Amsterdam in November

By Robert Heaney
Amsterdam bridge and canal houses surrounded by fall-colored trees

If you're looking for a great time to visit the Netherlands off-season while still having the chance to experience the best that the city has to offer, then a trip to Amsterdam in November could be ideal. Combining the best of both worlds of off-season quietness and the beginnings of the holiday season buzz, November has something to offer for just about all types of traveller.

Visiting Amsterdam in November

Image of Photography, Face, Head, Person, Selfie, Female, Girl, Teen, Bicycle,

Average Temperature: 39 - 48°F • Average Rainfall: 7 days/month • Average Sunshine: 2 hours/day

With fall coming to a close, Amsterdam prepares to welcome a brief wave of holiday-season tourists. How busy the city may be will therefore largely depend on when in November you plan to visit the Dutch capital. A trip early in the month will allow you to still benefit from the low-season tourism rate of fall, and the more straightforward access to attractions and lower accommodation fees that come with it.

Toward the end of the month, while the city still isn’t likely to be too busy, you’re bound to come across more tourists than earlier in the month. With many Dutch festive celebrations starting as early as mid-November, many international visitors and Dutch residents alike flock to the city to enjoy the holiday season.

The tail end of fall brings with it fairly cool, wet and gloomy weather for Amsterdam. With temperatures falling between the high-30s and high-40s, you’ll typically want to wrap up warm if you plan on spending a lot of time exploring the city’s charming squares. Be sure to pack an umbrella or waterproof clothing, too, as you’re likely to encounter at least one day of rain per week.

Things to Do in November

Image of College, Person, Walking, People, Handbag,

With the not-so-cheery weather in fall, you wouldn’t be blamed for wanting to orient your trip to primarily around indoor activities. Fortunately, while Amsterdam may be famous for its iconic architecture, bridges and canals, it’s also known for its rich bounty of culture and history.

With that, one of the best things to do in Amsterdam any time of the year is to explore its wealth of world-class museums and art galleries. For a variety of both, head to the Rijksmuseum, home to a vast collection of over 8,000 pieces chronicling the history of both the Netherlands and Dutch art.

To retrace the steps of 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 have an eye for art, then topping your list should be the Van Gogh Museum, which houses an impressive collection of over 1,400 of the renowned Dutch painter's works. Right next door is the MOCO Museum, where you'll get your fix of modern and contemporary art, with exhibitions dedicated to artists such as Banksy, Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons.

If you’re an avid cyclist or just feel like taking a more active approach to your trip, there are few better places for it than Amsterdam. With more bikes than people, there are few better ways to see the Dutch capital than on your own two wheels. There’s a plethora of bike rental stores scattered throughout the city offering reasonable day rates of around €10/day.

If you happen to be visiting toward the latter half of the month and don’t mind getting a little chilly, then you may find Ice*Amsterdam a wonderful way to spend some time. Taking over the Museumplein, this event centers around a huge ice-skating rink and offers everything from festive market stalls to winter bars where you can warm up with a hearty cup of hot chocolate milk.

Events in November

Image of City, Urban, Neighborhood, Road, Street, Nature, Night, Outdoors, Lighting, Metropolis, Person, Car,

PAN Amsterdam

For a week in mid-November, the RAI Amsterdam convention center hosts PAN Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ leading art, design and antiques fair. Bringing together over 40,000 visitors each year, the fair serves as a platform for designers and art lovers alike to share insights and inspirations in every discipline from photography and contemporary art to antique furniture and interior design.

IamExpat Fair

Somewhat of a more niche event, the IamExpat Fair takes place in The Hague, just a short train ride away from Amsterdam. This one-day event offers a forum for long-stay internationals to come together and learn about life in the Netherlands.

The event consists of presentations, workshops and information stalls offering insights into the likes of professional life, education, housing and banking for those who otherwise may find themselves lost amid all the new systems of their host country. Expats can make connections with one another and find the right organizations to help them get settled. Visitors with an interest in relocating to the Netherlands may find some value from the information and insight on offer.

International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA)

Each November, much of Amsterdam’s city center transforms into a veritable paradise for film and documentary lovers. Since 1988, the IDFA has evolved to become the world’s largest documentary festival, and offers a vast program of events including guest lectures and workshops.

At the core of the festival is its huge range of documentary films offering unique perspectives on every imaginable aspect of life around the world. Typically running for a little over a week, festival screenings take place throughout the city, including outdoor screenings beneath the night sky. Many of these movies are in English or offer English subtitles, making them accessible to as large an audience as possible.

Sinterklaas’ Arrival

Should you be visiting Amsterdam any time from mid-November, you’d be hard pushed not to notice the festive celebrations beginning to unfold. On the first weekend after November 11, the Netherlands welcomes the arrival of Sinterklaas on his iconic steam boat.

