More about: 10 Things to Do in Amsterdam in January
The Netherlands is known for its unmistakable canal cruises in Amsterdam and fantastic bike tours around Amsterdam. The city undergoes a metamorphosis with each season, and Amsterdam in winter offers different colors, landscapes, and events that will make the cold seem like a mere footnote. Here are the best tips on what to do in Amsterdam in January so you can embark on an adventure in this corner of the world.
1. Take a sightseeing bus tour
Protect yourself from the cold and visit the city from the comfort of your seat. The buses have guides who will tell you a little about the history of what you are seeing from the height of the bus, and you can ask them anything you want. Not only will you enjoy seeing the city, but you will also learn about it.
Where it takes place
The main itinerary includes the most important points of interest, but you can also combine them with museum visits or cruise rides. You can also check out the post on the best tourist buses in Amsterdam for more information and details.
2. Start the year with a dip
Yes, you read that right. Low temperatures don't matter when it comes to following local traditions. This one in particular began in 1965, when a swimming club decided to start the year with a dip in the cold January sea. These witty swimmers were followed by more and more people. And then, the event was sponsored by a famous brand, thus sealing this Dutch custom.
The most popular dip takes place on Scheveningen Beach, where more than... 10,000 people! gather their courage, put on their swimsuits, and dive into the sea every year.
Where it takes place
Scheveningen beach is about an hour from Amsterdam, but there are more than 200 municipalities in the country where you can jump into the sea or a lake. Here's a list so you have no excuses. It's up to you!
- North Sea beaches: Scheveningen, Zandvoort, Bloemendaal, Wijk aan Zee, Egmond aan Zee, and Bergen aan Zee
- Wadden Islands: Texel, Terschelling, Vlieland, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog
- IJsselmeer: Hoorn, Medemblik, Hindeloopen, Lemmer, Gaasperplas, IJburg, and Sloterpas
3. Ice skating in the heart of the city
Low temperatures are exactly what we need to be able to skate on Amsterdam's canals. The water freezes for several days in January, turning into perfect ice rinks throughout the city. Sounds great, right?
What's more, Amsterdam is set to music so you really feel like you're in a movie. And for those who like it, there are small kiosks where you can find hot drinks and spirits to warm you up while you have a great time.
Where it takes place
- Rembrandtplein ice rink,
- Jaap Eden IJsbaan (for experienced skaters)
- Museumplein ice rink (with the bonus of the Rijksmuseum in the background)
Tickets
Day pass: €2.50. Rental: €5
4. Celebrate National Tulip Day
In case you didn't know, Amsterdam is called "The Flower Shop of the World." This is because, in the spring, the flower fields of the Netherlands are transformed into a blanket of beautiful tulips. You've probably seen the classic postcard, and now you can see it in person by getting your :::link|text=tickets to the Keukenhof Gardens|element=pa-11283::.
If you visit the city in January, you can attend the National Tulip Day festival, which takes place on the third Saturday of the month and welcomes the season, which lasts until April.
Where it takes place
The best part is that the event takes place in Dam Square, the most important and central square in the city, and you don't even need to buy a ticket to take part. Everyone is welcome!
Traveler Tip
Be part of the tradition! Those who attend the square on this special day can pick up a free tulip and take it home. Remember, it's not just a flower. They have been grown by Dutch people who are proud of their effort and dedication. There are around 200,000 of them!
5. Enjoy the "Festival of Lights"
This world-renowned festival takes place in December and almost the entire month of January. So you'll still have time to enjoy the most incredible light shows in the old town. At the Amsterdam Light Festival, all the canals are illuminated with designs by the best artists in the field of light, both national and international.
Where it takes place
There are two itineraries through the city, and each route has a different theme designed by the artist. These itineraries are designed in a particular order so that you can understand the concept of the work.
- Walking route: this is free to access and you will find signs along the Keizersgracht canal. You can also request one of the free maps. I recommend taking a guided walking tour of Amsterdam in the morning, so you can familiarize yourself with the routes and the city itself.
- Canal cruise route: the artwork is different from the one shown on the walking route, but so is the experience of cruising while enjoying the art. Remember to book your night cruise on the canals of Amsterdam in advance, as they sell out very quickly at this time of year.
Festival hours
From 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., every day.
You can also enjoy special events related to the Festival in other areas of the city, beyond the canals. Visit the botanical garden and Frankendael Park for more lights and more art.
6. Visit Amsterdam's best museums
It's fine to enjoy Amsterdam outdoors, even in winter, but there should also be moments to take shelter. And what better way to do that than by visiting some of the city's best museums. This way you can make the most of your time indoors.
There are many museums in Amsterdam, but these are the ones I personally recommend (click on their names to access the tickets):
- Van Gogh Museum: one of the city's most popular museums, it houses the largest collection of works by the artist and other contemporary painters.
- The Upside Down Museum: the largest museum in Europe dedicated to Instagram. It has fun, photogenic settings full of optical illusions.
- Stedelijk Museum: the city's museum of contemporary, modern, and design art. I highly recommend the audio guide to enjoy it on another level.
- Ripley's Museum: It has the world's most important collection of human, natural, scientific, and artistic oddities. Do you dare to visit it?
- Red Light Secrets Museum: learn the complete history of the Red Light District from a former 17th-century brothel.
7. Attend the Realisme Art Fair
This fair is one of the most important in the world for contemporary art. Once a year, usually during the first half of January, works related to a genre typical of the Netherlands, a mixture of realistic and figurative art, are exhibited.
In addition, visitors can draw and paint in a realistic style with classes that are freely available to those who attend. Are you ready?
Where it takes place
Passenger Terminal Amsterdam - PTA. Here is the exact address: Piet Heinkade 27, 1019 BR Amsterdam.
Tickets
General admission tickets cost €12.50, but those under 18 pay only €8. Children under 12 are admitted free of charge.
8. Enjoy the music at the Eurosonic Noorderslag festival
Every year, the Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival takes place, and for four full days, artists from all over Europe take to the stage to promote their new music.
This festival owes its name to ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the circulation of European music on the European continent and far beyond its borders. It is recognized as an opportunity for many artists to make a name for themselves and jump straight to fame without any stops along the way. You will see around 300 top-level performances in the heart of Groningen, and various awards are also given to the best performances.
Where it takes place
The festival is held at various venues in the center of the city of Groningen. From Amsterdam, it takes about two hours by car, but you can also get there by train.
Tickets
You can buy your tickets here. Are you going to miss it?
9. Make the most of the last few days of the Leiden Christmas Markets
Although Christmas is over, this Christmas market is open until January 5 every year. In Leiden, you'll find the perfect excuse to take a stroll through the only floating Christmas market in the Netherlands.
The city, considered one of the most beautiful and oldest in the country, sets up a market full of lights and a unique atmosphere, where you can watch shows, eat, and enjoy the special atmosphere that only this time of year offers.
Where it takes place
It takes place around the Nieuwe Rijn river, but here is the exact location: Stationsweg 26, 2312 AV Leiden, Netherlands. You can easily get there by train from Amsterdam in about half an hour, and the ticket costs around €10.
Tickets
Completely free admission.
10. Attend the largest film festival in the Netherlands in Rotterdam
From January 26 to February 8 each year, the city of Rotterdam becomes the venue for this film, visual arts, and live performance event. You'll learn about new directors and emerging talents in the world of cinema, and the grand finale: the VPRO Tiger Awards.
Where it takes place
Rotterdam is about an hour's drive from Amsterdam. If you decide to take the train, the ticket costs approximately €15 and the journey takes about 45 minutes.
Tickets
You can buy your tickets here.
11. Try the winter cuisine
After taking a guided tour of Amsterdam, we all get hungry. And even more so in winter when our bodies crave something warm to keep us going.
Well, you're in luck, because Amsterdam offers some delicious typical winter dishes that you can't miss out on.
I've selected the best ones for you to try, and then you can tell me what you think.
- Erwtensoep: this is a traditional Dutch soup made from green peas. It's simply delicious, and if you prefer, you can accompany it with Dutch sausage. That way you can try two typical dishes in one lunch.
- Stamppot: this is a wonderful stew typical of the Netherlands, ideal for winter and cold temperatures. It is made with cabbage, sauerkraut, and smoked meat. But as you've already realized, sausage can be added to absolutely everything. And the Dutch certainly do so. Better to have too much than not enough.
- Oliebollen: moving on to dessert, if you travel to Amsterdam in winter, you'll be in for a treat. Why? Oliebollen are only available at this time of year, as they are usually associated with New Year's Eve celebrations. They are balls of fried dough covered in powdered sugar. They also come with rum and raisins, if you like. These fritters will be waiting for you, piping hot.
- Poffertjes: these Dutch crepes are a sugar and sweetness bomb. The energy boost needed by any tourist in winter. Add butter and, why not, more sugar.
The weather in Amsterdam in January
In January, temperatures range from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, getting even colder towards the end of the month. Yes, it's the coldest and wettest time of the year. But this also opens up a whole new world of possibilities for a different, but equally fun vacation.
The best advice I can give you, based on my experience, is to think carefully when packing your bags. Don't forget to include warm clothes such as winter coats, gloves, a scarf, a hat, and, why not, a rain jacket. With the right outfit, the low temperatures won't bother you, and you'll be able to enjoy this incredible city as you deserve. Have a good trip!