eggs avo and coconut coffee!) to the upscale Japanese hotspot De Japanner (be sure to make a reservation in advance if you plan to dine before 7pm.) If you're in need of a quick breakfast or caffeine fix, head to Bagels & Beans.

Then there's trendy Jordaan, where the streets are so picturesque you'll be convinced you're in a storybook. Think cozy boutiques, hip antique shops, and swanky eateries - and, of course, bikes everywhere. It's the kind of neighborhood I'd probably want to live in if I moved to Amsterdam. A must-visit restaurant in the area is G's: a really nice place, for elaborate Bloody Marys, heavenly eggs bennys, and a to die for starter aptly called 'brunch dip on crack'.

No matter the neighborhood, a trip to Amsterdam is not complete without chowing down on their famous frites (fries) with mayo, which are sold at walk-up stands all around town.

And it would basically be a sin to visit the city without picking up fresh stroopwafel. If you're unfamiliar with what it is, it's essentially a caramel waffle - and it's insanely delicious. You can get it fresh from food trucks and cafes, or else pick it up pre-packaged at markets.

In the afternoon, check out the Heineken Experience for a self-guided, immersive look into the heritage and brewing process behind Holland's proudest export. Not only do you get to explore Heineken's first built brewery, but you end the tour with two free beers at a swanky underground bar. Be sure to book tickets online in advance, and expect to spend around 2 hours here.

That night, hit the town to experience Amsterdam's legendary nightlife.

Over in De Pijpe neighborhood, the visually inviting De Tulp beckons you into its garden-like depths for a couple rounds of cocktails, perhaps followed by a go on its porch swing.

For drinks with a serious view, head to SkyLounge on top of the DoubleTree by Hilton Centraal Station. The swanky rooftop bar features panoramic vistas over Amsterdam - not to mention, lethal "bartender's choice" cocktail pitchers.

If you're looking to get rowdy, Leidseplein Square is the place to go. Though a bit of a tourist trap, the buzzing block features street performers, theaters, and all kinds of bars. (The nearby New Orleans-inspired Bourbon Street is a ton of fun!)

A short walk away is Chupito's, an admittedly kitschy and crowded bar that's nonetheless worth a visit for its incredible (and cheap!) shots. Starting at €2,5 a piece, you can order more than 200 items such as the Scientist, in which bold drinkers drain a beaker full of alcohol before having to inhale the leftover alcoholic fumes, or the Harry Potter, in which the shot is lit on fire and an explosion of stars actually erupts from the glass.

Day 4: Take a day trip to Leiden

So many Dutch delights exist outside of Amsterdam; one such case being Leiden, a cozy university town with charm and beauty on par with the capital, but a slower pace than that of its big-city neighbor.

Leiden is only about 40 minutes by train outside of Amsterdam, which makes it an easy day trip destination. The town is decorated with flower boxes, lampposts, bridges, and bikes, not to mention classically Dutch windmills holding court atop the canals. Arguably, it's a mini Amsterdam.

Leiden's Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, dating back to its establishment in 1590. Located in the city center, the lush garden features over 10,000 kinds of plants, and provides a unique respite from its urban surroundings.

For a museum fix, the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities features relics from prehistoric, Roman, and medieval times, while Volkenkunde, the National Museum of Ethnology, takes you on a cultural exploration around the globe.

If you do nothing else in Leiden, however, you must make a visit to Oudt Leyden, undeniably the best Dutch pancake house I've been to (and, according to my Dutch friend, the best in all of Holland!) Dutch pancakes are essentially crepes the size and shape of a dinner plate, available in sweet or savory flavors and guaranteed to induce a food coma.

Day 5: Take a day trip to The Hague / Scheveningen Beach

Just under an hour outside of Amsterdam lies The Hague. As seat of the Dutch parliament, workplace for the king, and a UN host city, The Hague is irrefutably worth a visit - and its cozy size makes it a great day trip.

*The Wishing Tree outside the Peace Palace*

Spend the morning exploring town, noshing on fresh stroopwafel and taking in the sights.

A notable first stop is the Peace Palace. Home to the UN International Court of Justice, the 19th-century building is truly a sight to behold. Tours of the Palace are hard to come by and must be booked in advance, though the grounds feature a Visitor's Center and Wishing Tree worth checking out.