In the lead-up to the day of Sinterklaas on December 5, most major cities throughout the Netherlands will host parades in which Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as Pieten (Peters) greet the onlooking families by throwing festive candies and treats out to the crowds.

Throughout this period, you’ll also find festive treats lining the shelves of most stores and bakeries. Among the most common Sinterklaas treats are pepernoten and kruidnoten (tiny gingerbread cookies), large solid chocolate letters, schuimpjes (foam-like sugary candies), speculaas cookies and various marzipan-based cakes.

Amsterdam Light Festival

Running alongside the holiday season, the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the Dutch capital with an 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.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Fireworks over the iconic Amsterdam canal houses
Blog

Christmas in Amsterdam

The festive period sees the historical streets of Amsterdam transform almost entirely, embracing the festive period in any way it can. Should you find yourself in Amsterdam around the holidays, you’ll see the streets lined with all manner of light and art displays, and many busy squares occupied by different holiday-themed events, festivals and markets. As the Netherlands celebrates more than just Christmas Day, the festive atmosphere is all the more electric in Amsterdam all through December. If you’re looking for somewhere to truly embrace the holiday spirit, then Christmas in Amsterdam could be the trip for you. Sinterklaas Should you find yourself spending the holiday season in Amsterdam, you may be in for a treat, with not just one but two Christmases to celebrate. This is the reality for children throughout the Netherlands who, in addition to celebrating Christmas Day, also look forward to a visit from Sinterklaas on December 5. In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas is the main day for gift-giving, while Christmas is more commonly reserved as a day to celebrate with family over a traditional dinner. Unlike Santa Claus, who elsewhere visits in secret on the night of the 24th, Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) makes a very public and grand entrance in mid-November. Arriving in the Netherlands on his iconic steam boat, Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as ‘Pieten’, parade through the country’s major cities, throwing candies and festive treats to the onlooking children. These festivities continue all the way up to the day of Sinterklaas on December 5, when children across the country wait excitedly to hear a knock on their front door. If they’ve been good that year, they should find their gifts on the other side. It’s also traditional for children to leave a shoe or boot by the fireplace or door, which they may find filled with small gifts when they wake the next day. Unlike Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Sinterklaas isn’t recognized as a public holiday. As such, don’t fret if you have nobody to celebrate with, as most cafés, bars and restaurants will still be open should you want to share in the festivities! Christmas Markets It’s become somewhat of an unspoken rule for major European cities to offer up a vast selection of Christmas markets and festive celebrations throughout the holiday period, and Amsterdam certainly doesn’t disappoint. Where Amsterdam departs from the European trend is in the absence of German-style Christmas markets. While you’re bound to find some similarities, Amsterdam’s Christmas markets are traditionally Dutch through and through. Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt The Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt is perhaps the most emblematic Christmas market in Amsterdam. Held over the course of a few days shortly before Christmas Day, the event is host to various stalls selling all manner of festive fare and local artisan crafts. In addition to the market stalls, you’ll also find an ice skating rink, various children’s activities, cultural events and workshops, as well as food stalls and winter bars, all often accompanied by live festive music. Be sure to check for updates from the organizers to find details as to the location and dates of this event. Sinterklaas & Funky Xmas Sunday Markets Early in December, Amsterdam’s monthly Sunday market transforms into a more holiday-themed market in celebration of Sinterklaas. Head to the Westergasfabriek to find a selection of handmade crafts and gifts, alongside all manner of festive treats and food. This market makes a return later in the month for the Funky Xmas market when, as per its name, it takes on a more groovy and Christmassy theme. Often taking place shortly before Christmas day, this is a chance to find those last-minute, quirky gifts made by local artists and designers to bring home to your loved ones. Of course, you’ll still find all of the typical staples of the Sunday market present at these special editions. For some traditional Dutch street food, be sure to try out the likes of kibbeling cod bites and poffertje pancakes. Christmas Treats If sweet Dutch treats are something you’re keen to try, there’s no better time to visit Amsterdam than during the festive period. Throughout November and December, stores and bakeries will be brimming with Sinterklaas- and Christmas-themed candies. Among the most common Sinterklaas treats are pepernoten and kruidnoten (tiny gingerbread cookies), large solid chocolate letters, schuimpjes (foam-like sugary candies), speculaas cookies and various marzipan-based cakes. You can also expect to find many festive European staples on offer throughout the city, such as smoked sausage (rookwurst), mulled wine (gluhwein) smoked sausage and warme Chocomel (hot chocolate). Be sure to try oliebollen (fried dough balls) and appelbeignets (fried apple slices) dipped in icing sugar, too! Christmas Activities & Events Ice*Amsterdam If there’s anything that best reflects Christmas in Amsterdam, it's the Ice*Amsterdam festival. Taking over the busy Museumplein, this event typically starts in mid-November and lasts all the way until late January. With an ice-skating rink at its core beneath a replica of the well-known Skinny Bridge, people of all ages flock to the area to share in some festive fun. The rink is accompanied by a healthy selection of winter bars where you can grab a hot cup of chocolate milk and a Christmas snack, alongside various market stalls selling all manner of seasonal gifts and products. Amsterdam Winter Paradise Those looking for that little bit of extra excitement should head for RAI Amsterdam which, from late December, becomes host to a huge indoor and outdoor holiday festival. Alongside the usual smattering of seasonal market stalls, street food and winter bars, the Winter Paradise offers an impressive array of festive activities. You can expect fairground rides to accompany the giant Ferris wheel overlooking the city, alongside various carnival games and activities. There are also indoor and outdoor ice-skating rinks, curling lanes and competitions, as well as an area filled with real snow for tubing, skiing and snowball fights. If you’re the competitive type, be sure to join in on the Winter Games, too. Amsterdam Light Festival Running alongside the holiday season, the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the Dutch capital with an impressive array of light displays from 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.
Robert Heaney
Moco Amsterdam
Blog

