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You are here: Home / Travel / Europe / The Netherlands / Holland / Amsterdam / Amsterdam in winter: The best 10 things to do in Amsterdam by resident

Amsterdam in winter: The best 10 things to do in Amsterdam by resident

January 28, 2020 by Karen 9 Comments

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As an ex-resident of Amsterdam, I believe that winter in Amsterdam is a great time to avoid the crowds and there are some unique winter activities in Amsterdam that I always love to visit. Keep reading for why you should visit Amsterdam in winter, the best things to do in Amsterdam, and additional tips for visiting Amsterdam in winter.

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  • What is the weather like in Amsterdam in winter
  • Where to stay in Amsterdam in winter
  • The best things to do in Amsterdam in winter
  • Outdoor activities to do in Amsterdam in winter
  • Indoor activities for winter in Amsterdam
  • What to wear in winter in Amsterdam

    What is the weather like in Amsterdam in winter?

    If you are looking for more in-depth travel advice about Belgium and the Netherlands, I created a guidebook on behalf of Moon Travel about Amsterdam, Brussels, and Bruges. You can find this book on Amazon!

    Amsterdam is surprisingly moderate, so the temperature doesn’t drop as dramatically as many people assume.  However, winter in Amsterdam comes with heavy winds and rain, enough so that you’ll want to dress warmly. It’s best to try to waterproof yourself.

    READ MORE  What to Wear in Amsterdam: Your Ultimate Packing List for Amsterdam by a Local
    • Girl in Amsterdam in winter. Winter is the perfect time to visit Amsterdam as there are many seasonal things to do in Amsterdam! #amsterdam #netherlands
    • Girl in the Jordan. Don't be afraid to visit Amsterdam in winter! You'll find many fun things to do in Amsterdam in winter that you can't do during the rest of the year. #amsterdam #Netherlands

    It rarely snows in Amsterdam and prior to last year, the canals in Amsterdam had not become frozen over for eight years. That said, it’s good to avoid biking in Amsterdam if it drops below freezing as biking on cobblestones can be dangerous, especially if you’re not an experienced bicyclist, and you can slide on black ice…  Typically, Amsterdam bikes do not have snow tires.

    The weather in winter is between 4 and 9 degrees Celsius (the low 30s to high 40s Fahrenheit) with an average of rain occurring on about 23% of the days. Generally, the rain doesn’t last very long, but it’s good to have an umbrella if you’re concerned.  Just be warned that it can feel colder due to the windchill.

    Where to stay in Amsterdam

    Snowy canal in Amsterdam during winter. Read about the best things to do in winter in Amsterdam. #amsterdam #netherlands

    As it will be chilly, I’d recommend ensuring that your hotel is well-connected with public transit as some parts of the ring require a slightly longer walk to bus/tram stops. 

    Consider staying at the Pulitzer Hotel, which was built within a block of twenty canal houses, and sits just a block away from one of a well-connected bus/tram stops.   Those on a budget might want to consider CocoMama, a boutique hostel just walking distance from the best restaurants in De Pijp and the trams.

    READ MORE  The Best Neighborhoods in Amsterdam to Stay In, Eat In & Explore

    The best things to do in Amsterdam in winter

    Dam Square covered in snow in winter. #amsterdam #Netherlands

    Most of the activities on a normal itinerary for Amsterdam are 100% possible in winter.  That said, you might be more apprehensive about sitting outside for an extended period in Vondelpark (or another part).  Here, I’ll be focusing more on the seasonal activities in Amsterdam that you can’t do the entire year as well as my favorite places to hide from the cold…

    READ MORE  First Time Guide to Amsterdam: Three Days in Amsterdam itinerary by a resident

    Outdoor activities in Amsterdam during winter

    Amsterdam Light Festival

    Iconic photo of light scuplture from Amsterdam Light Festival. Read about the must-see winter attraction in Amsterdam & reasons to visit Amsterdam in December

    Between December and mid-January of each year, Amsterdam lights up.  The Amsterdam Light Festival is a huge open-air light sculpture festival that decorates Amsterdam’s scenic canals.

    You can see the light sculptures both from the water as well as the land although some are specially designed to be viewed by boat only… It’s completely free to enjoy the lights, so be sure to stroll or bike along the canals at night.

    READ MORE  Amsterdam Light Festival: The best thing to do in winter in Amsterdam

    Canal cruise

    Many people don’t realize that most of the canal cruises are covered and heated, so don’t worry if you’re worried that it will be too cold to enjoy the iconic canal houses on the water.  Many cruises even include free tea or hot chocolate as part of the cost.  It should be noted that you can take a day time or sunset cruise along the canals.

