Amsterdam
What Are Some Top Things to Do in Amsterdam in Winter?
Writen By: Ramsha Rehan
Amsterdam
Amsterdam in winter feels like a postcard brought to life, with twinkling canals, cozy brown cafés, and a slower, more magical rhythm. The city doesn’t hibernate when temperatures drop; instead, it becomes more peaceful, romantic, and surprisingly affordable if you know where to go.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or group on a budget, this guide shares the best things to do in Amsterdam in winter, including free attractions, local experiences, and hidden gems, all with that authentic Dutch charm.
Why Visit Amsterdam in Winter?
If you’re wondering, “Is Amsterdam worth visiting in winter?” The short answer is yes, absolutely.
From December through February, the city is less crowded, hotel rates drop by up to 30%, and you’ll enjoy a calmer vibe. Plus, you’ll experience the city like locals do, warm cafés, cultural outings, and evening canal strolls under fairy lights.
What are the Best Free or Cheap Things to do in Amsterdam in Winter
1. Wander Along Canals
Walking through Amsterdam’s canal belt in winter is like stepping into a snow globe. Head to Jordaan, De 9 Straatjes, or Prinsengracht for the best views.
Pro tip: Go during the Amsterdam Light Festival (Nov–Jan) to see stunning art installations reflected on the canals. It’s totally free if you walk!
2. Explore Vondelpark and Westerpark
Even in winter, locals walk, skate, or grab coffee in these parks. The frosty trees and misty mornings make it perfect for photography and people-watching.
3. Visit the Begijnhof Courtyard
A hidden courtyard in the heart of the city, peaceful, free, and full of charm. You’ll find old Dutch houses and one of Amsterdam’s oldest churches here.
4. Watch the Street Performers at the Dam Square
Dam Square comes alive in winter with light displays, local performers, and nearby winter markets.
What Are the Top Cultural Attractions in Amsterdam in Winter?
Rijksmuseum
The Netherlands’ most famous museum houses masterpieces such as Rembrandt's The Night Watch.
Budget tip: Book online or visit on Friday evenings when it’s quieter.
From
€238.5
Van Gogh & Rijksmuseum: Skip-the-Line, Max 8 People
Explore the art of the Dutch Masters with the Van Gogh & Rijksmuseum tour in Amsterdam. This tour is great for seeing famous art. It's perfect for people who want to learn about Van Gogh and other artists from Holland's Golden Age. With only 8 people maximum, it feels like a private tour.What to Expect: On this 5.5-hour walking tour, an expert guide will take guests through the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. See famous paintings and learn about the history behind them. The tour skips the long lines, so there's more time to enjoy the art.Included are entrance fees to both museums, 5.5 hours with a professional guide, and a small group setting. Not included are hotel pickup or drop-off, and tips. This tour is not recommended for people who have trouble walking or use a wheelchair. The tour guides are experienced and the group sizes are small for a better experience.
Book Now
From
€90.01
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam: Exclusive Guided Tour & Reserved Entry
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Exclusive Guided Tour w/ Reserved Entry is a special way to see amazing art. This 2.5-hour tour is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about art, even if they don't know much about it. A guide will show you the most important art and tell you the stories behind them. What can you expect? See famous paintings and cool old stuff at the Rijksmuseum. Your guide knows a lot about art and will make it easy to understand. You get to skip the long line to get in! Plus, you can stay longer after the tour to look around on your own.This tour includes a guide just for you (unless you pick the cheaper option to share with others). It also includes getting into the museum and lasts for 2.5 hours. The tour does not include rides to or from your hotel. You'll need to get an Uber or taxi. Tips for your guide are not included either.
Book NowVan Gogh Museum
Learn about Van Gogh’s life through over 200 of his paintings.
From
€143.1
Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam: Exclusive Reserved Entry Tour
Discover the world of Vincent van Gogh on the Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam Exclusive Tour. This 2.5-hour guided tour takes visitors through the biggest Van Gogh collection in the world. It's a great way to see famous art and learn about a famous artist. With a personal guide, visitors can walk through masterpieces like Sunflowers. They'll also see art that is not as well-known by Van Gogh and other artists that gave him ideas. The ticket works for the whole day, so visitors can keep looking at the art on their own after the tour. The tour includes entry fees and a guide just for the group (if the 'SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE' option isn't picked). It's also wheelchair-friendly (unless the 'SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE' option is picked). Please note that the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off or gratuities. Temporary exhibitions are also not included.