Why Moco Museum Amsterdam is the coolest art stop

From Banksy to Basquiat, the Moco Museum brings modern art to life with message-driven works and expressive flair. Looking for cool things to do in Amsterdam or planning a cultural day with kids? Moco hits different.
Beth Levicki
Amsterdam canal houses and bridge reflected in a still canal
Blog

Things to do in Amsterdam

One of the most renowned cities in Europe, Amsterdam is known the world over for its wealth of unparalleled cultural, historical and social hubs. All manner of visitors flock to the Dutch capital to walk in the footsteps of world-famous artists, explore streets and squares brimming with character and to cash in on some of the best nightlife on the continent. Unlike many other seasonal destinations, Amsterdam manages to deliver some of the most engaging activities and attractions year-round. Whether you're an art aficionado or a beer connoisseur, you'll find that there's never any shortage of great things to do in Amsterdam. Museums & Art Galleries Rijksmuseum One of the most important museums in both the Netherlands and indeed Europe as a whole, the Rijksmuseum stands as the largest museum in Amsterdam. Dominating the popular Museumplein, the museum is easily one of the most recognizable monuments in the city, most notably for its striking Renaissance- and Gothic-inspired architecture. The grand halls of the Rijksmuseum are home to a vast collection of art pieces and historical artifacts, illustrating the art and history of the Netherlands from the Dutch Golden Age to present day. Among its more than 8,000-strong collection are priceless pieces from such renowned Dutch artists as Rembrandt and Vermeer, including the former’s famous Night Watch painting. Amsterdam Museum Combining both historical artifacts and striking artworks, the Amsterdam Museum stands as the Netherlands’ most complete public chronology of the Dutch capital’s history. The museum sits within the canal band, just a short walk from the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. The museum documents the city’s growth from a thirteenth-century settlement on the banks of the River Amstel to the thriving cultural center we know today. Everything from archeological finds and historical artifacts to the works of such Dutch masters as Rembrandt help to paint a picture of life in Amsterdam and the Low Countries as a whole throughout various periods in history. Van Gogh Museum Having lived and worked in the Netherlands throughout his life, it’s only fitting that Amsterdam’s most significant art gallery be dedicated to the world’s most famous painter, Vincent Van Gogh. Just a brief walk from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum stands as the most complete permanent collection of the Dutch painter’s works. Among the gallery’s vast collection of permanent exhibits are over 200 original paintings and 500 drawings from the Post-Impressionist artist, alongside exhibitions showcasing the works of his contemporaries. The museum is separated chronologically into five periods, each exploring a different key period in his life and work. Anne Frank House Easily the most visited historical site in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. Once the original house in which the famous wartime diarist evaded German capture, the building now serves as a museum documenting her family’s more than two years in hiding, along with sobering insights into Jewish persecution under the Nazi regime throughout the Second World War. Located on the outer banks of Amsterdam’s canal band, visitors can explore the former premises of the Frank family business, most notably the original concealed annex in which they managed to remain in hiding. While the rooms of the property now sit empty of original furniture, they still breathe the chilling atmosphere of the period. Outdoor Spaces ARTIS Royal Zoo One of the oldest zoos in Europe, the Natura Artis Magistra was established in the mid-1800s and has since continued to offer an enchanting escape from the busy streets of Amsterdam for families and nature lovers alike. Commonly known simply as ARTIS, the location comprises both a botanical garden and zoological garden. Home to over 200 unique species of trees – many on the brink of extinction – alongside over 900 animals from all manner of habitats around the world, the zoo serves to educate visitors as to the vital role that every living creature plays in nature. The site is also home to an aquarium, a planetarium and an impressive art and sculpture collection. Vondelpark For a brief escape from the bustling streets of the Dutch capital, Amsterdam is home to a wide selection of beautifully serene green spaces. Most popular among these is the Vondelpark, whose 120-acre footprint houses ancient trees, scenic lakes, charming gardens and a variety of delightful bars and cafés. Westerpark Westerpark is another popular choice as, connecting to the Westergasfabriek complex, it serves as a home to some of the city’s most