    Ice Skating*

    People ice skating in Amsterdam in winter. It's very rare that canals in Amsterdam freeze, but ice skating is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in winter! #travel #amsterdam

    You might be dreaming of skating on the canals of Amsterdam, but it’s only occurred twice in the last 10 years.  Don’t get your hopes up too high that it will get cold enough to ice skate on the canals as it’s unlikely to happen, but luckily there are ice skating rinks around the city.  I find that the one close to Museumplein is the most picturesque although I find the rink small.

    Walking along the canals

    This is so simple, but as Amsterdam isn’t too chilly, don’t be afraid to enjoy the non-rainy weather and stroll along the canals.  One of my favorite canals to photograph is Herengracht, which holds some of the most beautiful canal houses without the crowds of Prinsengracht or the inner canals.  When you get too cold, just look for a brown bar, a cozy Dutch bar, to step into for a warm tea or a local beer.

    READ MORE  Amstergram: Best Amsterdam Photography Spots by a Local

    Christmas Markets

    Often overshadowed by Germany, the Netherlands has lovely Christmas markets.  Amsterdam has a number of Christmas markets in the weeks leading up to Christmas. 

    Although the Ice Village in Museumplein is the most well-known Christmas market, you’ll find a number of smaller Christmas markets in the various neighborhoods on weekends spread out through December.  It’s romantic to stroll through with a loved one and a cup of gluhwein.  (Be sure to bring cash!)

    Click to read about the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands!

    Eat oliebollen

    Photo of oliebollen. Read more about the food that you must try in the Netherlands for New Year's Eve and what to know before celebrating NYE in Amsterdam
    READ MORE  25 Dutch foods that you must try in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

    During December and early January, you’ll find oliebollen stands all around the city.  These fried balls of deliciousness (similar to donuts) are a traditional Dutch New Year’s Eve snack.  Be sure to eat them when they’re warm and don’t hesitate to ask for powdered sugar on top.

    National Tulip Day in Dam Square

    On the third Saturday in January is National Tulip Day.  You might not know about this event, however every year, over 200,000 tulips are brought to Dam Square.  It’s typically put in an intricate design, which you can view from a ladder above.  It’s 100% free to enter although I recommend getting in line early to have your pick of tulips to bring home with you!

    The best things to do in Amsterdam indoors during winter

    Get into a massive debate over Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet

    What is December without a fierce Sinterklaas debate?  I kid, but everyone has an opinion about this controversial Dutch holiday tradition that has been condemned by the UN.  Around the time of Sinterklaas (December 5th), I think that it’s impossible to avoid hearing about it.

    Some of the other winter in Amsterdam guides recommend going to the Sinterklaas parade (which is improving within Amsterdam), but I recommend reading up about it first in order to make an informed decision.

    Drink gluhwein

    Ahhh gluhwein.  I’ll admit that sitting in an old brown cafe sipping on a gluhwein is my winter activity of choice. Like many European countries, the Dutch have a delicious alcoholic drink that is perfect for winter.  Gluhwein is a mulled wine with cinnamon and oranges.

    To be fair, I’ve had some terrible gluhwein, so make sure that wherever you’re getting it from has made a fresh batch recently as it can get too bitter if the oranges sit inside too long.  I really like the gluhwein at Cafe Papeneiland.

    Cuddle with cats at the Kattenkabinet or the Poezenboot

    • Photo of Kattenkabinet museum in Amsterdam, one weird thing to do in Amsterdam. This quirky museum in Amsterdam is entirely cat themed. Read about more secrets of Amsterdam here! #Amsterdam #travel #Netherlands
    • Photo of De Poezenboot, a cat shelter on a boat. One of the best secret Amsterdam places to visit if you're looking for interesting things to do in Amsterdam! #travel #cats #Europe #Amsterdam #Netherlands

    Is there anything as wonderful as having a cuddly cat climb into your lap when you’re cold? Luckily, Amsterdam is full of cat-friendly places, including a floating cat shelter on a canal boat and a museum dedicated to cat-related art (with real cats).  You don’t even need to go to either to find friendly cats in Amsterdam as many shops (and coffeeshops) have a friendly shop cat to keep the mice away.

    READ MORE  Catspotting: A crazy cat lover's guide to cats in Amsterdam

    Step into the Rijksmuseum

    On the coldest of days, consider stepping into the Rijksmuseum. The Rijksmuseum is one of the largest museums in the Netherlands and it holds thousands of pieces. 

    It’s easy to spend a whole day here, so if it’s raining (or snowing) the entire day, don’t be afraid to hide inside until the weather improves.  There are countless famous pieces within the museum including Rembrandt’s Nightwatch, to be seen. I also like the dollhouse that inspired the Miniaturist. 

    Click to buy tickets ahead to avoid waiting on line.

