Amsterdam in winter
It’s low season, but my favorite time in Amsterdam is winter. There’s something very cozy and appealing about the city during the winter, but most of all, there’s very little crowd. Amsterdam is becoming so popular that it is difficult to pass through the streets without a big queue during the summer with museums, crowds of nine streets and disgruntled locals (I understand).
If you’re looking for a guide to visit Amsterdam in the winter, you’re here! This is my third time visiting Amsterdam on a cold month, but just like I’ve visited for the first time, I’m still haunted by the city.
What to pack for Amsterdam in winter
If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to pack, look no further. Amsterdam is very north, so it gets quite cold in winter. Here’s a snapshot of what I packed in Amsterdam for a few days this winter.
The first item you need to arm is sweater Or a Thick knit. As soon as we landed we stopped by several stores to buy some in white, beige and black. These weren’t off for my trip!
You too Coat It can be long to protect your feet from the wind. We recommend boots for your feet that work to keep your feet warm. My latest obsessions are these Steve Madden Overnee and General Project Combat Boots.
We also recommend packing scarfgood quality gloves And some sneakers If you plan to walk around town.
Winter Things to Do in Amsterdam
If you are visiting Amsterdam in the winter, the trick is to work with what you have. Make the most of your comfort and winter and accept what’s best when it’s cold in Amsterdam.
Ice skating at Rijksmuseum
In both architecture and collection, start with the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s most famous museum. Once you’ve warmed up inside (don’t miss the library), go outside and enjoy ice skating.
During the winter, ice skating is open from 10am to 9pm.
Address: Museumplein 5, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Shop in 9 streets
Next, proceed to 9 ways: Famous shopping area in Amsterdam. Here you can spend hours in and out of small boutiques, quaint cafes and beautiful art galleries showing local artists.
Walking the canal
It’s cold in Amsterdam in winter, but walking is still the best way to go. Walking is the best option, especially in the mornings of sunrise (around 9am) and evenings of 5pm when locals are starting and finishing their work. This is because everyone circulates into work and school. So, unless I’m really confident about my bike, I ride it all day.
I’ll rent a bicycle
In Amsterdam, renting a bike is essential. It is the easiest and cheapest way to roam the city and there are plenty of places to rent a bike. Make sure to lock your bike. Otherwise, you might not be there when you come back!
Check out the Mocha Museum
I loved the Mocha Museum and thought it deserved a dedication mention. The museum is full of contemporary, modern and street art from truly renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Banksy. The displays are really interactive, and I left a new appreciation, especially in the case of street art.
7 days, 9:00-19:00, ‘Until Friday and Saturday
address: HonthorstStrat 20, 1071 De Amsterdam, Netherlands
Where to stay for winter in Amsterdam
Pulitzer Amsterdam
My first recommendation is the Pulitzer Hotel, as it is located on the fringes of nine streets and therefore in one of the most beautiful parts of town. The hotel itself is located in an old traditional canal home, so it is a wandering maze and has a very local feel.
Book Pulitzer Amsterdam
Andaz Amsterdam
My second recommendation is on nine streets, very similar to the Pulitzer Hotel, but not expensive. If you can afford an upgrade, choose a room facing the canal, as the view is precious!
Book Andaz Amsterdam
Classic tourists to do
The biggest part of visiting Amsterdam in the winter is doing it just like the locals. However, if you are visiting Amsterdam for the first time, you can try some of the hotspots as follows:
Red Light District
I only went to the Red Light district as I was traveling solo on my previous visit only on my third visit. It’s not really my tea, but it was cool to watch and I found the experience to be very liberating. It’s much more classy and less stained than I thought.
Van Gogh Museum
I visited the Van Gogh Museum on my first visit to Amsterdam and loved seeing the physical collection. I highly recommend a visit for art lovers (or those who want to be).
Open for 7 days, 09:00-17:00
Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Anne Frank House
The final mention is to visit Anne Frank House. You’ll have to spend hours in line, but this must definitely happen in Amsterdam. It was one of the most surreal and moving experiences for the museum, and gives a truly strong appreciation for the difficulties that Jewish families endured during the reign of Nazi Germany.
7 days from 09:00 to 19:00, Saturday from 22:00
Address: Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands