10 Things to Do in Amsterdam in January
Winter weather can be intimidating and make you hesitant about your trip to Europe. But if you come with the right clothes and a willingness to explore, you can easily enjoy this amazing city that has everyone in love.
Amsterdam Building | ©Pixabay
Holland is characterized by its unmistakable walks along the canals of Amsterdam and its fantastic bike tours in Amsterdam. The city undergoes its metamorphosis every season of the year and Amsterdam in winter will offer you other colors, other landscapes and other events that will make the cold simply anecdotal. Here are the best tips on what to do in Amsterdam in January so that you can take 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 of the history of what you are observing 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 visits to museums or cruises. You can also see the post about the best Amsterdam sightseeing buses for more information and details.
2. Start the year with a dip in the water
Yes, you read that right. Never mind the low temperatures when it comes to following local traditions. This one in particular was born 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 crowded dip takes place on the beach in Scheveningen, where more than.... 10,000 people! take courage and their swimsuit 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 middle of the city
Cold 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 pretty cool, doesn't it?
Plus, Amsterdam is set to music to make you feel like you're truly inside a movie. And for those who like it, small kiosks are set up where you can find hot drinks and spirits to warm up your body while having a great time.
Where it takes place
- Rembrandtplein ice rink,
- Jaap Eden IJsbaan Ice Rink (experienced skaters)
- Museumplein Ice Rink (with the bonus of the Rijksmuseum in the background)
Tickets
Day pass: 2,50€. Rental: 5€.
4. Celebrate the "National Tulip Day"
In case you didn't know, Amsterdam is called "The flower shop of the world". This is because, in the spring season, the flower fields of the Netherlands turn 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 for Keukenhof Gardens|element=pa-2822::.
Visiting 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 runs through 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 have to buy a ticket to take part - everyone is welcome!
Traveller Tip
Be part of the tradition! Those who attend the square on this special day will be able to pick a tulip for free and take it home. Remember, they are not just a flower. They have been grown by Dutch people proud of their effort and dedication - there are about 200,000 of them!
5. Enjoy the "Festival of Lights"
This world-renowned festival takes place in December and most of January. Therefore, you still have time to enjoy the most incredible light projections in the old town. In the Amsterdam Light Festival, all the canals are illuminated with designs of 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 responds to a different theme designed by the artist. These itineraries are designed in a particular order, so that you understand the concept of the work.
- Walking route: it is free access and you will find the indications along the Keizersgracht canal. You can also ask for one of the free maps. I recommend that you take a guided walking tour of Amsterdam in the morning, so you will be familiar with the routes and the city itself.
- Canalboat tour: the artwork is different from the one shown on the walking tour, but so is the fact that you are sailing while enjoying the art. Remember to book your night cruise on the canals of Amsterdam in advance, because at this date they are sold out very quickly.
Festival hours
From 5pm to 11pm, daily.
You can also enjoy special events around 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 nice to enjoy Amsterdam outdoors, even in winter, but there should also be times to take shelter. And what better than to do so by visiting some of the best museums in the city. 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 (by clicking on their name you can access the tickets):
- Van Gogh Museum: one of the most popular museums in the city that contains the largest collection of works by the artist and other contemporary painters.
- The Upside Down Museum: it is the largest museum in Europe dedicated to Instagram. It has very funny scenarios, photogenic and full of optical illusions.
- Stedelijk Museum: it is the contemporary, modern and design art museum of the city. I highly recommend the audio guide to enjoy it at another level.
- Ripley Museum: it has the most important collection of human, natural, scientific and artistic rarities in the world. Do you dare to visit it?
- Red Light Secrets Museum: you can learn the complete history of the Red Light District from an old brothel of the seventeenth century.
7. Attend the "Realisme Art Fair".
This fair is one of the most important worldwide 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 will be able to draw and paint in the realistic style with classes that will be freely given 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
The general ticket costs € 12,50, but those under 18 pay only € 8. Children under 12 get in completely free.
8. Enjoy the music at the Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival
Every year, the Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival takes place and, for 4 full days, artists from all over Europe take 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 beyond. It is recognized for being the opportunity for many artists to make themselves known and jump straight to fame without stopovers. You will see around 300 performances of the best level in the heart of Groningen and also different awards are given to the best performances.
Where it takes place
The festival is held at various locations in the city center 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 days of the Leiden Christmas Markets!
Although Christmas is over, this Christmas market is open until January 5th every year. In Leiden, you will 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, puts up a market full of lights and a unique atmosphere, where you can see shows, eat and enjoy the special atmosphere that only offers at this time of year.
Where it is held
It takes place around the New Rhine River (Nieuwe Rijn) but I leave you the exact location: Stationsweg 26, 2312 AV Leiden, The Netherlands. You can easily get there by train from Amsterdam, in about half an hour, and the ticket costs around 10 €.
Tickets
Admission is completely free.
10. Attend the biggest film festival in the Netherlands in Rotterdam
From January 26 to February 8 each year, the city of Rotterdam plays host to this event of film, visual arts and live performances. You'll learn about new directors and rising talents in the world of filmmaking, and the grand finale: the VPRO Tiger Awards ceremony.
Where it takes place
Rotterdam is about an hour's drive from Amsterdam. If you decide to take the train, the ticket costs about 15 € and the trip takes about 45 minutes.
Tickets
You can buy your tickets here.
11. Taste the winter gastronomy
After a guided city tour in Amsterdam, we all get hungry. And even more so in winter when our body asks for something warm to keep us going.
Well, you're in luck, because Amsterdam offers some delicious winter dishes that you can't miss. Here I have selected the best ones for you to write down, and then tell me about them.
- Erwtensoep: is the traditional Dutch soup made with green peas. It is simply delicious, and if you prefer, you can accompany it with Dutch sausage. This way you can try two typical dishes in one lunch.
- Stamppot: it consists of a wonderful stew typical of the Netherlands, ideal for winter and low temperatures. It is made of cabbage, sauerkraut and smoked meat. But as you have already noticed, sausage can be added to absolutely everything. And the Dutch certainly do. Better to have too much than too little.
- Oliebollen: moving on to dessert, if you travel to Amsterdam in winter you will be privileged. Why? Oliebollen are found only at this time, as they are usually related to the New Year's Eve party. They are fried dumplings covered with powdered sugar. They also come with rum and raisins, if desired. These fritters will be warm and waiting for you.
- Poffertjes: these Dutch pancakes are a sugar and sweet bomb. The necessary energy injection for any tourist in winter. Add butter and, why not, more sugar.
The weather in Amsterdam in January
In the month of January temperatures range between 5 and 10 degrees, being even colder by the end of the month. Yes, it is the coldest and wettest time of the year. But this will also open up another universe of possibilities for a different and equally fun vacation.
The best advice I can give you, in my experience, is to think carefully when packing your bags. Don't forget to include warm clothes as well as winter coats, gloves, scarf, hat and, why not, a rain jacket. With the appropriate attire, the low temperatures will not be a bother and you will be able to enjoy this incredible city as you deserve. Have a good trip!