Hello, fall in Amsterdam! The leaves are falling from the trees, the coats are coming out of the closet, and it’s time to shop for a new wardrobe and cosy things for the home. It’s no secret that autumn is my favourite season! And don’t you find Amsterdam incredibly beautiful when the trees turn orange again? Now, of course, you can spend the coming months curled up on the couch with a blanket, watching your favourite movies and series. But trust me: there’s nothing better than being outside in the city on a sunny autumn day. That’s why, in this blog, I’m sharing my favourite tips for fun things to do during fall and autumn in Amsterdam.
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CELEBRATE fall IN AMSTERDAM AND ENJOY FUN autumn ACTIVITIES WITH FRIENDS
Even though the days are really getting shorter now, the atmosphere with all the lights will only get better in the coming weeks. That’s why I find autumn in Amsterdam so incredibly cosy. So, in this list, you’ll find an overview of fall events in Amsterdam not to miss. But also, the best harvest, cooking, and other culinary tips that should not be missed with a new season. Enjoy these tips for fun events and activities to make the most of autumn in Amsterdam!
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|HANDY: Also, check out these tips for something fun to do in Amsterdam that are perfect for a rainy day >>
23 FUN fall activities and other THINGS TO DO DURING AUTUMN IN AMSTERDAM
STROLL THROUGH THE SUNDAY MARKETS
Both the Pure Markt and the Sunday Market are favourites for Sundays this autumn. Almost every Sunday, you can find a foodie-proof market in a different part of the city! Arrange to meet up with friends, wander through the stalls first, and then find a spot to enjoy some food and drinks. Last weekend, I visited the Pure Markt again, and the atmosphere was so lovely! Everyone is excited, and with all the delicious food smells, it’s hard to decide what to try first! Before heading out, always check if the schedule hasn’t changed:
Dates for the Pure Markt:
- Amstelpark: Sunday, October 13, 11 AM – 6 PM.
- Park Frankendael: Sunday, September 29, 11 AM – 6 PM, Sunday, October 27, 11 AM – 5 PM, Sunday, November 24, 11 AM – 5 PM, Sunday, December 22, 11 AM – 5 PM.
- Amsterdamse Bos: Sunday, September 15, 11 AM – 6 PM, Sunday, October 6, 11 AM – 6 PM.
Dates for the Sunday Market:
- Westergas: October 6, November 3, December 1 (Sinterklaas Market), December 15 (Funky Xmas Market).
- Sunday Market at De Hallen: October 13, November 10, December 8. Every second Sunday of the month, the covered passage of the old Tram Depot is the setting for a cozy and intimate Sunday Market.
- Museum Market: September 15, October 27, November 17. Designer shopping at Museumplein. Every third Sunday of the month (except in October, when it’s on the fourth Sunday due to the marathon).
- Sunday Market Rokin: September 29, October 13. Every last Sunday of the month from March to October.
Apple Picking Around Amsterdam
Did you know that you can pick apples at various lovely pick-your-own gardens and apple orchards near Amsterdam? Not only is it fun to do, but believe me, that apple pie will taste even better when you’ve put in the effort to pick the apples yourself. Here are our favorite spots to pick apples in the autumn: Fruittuin van West (Amsterdam), Fruitkwekerij ‘t Keetje (Lutjebroek) and Olmenhorst (Lisse). Read all about apple picking around Amsterdam >>
Pumpkin Farms Near Amsterdam
Kids or no kids, visiting a pumpkin farm really gets you into the autumn spirit. Trust me! It’s become a tradition for us. Here’s a list of pumpkin farms in North Holland. Be sure to check their opening times before heading out, as they can vary. And more importantly, check when their pumpkin season ends (probably by the end of October). Have fun!
- Pumpkin Farm Bos – Opperdoes. More info >>
- De Marlequi – Warmenhuizen. More info >>
- Pumpkin Farm Bregman. More info >>
- De Swaan – Langedijk. More info >>
- Pumpkin Farm Onderdijk. More info >>
Curious about the best pumpkin farms across the Netherlands? Check out the full list here >>
| TIP: Looking for a staycation at a hotel with spa and wellness facilities in Amsterdam? Read the tips here!
more fall activities IN AMSTERDAM
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN CULTURE AT THESE MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM
Visit the MOCO Museum, Nemo Science Museum, Het Rijksmuseum, Fabrique des Lumiers, STRAAT Museum, and many more.
