Amsterdam is one of the most preferred tourist destinations across the globe. Even though you can visit at any time, the best time has to be during winter as you get to avoid crowds and save your money. The best thing about Amsterdam is that it has ongoing cultural activities throughout the whole year and you won’t miss a thing. As we have already talked about the neighborhoods in Amsterdam and also what to do in Amsterdam for three days, today we propose you a few things to do in Amsterdam during winter.
Visit the Festive Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets in Amsterdam are a great experience for adults and children. They are usually decorated with twinkling lights to put you in that festive mood. When visiting the markets, ensure you taste the traditional snacks and sip on mulled wine. Don’t forget to buy a souvenir to take back home.
Go ice Skating
Outdoor skating is a winter tradition in Amsterdam. During this time, the canals will freeze giving you the space and avenue to glide in the waterways. It is a magical experience that allows you to interact with both visitors and locals. Besides the canals, you can also explore the nearby outdoor rinks, especially in the early mornings before they are full.
Watch Amsterdam Light Festival
Being a festive season, Amsterdam has a lot of Christmas-related activities such as the Light Festival. This is an event where the locals light up the canals with breathtakingly beautiful art displays. They make the streets sparkle in the night as you explore famous buildings and locations. During your exploration, remember to hop into the different bars and clubs and sample a few cocktails.
Visit the Willet-Holthuysen Museum at Christmas Time
The Willet-Holythuysens Museum is a significant building in Amsterdam’s history. It was once a Grand Canal house but during Christmas, it is graced with festive decorations to take you back in time. You have the chance to enjoy the beautiful displays as you explore the historical rooms in the museum. All this gives you a unique view and understanding of Amsterdam during the aristocratic days.
Taste Some Oliebollen
Oliebollen is a treat not to miss when visiting Amsterdam. The Dutch treat is made from a dough mass with currants and raisins. They are then deep-fried into doughnuts and then dusted with some powdered sugar. Visitors can find these mouthwatering treats at local bakeries in Amsterdam such as Patisserie Holtkamp, and Banketbakkerij Lanskroon as well as the markets happening during the Christmas season.
See the City from a Boat
Winter in Amsterdam can get quite colder, especially during the nights. This shouldn’t worry you as there are heated boats to take you on a night ride. This gives you a chance to see the city’s views without sacrificing your warmth. If you are travelling with friends, consider getting a bottle of wine or some drinks to sip as you take in the historic architecture of Amsterdam.
Celebrate National Tulip Day
You read it right! Amsterdam has a culture of celebrating tulips on the third Saturday of January. During this day, Dam Square is transformed into a beautiful tip garden where you can pick your tulips free of charge. It is a beautiful event that showcases the beginning of the tulip season. Any flower lover will have fun at this event with these flowers.
Walk along the Canals
There is nothing as satisfying as taking a walk in Amsterdam during this season. It allows the chance to view all the beautiful sights and sculptures in Vondelpark at your own pace. Since it is during the Christmas season, the streets will be beautified with decorations and lights to keep you in the mood. If you are lucky enough, you might catch some snow during your walks.
Experience Museum Night
Amsterdam boasts tens of museums, some of which have made it to the UN Heritage list. Some of them will be open during the night to allow you to experience the art, culture, and history without subjecting yourself to cold. You can visit museums such as Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, and the famous Van Gogh Museum as you see his works and those of other contemporary artists.
We hope you found useful and interesting proposals to visit Amsterdam in Winter. In case you were going to stay for a month in the Dutch capital, we leave here the article about top activities you can do in Amsterdam in November.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
While there are many hotels in Amsterdam for you to sleep in, none beats the comfort and elegance of Catalonia Vondel Amsterdam. This four-star hotel is only 300 meters from the prestigious Vondelpark. Visitors also get a chance to explore the nearby museums such as Museumplein, Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum as they are proximal. Simply rent a bicycle and explore the area while staying at the hotel.
Being a Catalonia hotel, it has state-of-the-art facilities across traditional Dutch-style buildings. Its interior is boutique-inspired with a range of rooms for you to choose from. Whether you are traveling with friends, family, or on a business trip, it’s the ideal place for you.
And there you have it! Even though the city has a whole range of activities throughout the entire year, there are so many special things to do in Amsterdam in winter. The season brings forth special and unforgettable events that you may not experience during other seasons. Take advantage of all the above seasonal offerings and enjoy a great time without all the crowds.
