10 Things to Do in Amsterdam in January
Winter weather can be intimidating and can make you wary of travelling to Europe. But if you come with the right clothes and a willingness to explore, you'll be able to enjoy this amazing city that has everyone in love.
Amsterdam Building | ©Pixabay
Holland is characterised by its unmistakable Amsterdam canal walks and fantastic cycling tours in Amsterdam. The city undergoes a metamorphosis every season of the year and Amsterdam in winter will offer you other colours, other landscapes and other events that will make the cold weather merely anecdotal. Here are our top tips on what to do in Amsterdam in January to help you get the most out of your adventure in this corner of the world.
1. Take a sightseeing bus tour
Get out of the cold and see the city from the comfort of your seat. The buses have guides who will tell you a bit of the history of what you see from the top of the bus, and you can ask them any questions you want. Not only will you enjoy seeing the city, but you'll also learn about it.
Where it takes place
The main itinerary includes the most important sights, but you can also combine it with museum visits or cruise tours. See our post on 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, sealing the Dutch custom.
The most crowded swim takes place on the beach in Scheveningen, where more than.... 10,000 people! take courage and their swimming costume and dive into the sea every year.
Where it takes place
Scheveningen beach is about an hour's drive 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 over for several days in January, making perfect ice rinks all over the city. Sounds great, doesn't it?
Plus, Amsterdam is set to music to make you feel like you're really in 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 you have a great time.
Where it takes place
- Rembrandtplein ice rink,
- Jaap Eden IJsbaan rink (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". That's because in springtime, the flower fields of the Netherlands become 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-2823::.
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 until April.
Where it's held
The best part is that the event takes place on Dam Square, the city's most important and central square, 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 come to the square on this special day can pick a tulip for free and take it home. Remember, they are not just a flower. They have been cultivated 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, there is still time to enjoy the most incredible light projections in the old town. At the Amsterdam Light Festival, all the canals are illuminated with designs by the best national and international light artists.
Where it takes place
There are two itineraries through the city and each route follows 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 directions 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.
- Canal boat tour: the artwork is different from the walking tour, but so is the fact that you're cruising along while enjoying the art. Remember to book your Amsterdam night canal cruise in advance, as they sell out very quickly at this time of year.
Festival opening hours
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 Gardens and Frankendael Park for more lights, and more art.
6. Visit Amsterdam's best museums
It's good to enjoy Amsterdam outdoors, even in winter, but there should also be times 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 most popular museums in the city that contains the largest collection of works by the artist and other contemporary painters.
- The Upside Down Museum: Europe's largest museum dedicated to Instagram. It has fun, photogenic scenes 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 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 will be able to know the complete history of the Red Light District from an old brothel of the 17th century.
7. Attend the "Realisme Art Fair".
This fair is one of the world's most important fairs 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 people under 18 pay only € 8. Children under 12 get in for 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 to the stage to promote their new music.
The festival owes its name to ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), a non-profit organisation whose mission is to promote the circulation of European music on the European continent and beyond. It is renowned for being the opportunity for many artists to make a name for themselves and jump straight to fame. You will see around 300 top-level performances in the heart of Groningen and awards are also presented for the best performances.
Where it takes place
The festival takes place at various locations in the city centre 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!
Even though Christmas is over, this Christmas market is open until 5 January 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, puts on 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 New Rhine River (Nieuwe Rijn) but here is the exact location: Stationsweg 26, 2312 AV Leiden, The Netherlands. You can easily get there by train from Amsterdam, it takes about half an hour, and the ticket costs around 10 €.
Tickets
Admission is completely free.
10. Attend the biggest film festival of the Netherlands in Rotterdam
From 26 January to 8 February 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 crowning glory: 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 an estimated 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, especially in winter, when our bodies are hungry for something warm to keep us going. And even more so in winter, when our bodies crave something warm to keep us going.
Well, you're in luck, because Amsterdam has some delicious winter dishes that you can't miss. Here I've selected the best ones for you to try, and then let me know what you think.
- Erwtensoep: this is the traditional Dutch soup made from 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: This is a wonderful stew typical of the Netherlands, ideal for winter and cold 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 only available at this time of year, as they are generally associated with the New Year's Eve celebrations. They are fried dumplings covered with icing sugar. They also come with rum and sultanas, if desired. These fritters will be warm and waiting for you.
- Poffertjes: these Dutch pancakes are a sugar and sweet bomb. The necessary energy boost for any winter tourist. Add butter and, why not, more sugar.
The weather in Amsterdam in January
In the month of January the temperatures range between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius, and get even colder towards the end of the month. Yes, it is the coldest and wettest time of the year. But this also opens up a whole new universe of possibilities for a different and equally enjoyable holiday.
The best advice I can give you, in my experience, is to think carefully when packing your suitcases. Don't forget to include warm clothes as well as winter coats, gloves, scarf, hat and, why not, a rain jacket. With the right attire, low temperatures won't be a bother and you'll be able to enjoy this amazing city the way you deserve. Have a good trip!