Things to do in Amsterdam: Winter

When in Amsterdam...winter is a special time to explore. Here is a list of wonderful activities (updated October 2017) for you to do when in the winter wonderland that is Amsterdam.

Explore the city

In Winter the trees have lost their leaves and the architecture is exposed for you to admire. The 17th century canal district that is World Heritage listed and the Old City Centre are beautiful. The streets and canals lined with hundreds of historic listed buildings lay still under the hue of winter.

Go off the beaten path and explore the neighborhoods of North Amsterdam, de Pijp and Oud West. This is starting to become the norm now but wasn't 3 years ago when we first wrote this post. North Amsterdam is a burgeoning area filled with new bars, cafes and art spaces. The Eye Film museum is great for a coffee to look back and enjoy the panoramic view of Amsterdam's south bank of Het Ij (the large body of water at the front of Centraal train station.

De Pijp is the area to the east of the Musemplein. A short walk from the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Pop into local family owned businesses and stroll the famous Albert Cuyp market that is open even on cold winter days.

Oud West has lifted in status over the last years. The opening of the indoor food market Food Hallen a few years ago has proven popular with visitors, especially during the colder months.

If you wish to make the most of your time take a walking tour. A few companies operate in Winter. For comfort Omy Amsterdam Tours only does groups of up to 4 people. This allows you to get out of the weather periodically. For those on a budget try a free walking tour but be sure to dress for the weather as you will spend most of your time outside on the free tours. The smaller group tours of fewer than 5 people can get you off the street and into local haunts. Either way, An extra layer never hurts.

Visit Museums

Winter is a great time to visit Amsterdam's numerous museums. The most popular museums are the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.

Don't forget the smaller museums of Amsterdam. These museums have fewer crowds and are great to enjoy the quieter side to Amsterdam. Two of our favorites are the Rembrandt House Museum and the Van Loon House. Jump back in time to see how and where wealthy Amsterdammers lived.

Visiting the museums can be affordable with the IAmsterdam city card or our preferred favorite the Museumkaart (Museum Card).

Ice Skating in Amsterdam in an exceptional winter
(Photo by David Cenzer)

Ice Skate

One of the major outdoor winter sports in the Netherlands is ice skating. Pull on the skates and have a slide around the ice one way or another. Warm up after with a Mulled wine(spiced warm red wine) or Chocomel (hot chocolate)

A central location for a social skate is at Museumplein (no ice skating at Leidseplein). For those a little more adventurous head to the Jaap Eden Ice Rink an Olympic sized long track.

Sadly, there is no longer the Drag Queen Winter Olympics which was always great to watch. The Summer edition is still held in the first week of August so do return for this unique fun event.

If this type of event is to your liking check out Drag Queen Bingo that is held weekly at Cafe The Queen's Head. Local tip: think twice before shouting bingo on the 'special' rounds. :-)

Neighborfood Market, Amsterdam

Markets

Winter is a time to visit the markets. Not as grand as the markets in our big neighbor, Germany, Amsterdam markets fill their purpose. Rembrandtplein, Museumplein and Leidseplein all have Dutch winter treats for purchase to warm you through late November to early January.

There are also a range of smaller specialised markets that run up to Christmas. Visit these markets for delicacies from local and small producers.



Sunday Market
8 October  2017- Rokin (Oude Turfmarkt)
5 November 2017 - Westergasfabriek
3 December 2017 - Westergasfabriek (Sinterklaas Market)
10 December 2017 - Westergasfabriek (Funky Xmas Market)

Pure Market:
8 October  2017- Rokin (Oude Turfmarkt)
10 December 2017 - Amstel Park
17 December 2017 - Park Frankendael

Amsterdamshe kerstmarket
22 December  2017- Kromhouthal 1500hrs to 0100hrs
23 December 2017 - Kromhouthal 1200hrs to 0100hrs


Neighborfood Market
No longer operational in 2017

Museum Market:
22 October  2017
19 November 2017 
17 December 2017 
21 January 2018
18 February 2018

FoodHallen:  indoor food market open 7 days.

Cafe de Wetering
(photo by Jeniece Primus)

Cozy Bars

Amsterdam's small local bars change character in the winter. Locals strike up conversation as the tourist numbers thin. The small bars are insulated from the cold and a good conversation and a local Jenever (Dutch spirit) will warm you to your core. The smaller the bar the better.

Try Bar Jones just meters from the Dam Square or Cafe de Wetering. If you want to bar hop with a local take a Beer Tour. This Amsterdam Afternoon Beers Tour has a group limit of 4 people and very good reviews on Tripadvisor.

A night of Culture

Visit the Ballet, Opera, or Concert Hall  while in Amsterdam. The experience is not that expensive in Amsterdam compared to other Western European capitals.

If contemporary entertainment is more to your liking visit the live music institutions of Amsterdam. The Paradiso and the Melkweg always have an interesting lineup of touring international and national performers. Be sure to check well in advance as tickets to do sell out frequently.

If you are unsure, visit the Last Minute Ticket Office on Leidseplein and take a lucky dip (website in Dutch). Last day unsold tickets are re-sold here at a huge discount sometimes 80% off. Whatever your experience you will be sure to have saved off the ticket price.

When in Amsterdam....enjoy!

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