There's no denying that Amsterdam, no matter what time of the year it is, is a fun and exciting place. However, there's something a bit more magical about it when it's winter. When the snow has fallen down and the entire city looks like a winter wonderland? Absolutely beautiful! If you thought the Dutch capital was already pleasing then, wait until the snowflakes fall! And it's not just the beauty either! Winter brings about a ton of activities you can do in Amsterdam. From staying warm to eating well, you really should go to this city during this season!
As the holiday season often marks the start of winter, Amsterdam becomes even more magical the moment the first snowflakes fall. It's thanks in large part to the Amsterdam Light Festival. Year after year, starting from December up until mid-January, all sorts of light fixtures and decorations line up the famous canals of the city. If you thought the canals already look gorgeous during any other time of the year, once they're lighted up during winter, they become so mystical, you won't be able to take your eyes off of them. And trust that you wouldn't want to either!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Marvel at National Tulip Day
Tulips are practically the national flower of the Netherlands. The country is famous for its vast fields of tulips in the more rural areas. But in Amsterdam, however, no matter which
district you go to, there isn't a whole lot of them. At least, not as many as the fields you've probably seen online and on social media. But every winter, this changes! On the third Saturday of January, often times the peak of winter in the city, the whole country celebrates National Tulip Day. Because of this, the city is filled with a lot of tulips all throughout, some you can buy yourself!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Go On A Canal Cruise
Going a canal cruise is already so normal in Amsterdam that it's even become part of
the city's public transport. So why did it make it on this list? Because there's something so warm about doing it in winter. To cruise through the canal, which doesn't freeze over during this time because they're heated, is simply a must-do when you're in the city. Many of them even offer warm tea or hot chocolates while you sail along the iconic canals! Isn't that just great? Imagine cruising through a snow-ladened Amsterdam, all glistening with white snow, as you take a sip of warm tea. Heaven!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cycle Through The Cold
Speaking of doing things that aren't out of the ordinary in Amsterdam, taking your bike out for a ride isn't so bad to do in winter either! Though it can get cold, you just can't help but revel in the beauty of the city when it's covered in snow. When you take a canal cruise, you only really get to see the areas nearby. But when you cycle your way throughout the city, you'll see that there are more postcard-worthy sights in the Dutch capital during winter! And if you don't have a bike, you can easily rent one, even with the
help of an app!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Go Ice Skating
As unique, exciting, fun, and once-in-a-lifetime experience it would be to ice skate on the canals of Amsterdam, that's particularly rare to do. As previously mentioned, the city heats them so they remain liquid bodies of water throughout the year, which is why you can only really take a cruise there. But don't worry, there are other places in the Dutch capital, some may argue even more beautiful, for you to get on your skates and glide your way through the rest of winter! After all, the canals aren't the only stunning hotspots in the city!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Drink Some Gluhwein
When you visit or even move to Amsterdam, there are some things you'll get introduced to. One of them is
gluhwein. What is gluhwein, you ask? It's the unique take on wine that's fairly popular in Europe. It's mostly mulled, made with some cinnamon, and often served with a slice of tangerine for a nice citrus kick! Though you can enjoy it any time of the year, it's an especially must-have treat during winter. The Dutch even serve it
on their Christmas dinner table too! So while you're here during the cold season, don't forget to enjoy some gluhwein!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy Oliebollen
Another must-try—or must-have if you've already tried them before!—in Amsterdam during winter is a plate of
oliebollen! Fried
Dutch pastries that are pretty much the country's version of donuts (or munchkin donuts, to be more precise!) it's a quintessential Amsterdam treat during this time of the year. Just like gluhwein, people here enjoy them the most during winter, most especially when they're just freshly made! There's no better treat than to sit down at a warm cafe in the city and enjoy some oliebollen with either coffee or hot chocolate! If you want, you can even enjoy them with your glass of gluhwein too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you think that Amsterdam becomes a boring, albeit still beautiful, city during winter, you need to think again! There's actually a ton of things you can still do even when it gets colder outside. After all, the Dutch capital was never an unexciting city to begin with!
Amsterdam's luxury rentals are some of the best homes you could go for when you're spending the winter season here!
