Amsterdam in October

By Robert Heaney
Published: July 18, 2024
Iconic Amsterdam canal houses reflected in a canal

At the peak of fall, Amsterdam finds itself in the middle of its late-year shoulder season. Just as the weather begins to make way for the colder climates of winter, so too do tourism rates reach some of their lowest. With that, a trip to Amsterdam in October guarantees you’ll be able to experience the capital’s famous mix of history and hedonism at its most genuine.

Visiting Amsterdam in October

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Average Temperature: 46 - 57°F • Average Rainfall: 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 3 hours/day

Marking the height of Amsterdam’s fall shoulder season, October sees some of the year’s lowest turnover of tourists, with the summertime masses now long gone and the brief waves of Christmas vacationers still a good way off. While the Dutch capital is never truly quiet, this temporary lull offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the city at its most genuine.

Many of Amsterdam’s top attractions and activities are evergreen, meaning you can enjoy them at just about any time of year. However, lower tourism rates mean you’ll get to experience these attractions much more at your leisure, often without having to battle such large crowds. And if that’s not enough to convince you, then perhaps the low-season hotel rates and airfare will be.

With fall now in full swing, Amsterdam’s weather takes a fairly noticeable dip in October. With typically mild highs and rather cool lows, you’re likely to find yourself – quite rightfully – leaning more toward indoor attractions and cozy cafés. If you’re looking to spend more of your time exploring the city’s iconic streets and squares, then just be sure to pack some slightly warmer clothes, and don’t forget your umbrella.

Things to do in October

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Few things represent Amsterdam better than its wealth of renowned historical and cultural hubs. Taking pride of place, the Rijksmuseum stretches along the Museumplein, housing its vast selection of some of the Netherlands’ most celebrated artworks and historical artifacts.

The Amsterdam Museum takes a much more direct approach to history, chronicling the development of the Dutch capital from the middle ages to present day. However, easily the most visited historical site in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House, where a museum dedicated to the famous wartime diarist immortalizes the very place she and her family evaded German capture.

Should you have an eye for art, you’ll know that some of history’s most notable artists were Dutch through and through. In tribute to these famed painters, Amsterdam is dotted with a variety of art galleries, such as the Van Gogh Museum, along with hotspots like the Rembrandt House, frozen in time, where enthusiasts can walk in the footsteps of one of Europe’s greatest creatives.

Alongside art, culture and history, Amsterdam is particularly famous for its hedonistic delights, and nothing reflects that more than its bustling nightlife scene. As a general rule of thumb, Jordaan is a particularly popular area with young people for its selection of trendy bars, and the clubs on Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein serve as a great place to continue the night.

For a unique way to explore the city while you still have the weather for it, a canal boat tour can offer a fantastic view of some of Amsterdam’s top attractions from along its iconic waterways. Alternatively, a hop-on, hop-off boat tour offers somewhat the same experience, while also offering a great way to get from A to B.

If you’re looking to escape the cold for a few hours, whether it be with a steaming cup of coffee and a hearty slice of homemade cake or a few beers over a friendly game, a number of specialty venues throughout the city can deliver just that. The homely atmosphere and wide library of board games and books at Checkpoint Charlie makes it a great place to spend a few hours, while Mooie Boules has visitors sinking a few drinks while playing or watching a few rounds of French boules.

Events in October

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Amsterdam Lift-Off Film Festival

Over the course of a week in October, filmmakers and film fanatics alike come together to celebrate their shared passion for the medium at the Lift-Off Film Festival. The event invites upcoming talent to submit films of any genre to be vetted and subsequently screened in various iconic locations across the city.

Throughout the festival, submissions will be subject to audience choice awards, in which viewers vote on their choice for the best candidate in various categories. Some of the largest categories include Best Actor, Best Screenplay and Best Director, with other awards specific to genres, techniques and media. The festival serves to provide a platform for rising creators to gain recognition and further opportunities in the film industry and related professional circles.

Amsterdam Dance Event

The Amsterdam Dance Event is the world’s leading electronic music festival. Taking place over a little under a week, the event features over 300 performances from more than 2,000 DJs throughout more than 80 venues and clubs throughout Amsterdam.

With an immense program of events featuring both the biggest international names and fresh talent, the festival briefly transforms Amsterdam into the world’s busiest and most thriving nightlife hub. The event attracts over 350,000 visitors from around the globe each year to revel in performances covering the full spectrum of electronic sub-genres.

Camera Japan Festival

Camera Japan is another lauded film festival with a Japanese twist. Beginning in Rotterdam often in late September before moving to Amsterdam, the event features a vast program of Japanese film screenings. From short films to top animated pieces, many of these screenings offer English subtitles, attracting thousands of fans of world cinema each year.

