The capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam’s 17th-century canals ring the city centre with charming waterways. In its narrow streets, you’ll find quirky shops, fascinating museums, and some of Europe’s finest nightlife.
Art and culture lovers flock to Amsterdam. Among the best city galleries is the glorious Rijksmuseum, which houses works by some of the great Dutch Masters like Vermeer and Rembrandt. Vincent Van Gogh has a gallery all to himself: the Van Gogh Museum. Amsterdam also has plenty to keep history buffs interested. The world-famous Anne Frank House is a tear-jerking museum that must not be missed.
Amsterdam offers much more than the infamous Red Light District. De Pijp, the city’s quirky, bohemian neighbourhood, offers alternative bars. Here, you can also check out the Heineken Experience, a brewery tour. For Amsterdam’s most exclusive clubs, head for Leidseplein for the party of a lifetime.
Dutch cuisine has been gaining popularity recently. Don’t miss out on the great cheese, delicious waffles and moreish deep-fried croquettes. The food in Amsterdam also draws inspiration from former Dutch colonies, so it’s spicier and more varied than you might expect. The Indonesian-influenced rijsttafel (rice table) offers many small dishes to enjoy and is sure to leave you satisfied!
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Best time to travel
It’s always a good time to travel to Amsterdam! Visit in spring to see the world-famous tulips in bloom. You’ll never be bored at other times of the year, and there’s plenty to do even in the dead of winter.
March – June
To see the fields of brightly-coloured tulips that have enchanted visitors for centuries, visit Amsterdam in the spring. Mild weather makes Amsterdam a great springtime destination, though nights are still cold. The city is often busiest during the Tulip Festival.
Weather
Amsterdam enjoys a mild, dry spring without much rain. The temperatures gradually increase, with daytime averages of 9°C in March and 17°C in May. Nights are much cooler. It may be chilly by day, but the clear blue skies make the perfect backdrop for your tulip photos!
Events & parties
Most springtime events in Amsterdam focus on those famous flowers. Keukenhof Garden, open for a limited period between March and May, is a riot of colourful flowers laid out in striking, decorative patterns to create true floral art. On King’s Day, the 27th of April, the Dutch dress in patriotic orange and revel on party boats along the canals. The city’s parks host daytime events, and there are wild techno parties after dark. The 4th of May, Remembrance Day, is a more solemn affair, as people pay their respects to those who lost their lives in World War II.
Price evolution
Tulips are usually in bloom for around eight weeks in Amsterdam. During these eight weeks of spring, prices rise, particularly when the Keukenhof Garden is open. If you’re not bothered about seeing the flowers, then aim to visit in early March, when prices are lower.
Amsterdam comes to life in summer. It’s almost impossible to find a single weekend without a festival. Outdoor parties, boating fun on the canals and late-night revelry make summer in Amsterdam a popular choice for visitors. This is the high season, and if you want some great nightlife, there’s no better time to come.
Weather
Summer in Amsterdam usually features daytime temperatures from 20°C to 25°C. The summer temperatures are not outrageously hot, allowing for pleasant evening strolls by the canals.
Events & parties
If you love the atmosphere of a live performance, you’ll love the Holland Festival in June: a month-long celebration of theatre, concerts, opera, and modern dance. Also, in June, Taste of Amsterdam gives foodies a chance to sample delights from some of the city’s best chefs in Amstelpark. Amsterdam Pride, one of the biggest in the world, takes place at the start of August. The highlight is the outrageous Canal Parade, an extravagant, floating pride parade that must be seen to be believed! Lovers of electronic music should check out Mysteryland, a 3-day festival in August that attracts partygoers from across Europe and beyond.
Price evolution
Amsterdam is at its most expensive in summer. It can be hard to find accommodation unless you book well in advance, particularly during special events like Pride.
September – December
Not a fan of crowds? Then, Amsterdam in autumn is for you. This is a quieter time of year to explore the city, with mild weather but a higher chance of rain than in the spring. Pack layers, bring your umbrella, and get ready to see a less touristy side of Amsterdam.
Weather
A large percentage of Amsterdam’s annual rainfall takes place in autumn. September can be mild, but you can expect overcast skies and frequent showers by mid-October. Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C, and the weather is at its most unpredictable. At this time of year, always carry an umbrella, just in case.
Events & parties
Heritage Days, ‘Open Monumentendag’, take place each year in the second week of September. This weekend gives you a unique chance to learn more about Dutch history and culture, with around 4,000 buildings and sites opening their doors to the public to visit. Also in September, the quirky, outrageous Amsterdam Fringe Festival is a showcase for avant-garde theatre, and one of the city’s biggest alternative events. In mid-October, the Amsterdam Marathon sees over 10,000 runners race through the city’s flat streets.
Price evolution
Autumn in Amsterdam is a great time to snap up a bargain. Prices are generally lower than in spring or summer but check the calendar before booking. Special events, such as Heritage Days or the Amsterdam Marathon, can cause prices to spike briefly.
Winter in Amsterdam can be dark and gloomy, with short days and freezing temperatures. This is a good time to visit the city if you want to avoid the tourist hustle and bustle, but you’ll need to be prepared for the cold weather. Those who can handle the cold will be rewarded with plenty of fun Christmas events to enjoy.
Weather
Pack a good coat, as well as gloves, a scarf, and plenty of layers! Winter in Amsterdam is very cold indeed, with the thermometer hovering around 0°C every night. The dampness from the canals can make it feel even colder, and chilly winds frequently whip through the city. Be sure to wrap up warmly before venturing out.
Events & parties
The highlight of the winter season is the Amsterdam Light Festival. During December and January, this festival sees the city lit up with spectacular light displays that appear to float on the canals. In the weeks around Christmas, you can also visit Amsterdam Winter Paradise, with ice skating, live performances, cross-country skiing, stalls, fairground attractions, and plenty of food and drink to enjoy. In January, National Tulip Day marks the start of the tulip season. A tulip picking garden is laid out in Dam Square, and visitors are invited to pick a bunch for free.
Price evolution
Prices tend to rise over the Christmas and New Year period. However, generally, they will be very low for the rest of winter. This is a good time to visit Amsterdam on a budget.
What to see and do
How to get from the airport
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (known informally as Schiphol Airport) is 9 kilometres from the city centre. The best ways to get to the city centre from the airport include the following options.
Where to stay
Photo Gallery
