Is November a good time to visit Amsterdam? Some visitors who come to the charming city would say that it is equally delightful at any time of year. After all, the city’s main shopping streets are ready to go at any time. There are a lot of places, places to visit in Amsterdam like plenty of bars to enjoy some beer tasting. That said, November is a little chillier than other months you could choose to visit Amsterdam. In this regard, however, it really helps to make your visit even better. In the summer months, Amsterdam sees an influx of tourists coming from all over Europe and further afield. As such, some of the major tourist sights become a little overcrowded. If you want to avoid the crowds – before they pick up again in the run-up to Christmas – then November is the perfect time to visit. What should you see and do?
Amsterdam’s Culinary Experience
Although Dutch cuisine may not have a great global reputation, there are some enjoyable places to dine in Amsterdam, marking the city out from others in the Netherlands. The Grandcafé De Tropen, located on Mauritskade near to Oosterpark is a smart place for lunch or an evening meal with a varied menu that includes much more than one of the local staples, herring. You can enjoy typical local cuisine at Mr Porter where the chefs produce remarkably good steaks time after time. Many of the city’s eateries are relaxed places rather than formal. There are also a good number of restaurants serving international cuisine, such as Indian and Chinese food.
Plan the Perfect Day Trip
If your schedule allows you to get out of the city centre for a day, then take the opportunity to do so. One of the best things to do in Amsterdam is to rent a bike and cycle to the trading port of Haarlem where you will discover a completely different side to the country. Using some of the excellent cycling, network, as many local residents do, is a joy in itself. The ride takes about an hour, passing by some superb countryside and, even though you won’t see any tulip fields in bloom at this time of year, there is the chance to spot an occasional windmill or two. Be sure to visit the wonderful Teylers Museum before getting back on your bike for the return journey to your hotel in Amsterdam.
Cultural Amsterdam
Museumplein, the superb public space in central Amsterdam that offers convenient access to many of the country’s premier galleries, is the ideal place to head if you want to enjoy a great cultural experience during your stay. The pond here is used as an ice rink in the winter months. You can also reach the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum – two of the most popular places to visit in the city – within minutes of one another. In addition, the district offers convenient access to the Stedelijk Museum, which houses a high-quality collection of modern art, plus the city’s premier concert hall, Concertgebouw. Increasingly popular is Museum Night Museumnacht which is an event that takes place on the first Saturday of November. A superb reason to visit the city in its own right, Museumnacht means you can attend up to 50 different museums and galleries late at night, something that is not possible at other times of the year.
Another great reason to come in November is the Amsterdam Light Festival. This begins in late November and runs until January to coincide with the festive season. That said, the festival is devoted to world-class artworks, rather than traditional decorations, which make use of light. Tours can be arranged if you book in advance. Finally, the IDFA International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam constitutes the most prestigious film festival devoted to documentaries in the world. It has been staged annually in late November in Amsterdam since 1988, another good reason to plan your visit in late autumn.