Top 5 things to do in Amsterdam: Winter
Given the plummeting temperatures the Netherlands is currently going through, I thought it would be fitting to write a post on my top recommendations of things to do if you plan on visiting during the colder months.
1. Museums: Now, this may be a given, but Amsterdam is absolutely full of museums, galleries and cool exhibitions. What better excuse to visit some of the most famous paintings whilst escaping the freezing temperatures. Below I've listed some of my favourites:
- Van Gough Museum: A must see when in Amsterdam. Fun Fact: on the last Friday of each month the museum hosts a special evening. As well as access to the museum there are a whole host of activities going on throughout the building, from meditation, massages, to yoga.
- Stedelijk: A contemporary art museum. With its exhibitions constantly changing, you are able to go multiple times (if you're studying here for a year) and experience something different each time.
- Rijksmuseum: The Dutch National Museum dedicated to Art & History, it's absolutely massive & is home to the famous Rembrandt painting 'The Night Watch'. You can find a sculpture of this painting in Rembrandtplein.
- Moco Museum: Home to Banksy & Dalis work, it's one of the most visited pop ups in Amsterdam.
2. Ice Skating: The Dutch are good at Ice Skating, when I say good I mean the majority of children under the age of 10 are racing around the rink like its nothing. Each year a massive Ice Skating Rink is set up in Museumplein opposite the Rijksmuseum making for the perfect picturesque backdrop.
This week we have seen temperatures drop below -8 which means all of the canals have frozen over causing 'schaatskoorts' (skating fever) throughout Amsterdam. It's been 6 years since Amsterdamers were last able to skate through the canals & this weekend it is about to happen again. Check out this app to see which parts of the canals are safe to skate on.
3. Christmas Markets: If you're visiting Amsterdam over the Christmas break it will be hard to avoid the Christmas markets. For a top 10 list check out the I am website.
4. Light Festival: Each winter artists from around the globe enter into a competition for their artwork to be installed in and around the canals of Amsterdam. The majority of boat operators offer light festival tours along with blankets to keep you warm (as I would definitely recommend an open air boat). It will run from around the end of November - mid January & is not to be missed!
5. National Tulip Day: Last but not least, national tulip day. Fancy a bag of free tulips to start of the season? On the 20th January thousands of locals & tourists head down to Dam Square pick their first tulips of the year.