Book NowAnne Frank House
A deeply moving experience and one of the most visited attractions in Amsterdam.
Tip: Tickets sell out fast. Book online weeks in advance.
From
€130
Anne Frank Tour: Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter Unveiled
The Anne Frank and Jewish Quarter Amsterdam Private Walking Tour offers a poignant journey through Amsterdam's history during World War II, seen through Anne Frank's eyes. This walking tour explores the Old Jewish Quarter and the Jordaan district, where the Anne Frank House stands. Hear the stories of those dark days.Visitors will walk through key historical sites, including the Jewish Historical Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, and the Holocaust Memorial. See the Rembrandt House Museum and the National Monument at Dam Square, before heading towards the Anne Frank House. This private tour ensures a personalized experience as you learn about Amsterdam's past.The tour includes a professional guide and all taxes and fees. However, admission to the Anne Frank House, food, drinks, and gratuities are not included.
Book NowStedelijk Museum
Perfect for modern art lovers, with exhibits from Picasso to Warhol.
From
€149
Unlock Amsterdam's Art Secrets: Stedelijk Museum Private Tour!
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam Private Tour unveils modern art from Mondrian to Warhol. An expert guide illuminates groundbreaking movements, color abstraction and light. Perfect for art lovers, this immersive experience offers deep dives into iconic works and artist histories, creating lasting memories.
Book NowWhere Can You Eat on a Budget in Amsterdam?
Foodhallen
A trendy indoor food market in Oud-West with 20+ stalls, affordable, cozy, and perfect on a rainy day.
Local Cafés & Bakeries
Try Café de Jaren (great canal views), Koffiespot (breakfasts under €10), or Bakers & Roasters (Kiwi-style brunch).
Street Food Treats
- Herring stands: Try a classic Dutch herring sandwich.
- Stroopwafels: Sweet syrup waffles found at Albert Cuyp Market.
- Oliebollen: Fried dough balls sold during the winter months are a Dutch favorite!
From
€110
Amsterdam's Culinary Canvas: A Streat Bites Food Tour
Amsterdam's Market Street Food Tour with Streat Bites immerses you in Dutch food culture, blending tradition with global influences. Explore hidden culinary gems beyond tourist hotspots, enjoying included tastings. Discover stories and flavors inseparable from Amsterdam in this walking tour. This small group ensures excellent quality.
Book NowWhat Events Happen in Amsterdam During Winter?
Winter in Amsterdam isn’t a quiet off-season. It’s a vibrant stretch full of light, culture, and unique experiences. If you’re thinking about things to do in Amsterdam in winter, adding these events can make your trip extra memorable.
Amsterdam Light Festival
One of the most iconic Amsterdam events in winter, the Amsterdam Light Festival runs from late November through January and transforms the canal belt with glowing art installations, illuminated bridges, and canal cruises.
Tip: Walking along the canals to see the lights is free. If your budget allows, hop on a canal cruise for a new perspective.
From
€240
Amsterdam Light Festival: A Private Canal Cruise with Festive Cheer
Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival on a private saloon boat, built in 1912, with a welcome drink. Float through the canals and discover illuminated sculptures with insights from your captain/guide. An intimate setting for up to 8 people, offering a unique and historic perspective.
Book NowIce Skating & Winter Festival
From mid-November to early March, you’ll find ice-rinks, winter markets, and festive venues around Museumplein and Rembrandtplein.
For example:
- Ice*Amsterdam Rink at Museumplein.
- Winter Festival Amsterdam with ice rinks, snow slides, and seasonal activities.
Budget Hack: Many rinks are affordable, and even if you skip the skate rental, watching from the sidelines or sipping hot chocolate nearby still counts as a winter activity.
Festivals, Exhibitions & Local Culture
Winter also brings film festivals, art exhibits, and quirky events under the umbrella of Amsterdam activities you don’t want to miss.
- The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) takes place in November.
- Market-style events at Westergas or NDSM Wharf showcase food, crafts, and music. Why go? These are less touristy, more local, and often lower cost, perfect for budget-friendly travellers.
Holiday & Seasonal Celebrations
The winter season brings several key dates:
- The New Year’s Eve fireworks and festivities in the canal area and around Dam Square.
- National Tulip Day in mid-January, when Dam Square turns into a sea of tulips.
- The period of Sinterklaas celebrations and Christmas markets.
- These events create the warm, cozy, festive vibe that makes Amsterdam in winter truly special.
What Are Some Hidden or Underrated Amsterdam Attractions?
