Amsterdam in January

By Robert Heaney
Published: July 18, 2024
Snowed-over bicycle leaning against the railings of an Amsterdam canal

If you’re looking to satisfy your winter wanderlust in a city known the world over for its cultural and historical value, then a trip to Amsterdam in January could be just the ticket. So long as you can brave the European winter chill, January offers the perfect opportunity to experience the capital of Dutch delights during one of its quietest and therefore most genuine periods.

Visiting Amsterdam in January

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Average Temperature: 33 - 39°F • Average Rainfall: 8 days/month • Average Sunshine: 2 hours/day

January serves as somewhat of a renewal of Amsterdam’s low-season. With most of the festive celebrations of December now long wrapped up, the beginning of the new year sees tourism rates enter a seasonal lull which will last into the coming months.

While the Dutch capital is still alive and kicking in this period, you’ll have the chance to experience it during one of its most quiet periods. While the city never truly sleeps due to its multifaceted appeal, you’re likely to find yourself fighting much less with crowds at popular attractions. If that wasn’t enough, visiting in this period will also likely give you the benefit of off-season accommodation rates and airfare.

With winter now in full swing, you can expect January to be a month to wrap up well for. Alongside average temperatures flirting just above freezing, you’re also likely to experience at least one day of rain per week. Warm, waterproof clothing is therefore a must, particularly if you plan on exploring the city’s iconic open squares and winter festivities.

Things to do in January

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Given the average weather of Amsterdam in January, you’d be forgiven for wanting to forego exploring’s famous canals and architecture in place of more indoor activities. If you’re looking to stay toasty, then January could be a fantastic time to fit in more of the city’s renowned cultural and historical hubs.

Having been home to many celebrated artists both past and present, Amsterdam is unsurprisingly filled to the brim with some of Europe’s best art galleries. Leading the charge is the Rijksmuseum, home to the Netherlands’ largest collection of artworks and historical artifacts. Among this collection are over 20 pieces by Rembrandt, including the prized ‘Night Watch’, and four by Vermeer, such as ‘The Milkmaid’ and ‘Woman Reading a Letter’.

Second only to the Rijksmuseum is the Van Gogh Museum, home to the world’s most complete collection of the late post-Impressionist painter’s works. Just down the road is also the MOCO Museum, standing as a celebration of such popular contemporary artists as Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons.

For your fill of Dutch history, you’ll want to make your way to the likes of the Amsterdam Museum and the Maritime Museum, each offering key insights into the respective histories of Amsterdam as a whole and the nautical pursuits of the Netherlands. Also popular is the Anne Frank House, where a biographical museum now stands in memory of the Jewish wartime diarist.

If you happen to be visiting Amsterdam in early January, you’ll see the tail end of the Ice*Amsterdam festival. Hard to miss due to its huge presence on the busy Museumplein, this winter celebration comprises a central ice-skating rink complemented by market stalls, food stands and winter bars where you can warm up with a hearty cup of hot chocolate milk.

Events in January

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New Year’s Day

If you’re visiting Amsterdam over New Year’s Eve and find yourself still buzzing from a night of celebration, then you can join thousands of locals and visitors alike for the New Year Swim. On January 1, many flock to take a simultaneous dip in the North Sea as a symbolic way of washing off the previous year and starting the new one afresh.

And fresh is the operative word here because the North Sea will be cold. This isn’t a tradition for the faint of heart, but it’s a must-do if you really want an authentic Dutch New Year experience. After a brief dip in the sea, you can join your fellow revelers on the beach and continue the festivities with high spirits and a hot cup of pea soup to warm your chilled bones.

As you might expect, New Year’s Day is a public holiday in the Netherlands, meaning many stores and services will be closed for the day. This makes it a perfect time to rest after a night of festivity. Just make sure to grab any provisions and hangover cures ahead of time!

Amsterdam Light Festival

Running alongside the holiday season, the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the Dutch capital with impressive light displays by designers, artists and architects from around the world. Taking place throughout December and January, the festival typically showcases around 30 unique art installations, bringing an even more magical touch to an already festive city.

One of the most popular activities of the Light Festival is to take a canal cruise in the evening. These boat tours offer a chance for visitors and locals alike to see the city from a different perspective, offering unique insights into the history of prominent neighborhoods while also exploring the artworks lining the banks of the canals.

National Tulip Day

The third Saturday in January marks the official start of tulip season in the Netherlands with National Tulip Day. On this day, Amsterdam's Dam Square makes way for a garden of around 200,000 tulips, grown carefully over the preceding months in controlled, indoor environments. Thousands of visitors flock to this garden each January to pick their own free bunch of tulips, and many florists from this point forward will begin promoting the new tulip season.