Often, if you buy your tickets online in advance, you’ll get a better deal than at the door. Don’t feel like waiting in line? Just order your tickets for the coolest museums in Amsterdam online:
▶ Tickets for Rijksmuseum (€22,50) >>
▶ Tickets for MOCO Museum € 17,50 >>
▶ Tickets for FOAM from € 12,50 >>
▶ Tickets for Stedelijk Museum (€ 22,50) >>
▶ Tickets for NEMO Science Museum from € 17,50 >>
▶ Tickets for the Wereldmuseum Amsterdam from € 17,50 >>
▶ Tickets for Het Scheepvaartmuseum >>
| TIP: Have a look at our list of the best child-friendly hotels in Amsterdam >>
Nemo
more FUN THINGS TO DO DURING AUTUMN IN AMSTERDAM
GO TO THE IJ-HALLEN
I often get asked how we save for our world trip. One of the things I always do in autumn is clean out my closet and sell everything I no longer wear at the IJ-Hallen. Located at the NDSM Warf, this is the largest monthly flea market in the Netherlands. Why do I always stand at the IJ-Hallen in autumn? Because the market is indoors and therefore rainproof! This autumn, the market is back with various dates. Book a stall yourself and sell your ‘trash’. Or arrive early at the market and hunt for pre-loved treasures! Check out all the dates on the website >>
START THE DAY WITH A city WALK
Especially now that the days are getting shorter, I highly recommend it to everyone: start your day with a walk, and you’ll notice that you have so much more energy throughout the day. During the lockdowns, I truly rediscovered Amsterdam (and its surroundings!) during all my walks. That’s why a real walking dossier, if I may call it that, has emerged on Your Little Black Book. From urban walks to my favourite nature reserves to escape the city for a while. Are you reading along?
▶ City walk through Jordaan & Westerpark
▶ City walk through Amsterdam North
▶ City walk through the Eastern part of the city
▶ Favourite walking areas in Amsterdam and surroundings
▶ Escaping the city for a walk and a spot for drinks
MUSEUM NIGHT AMSTERDAM – NOVEMBER 2
Good news! Museum Night Amsterdam is back in 2024. That’s why on Saturday, 2nd November, from 7:00 pm to midnight, many Amsterdam museums will open their doors with a special program. In one evening, you can visit the coolest new exhibitions, as well as enjoy a program with music, guided tours, and workshops.
Wine and Cheese Tasting in NORTH (Noord)
Every time I’m in Amsterdam Noord, I think: I really need to come here more often. There are so many cool hotspots, and the food scene is still thriving, if you ask me. And did you know that you can even find a real winery in Amsterdam Noord? At Chateau Amsterdam, you can book a fantastic tour through the winery, including a tasting. They are even moving to a new location soon, where they will open a restaurant at the end of September. I’ll tell you more about that soon!
Another great tasting experience in Amsterdam Noord is the cheese tastings you can book at KEF. Both are perfect if you’re looking for something fun to do with friends or a date this autumn.
more FUN THINGS TO DO DURING AUTUMN IN AMSTERDAM
CHEESE FONDUE
Have you already had cheese fondue this season? If you ask me, it’s definitely one of the tastiest winter dishes that immediately makes me think of winter sports. Do you prefer to eat it when you go out, or do you like to make it at home? On Your Little Black Book, you’ll find our favourite tips for both options. From brown pubs to delicatessen shops!
Cocktailbars
As the days get shorter, in my opinion, the cocktail bar season opens. Are you going for a cocktail bar with a view? Or can it not be dark and cosy enough for you? In our list of cocktail bars, you’ll find the perfect spot for every occasion for pre-dinner or after-dinner drinks! Check out all the tips for cocktail bars in Amsterdam >>
SERIES TO BINGE-WATCH
I’m not going to lie… even though I write every week about the coolest things to do in Amsterdam, sometimes I just feel like spending the whole day under a blanket on the couch binge-watching series. That’s also autumn! Did you know that on Your Little Black Book, there’s a mega category where you can find lots of tips for series and movies? Check out the lists below, and you won’t be short of inspiration for what to watch this season. Enjoy!
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- 15 X films and series filmed in Paris >>
- 8 X series that will transport you back to New York >>
- 10 X films that will make you dream and want to go back to Asia >>
- 6 X Scandinavian series that are fantastic >>
- 10 X films that will make you want to explore nature more often >>
- Never seen Sex And The City? Here’s how to watch all seasons in the Netherlands >>
- 25 X the coolest series from the past to watch again >>
- 31 X our favorite series of all time on Netflix >>
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| PS: still looking for a cosy blanket for the couch? I always get them here! >>
more FUN THINGS TO DO DURING AUTUMN IN AMSTERDAM
CELEBRATE AUTUMN WITH AFTERNOON TEA
Those who have been following Your Little Black Book for a while know that I’m a fan of the afternoon tea at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam. In 2020, I even had the honour of creating a YOURLBB Afternoon Tea with the talented team, which was served all summer long. The change of seasons at the Waldorf always means the launch of a new afternoon tea. Also, mark your calendar: the Festive Afternoon Tea starts again in early December. Check out our list with the best afternoon teas in Amsterdam here >>
long lasting LUNCHES
As it gets colder, I find nothing more enjoyable than having a lunch at a fantastic restaurant on the weekend. A multi-course lunch with wine or another festive drink. Spend the whole afternoon dining and only head home around dinner time. Because not all good restaurants in Amsterdam are open for lunch, I’ve compiled a long list of favourite restaurants where you can also have lunch. Most restaurants serve lunch from Friday to Sunday. Great with friends, family, your date, or when you have a babysitter for the kids! Check out all the tips for an extensive lunch in Amsterdam >>
JAAP EDEN ICE RINK
Did you enjoy skating again this year? Several ice rinks that return annually to Amsterdam have already announced that they will open in mid-November. But… if you can’t wait until then, there’s always the Jaap Eden Ice Rink in Amsterdam East. Open again from October 12 for a season of skating fun. Did you know that you can also take lessons there? And fun workshops are regularly organized for the kids! Check the website for all the info >>
Ice Skating at Museumplein?