The Cat Boat (De Poezenboot)
A floating cat sanctuary on a canal, cute, unique, and totally free to visit!
NDSM Wharf
A former shipyard turned arts district with graffiti, cafés, and budget hostels reachable via a free ferry from Central Station.
From
€89
Amsterdam Graffiti Art: NDSM Workshop with Local Pro
NDSM Graffiti Workshop with Local Artist Jary Mane takes you to Amsterdam's NDSM Wharf, a place that loves street art. You'll learn how to spray paint from Jary Mane, a real artist from Amsterdam.During this 90-minute class, you'll get to make three cool spray-painted pictures on paper to take home. You'll learn how to use the spray can, make stencils, and put colors on top of each other. It doesn't matter if you're good at art or not – everyone is welcome to try! NDSM Wharf is famous for its big, colorful wall paintings and lively feel, making it the perfect place to become a graffiti artist for a day. This experience is a mix of art and Amsterdam culture.At NDSM Wharf, street art is everywhere, with huge paintings on old buildings and ever-changing graffiti walls. This is Amsterdam's cool, creative side. Jary Mane's art has been shown all over the city, and now he's teaching you his skills. This experience includes all the materials needed, like spray paint, stencils, and gloves, so you can focus on having fun and being creative.
Book NowA’DAM Lookout
Panoramic views of the city from a rooftop swing (€15 entry, cheaper if you book early online).
What Are the Best Day Trips from Amsterdam in Winter?
Haarlem
A charming city 20 minutes by train, with cozy cafés, the Teylers Museum, and a festive atmosphere.
From
€350
Haarlem Canal Cruise: Your Private Voyage Awaits!
Private Canal Tour Haarlem offers an intimate exploration of Haarlem's waterways. Enjoy a personalized boat tour with a skipper, ideal for small groups. Bring your own drinks and relax while discovering the city's beauty from a unique perspective, creating unforgettable memories on the water.
Book NowZaanse Schans
See windmills, clog workshops, and Dutch countryside views. Free entry to the area, just pay for individual exhibits if you want.
From
€65
Zaanse Schans Windmills: Guided Tour from Amsterdam
Windmill Village Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam Central Station. Explore the charming Zaanse Schans, a historic village known for its iconic windmills and traditional Dutch crafts. This walking tour, led by a certified guide, offers a deep dive into the highlights of this picturesque destination. See the Albert Heijn museum shop, a clog factory, and a cheese factory, offering a glimpse into Dutch heritage. During the tour, visitors can expect to witness the inner workings of historic windmills (entrance fee not included), learn about cheese-making traditions at the Cheese Factory (Zaanse Schans), and observe clog-making craftsmanship at the Clog Workshop (Zaanse Schans). The journey begins at Amsterdam Central Station, with a train ride to Zaandijk-Zaanse Schans Station. The route includes scenic views, like crossing the Juliana Bridge, and experiencing the heart of Zaanse Schans. Included in the experience is the train ticket for a round trip from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, entrance to the cheese dairy and entrance to the clog workshop. Not included are tips, private transportation, lunch or entrance fees to the windmills. This experience is a perfect excursion for those looking to explore Dutch culture.
Book NowVolendam & Edam
Traditional fishing towns with cheese markets and harbor views are perfect for half-day trips.
From
€240
Escape Amsterdam: Discover Edam & Volendam's Charm on a Private Walking Tour
The 'Half-Day Edam and Volendam Private Walking Tour' offers a peaceful escape from Amsterdam. Explore picturesque canals, wooden houses, and gardens in these charming towns. Enjoy a relaxing stroll, discover local culture, and savor the tranquility of the Dutch countryside with convenient bus transport included.
Book NowHow Can You Plan Your Amsterdam Winter Trip Smartly?
Travel planning can get complicated, especially when trying to balance budget-friendly activities, attractions, and events. That’s where Dyvarcity helps.
It’s an AI-powered travel planner that builds personalized itineraries based on your dates, interests, and city, whether you want Amsterdam sightseeing, Amsterdam events, or local tours. Plan your trip now with Dyvarcity.
Final Thoughts: Is Amsterdam in Winter Worth It?
Without question. Winter brings out Amsterdam’s quiet beauty and local culture in ways summer never can. From the canal walks and light festivals to hidden cafés and budget-friendly museums, you’ll find the city intimate, photogenic, and unforgettable.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the real Dutch “gezelligheid,” that feeling of warmth and coziness, winter in Amsterdam is your season.