Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

Looking to visit Amsterdam? Take a look at our recommendations for the best time to plan a trip.

By Robert Heaney
Iconic Amsterdam canal houses reflected in a canal

Famous for its iconic canals, its impressive wealth of historical and cultural hotspots, as well as some of the best nightlife on the continent, Amsterdam consistently draws in visitors from all around the world.

Unlike many more seasonal European destinations, there’s no definitive best time to visit Amsterdam. Since just about everything that the city has to offer is more or less evergreen, visitors can experience Amsterdam’s top attractions at any point in the year.

That being said, the period in which you choose to visit will largely impact your overall experience. Some months offer more of a bustling atmosphere, while others will be quieter. As such, the best time to visit will ultimately come down to your personal preferences.

 

Spring (March – May)

best-time-to-visit-amsterdam

Average Temperature: 36 - 61°F • Average Rainfall: 9 - 12 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 4 - 7 hours/day

Spring marks the early shoulder season of the year, as tourism rates trough somewhat between the festive period and high season. Some consider this one of the best times to visit Amsterdam, as the absence of larger crowds provides the opportunity to experience the city’s top attractions at your leisure.

Visiting Amsterdam in spring also bears the fruit of lower hotel rates and airfare, along with much more likely admission to your choice of venues without the need to book ahead. That’s not to say that the city is ever truly quiet at any given point, though. If you’d like to experience the city’s renowned busy atmosphere, you’re likely to find most popular bars and clubs throughout Amsterdam simply brimming with life.

What’s more, while the weather won’t be quite as pleasant as in summer, you can expect typically mild days with some fairly regular sunshine throughout this period. That being said, an umbrella is always advisable, as the chance of at least one day of significant rainfall per week can’t be ruled out.

Things to do in Spring

Few things reflect Amsterdam in spring more than tulip season. One of the staple icons of the Netherlands, tulips provide a burst of color to many window displays and gardens throughout the country. To truly experience them in full bloom, take a trip to Keukenhof in nearby Lisse, where you’ll find the country’s biggest and best tulip displays.

Springtime sees Amsterdam host a variety of major events, from the Huishoudbeurs lifestyle expo to the World Press Photo exhibition. Likely the most hotly anticipated event is the KunstRAI art fair, the longest-running of its kind in the Netherlands, which brings together artists and art aficionados alike from a variety of creative disciplines to revel in their shared interests.

 

Summer (June – September)

best-time-to-visit-amsterdam

Average Temperature: 50 - 64°F • Average Rainfall: 9 - 10 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 5 - 7 hours/day

For many, summertime is when Amsterdam truly comes into its own. While you can experience the vast majority of the city’s top attractions and activities year-round, the Dutch capital never thrives to quite the same extent as it does throughout summer.

Known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling cultural hotspots, this is the period that really gives credence to Amsterdam’s famous electric atmosphere. What’s more, these are the rare few months in the year in which you can expect genuinely pleasant weather as opposed to the capital’s usual mild, wet and windy climate.

June marks the early days of the tourism peak season, with many individuals and couples seeking to get their fill ahead of the bigger waves of families and summer holidaymakers yet to come. These waves later begin to taper off in September, with families and professionals replaced once again by those opportunistic few seeking to ride the final few glorious weeks of high season.

The consistently high tourism rates of this period can be somewhat of a double-edged sword. On one hand, most attractions, bars, cafés, clubs and restaurants throughout the city are guaranteed to be filled with visitors, making for a typically vibrant atmosphere, which many find to be the core appeal of Amsterdam. On the other hand, that also makes it more difficult to find a space in any given venue, not to mention the heightened hotel rates and airfare.

Things to do in Summer

Aside from the idyllic weather and jubilant atmosphere of Amsterdam in summer, the city is also host to some of the year’s most hotly anticipated events. Live music is the name of the game here, with the Vondelpark Open Air Theater, Amsterdam Roots Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival and Milkshake Festival all offering their own unique programs drawing from a variety of genres.

