4 days in Amsterdam October 24-28

You can get started by reading this Explore Europe section on Amsterdam:

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/netherlands/amsterdam

I've been to Amsterdam many times and never run out of things to see and do. You'll pick and choose your own with some research.

We enjoyed a hop on hop off style canal boat cruise that also went out into the port. It stopped near the train station. We did it on our last day there. Duh! We should've done it the first day. There are many kinds of canal cruises to choose from.

I'm an art person so the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk and the Van Gogh Museum are all on my favorites list.

I'm also a history person and the Anne Frank House as well as the Resistance Museum are must sees to me.

And for a fun niche museum, the Tassen Museum of Bags and Purses is hard to beat.

I mention all these museums because the weather in late October will likely be chilly and wet and the days will be short as indicated below. Inside activities will beckon. Amsterdam average weather for October: https://www.holiday-weather.com/amsterdam/averages/october/

On this website you can also find a Packing Forum:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing

And packing info in the travel tips: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light

I'm not a foodie, so others can speak to that much better than I can.

I will also be in Amsterdam during this time. I realized that the time change happens Saturday night/Sunday morning on the 26th, which means the sun sets at 6:30 on the 24th and 25th, and 5:30 thereafter. That information helped me with my plans. Just a head's up :)

Can highly recommend Martine's Table for dinner - it requires reservations.
Our dinner was outstanding.
Regarding things to see and do, many people go to see the Rijks and Van Gogh Museums. We only made it to the Rijks; we signed up for one of their tours and it was most informative. And of course, go for a boat ride on the canals. We just enjoyed walking around and taking in the local flavor - even found a group of students playing chess on a huge chess board in a garden!
Enjoy!

Thank you all for these great suggestions! Are there any easy day trips, or do people suggest staying in Amsterdam since we have such a short time in the city.

I've spent two weeks in Haarlem and have been in Amsterdam for the last 10 days house sitting. The weather is constantly changing. This is the third day in approximately three weeks when I haven't needed an umbrella, so be sure to bring one (-:

If you'd like to take a day trip, I'd recommend The Hague. I took an hour long tour of the Peace Palace and loved it. The palace's visitor center also has an audio program that takes about 30 minutes and is offered for free or on a donation basis, if you care to contribute. I found both fascinating.

As someone else mentioned, the Van Gogh Museum is a gem. They currently have a glass sunflower exhibit which I found stunning.

There is a show called " This is Holland " in Amsterdam . To get there you take the free ferry over the IJ that is behind Central Station which is close to your hotel . After crossing the IJ you will see a tall building with ' This is Holland ' on it . This is a 5- D show that takes you over the Netherlands in all it's glory . Worth your time in my opinion and a good choice in case the weather is bad .It costs 17.50 euro p/p . On line tickets are a little less . Shows start at 10:00 am but 15 minutes ahead is advised . There are many shows all through the day but the last show starts at 8 pm .

The Water bus is another nice thing to do . Goes to quaint small villages not far from Amsterdam and is HOHO so you have a chance to wander around .It is a Red EBS bus that is behind Central Station . Go through the hall of CS to the very back past track numbers 14/15 all the way to the end . You'll see the ticket shop at the bottom of the escalator , !0 euro p/p or buy on line for a discounted price .
Packing : comfortable foot wear like warm booties , a poncho , scarf and gloves b/c you never know what kind of weather you get. But it could be nice and sunny also , you never know in a maritime climate . Have a great time !

So you need to know that Amsterdam sites all close at 5pm except the This is Holland 5D experience, so you might choose to do that later and ask for an English speaking group. Another suggestion is the Rembrandtplein where there is a statue of Rembrandt and statues of his Night Watch set up to look like the portrait "came to life". Outdoor, free and near Rembrandt House. Day trip can be to Zans Schans, if the weather behaves, Its a short bus ride away (take it from the Central Station which has a really helpful info desk) , or to Haarlem -a short train ride outside Amsterdam, we enjoyed both the Hals museum and the Teylers museum. Both areas can theoretically be done in one day as half day trips each, if you hurry.
The bus system is efficient Just remember you have to "validate" ur ticket both when you get on and when you get off.
We had trouble registering our sim card we bought from KPN as all the instructions were in dutch, even with help it took a few days!!
The Jewish Museum covers 4 sites and can be done over a few days, no pressure.
Watch for bikes, and if you are not on one, stay out of the bike lane. Cross carefully!!
Enjoy! You will definitely want to return!

Things to do (aside from the popular attractions):
If you like history the Dutch Resistance Museum is excellent. Westerpark is underrated and has some nice cafes. Walk around Jordaan to see the beautiful neighborhood there.
Food:
- Soup en zou is a great place for a cheap lunch but keep in mind it's to-go only.

As for day trips, I think your best option is Haarlem. If it's possible try to see it at night when no one is there and it's absolutely beautiful!

We are currently in Amsterdam and are enjoying the lovely weather. Our first afternoon we visited the amazing Van Gogh Museum. We are staying in the Museumplein and had dinner at a neighborhood restaurant called Sardegna. On our second day we had morning tickets for the Anne Frank Huis. Following our tour we had an early lunch at Pancakes Amsterdam.
We strolled the lovely Jordaan neighborhood. Took the Stromma HOHO boat as well. Great way to get the layout of the city. When we came back toward our BnB we stopped by a neighborhood open market that was wonderful. We had dinner at the RS recommended Renzo's. It was both reasonable and delicious! We attended a concert this am at Concertgebouw, followed by a tour at the Rijksmuseum. More things planned: Jewish tour with Naomi Koopmans, and self visit to Dutch Resistance Museum. Will also plan to see the Stedelijk Museum. We enjoy walking, and wandering the neighborhoods.

thank you this is fantastic! We are so looking forward to our trip!

Last month we enjoyed this 4-hour food tour of the Jordaan neighborhood. The guide was local and on good terms with the proprietors so in a few places we got “extra special” treats.
https://amsterdamfoodtours.com/

Learned a lot about culture too, in a very relaxed way. “We all have to work together against the water” was my favorite quote from the tour.

I'm thinking of a 1 week trip to Amsterdam in May 2020. Would anyone recommend accommodations? Thank you

@Carolyn, if you have interest staying in the Museumplein area we would recommend The Collector B&B. We stayed 5 nights. It's comfortable, spotless, self serve breakfast & lunch items provided, accommodating host, and walking distance to major sites and restaurants. Karel@the-collector.nl or www.the-collector.nl.