Winter in Amsterdam: day itinerary

Let’s be honest – you need to be lucky to see white winter in Amsterdam. The photos of Amsterdam in snow above and below where taken by a talented photographer Kristina Kutena in December 2017. But it’s not a typical winter landscape in the Netherlands. Will you see snow in Amsterdam? We don’t dare to predict that, but we can say for sure – you will have a great time in winter in Amsterdam! And here is our day itinerary for one perfect day in the city.

Winter in Amsterdam: day itinerary. Photo Kristina Kutena
Photo: Kristina Kutena

1. Visit one of the famous museums on Museumplein

Start a day with a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Moco or Stedeijk modern art museum – all located at Amsterdam’s Museumplein (Museum square). The best time to visit these museums is right at the opening, as it gets busy in the afternoon. Please be aware: the Van Gogh museum and Rijksmuseum are extremely popular, that during the holiday season we recommend to book tickets a few weeks in advance.

Check Amsterdam museums opening hours on Christmas and New Year’s Eve

2. Visit Museumplein Christmas Village

If you visit Amsterdam between 12 December and 26 December 2024, spend an early afternoon at the Museumplein Christmas Village (open from 12:00) with market chalets and ice rink just in front of the Rijksmuseum.

Create timeless memories – arrange a Christmas market photo shoot in Amsterdam.

3. Walk to the canals belt via Spiegelkwartier

The Spiegelkwartier is Amsterdam’s antiques quarter behind Museum square, on Spiegelgracht and Nieuwe Spiegelstraat. It’s a home to more than 70 antique dealers and galleries offering a wide range of art, interior objects, jewellery and vintage clothing. And it’s a lovely neighbourhood with canals and the 17th century houses, which looks especially beautiful before the holiday season.

Tip! Alterdatively join an Amsterdam Winter Walking tour in the Nine Streets and the Jordaan District.

4. Discover hidden treasures – museums in Amsterdam canal houses

How about visiting a 17th century canal-side mansion? Once homes for the wealthy Amsterdammers, some canal houses are now open to the public as museums. Here are some of them: Museum of the canals (Herengracht 386), Museum Willet-Holthuysen (Herengracht 605), FOAM museum of photography (Keizersgracht 609).

Tip! Visits to these museums are free with the I amsterdam card.

Another great museum has been a real Amsterdam’s secret for almost two centuries. Our Lord in the Attic Museum (Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38 – 40, in the middle of the the Red Light district), a typical 17th century house with a secret: a chapel that served as a fully-functioning Catholic church for over 200 years.

5. Watch the sunset at A’DAM Lookout

A’DAM LOOKOUT (at Overhoeksplein 5) is a panoramic observation deck on the top floors of the A’DAM Toren building. Here you will also find the highest swing in Europe. It is one of Amsterdam’s most famous attractions. And it’s one of the best places in Amsterdam to watch the sunset!

Starting from 2024, a free visit to A’DAM Lookout is also included in the I amsterdam city card.

Here you can also visit the Moon restaurant situated on the 19th floor of the A’DAM Tower, overlooking the IJ river and offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Amsterdam.

ADAM Lookout sunset, best of Amsterdam, Kristina Kutena
Photo: Kristina Kutena

6. Take an Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise

Every winter Amsterdam hosts the Amsterdam Light Festival – a famous festival of art, light and water. Historical buildings, bridges and sculptures in the center of Amsterdam are illuminated with colour in the dark. This year Amsterdam will host the 13th edition of the Light Festival from 28 November 2024 to 19 January 2025.

This unique light art experience is best seen from the water. One of the festival canal cruises departs from Amsterdam North, just next to A’DAM Lookout. Get on a board and enjoy your perfect evening in Amsterdam.

Winter in Amsterdam: plan your trip

Arriving to the Netherlands by plane? Travel from the airport to the city center by train or bus.
There are hundreds of nice hotels in Amsterdam for every taste and bugdet. We recommend Ambassade hotel, Andaz Prinsengracht and other hotels in the Nine Streets area on the
canal belt of Amsterdam.
Travel by public transport in Amsterdam with an unlimited pass for 1-7 days. With Amsterdam Travel ticket you can also travel from the airport.
Plan your door-to-door trips with the Glimble app for iOS or Android.
Alternatively buy the I amsterdam city card, which includes public transport, museums entrance, canal cruise and bike rental.
Check out our list of top 15 best things to do in Amsterdam.
book museum tickets in advance.
Make your trip to the Netherlands complete by visiting Giethoorn (the Dutch Venice), Volendam and Zaanse Schans.

Have a great visit to Amsterdam this winter!

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