Unfortunately, the ice rink at Museumplein will not return in 2024 either. However, the Christmas Market at Museumplein will be open from December 12th to December 26th. So mark those dates in your calendar. Read all about previous editions of ICE Amsterdam >>
| TIP: Curious which ice skating rinks will return to Amsterdam? Read about it here >>
more FUN THINGS TO DO DURING fall IN AMSTERDAM
ESCAPE FROM THE REAL WORLD
Have you been to the ‘Instagram museum’ WONDR in Amsterdam North? Immerse yourself in a dream world with unique installations that make you completely forget about the outside world. Good to know: you need to reserve a time slot for your visit to ensure it’s not too crowded during your visit. This attraction is indoors, so perfect during the autumn in Amsterdam when it’s raining.
walks in THE AMSTERDAMSE BOS
In the Amsterdamse Bos, you can take beautiful walks. There are seven walking routes that lead you through the various nature reserves the Bos has to offer. Wonderful to do with kids or romantically with your lover. And something that never gets boring when you’re there is a visit to the Goat Farm or Pancake Farm Meerzicht.
MAKE YOUR OWN CERAMICS
Ok, ok… I know… This may sound a bit dull. But trust me: making your own ceramics is HOT. Besides, it’s a very nice activity to truly disconnect. Plus, it’s also super rewarding because after a course at Studio Pansa, your kitchen cabinets will be full of items that are exactly how you like them. Unfortunately, the courses at Studio Pansa always fill up very quickly, but they regularly share tips for last-minute spots on social media. Or sign up for their newsletter, then you’ll be notified immediately when new ceramics courses are announced.
GO KAYAKING IN AMSTERDAM’S NATURE
Now that the SUP season is winding down, as far as I’m concerned, the kayaking season is open! Recently, I was in Bonaire and discovered how fun and relaxing it is to do something active in nature. And you’ve probably noticed that wherever there’s water in Amsterdam, you see more and more canoes. I live in East and see them regularly, but you can also rent kayaks in [category cat=”5684″ text=”Amsterdam North”] or in the [category cat=”5773″ text=”Amsterdamse Bos”] to go kayaking in Amsterdam! Read here where you can go kayaking in Amsterdam >>
WINE BARS
Why do I always like to go to a wine bar during the colder months? Not only do you drink really good wine there, but usually the snacks are also much better than in the average pub. From oysters to homemade pâté and French bread! From ALBA to Café Parlotte and Bar Parry: read here at which wine bars in Amsterdam you can regularly find me >>
| TIP: Are you as much of a Christmas market enthusiast as I am? I’ve compiled the must-visit Christmas markets for multiple destinations! Check out the shortlists here: visit the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands, or head to the Christmas markets in Amsterdam, discover the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany & experience the Christmas atmosphere at the cosiest Christmas markets in Belgium.
more FUN THINGS TO DO DURING AUTUMN IN AMSTERDAM
DIM SUMMING
Although I crave dim sum all year round, you can find me most often in autumn and winter at my favourite dim sum restaurants. I recently went to Sea Palace (fun to combine with NEMO or the Maritime Museum), but Oriental City and the newer Full Moon Garden are favourites too. Especially when it’s market day on Saturdays at Nieuwmarkt, you’ll have a wonderful morning and afternoon in no time. Check out all the dim sum tips in Amsterdam here >>
AMSTERDAM LIGHT FESTIVAL
{Update coming soon} For the 12th time, the Amsterdam Light Festival 2024 will give our city a magical touch this winter. Between November 2024 and January 2025, you’ll find lots of light artworks in the centre of Amsterdam again!
Those who, like me, buy tickets every year know that the best times sell out the fastest. The artworks of the Amsterdam Light Festival are at their best when it’s really dark! As soon as the tickets to view the Amsterdam Light Festival 2024 from the water go on sale, you’ll hear it here. These companies sold tickets last year:
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Read all about the Amsterdam Light Festival on Your Little Black Book >>
Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
⋙ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Youseum
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour
| 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 in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ 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 several locations in Amsterdam.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
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