Amsterdam in the cold months is quieter, cosier and cheaper than in summer. If you are looking for things to do in Amsterdam winter style, plan for short days, long evenings and a lot of warm indoor stops. Here are ideas that work even when the weather is grey.
See the Amsterdam Light Festival
Each winter, usually from late November into January, artists install light works along the canals and around the city. You can walk the route or take a boat tour at night. Dates and routes change from year to year, so check the festival website for the current edition.
Go to museums
Winter is the best time for the big museums. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum are open year-round, and queues are shorter than in the high season. Book timed tickets online anyway, since popular slots still sell out around holidays. Smaller places, such as the Rembrandt House or the Hermitage Amsterdam, make a gentler afternoon.
Ice skating
Pop-up rinks appear in winter, including one near the Museumplein in many years. Dutch people love skating, and watching them glide on a frozen lake in a cold winter is something you will remember. Natural ice is rare in the city, so a rink is the more reliable option.
Eat and drink warm
- Oliebollen: deep-fried dough balls sold from stands around New Year.
- Erwtensoep: thick pea soup, a classic winter dish.
- Hot chocolate and glühwein: at Christmas markets and cafes.
- Brown cafes: traditional pubs with candles and warm interiors, perfect on a wet evening.
Take a canal cruise
Many boats are heated and have glass roofs. Evening tours are lovely in winter, as the city lights reflect off the water. They are also much less crowded than in summer.
Day trips
If you stay several days, add a day trip to Haarlem, Utrecht or the Zaanse Schans windmills. Bundle up, as wind in open Dutch landscapes can be sharp.
Practical tips
- Pack a waterproof coat, a hat and sturdy shoes. Cobblestones get slippery.
- Daylight is short in December, so plan outdoor sights for midday.
- Book restaurants ahead around Christmas and New Year.
- Expect lower hotel prices outside the holidays.
Winter shows a more relaxed Amsterdam, and many visitors say they like it better. For more trip ideas, browse invisionfree.com, and verify all event dates before you book.
Featured image: George Hendrik Breitner, via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).
