There is nothing like meandering around Amsterdam on a sunny winters day. There’s nothing like meandering round Amsterdam full stop. Despite the bicycles everywhere, as long as you familiarise yourself with the cycle/pedestrian etiquette, walking around the ‘dam is a dream. I make an annual pilgrimage to Amsterdam in winter to indulge in the Christmas markets, the glühwein, the outdoor seating and crisp days. Here’s my guide on what to do in Amsterdam in winter.
Where to stay in Amsterdam
I think the best place to stay in Amsterdam is the Museum Quarter – it is lush and green and full of museums. And the best bit, it is only a short walk to many great drinking and eating spots. Forget the red light district, forget the commercialised mcdonalds-filled streets by the station – head south! We often stay at the NH Museum Quarter, they are reasonably priced and offer beautiful rooms. The Budget Trianon hotel next to the concert hall provides dorm beds and budget rooms if that’s what you are after.
Things to do in Amsterdam in winter
I’m not going to talk about the usual things to do in Amsterdam – after all, that’s what TripAdvisor is for. I’m going to talk about places I have been and enjoyed. Ok, so they are mostly bars… but still! Here are some of my favourite Amsterdam points of interest in winter.
Stedelijk
The Stedelijk museum is Amsterdam’s premier modern art museum. Every time we have visited, there have been incredibly smart and well-put-together contemporary exhibitions on show. Keep an eye on their website to see what temporary exhibition will be on during your visit. The building itself is a work of art too.
Wandering
Take a walk across Museumplein, and through the archway that takes you under the Rijksmuseum (visit the Rijksmuseum too if you can). Cross over two canals at Spiegelgracht, take a left and wander through the restaurant-filled streets to Leidseplein. Head north and wander up and down Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Singel – the area known as The 9 Streets. Picture postcard canal views, skinny tall houses, and lovely bars and restaurants – this is a must-visit area in Amsterdam.
Food & Drink
de Admiraal tasting room – van Wees distillery
I’m not going to lie, this place is one of my favourite bars in the world. I had read about it before my first visit and upon arriving had spent 4 hours tasting every kind of old and young jenever and eating beautiful meat and cheeses and generally being all kinds of happy. Jenever is the predecessor to gin, and is a dutch speciality. Located at Herengracht 319, drop in after visiting Anne Frank’s house and warm yourself up.
Cafe Het Hok
This little bar on Leidsekruisstraat (near to the Bourbon Street Bar) is super laid back and has great bar snacks (bitterballen etc.) You can play chess, drink cheap beer, and warm up in this funky part of town.
Read more on where to eat and drink in Amsterdam!
Bourbon Street bar
Bourbon Street is a live music venue on Leidsekruisstraat 8, and even though there is a cover charge, the calibre of the acts is fantastic. It’s all rock n’ roll covers on the weekend, but the place has great atmosphere. It gets really busy on the weekends though, so only tackle this one if you want to get sweaty and squashed!
Shopping
HEMA
Hema stands for Hollandsche Eenheidsprijzen Maatschappij Amsterdam, “Dutch Standard Prices Company Amsterdam” (aren’t you glad they shortened it?). It’s a fantastic Dutch variety store. They do wonderful photo albums and craft stuff, as well as home decor. There are 3 stores in central Amsterdam, but I find the one on Kalverstraat 212 the most convenient.
de Bijenkorf
Fancy a bit of Hermes or Prada? Hit de Bijenkorf on Dam Square – it’s full of bling and perfectly manicured sales people and gold trimmings. Don’t go there if you are poor.
Albert Heijn supermarkets
AH supermarkets are everywhere, including ingenious places like UNDER the museumplein (entrance opposite the concert hall). Great if you are on a budget and need to economise. Their own brand chocolate spread is worth the visit alone, and is, incidentally, vegan.
Want to pre-book some tours or activities to save queuing in Amsterdam? Book here through Get Your Guide:
Amsterdam in Winter
There are few places where I prefer a winter visit, but Amsterdam is definitely one of those places. The cafés all have heaters and blankets, glühwein is available everywhere, and the crispness of the air adds to the vibrancy of the city. The museums are some of the best in the world, and so even if the weather isn’t on your side, there is always something to do. Amsterdam in winter is a delight.
I also have a guide to Amsterdam in the summer
If you need any help planning your trip to Amsterdam, please do get in touch with me here or on twitter!
All photos © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!).
