Iconic Amsterdam canal houses reflected in a canal

Amsterdam in October

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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Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass Itinerary | Go City®

Did you know you can save up to 51% with an All-Inclusive Pass? If you visited the below attractions without our pass, you'd spend €189.45. With our pass, it's only €89. That's a total saving of €91.45. Read on for some Amsterdam inspiration and discover how you can save on your sightseeing. Buy a pass Day 1 total cost without a pass: €92.45 Day 1 Heineken Experience It’s 5PM somewhere. Visit the Heineken Experience to learn about this famous beer. Moco Museum - Banksy & More Next, head across the canal to this boutique gallery and admire its collection of modern art - it's just begging to be added to your ‘gram. Amsterdam Canal Cruise Enjoy the views from Amsterdam’s famous canals. THIS IS HOLLAND Enjoy a 5D flight simulator that takes you over the best sights in the country. Day 2 total cost without a pass: €43.50 Day 2 Rijksmuseum Start your day admiring Vermeers and Van Goghs at this popular museum. Tour de BonTon Among Amsterdam’s most controversial tourist attractions is its Red Light District and this tour is the perfect way to learn about this often-misunderstood industry. Day 3 total cost without a pass: €44.50 Day 3 Volendam, Edam & Windmills Bus Excursion For a day of delectably rubbery cheese, wooden crafts, pretty windmills and straight-off-a-postcard architecture, then this is the tour for you. This quintessentially Dutch excursion ticks off all the above and more! By visiting these attractions with an All-Inclusive Pass, you'll have saved 51% on your sightseeing. So, what you waiting for? It's time to get planning that Amsterdam adventure now! Buy an All-Inclusive Pass We calculate our savings by comparing the Go City price to the combined normal ticket values - these were last updated on August 9, 2023.
Go City Expert
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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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Best Breakfasts in Amsterdam - Public Transport

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And when you're vacationing in a new city and plan to do a heap of exploring, they might be onto something. So if you're visiting Amsterdam and want to know the best breakfasts available, how do you get to them using the city's brilliant public transport system? Read on, and find out! Including: Omelegg Ted's Coffee & Coconuts G's Brunch Boat The Breakfast Club Getting around Amsterdam Let's start things off by giving you a quick guide to public transport in Amsterdam. You have a number of options available to you that we've talked about in greater detail here. But for the most part, as you'll find the best breakfasts in the city, you'll only be using buses, trams, the metro, bikes, or your own two feet to reach them. For trams, buses, and the metro, you can buy 1-hour, 24-hour, and 48-hour travel tickets at every Metro station, on the tram when you board, or at one of the many ticket machines you'll find at bus stops, tram stops, or at Centraal Station. Alternatively, if you're going to be traveling for longer than 48 hours, you might want to pick up an OV Chipcard. This travel card lets you any amount of money you want, and then you simply swipe when you board and alight, and top it up when you're running low. An omelet oasis If you like your eggs folded over a host of delicious fillings and toppings, then you'll love Omelegg; they specialize in the stuff. They offer quality omelets from 7AM on weekdays and 8AM on weekends, so you can definitely get your belly filled before your day truly begins. You'll discover their menu is filled with choices inspired by cuisines from all over the world. The Nordic-inspired Viking Fisherman sits aside the nationally-minded Dutchie. And if their savory offerings don't tempt you, then go for the Banana Peanutbutter - a sugary delight featuring honey, cinnamon, and egg cake. How to get there on public transport You'll find a handful of Omelegg locations all over the city. Their De Pijp location is just down the street from the De Pijp Metro station, as well as the De Pijp and Amsterdam, 2e v.d.Helststraat tram stops . And their City Center location is a five-minute walk from Centraal Station. Theodore, you spoil us If you want an all-day breakfast and brunch spot with some meatier meals to fuel your exploring, head to Ted's. Their bright and burgeoning menu offers all the breakfast treats you'd expect from a top spot. You've got an entire menu dedicated to eggs, featuring the usual affair of Eggs Benny and Eggs Florentine alongside more creative offerings like a bacon, egg, and fried chicken burrito, as well as the magnificent Triple Omega, which sounds like a Transformer but with more eggs, salmon, and sourdough. But, if your stomach is looking for something more substantial, go for one of the french toast varieties, or dip into their fantastic sandwich menu. How to get there on public transport You'll find two Ted's locations in Amsterdam. The Jordaan spot is a short walk from the Anne Frank House, and a 3-minute walk from the Westermarkt tram and bus stops. The Oud-West spot is equidistant from both the Kinkerstraat tram and bus stops and the Overtoom tram and bus stops. Either will leave you with a 3-minute walk. Beans and bigger beans If you're looking for one of the city's coolest spots to be your breakfast backdrop, start your day at Coffee & Coconuts. With a wealth of coffees, teas, juices, and even stronger drinks on offer, you can have your beverage your way. They roast and squeeze everything on-site, so you can be sure you're getting nothing but the freshest morning brew. As for food, they offer breakfast all day, with burritos, pancakes, french toast, coconut bowls, and scambled eggs just some of the things available. Or, from midday, you can dip into their fantastic Deli menu and chomp on some unique sandwich combinations. How to get there on public transport C&C's only spot is located in De Pijp. It's right across the street from the De Pijp Metro stop and a minute's walk from the De Pijp tram stop. Krunk Boat A seaside breakfast is one thing. A seafaring breakfast is another entirely. That's what you get at G's Brunch Boat, and while it might not exactly be sailing the seven seas, it does make its way along Amsterdam's beautiful canals. Oh, and did we mention that you can opt into a bottomless brunch? That's right, party animals. Who said breakfast needed to be boring, or on dry land? Hop onto the party boat and let the good times roll. Choose from one of their many tasty menu dishes - chicken and waffles, eggs benny, breakfast burrito, or even oysters, and then either pair it with a drink, or go for the bottomless choice and have at it. Bloody Mary's, Mimosas, Prosecco, beer, or wine are all on offer. And, for 75 minutes, you'll have your fill. Considering the spectacle of it all, it's easily one of the best breakfasts in Amsterdam! How to get there on public transport Once you've booked your ticket, head to the pickup point near the Anne Frank House. It's a 5-minute walk from the Westermarkt tram and bus stops. Don't you forget about me And finally, we end on a franchise that's taken the world by storm. Named after the eponymous 80s high school film, you'll find Breakfast Clubs in plenty of cities these days. They have a load of breakfast types, burgers, pancakes, eggs, sandwiches, and smaller bites on offer, as well as an envious sweet selection. Couple that with a delightful coffee, tea, or other beverage, and you've got yourself a guaranteed good time. How to get there on public transport With six locations all around the city, rather than bore you with all the details here, we'll simply leave a link to their website that gives you every address and shows you which stops are near it! And that's our list of the best breakfasts in Amsterdam, and how to get there by public transport!
Dom Bewley

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