IMPRO Amsterdam

For roughly a week in late January, a handful of Amsterdam’s key theatres become host to the IMPRO festival. Celebrating all facets of improvisational theatre, the festival attracts high caliber players from around the world to come together in a series of shows held throughout the week. The festival’s extensive program of events also includes open workshops for visitors of all backgrounds and capabilities to try their hand at improv.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Entrance to Vondelpark in Amsterdam
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Amstelpark or Vondelpark Comparison

Amsterdam’s flat terrain, picturesque canals, attractive architecture and pedestrian-friendly streets makes it a fine city for strolling (and indeed cycling). But did you know the ‘Dam is also home to some of the most perfect parks in Europe? We’re talking the Vondelpark, the Westerpark, the Amstelpark and the Rembrandtpark, to name just a few. But which is best? We pit glorious green gems Vondelpark and Amstelpark against each other, taking a deep dive into their various attractions, family friendliness and more, to find out. Read on for the lowdown in our Amstel park and Vondelpark comparison… Vondelpark Name: originally named Nieuwe Park (New Park), it was quickly renamed Vondelpark in honor of Joost van den Vondel after a statue of the 17th-century writer and playwright was erected here, on a plinth designed by celebrated Rijksmuseum architect Pierr Cuypers, no less. Age and location: Vondelpark opened in Amsterdam-Zuid borough in 1865, west of the Museumplein and Leidseplein. Vondelpark in brief: an urban oasis par excellence, Vondelpark covers some 120 acres of prime Amsterdam real estate in the heart of the city, making it the largest park in town. Beloved of locals and visitors alike (it attracts around 10 million visitors annually), it’s a sprawling green gem, crammed with statues, sculptures, manicured gardens, tranquil lakes, cute cafés, picture-perfect footbridges, and recreational opportunities galore. The park was originally designed by 19th-century landscape architect Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher, and has undergone oodles of additions, expansions and improvements since opening as a green space for strolling and horse-riding over a century-and-a-half ago, in the summer of 1865. Unmissable Vondelpark Highlights The jewel in Vondelpark’s considerable crown is the Openluchttheater, a wonderful open-air stage that hosts events every year between May and September, from stand-up comedy to classical music, as well as plays and kids entertainers. There are something like 70 statues and sculptures dotted around Vondelpark. A towering concrete piece, Picasso’s abstract 1965 masterpiece Figure découpée (aka L’oiseau aka The Bird), is perhaps the most celebrated, and was donated by the artist himself for the park’s centenary. Follow your nose to the splendid rose garden in the middle of the park. The garden was added in 1935 and contains some 70 species of the romantic blooms. Of course, relaxation and recreation are key here, and there are plenty of paths for strolling, cycling, jogging and rollerblading. You can also do as the Amsterdammers do: grab a picnic lunch and a spliff, and find a shady spot beneath the poplars to while away the afternoon. How Family-Friendly is Vondelpark? Vondelpark’s ace playgrounds feature great treehouse-like structures that are manna for adventurous kids (and parents looking for a break). Besides these, there are plenty of wide open spaces to roam, trees to climb, and spots to play hide and seek. Heck, there’s even a maze to get lost in. Hit up the Swiss-chalet-style Het Groot Melkhuis on the edge of the Vondelpark Forest for casual café food and drinks – the playground and sandpits here make it the ideal go-to for hungry families. Note that Vondelpark is open 24 hours, but somewhat less child-friendly after dark, when courting couples are legally permitted to get, ahem, jiggy on the lawns. Amstelpark Name: Amstelpark is named after the river on which it sits. Age and location: opened for the Floriade 1972 garden festival, Amstelpark is a mere whippersnapper compared to Vondelpark. It also lies a little further off Amsterdam’s main drag than its elder cousin, around six kilometers south of Centraal Station. Amstelpark in brief: Though lacking some of the spectacle of Vondelpark, Amstelpark still packs a decent punch. Its origins as a horticultural garden shine through to this day and you’ll find plenty of rhododendron and rose gardens that burst into color, providing Insta-perfect selfie backdrops during the season. A cute train, a petting zoo and the biggest playground in Amsterdam also makes this one a top choice for family days out. Unmissable Amstelpark Highlights The Rosarium and Rhododendron Valley are Amstelpark’s standout botanical highlights. Around 140 species of rhododendron burst into fragrant bloom in April and May, providing one of the most colorful flower shows in town (no mean feat in the tulip capital of the world!). Meanwhile, the Rosarium showcases over 400 varieties of rose in summer, when the riot of bright colors and heady scents is liable to leave your head spinning. Fans of all things Dutch will find much to enjoy at the Riekermolen windmill, set next to the Amstel River on the park’s southern edge. The sails of this 17th-century beauty are set spinning again on some weekends in summer, and there’s a statue of Rembrandt nearby, in homage to his love of the landscapes around the Amstel River. The miniature train that weaves through Amstelpark is one of its most popular attractions. Hop aboard in summer to make the best of all those wonderfully verdant vistas. How Family-Friendly is Amstelpark? It’s fair to say Amstelpark trumps Vondelpark when it comes to facilities for children. That miniature train is a guaranteed hit, for starters, And that’s before we even get to the mini-golf, labyrinth, and petting zoo with rabbits, goats, sheep and chickens. The Speeltuin playground here is also really quite something. Kids could spend hours here, taking on the adventure zone, going bumper to bumper on the disco boats, riding the merry-go-round, and racing the super trucks. Save on Tours, Attractions and Activities in Amsterdam Save on admission to Amsterdam attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Rijksmuseum exterior
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kings day
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Getting Around Amsterdam and Info on Kings Day

