Iconic canals. Tulips in bloom. Tight cobbled streets. Exceptional works of art. Amsterdam has it all.
But when’s the best time to travel to Amsterdam? As a city with defined seasons and a packed events calendar, plan your trip around the weather and its cultural delights.
When’s the best time to visit Amsterdam?
It’s a treat at any time of year
Amsterdam is a fantastic city to visit at any time of year. In summer the temperatures hit the mid-20s with the weather bright and sunny. You can wander its streets and crisscross its canals in short sleeves. In winter expect dark nights and potentially snow. The city transforms into a winter wonderland with markets and open-air ice rinks. New Year’s Eve is a raucous time with fireworks going off in the street. Spring sees tulips in bloom and the orange madness of King’s Day, whilst autumn offers golden leaves in Vondelpark and arty festivals across the city.
5 of the top districts in Amsterdam
Whether bedding down or checking out, these are the best districts in the city.
1. De Wallen
Fun, lively and hedonistic
Amsterdam’s notorious Red Light District is a mix of hazy cafes, red lights and rowdy bars. Yet for all its seediness, there’s much more to its medieval lanes – from pop-up galleries at Oude Kerk (the city’s oldest building), to avant-garde theatre at Frascati.
2. Jordaan
The real Amsterdam
There’s a lot to love about this district, originally conceived to house the working class. It’s one of a few areas in the city that feels wholly local. Where up-and-coming restaurants sit cheek-by-jowl with trendy canal-side hangouts. And Amsterdammers browse through made-in-Holland ateliers and pioneering art galleries.
3. De Pijp
Cool, creative and multicultural
Jump on the metro for a mere five minutes and you’ll land in multicultural De Pijp sitting just below the city’s historical canal belt. Come to mooch around its vast street market, Albert Cuypmarkt, rummage through beatnik boutiques and refuel on brunch in one of the creative cafes.
4. Oud-Zuid
Culture and luxury shopping
Beeline to Oud-Zuid to discover the modern art exhibitions at the Stedelijk, Banksy works at the Moco Museum and more than 200 original paintings at the Van Gogh Museum. Stroll past the fashion houses by Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Cartier along PC Hooftstraat.
5. Noord
Cultural crawl
An out-of-town district whose derelict warehouses, factories and industrial parks have been reimagined by a collective of inventive chefs, creative entrepreneurs and young artists. You’ll find experimental art galleries and kitchens doing wonderful things with seafood.
The best bits about Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s attractions
There are so many attractions and things to do in Amsterdam. It’s a city steeped in history, with its 17th-century canal ring at its heart – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its artistic heritage, you’ll find museums and art galleries scattered all across the city – don’t miss the Rijksmuseum for an insight into Dutch history. Known as the birthplace of Rembrandt and home to Van Gogh’s masterpieces, it’s a haven for art lovers. Plus, its streets are quirky and the liberal and tolerant attitude of the city makes for a real cultural melting pot.
Amsterdam’s top events
When to plan your trip
You’ll find amazing attractions in Amsterdam at any time of year. But to experience something truly special, consider coming for one of the following events.
King’s Day
Orange madness
Amsterdam
27th April
Koningsdag’ (King’s Day) is a national holiday in the Netherlands to commemorate the birthday of King Willem-Alexander (27 April 1967). Amsterdam is the place to experience it, and there’s orange everywhere. Streets are decorated with orange flags and banners, locals wears orange, people dye their hair orange and orange drinks are sold all over the city. It’s called ‘Oranjegekte’ (Orange madness).
Tulip Festival
World-famous and colourful
Keukenhof Gardens
March – May
You can’t get more Dutch than colourful tulips in bloom. Every year in spring, you’ll see their colours light up the city. The best place to view them in all their glory is the Tulip Festival in Keukenhof Botanical Gardens.
Cultural Facts:
There are 1.2 million bikes in Amsterdam.
With over 165 canals, Amsterdam has more canals than Venice.
Amsterdam has the most museums per square metre in the world.
Grachtenfestival
Classic and classical
Canals
August – September
This 10-day classical music festival is held across Amsterdam’s canals. It features more than 150 musical performances from barges on the water. Look out for the performances from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
Amsterdam Light Festival
Bright and beautiful
City centre
November – January
Every year in winter, artists from all over the world create art installations throughout the city centre and across the canals. Wrap up warm and hop on a Light Festival cruise to take in the spectacle.
Amsterdam Art Week
Contemporary art
Across the city
May – June
Amsterdam transforms into a dynamic hub of contemporary art for five days. Over 300 contemporary artists showcase their work across 70 different venues in the city, including galleries, museums and project spaces.
Museum Night
One special night
Museums across Amsterdam
November
One night in November, around 50 of the museums across the city take part in one big festival. Running from 7pm until 2am, expect special events, displays and plenty of after-parties.
Amsterdam’s best hotels
Top four hotels
Amsterdam’s hotel scene is firing on all cylinders, whether you’re looking for a canal-side mansion converted into something cool and contemporary, a pad dripping in luxury, or a quirky bolthole with an acclaimed restaurant. Here are four of our favourites.
The Hoxton, Amsterdam
Hip and arty
The Hoxton has garnered a loyal following thanks to its hip, arty interiors, affordable prices and thoughtful touches. Expect breakfast delivered to your door each morning, canal-side views from your room, cool furnishings and DJs popping up over the weekend.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
Iconic
An iconic hotel stretching across 25 restored canal houses with plenty of personality. Contemporary Dutch design has breathed new life into the buildings dating back to the 17th century, drawing wealthy travellers to its elegant rooms that interestingly come with bike repair kits.
Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre
Budget-friendly
A superb find close to Amsterdam Central Station, with extraordinarily comfortable yet simple rooms. In a city notorious for expensive hotel rooms, the mid-range prices here are always appreciated. Expect large breakfasts of flaky croissants.
Hotel Not Hotel
Quirky and cool
Fancy bedding down in a converted VW? An Amsterdam tram cart? Or a secret bookcase? Stay for less than £100 a night at this arty pad with themed rooms, some with shared bathrooms though all with reams of character.
Average costs in Amsterdam
During your trip to Amsterdam, you can expect to pay:
Meal in an inexpensive restaurant: €15-20
Three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant: €60-70
Cappuccino: €2.50-3.50
One-way Ticket (Local Transport): €3.20
Bike Rental per day: €9-15
Canal Cruise: €16-20
Van Gogh Museum: €19
Amsterdam is a wonderful city at any time of year. Come in spring for the beautiful blooms, enjoy classical music concerts on canals in summer, opt for an arty break in autumn or wrap up warm for a stroll along the canals in winter.
Thinking of travelling to Amsterdam? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