Alongside the impressive array of movies is also a plethora of cultural events and activities. Visitors with an interest in Japanese art can join a calligraphy class, while foodies can indulge in some of the best Japanese cuisine in the region and watch a traditional dance or Japanese fashion demonstration.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Elevated view of Amsterdam's Church of St. Nicholas among surrounding city
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Amsterdam in September

As the final hoorah to its peak tourism season, September serves as Amsterdam’s busiest month for the rest of the year to come. Families and younger crowds make way for generally more mature and individual demographics, making for an overall more thriving and intimate atmosphere. Throw in some of the year’s hottest cultural events and a globally renowned nightlife scene, and a trip to Amsterdam in September is not one to be missed. Visiting Amsterdam in September Average Temperature: 50 - 64°F • Average Rainfall: 10 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 5 hours/day Marking the final hoorah of Amsterdam’s peak tourism season, September sees sustained masses of visitors throughout the month. While you’re less likely to come across families at this point, many individuals and groups tend to fill their place in hopes of joining in on the high season spirits. As such, many top attractions and activities are likely to remain busy, with significant queues and waiting times almost guaranteed. Airfare and accommodation rates will also often stay high until later in fall. However, so long as that doesn’t deter you, September can be one of the best times to visit, with nightlife thriving like never before and the city as a whole offering an overall electric atmosphere. With summer on its way out, average temperatures begin to dip very slightly, making for a generally mild climate across the board. Most days should be clear and warm enough to offer great conditions for exploring Amsterdam’s iconic streets and squares, though if you’re lucky, you may even get a few days of real summertime heat. One thing that’s certain, however, is the Netherlands’ unpredictable changes in weather, so it’s never a bad idea to pack an umbrella just in case. Things to Do in September No matter the time of year, any trip to Amsterdam would be incomplete without discovering at least some of its famous cultural hubs. Taking precedence is the emblematic Rijksmuseum towering over the Museumplein, housing a vast collection of renowned artworks and historical artifacts. Where historical insight is concerned, the Anne Frank House stands as the most potent recounting of life in the Netherlands during the Second World War. As a city with more bicycles than people, there are few better ways to explore Amsterdam than on your very own pair of wheels. Over 470 miles of cycle paths make up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, making for a fantastic excuse to take a more physically active approach to exploring the capital. Many bike rental stores offer daily rates somewhere in the region of €10. There’s no better time than summer to make the most of Amsterdam’s many sprawling green spaces. The weather in September offers a perfect opportunity to take a stroll among Vondelpark’s ancient trees and stunning lakes, and grab a seat at one of its many charming park cafés. Equally, why not have a picnic in Westerpark, make the most of its live summertime events and shows, or even catch a viewing at its very own arthouse cinema? Second only to cycling, Amsterdam’s emblematic waterways offer a uniquely alternative means of seeing the city. You can choose from a large variety of tour operators offering their own canal boat excursions, often including tours of the capital’s key landmarks accompanied by local insights into their cultural and historical significance. Amsterdam’s nightlife scene is never better than in summer, when you can expect most bars and clubs to be brimming with life. 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. Events in September Dutch Theater Festival Each September, the Dutch Theater Festival sets up shop to revisit the best theatrical offerings of the season. One of the biggest industry events in the Low Countries, the festival typically takes place over 11 days and offers a rich and varied program exploring the latest developments in the performing arts. Showings take place across multiple venues throughout Amsterdam’s theater district in and around Leidseplein and Nes. A number of performances are accompanied by English subtitles, while others are aimed at a younger crowd, making for a wide selection of options for different audiences. A number of exclusive events also invite the presence of some of the biggest names in Dutch and Belgian theater. Amsterdam Fringe Festival Running simultaneously with the Dutch Theater Festival, the Amsterdam Fringe Festival stands as its counterpart’s quirky sister event in its emphasis on avant-garde theater. With a central focus on promoting total artistic freedom, the festival encourages visitors to explore the fringes of both the performing arts and the city, with performances taking place in all manner of venues, from open stages to obscure garages. Thanks to the emphasis on artistic independence and experimentation, performers of all disciplines and backgrounds help to offer up a vast, open program of entirely unique and unpredictable performances. Many shows are suitable for English audiences, while others are entirely absent of language barriers. Valtifest Held within a former waterfront dockyard at Kaap Oost, Valtifest is considered the wild child of Amsterdam’s summer festival scene. The event takes place on the first Saturday of September and brings together an impressive roster of established DJs for an openly whacky party punctuated by house, electric, dance and hip-hop beats. A vast program of sideshows and performances also runs throughout the festival. Each year, the organizers of Valtifest establish a central theme for the event, which attendees take very seriously in deciding on their festival costumes. Past themes have included Folklore, Seven Deadly Sins and All in the Family, and visitors never fail to pull out all the stops. For one of the most electric festival vibes of the year, this is the event to Open Monumentendag As part of the European Heritage Days event held during the second weekend in September, the Netherlands opens the doors of thousands of the country’s most significant heritage-listed buildings and houses in a nationwide event known as Open Monuments Day. With most of these buildings accessible free of charge, visitors have the chance to explore some of Amsterdam’s most iconic historical buildings. Alternatively, with more than 80% of the country participating in the event, those interested can also explore the likes of the political heart of The Hague, the renowned theaters of Leiden, the fortifications of Utrecht and the medieval churches of Maastricht. Many open buildings also offer unique activities, tours and exhibitions exclusive to this event.
Robert Heaney
amsterdam souvenirs
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Best Amsterdam Souvenirs