Summertime is also the prime time to experience the theater scene of the Dutch capital. Holland Festival starts the ball rolling as the country’s largest performing arts festival, followed shortly by Over Het IJ held on the waterfront. Toward the end of summer, the Dutch Theater Festival and Amsterdam Fringe Festival celebrate the beginning of the new theater season with a rich program of performances taking place throughout the city.

Few events in summer outshine the Amsterdam Pride festival, though. As the city that first set the now global trend, Amsterdam goes all out with its multi-day festival in celebration of equality, diversity and personal identity. The event draws in millions of revelers from around the world, dressed in all manner of vibrant outfits, ultimately climaxing with the famous Canal Parade.

 

Fall (October & November)

best-time-to-visit-amsterdam

Average Temperature: 39 - 57°F • Average Rainfall: 7 - 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 2 - 3 hours/day

By October, Amsterdam’s tourism rates have usually begun to dip significantly once more, marking the second shoulder season of the year. While the city should still maintain its usual buzz, this period provides a moment of respite following the sometimes suffocating crowds of high season.

As if somehow aligned with the city’s flow of tourism, the climate in Amsterdam takes quite a rapid plunge in fall. Temperatures will typically be mild at best, sunshine hours begin to dwindle once again and you can usually expect at least a day of rainfall per week. But for many, this exact weather is part of the season’s whole charm. It’s hard to deny the romanticism of cycling through the puddled streets of Amsterdam lined with piles of golden fallen leaves.

Things to do in Fall

With Amsterdam now in a quieter state, fall serves as the perfect time to truly explore the unique streets and squares throughout the city. Cycling is unparalleled as the best means of getting around, with much of the city set up to benefit cyclists above all. Many rental shops throughout the city offer rates of around €10/day.

Aside from the city’s iconic streets, you’ll most likely want to explore some of Amsterdam’s famed cultural hubs. Take some time to browse the vast historical collection of the Rijksmuseum, awe at the master works housed throughout the Van Gogh Museum, and retrace the city’s complex past at the Amsterdam Museum.

 

Winter (December – February)

best-time-to-visit-amsterdam

Average Temperature: 31 - 45°F • Average Rainfall: 7 - 11 days/month • Average Sunshine: 1 - 2 hours/day

Winter in Amsterdam is very much a mixed bag depending on the exact time you choose to visit. Many find this the ideal season to visit the Dutch capital, but often for quite varying reasons. While most of the period is characterized by the year’s lowest turnover of tourists, this is somewhat overshadowed by the brief spike in interest surrounding the festive period.

December as a whole serves as a mini high season for Amsterdam, with many flocking from around the world to see the city transformed into a veritable winter wonderland. Festive lights and decorations adorn many popular streets as the city ushers in a month of holiday celebrations, beginning with vibrant Sinterklaas parades and ending in a euphoric New Year’s Eve.

As the following months roll on, tourism rates quickly taper off to low-season levels once again. Should you be able to brave the typically colder, wetter and windier days throughout winter, this is one of the best periods to experience the city at its quietest and most genuine.

Things to do in Winter

If you happen to visit Amsterdam in December, you’ll find no shortage of festive attractions and activities. Most popular is always Ice*Amsterdam, which places a large ice rink and Christmas market at the center of the busy Museumplein. The Amsterdam Winter Paradise takes this a step further, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor winter activities, from carnival games to snow tubing.

December is also the height of the Amsterdam Light Festival, during which a variety of creative light installations pop up throughout the city. These displays come alive in the evenings, giving the city even more of a magical atmosphere. Canal tours make for a fantastic way to tour the light installations, while also experiencing Amsterdam from a new perspective.

Should you find yourself on the lookout for some unique holiday gifts or post-holiday deals, Amsterdam is home to a veritable bounty of great retail hubs. The Negen Straatjes in the canal district offer a variety of charming independent stores, but Kalverstraat, Leidsestraat and their adjoining Kalverpassage shopping center are your best bet for just about all of your shopping needs.

