Amsterdam is one of the most visited capitals in the world, with over 20 million tourists every year. You’re probably wondering, what is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
In this article, we give you all the avenues to explore and the city’s must-sees to visit according to the seasons. It’s up to you to make your choice!
AUTUMN IN AMSTERDAM
School’s back and you’ve decided to take some time to visit Amsterdam? Here are some recommendations for events and places to see from September onwards:
The Jordaan Festival: Every year around mid-September, the streets of the Jordaan district transform into a gathering of artists, entertainment, and fairground attractions. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover a quiet and picturesque neighborhood in full swing!
Oktoberfest: Beer is one of Amsterdam’s traditional drinks, so why not take advantage of your trip to enjoy refreshing pints at the Oktoberfest?
Museum Night: If you are eager for culture, the Amsterdam Museum Night is for you. Every year, on the first Saturday of November, several museums open their doors for free from 7 pm onwards, and also offer entertainment and cultural events.
Hemp Festival: Looking for relaxation? Note that during the 3rd week of November, the hemp and marijuana festival takes place. You can then learn more about the subject, participate in activities and entertainment.
Halloween: Amsterdam is one of the best destinations to celebrate Halloween. Between the ambient atmosphere, the horror museum or the famous Haunted Outdoor escape game, you should find something to terrify you in Amsterdam.
WINTER IN AMSTERDAM
The days are getting shorter, the temperature is cooling down, but the city doesn’t lose any of its charm, quite the opposite! Could winter be the best season to visit Amsterdam? Here are some activities you can enjoy from December to February:
Ice skating at Jaap Eden Ijsbaan: Located in the east of Amsterdam, this ice rink is very popular with the city’s youth. Its size allows it to accommodate a large audience, and cafes line the rink, allowing you to warm up after exercising. (NB: if you’re lucky, you might even be able to skate on the city’s canals, weather permitting).
Christmas: The Christmas festivities in Amsterdam make the city even more magical than usual. But beware, no Santa Claus here, but Saint Nicholas, who arrives at the end of November near the Sint Nikoolas church and distributes sweets during parades and processions. This is then an opportunity to visit the famous Museumplein and admire its decorations.
Guided tour of the city: In winter, Yellow Bike offers, in addition to its traditional guided bike tours, a guided walking tour of the city. Accompanied by a local guide, you will discover Amsterdam, its history and its secrets!
Chinese New Year: In January or February depending on the year, don’t miss the Chinese New Year festivities! Nieuwmarkt square and the Chinatown are bustling with dances, firecrackers, and exhibitions of Chinese art.
SPRING IN AMSTERDAM
The temperature is warming up, the trees are gaining color, and the sun is returning… it’s time to discover Amsterdam adorned in its most beautiful colors!
National Museum Weekend: Entry to the various museums in Amsterdam can be expensive… so take advantage of the 3rd weekend of April to visit them for free! On this occasion, national museums open their doors free of charge, allowing you to contemplate Amsterdam’s rich culture. Among them, we find the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum.
Koningsdag (or King’s Day): Every year on April 27th (King Willem Alexander’s birthday), the streets of Amsterdam are covered in orange, and all the inhabitants meet to eat, drink, browse and dance all day long.
Liberation Day: On May 5th, all the Dutch people come together and celebrate the Liberation of the country in 1945. This day follows May 4th, Remembrance Day. The inhabitants meet and celebrate together.
Lisse: Who doesn’t associate Amsterdam with tulips? Spring is THE season to admire the fields full of blossoming tulips. For this, we invite you to leave the city and go to Lisse, 30 minutes away.
SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM
The big holidays are approaching, the sun is shining and you want to take advantage of it to discover the Venice of the North? Here is a list of 5 things to do in Amsterdam in the summer:
Amsterdam Open Air Festival: This festival is held every year on the first weekend of June and offers 10 music stages showcasing all the genres present in Dutch musical culture, from Latin music to techno and urban music.
Open Gardens Days: The houses along the canals of Amsterdam hold many secrets, and among them, their gardens. Every year during the 3rd weekend of June, some private individuals and institutions open their doors to allow you to discover the amazing gardens hidden behind their facades.
A canal cruise: Summer is the best season to enjoy a cruise on the city’s canals. Many companies offer cruises, with or without commentary on the city’s history. To complete your experience, Yellow Bike offers a package including a 2-hour guided bike tour followed by a one-hour cruise on the city’s canals. Visit our ” guided tours ” section!
Amsterdam Pride: Recognized worldwide as one of the most iconic prides, Amsterdam Pride allows the entire LGBTQI+ community to showcase its colors and diversity. Pride is accompanied by the Canal Parade, a colorful boat parade. For more information on LGBTQI+ events in Amsterdam, please visit our page on the best LGBTQI+ bars in the city.
H’Art Museum open-air cinema: For the past few years, the H’Art Museum has been setting up a screen in its gardens and opening its doors to film lovers. Many award-winning films are screened over 3 days in August.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE BEST SEASON TO VISIT AMSTERDAM?
Our review of the city’s various events throughout the year is now over, but there are still many other festivities to discover! And no matter the season, the Yellow Bike team remains at your disposal all year round to welcome you and offer you many guided bike tours to discover Amsterdam.