Visiting Amsterdam and looking for more info about this "Kings Day" you keep reading about? You've come to the right place. Here, we'll give you all info about Kings Day you'll ever need, as well as a quick guide to getting around Amsterdam on this most celebrated of days. Read on, learn things, and be merry. Getting Around Amsterdam So, let's look at the most common ways people get around Amsterdam. Cars are out of the question, because many of the streets become car-free party zones. Bikes Bicycles are a huge part of Dutch culture, with much of the country's travel infrastructure designed around our two-wheeled friends. This is precisely true for Amsterdam, too, with countless cycle lanes and cycle-friendly zones prevalent across the city. While bringing or buying one might be out of the question for a short stay, why not rent a bike? That way, you get all the benefits without any of the hassle! Just make sure you lock it up securely, as Amsterdam has prevalent bike theft problems. Plus, if you haven't ridden in a while, maybe take it for a practice spin before braving the cycle lanes. Riders won't appreciate the proverbial training wheels - they've got places to be! Trams Many overground tram and bus routes are also closed off during the celebrations. A few routes tend to be available from Centraal Station, but do check before you plan your trip. If you do luck out and find a route that suits you, you can buy a one-hour, 24-hour, or 48-hour ticket on any tram, and they work on buses and the subway too. Or pick up an OV Chipcard. These travel cards can be picked up from Centraal Station, let you swipe in and out of stations, trams, and buses, and can be topped up at machines at many pickup spots or stations. Buses Similar to trams, Amsterdam's great bus coverage is heavily diminished on Kings Day. So plan your route and see what's available before you head out. You can't buy tickets on the bus itself, but many stops have ticket machines near them. You can also use your 1, 24, or 48-hour ticket one them, as well as your OV Chipcard. Air-conditioned with plenty of space and tinted windows to block the sun, they're a great way to get around the city. Metro Given Amsterdam's size, the subway doesn't operate in a similar vein to larger cities. There are only a handful of stations in the city center, so unless you want to travel further or somewhere specific like the trendy De Pijp district, you may not need them. You can use a 1, 24, or 48-hour ticket one them, as well as your OV Chipcard top tap in and out of the station gates. Boats Yep, you can even use boats to get about the city. Amsterdam's many waterways emanate from Centraal Station, and you can hire a boat to take you around the scenic canals. And, if you want to visit the urban-industrial paradise in Amsterdam Noord, you can hop on a free ferry at the back of Centraal Station to cross the river. Legs Walking is definitely one of the best ways to get around Amsterdam on Kings Day. Most people will be walking or cycling, so why not join them on their two-footed adventure? So, now you're all caught up with traveling in Amsterdam! So, let's provide you with some info on Kings Day. What is Kings Day? Kings Day is a public holiday celebrating a very special birthday. Who's, you ask? Why, the King of The Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, of course! Yes, the Dutch have a national holiday to celebrate a king's birthday. And yes, it's awesome. When is Kings Day? King Willem-Alexander was born on April 27th, so that's when Kings Day is every year. And yes, that means it can end up right in the middle of the week. And yes, when the monarch is a woman, the name changes to Queens Day, and will fall on her birthday. What happens on Kings Day? As a public holiday, you can expect a lot of activity on Kings Day. It's customary to wear orange when you leave the house, and this could be a hat, a t-shirt, or even a bandana. But why not go one step further and buy an all-orange outfit to really show your appreciation? Then, you're wearing the appropriate attire, go and find where the fun's at. Kings Day markets Markets are big in the Netherlands, so it's no surprise that they make an appearance on Kings Day too. In fact, people take it upon themselves to put up their own markets outside their front doors! It's called the 'Free Market', and it tends to be rather lighthearted. Don't expect to find any gems, because you're more likely to find jokey offerings. On top of that, you'll find a huge market across three streets in South Amsterdam around Beethovenstraat, Stadionweg, and Apollolaan. This is a more traditional market, where you can buy things you might actually need! Kings Day parades, parties, and other festivities While the whole city is akin to one big party, you will find other fun things in the city on Kings Day. The night before the big day is called Kings Night, when the heaviest partying takes place - followed by a chilled, recovery-filled Kings Day. You'll also find a massive Kings Day Boat Parade that makes its way along the Prinsengracht canals in the afternoon. Alongside the accompanying boats, you'll find groups gathered on the bridges above celebrating alongside them. You'll even find live music all over the place. Museumplein is well known for impromptu concerts and the like on days like this. So now you know everything you need about getting around Amsterdam on Kings Day and info on the day too! If you're spending a few days in the city either side of Kings Day and you want to see everything the city has to offer, why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Amsterdam's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley

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