Vacations are all about fun. You save up to travel, head to a new place, and surround yourself with the local culture. Of course, vacations aren't cheap, especially when they involve hours-long flights and accommodation. That means you need to pick your vacation partners well and, ultimately, it means that some will be left behind. To ensure they don't curse you or seek vengeance for the slight, pick them up a souvenir! But, if you're heading to Amsterdam, which are the best? Read on, and discover our picks for the best souvenirs in Amsterdam! Including: Stroopwafels Cheese Fritessaus Drops Tony's Chocoloney and more!   Stroopthroat Let's begin with an undeniable Dutch delicacy. To those not in the know, stroopwafels are two wafer-thin waffle cookies joined in sweet matrimony by a layer of delicious caramel. They're as good as they sound, and you can find them everywhere. Somehow, it's not a trend that's taken off worldwide, making them the perfect gift to bring back from your vacation. You'll find them in most supermarkets, but do yourself a favor and go get the good stuff. You'll find plenty of bakeries that make them fresh on-site. Check out Van Wonderen Stroopwafels for the best of the bunch. Stroopwafel makes it to the top of our list of the best Amsterdam souvenirs.   We Gouda problem? One of the things the Dutch pride themselves on is their cheese. Unlike other countries that have dozens of national cheeses, the Netherlands goes for quality over quantity. And their most famous cheese is arguably Gouda. This one has made it to the far corners of the world, with many shops selling Gouda. But the Dutch give Gouda its proper props, with many different types of the delicious cheese found in specialist cheese shops across Amsterdam. While you'll find packets upon packets of Gouda in the supermarket, head to a specialist like Old Amsterdam or De Kaaskamer to get the good stuff.   Saucy sides French fries. One of America's favorite foods get a lot of love over in Europe too. Which makes sense, given they likely originated there. However, where the continents differ is in the choice of dipping sauce. Much of Europe goes with mayonnaise, while the US tends to lean towards ketchup or other sauces. But the Dutch have their own dipping sauce created specifically with the French fry in mind; Fritessaus. It's a lighter, sweeter mayonnaise equivalent, containing chives, lime juice, and often capers. It might not sound amazing, but trust us, it brings a whole new taste sensation to your fry fascination. Go pick a bottle of it up from a supermarket, and induct your friends and family into a new world of dipping delight.   A drop in the ocean Lots of Dutch delicacies tend to fall on the sweeter side. It's no wonder, then, why bikes are so popular in the country. Not only is it a cheap way to get about, but it's also the perfect excuse to burn off some of those sugary calories! That might be why drops are one of the country's go-to snacks. These sweets are the country's take on licorice, which is, in fairness, already an acquired taste. Traditionally used to ease sore throats, it has since morphed into a sweet treat, coming in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. It might not be for everyone, but it makes for an incredibly authentic and unique souvenir. For the daring gift-giver, pick up some salmiak. It's a salty alternative that your loved ones will either love...or hate!   A clockwork chocolate Yet another sweet makes our list, but this one is far less divisive. In a world full of Nestles, Cadburys' and Hersheys, this one is a new kid on the block. But boy, is it coming out swinging. We're talking, of course, about Tony's Chocoloney, one of The Netherlands' biggest exports. Having only existed since 2005, it's going toe-to-toe with centuries-old brands and taking the points. This delicious brand of chocolate is 100% fair trade, something other brands only wish they could boast about. So morally, they already have the high ground. But what about taste? Well, we're pleased to say they're one of the best, with dozens of exciting and creative flavor fusions you won't find anywhere else. And, while you can find Tony's Chocoloney in most supermarkets, why not go to the source at the Tony's Chocoloney Superstore? Sample the latest flavors, create your own chocolate bar from a long list of delicious ingredients, and then pick up a Rainbow pack for that special someone. Tony's is, without a doubt, one of the best souvenirs you can pick up in Amsterdam.   Clog on A list of the best Amsterdam souvenirs would be sorely lacking if it didn't mention clogs. The traditional Dutch wooden shoe has become an iconic object associated with the Netherlands, and with good reason. They're strange, yet obviously quite cute, and not at all practical. But, for the last one hundred years or so, they have earned their place as one of the de facto souvenirs. You'll find entire shops dedicated to them, where you'll find unique designs and fun takes on the shoe. And sure, you could go to any old souvenir shop in the city to pick some up, but why not go the extra mile? Hop on a bus to Zaanse Schans, the 'windmill' village, and go buy some from one of the area's authentic shoemakers?   Tulip's kiss And finally, let's end our souvenir excursion on another Dutch staple - the tulip. The famed flower originates in the Netherlands, so it'll make the perfect gift for the loved ones you left behind. However, we all know that transporting a bouquet of flowers is difficult on a flight. So, why not instead give your loved ones the chance to grow their own? Keukenhof Gardens is about 20 miles outside the city, so if you're feeling active, why not rent a bike, ride down there, and pick up a seed packet or two? They'll transport a lot easier than the flowers themselves, are easier to wrap, and mean you avoid the responsibility of taking care of them! Perfect! And that's our list of the best Amsterdam souvenirs!
Dom Bewley
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