Why not make the most of it and grab an Amsterdam pass and save while you sightsee!

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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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
Bridge in Amsterdam illuminated at night
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Weekend in Amsterdam

Looking to visit Amsterdam? Take a look at some of our recommendations for spending a weekend in the Dutch capital.
Robert Heaney
Flowerbeds floating on water in front of Rijksmuseum
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Best Museums in Amsterdam

Globally renowned as a rich cultural center, Amsterdam is positively brimming with engaging museums and historical landmarks. Having grown from a small riverside settlement in the middle ages to a modern cosmopolitan paradise, the Dutch capital has seen its fair share of significant historical and cultural developments over the centuries. Whether you’re looking to retrace the steps of Dutch history, appreciate the works of influential artists or simply discover some brand new cultural insights, the best museums in Amsterdam cater to a huge variety of audiences. 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. National Maritime Museum As a country defined by its fight against the ocean and its role as a pioneer in the Golden Age of Exploration, it’s no secret that the Netherlands is a country built on seafaring. The National Maritime Museum stands as a monument to Dutch nautical pursuits, covering everything from the Golden Age to Amsterdam’s historical role as an international trade hub. Situated quite fittingly upon the water, the museum recounts the history of Dutch maritime activity through the likes of naval maps, contemporary paintings, navigation instruments and a variety of replica ships. Moored outside the museum is a replica Dutch East India Company ship, upon which visitors can see what life was like for crew members on their exploratory voyages around the globe. NEMO Science Museum Housed within one of Amsterdam’s modern architectural marvels is the NEMO Science Museum, offering visitors of all ages an opportunity to explore science and technology in an engaging, interactive environment. Various exhibits, workshops, activities, demonstrations and movies allow visitors to see, touch, hear and smell how the world works across five immersive floors. Situated in the Oosterdok area, the venue’s accessible rooftop offers an additional open-air exhibition, terrace and restaurant, as well as stunning panoramic views across the city. While this is an ideal experience for families with younger children, that isn’t to say older individuals can’t get just as much of a kick from the vast range of immersive exhibitions on offer. Anne Frank House Easily the most popular 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 including the original concealed annex in which they and two other families remained in hiding. While the rooms of the property now sit empty of original furniture, they still breathe the chilling atmosphere of the period. EYE Film Institute The EYE Film Institute is the Netherlands’ most important center dedicated to the medium of film and the moving image. Visitors to EYE Amsterdam can enjoy a selection of classic screenings across its four main cinemas and explore the many facets of the film industry through its expansive exhibition area. The museum explores current, historical and artistic developments in film, while its interactive basement offers visitors the opportunity to explore its vast digitized collection. EYE also hosts an impressive program of immersive, educational events and activities for families and individuals alike to learn about the industry. Rembrandt House A short ways behind the Red Light District sits the former residence of celebrated Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn. A vast property on the banks of Zwanenburgwal, the Rembrandt House has been restored to replicate its exact layout during the artist’s residency, decorated according to an inventory drawn up shortly after his declaration of bankruptcy. Enthusiasts of the Golden Age painter’s works can explore his studio and living quarters, adorned with a rotating collection of his paintings. Demonstrations held at the venue also offer insights into Rembrandt’s painting and etching techniques, alongside other artistic techniques popular among his seventeenth-century contemporaries. Venustempel Sex Museum As a city now long famous for its various hedonistic offerings, it should be clear that Amsterdam isn’t one to shy away from topics often considered taboo in other parts of the world. The Venustempel (‘Venus Temple’) is the world’s oldest – and indeed first – museum dedicated to eroticism and sensuality. Fittingly situated close to Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District, the museum displays an extensive collection of erotic paintings, photographs and recordings, among other exhibits. At the museum’s entrance, visitors are immediately greeted by a plaster bust of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and fertility, before embarking on an exploration of human intimacy throughout the ages.
Robert Heaney

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