From there, head to Madurodam. The miniature theme park is basically a city in itself, and features replicas of famous Dutch sights. Think scaled-down cities, model cheese markets, and pint-sized windmills. Madurodam is open daily year-round, with tickets available for purchase here.

End your visit with an afternoon at nearby Scheveningen Beach. It almost seems bizarre going to the beach in the Netherlands of all places, but Scheveningen is a day dream. You can dip your toes in the sea, indulge in the pier, or simply gaze out towards where the water will eventually hit England.

When to go

You can't really go wrong visiting Amsterdam no matter what time of year it is. However, there are a few things to take into consideration:

Spring: This is an ideal time to visit Amsterdam for two reasons: tulips and King's Day. The former is a Dutch specialty, pouring blazes of color onto the countryside and sparking the imagination of all. The latter is a public holiday to celebrate the King's birthday, essentially turning the city orange with pride for a week straight. Expect insane parties.

Even with tulips and celebrations aside, the spring is a lovely time to visit Amsterdam. The weather is generally pleasant, and the crowds haven't gotten too unbearable (with the exception of King's Day, which is arguably one of the most crowded times of year! It's celebrated from the last week of April to the first week of May.)

Summer: The weather may be arguably the best this time of year with lots of sunshine, but - like anywhere in Europe - that also means the biggest crowds. (And with the Netherlands, you can never really rule out the rain!)

Due to the increase in tourism, hotel rates skyrocket, and the major sights will be swamped with people. Expect long lines and lots of crowds!

Fall: Autumn in Amsterdam means shoulder season, which guarantees more affordable rates and a little bit more room to breathe. Temperatures are veering towards sweater weather, but the quieter nature means better opportunities to get to know the city.

Plus, there's something mesmerizing about the image of copper leaf-lined canals and the scent of apple pastries in the air.

Winter: Airfare and hotel rates are at their absolute lowest, and the crowds are practically nonexistent during winter. Yes, you run the risk of some pretty terrible weather; it could be freezing, rain-soaked and bleak. Despite this, winter is a great time to visit Amsterdam - specifically, in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Why?

One of my visits took me to the city at the beginning of December. String lights glowed across the canals, the markets and streets were bustling with holiday shoppers, and pop-up stands sold festive Dutch treats beneath Christmas decorations. Sure, I had to wear lots of layers to beat the cold, but that didn't stop me from exploring.

In fact, something about Amsterdam's infectious holiday spirit made me want to stay out wandering amongst the bikes, Heineken in hand and Dutch dreams in my head. And somehow, that made it all the more magical.

Getting into the city

From Schiphol Airport:

By train: Once you clear customs, follow the signs to "Trains". You can purchase tickets directly to Amsterdam Centraal Station at the airport for €5,30. Look for the yellow and blue automatic ticket machines. These machines accept euro coins, or debit and credit cards using pin.

Trains depart below Schiphol Plaza (the main terminal hall), and take approximately 20 minutes to reach Amsterdam.

By taxi/rideshare: A taxi into central Amsterdam takes 20-45 minutes and will run about €45-50. You can call a taxi from the designated taxi rank outside Schiphol Plaza.

Uber is currently allowed at the airport. The journey will take the same amount of time as a taxi, but will cost about €30 (using UberX.)

From Amsterdam Centraal Station:

If you're catching a train from elsewhere in Europe, you'll likely arrive at Centraal Station. As you can probably tell from the name, this puts you in the heart of the city! You can walk, Uber, or catch public transit right outside the station.

Getting around the city

Amsterdam has an easy, clean public transit system with both underground trains and overground trams. A 24-hour transit pass costs €7,5 and is a good value if you plan on packing a lot in all over the city.

Uber and Lyft are also both available, and are pretty cheap for rides within city limits. Alternately, you can see much of the city by bike or foot.

However you choose to explore, I recommend downloading the app Citymapper. It gives you exact directions, costs, and estimated journey durations for all methods of transit, and is basically a lifesaver.

Things to Note

Currency: Euro

Tipping culture? No

Don't forget to pack: Raincoat, good walking shoes

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