    Learn about history at Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder

    Photo of Our Lady in the Attic museum in Amsterdam, one of the best off the beaten path places in Amsterdam to visit. This secret church is one of the best hidden secrets of Amsterdam! #travel #Amsterdam #Netherlands

    If you’ve purchased the iAmsterdam pass, which is a steal if you’re visiting at least a few museums, consider stepping into my favorite museum in Amsterdam, which is included in the card. Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder is a museum composed of three canal houses with a secret two-story church in the attic! This museum is the perfect place to warm up for 1-2 hours while soaking up the history and epic views of the canals….

    READ MORE  The best museums in Amsterdam and which museums to skip

    What to wear in winter in Amsterdam

    Simply, dress as you would in fall/winter in a colder climate.   I’d recommend a pair of waterproof shoes (as it does rain a fair amount), a sweater to put over your clothes as needed, and a good jacket for winter.

    I usually wear a peacoat with a sweater, jeans, and boots along with a hat/scarf as it doesn’t get that cold and layering is helpful if you’re visiting different locations. Click for a complete packing list for winter in Amsterdam.

    Have you visited Amsterdam in winter?

    • First-time itinerary for Amsterdam
    • Where to stay in Amsterdam
    • The best museums in Amsterdam
    • What to wear in Amsterdam
    • The best Christmas Markets in the Netherlands
    • Secret Amsterdam: 25+ Places that you’ll want to visit 
    Considering visiting Amsterdam in winter? Your complete guide to the best things to do in Amsterdam during winter and what to expect when visiting Amsterdam in winter in terms of seasonal events! #Netherlands #amsterdam #travel
  • Filed Under: Amsterdam, Europe, Local Guides, The Netherlands, Uncategorized

    About Karen

    New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

    Previous Post: « Secret Bruges: 20 unusual things to do in Bruges away from the crowds
    Next Post: A guide to Cassadaga, one of Florida’s most quirky towns »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Yvonne

      May 31, 2019 at 8:42 pm

      Hello Karen, I would love to be able to work and live in Amsterdam or the Hague for the Summer. I have a TEFL English teaching certificate. Can you suggest anything else. I’m in the UK just now but looking for adventure after my 30 year marriage broke up from a Spanish man. I have been loving in Madrid for the last 16 years.

      Reply
      • k.

        May 31, 2019 at 11:04 pm

        Hi Yvonne, Teaching is quite competitive in the Netherlands and most people I know who work in this field (International Schools) have Masters and significant work experience. Unfortunately, I don’t know you, but you will hopefully find some other jobs suitable. There are often always service industry jobs in the summers here.

        Kind regards,
        Karen

        Reply
    2. Clara

      September 4, 2019 at 11:23 pm

      Hi Karen
      I plan on visting Amsterdam week of Christmas this year. Do you have more recommendations and any other Christmas related activities I may check out? How is Christmas in Amsterdam? Will be stuck in my hotel/Airbnb or can I still go explore?

      Reply
      • k.

        September 6, 2019 at 12:35 pm

        It’s actually fairly quiet and things should be open besides on Christmas itself. Most of the things mentioned in this post should be operational during the Christmas period, but I’d check the website to be sure! There should also be some Christmas markets beforehand.

        Reply
    3. Noortje

      February 9, 2020 at 8:40 am

      In march 2018 the canals actually were frozen and people (including me 🙂 ) were ice skating on them!

      Ciao!

      Reply
      • k.

        February 10, 2020 at 2:21 am

        Indeed. Hopefully this year as well…

        Reply
    4. Carby Edwards

      January 19, 2022 at 8:08 am

      This blog covers almost everything about Amsterdam. Only one thing I could find not mentioned here is the process of applying for a visa. If that would also have been mentioned here with the procedure of Netherlands visa appointment and documentation this blog was almost a complete package. Although now also it provided almost everything one should know before traveling to Amsterdam. When I went to France last year I also wrote a same blog so that people do read it and then don’t face many challenges while planning their trip to Schengen because almost everything is easy but applying for a visa is a bit complex process.

      Reply
      • k.

        March 17, 2022 at 10:12 pm

        I am not an expert here and I encourage anyone visiting to visit IND (Dutch immigration) for the up-to-date information about the process.

        Reply
    5. Mamat motor

      October 22, 2022 at 10:42 am

      Hi. I will be visiting in Feb next year. Still not sure of itinerary what to do in Amsterdam.

      Reply

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    Authors of Wanderlustingk

    Karen. American expat and cat lover from New York City who lived in Amsterdam…. Then, Paris. Now, living in The Hague, the Netherlands. Happily married to Jacob.

    Guidebook Author to Moon Amsterdam, Brussels, and Bruges, published March 2022.

     

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