hip bars and restaurants, along with an arthouse cinema. Visitors can hire a boat to cruise along the Haarlemmerweg canal into the city, or attend some of the great food and music festivals hosted in the park throughout the year. Keukenhof Park If you happen to visit Amsterdam during the spring, then you should definitely consider a trip to the nearby town of Lisse. Only an hour’s train ride from Amsterdam, Lisse is home to Keukenhof Park, sometimes known as the Garden of Europe, where you’ll find the Netherlands’ best display of tulips and other flowers punctuated by the ever so iconic Dutch windmills. Getting Around Bike Rental Home to more bicycles than people, Amsterdam is a city literally built for cycling. With over 470 miles of cycle lanes making up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, cycling can often be the easiest means of getting around. What’s more, it doesn’t get much more authentically Dutch than exploring the capital on your own pair of wheels. If you’d like to make your visit a more active one, then you can pick up a bike at one of the many rental shops spread throughout the city. You can expect to pay somewhere in the region of €10/day at most shops, while some may also offer weekly or hourly packages. Once you’re up and running, why not choose one of the city’s many stunning routes to follow for the day? Canal Boats While Amsterdam’s labyrinth of canals are certainly pretty to look at and make for a fantastic photo op, they also offer a brilliant alternative means of exploring the city. The capital’s huge boating industry comprises countless companies offering all manner of excursions through the canals. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Amsterdam, then a hop-on, hop-off boat ride could be the ideal transportation for you. But where the city’s boating industry arguably shines brightest is in its specialist canal tours, offering visitors an overview of many of Amsterdam’s top attractions, complete with audio commentary to provide unique insights into their cultural and historical significance. Retail Therapy Magna Plaza Housed within the elegant Neo-Gothic halls of a former nineteenth-century post office, the Magna Plaza is a relatively small shopping center oozing with character and class. Among its various outlets are a number of fashion retailers, along with places to buy unique souvenirs and a host of other miscellaneous vendors. Kalverpassage Standing as a commercial through route between Heiligeweg and Kalverstraat, the Kalverpassage offers a wholly modern shopping experience. Natural light flows from the glass ceilings throughout the mini mall, illuminating its many specialty boutiques, food outlets and art installations. The design of the space allows for those interested to shop at their leisure and those simply passing through to do so without obstruction. De Bijenkorf At the beating heart of Amsterdam, De Bijenkorf – ‘The Beehive’ in English – is the Netherland’s most renowned premium department store. Established in 1870, the venue showcases the highest standard of quality throughout the stores in its roster. Luxury is the operative word here, with its five floors of outlets simply brimming with class and style. Nightlife & Entertainment Heineken Experience Historic home to one of the world’s most iconic beer brands, Amsterdam’s Heineken Experience takes visitors on a unique behind-the-scenes journey through the production and history of the popular pilsner. The tour guides beer fans through various aspects of the brewing process, from product innovation to the brand’s light-hearted marketing efforts, before rounding off with a refreshing tasting session. Bars & Clubs Europe’s most famous city for hedonistic pleasures gains its reputation largely from its bustling nightlife scene. Popular venues can be found throughout the city, but as a general rule of thumb, the old area of Jordaan is typically very popular with young people for its trendy bars. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are particularly popular for their club offerings, while the street of Nes often attracts more of an intellectual theater crowd, particularly around this period. Specialty Venues Few things complement a rainy day better than a steaming cup of coffee, a slice of homemade cake and an expansive collection of family favorite board games. That’s exactly the niche on which Checkpoint Charlie capitalizes. Its cozy aesthetic is bolstered by its sociable table layout, along with a variety of books and board games for customers to enjoy. The venue also hosts intimate gigs from international acts toward the end of the week. A number of venues throughout Amsterdam offer a similarly jovial atmosphere, with somewhat more of a specialty focus. Mooie Boules, for example, gives visitors the chance to sink a few beers and chat while watching or even playing a few games of classic French boules on the impressive sand pitch at its center.
Robert Heaney

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.