local tips for the best things to do during winter in Amsterdam
Hello winter in Amsterdam! The scratching of the car windows has started, the mittens and hats can be put on and the Christmas tree is fully decorated. Winter in Amsterdam I always find something beautiful and cosy. Even though the days are shorter, the atmosphere is always so nice during the festive season in Amsterdam. And now that it’s dark so early, the street lighting that you see everywhere is extra cosy. And in the winter there’s plenty to do in Amsterdam, so we’ve made a list of things that are extra fun in the winter to do with your friends or your lover. Have fun doing these DIY tips for the winter in Amsterdam!
8 X THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM DURING THE WINTER
Amsterdam Light Festival: Until January 21 you can go to the Amsterdam Light Festival again in Amsterdam. The 35 works of art that are found throughout the city can be viewed in different ways: by boat or by following the walking route. Fun to do with your lover, but also with a group of friends on the tour boat. From the water it’s a very nice view! Check out their website for the complete program, because this year there’s also a pop-up restaurant and all sorts of activities on the Marineterrein.
Amsterdamse Winterparade: The Amsterdam RAI will be transformed from December 21 to January 1 into a gigantic Winterwalhalla. A large Christmas market where you can really do everything: ice skating, watching a movie in the cinema, visiting the wellness, playing a game of curling, or of course just strolling around with a glass of mulled wine. Every evening there’s also another theme party. For example, on Second Christmas Day, when Café Nol is hosting the party, we can expecxt a Jordanian feast.
Ice skating in Amsterdam: YES, the most beautiful skating rink in Amsterdam is open again at the Museumplein. Until February 28 you can ice skate or watch people skating with a hot coco under the heaters. Fun to do with your date, because honestly … how romantic does the Museumplein look like, with the small drawbridge? Also very nice: skates are for rent on the spot. Another nice tip for ice skating: this winter also opens the coolest skating rink in the Netherlands in the Olympic Stadium and there even opens Loetje on Ice so you can enjoy a nice steak after some ice skating!
Cheese fondue: Because it takes a few months before you have to be bikini ready again, you can enjoy cheese fondue guilt-free. And the options are infinite: with truffle, blue cheese, with Gruyere… we love it! Check here our list with our 10 favo spots for cheese fondue in Amsterdam.
Fondue Oost
Enjoy the view from a rooftop: Amsterdam has a magical view in winter and it’s nice to enjoy it from one of the rooftop bars. For example, a cocktail at the W Hotel, or Canvas where you can curl from December 8 to February 11 at 85 meters altitude, fun! Of course with some tasty winter snacks and hot chocolate or mulled wine. Also nice: finally take a seat in the swing at the A’DAM TOREN for a spectacular view over Amsterdam!
ORDER TICKETS FOR THE SWING HERE >>
Warm up by the fireplace: What could be more relaxed than sitting comfortably with a warm drink by the fireplace? Outside it’s cold, and then it always gives such a cosy atmosphere inside with a fireplace. No fireplace at home? Fortunately, there are several spots in Amsterdam that have a fireplace, we’ve put 22 in a row for you in Amsterdam!
Café Zurich
Hortus Botanicus: The most beautiful garden in Amsterdam will remain open longer in the winter. Hortus by Night is open on different dates in December and January and on those dates you can walk or dine in the garden, among other things. Sitting on the winter terrace with a mulled wine or hot chocolate and enjoying the illuminated gardens and greenhouse is also possible! Check the various dates in our blog.
Over the Edge Swing: We already mentioned it but this cool swing is on the rooftop over the A’DAM Tower in Amsterdam North where there’s a great lookout platform over the city center. And this swing! For sure the coolest and highest swing in Europe.
ORDER YOUR TICKETS FOR THE SWING HERE >>
© Adam Lookout Over The Edge Schommel
I hope that these tips will help you to get through the winter in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Bucketlist
THINGS TO DO:
⋙ Canal Cruise by day or in the evening
⋙ A bike tour through Amsterdam OR Rent a bike by yourself
⋙ The best view over Amsterdam from the A’DAM Lookout
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
FAVOURITE MUSEUMS:
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ MOCO Museum for street art
⋙ Photography museum FOAM
SEASONAL:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival (during winter months)
⋙ Cruise like a local with your own boat (great with good weather!)
ONE OF A KIND:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Red Light District tour
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>
Our favourite hotels:
AFFORDABLE // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Student Hotel: budget proof in trendy East.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with locations at
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Park Plaza Vondelpark: located next to Vondelpark and beautifully renovated.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Pillows Anna van den Vondel: great hotel close to Vondelpark.
☾ Hotel Mercier: new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city.
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals.
☾ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ QO Amsterdam: eco design hotel with a great skybar.
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ W Amsterdam: with great restaurants and a rooftop bar with swimming pool.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
| PS: Traveling to Amsterdam with kids? My other website Travelkids.co & @travelkids.co is dedicated to family friendly travel. Check it out here >>
