Amsterdam may be known for its tulips and sunny canal days, but winter brings an entirely different kind of charm.
As the air turns crisp and the city lights glow a little brighter, Amsterdam feels cosy, welcoming and surprisingly lively — an often overlooked gem for a cold-weather getaway.
If you are searching for a classic European city break with a winter twist, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines highlights four great reasons why Amsterdam deserves a spot on your seasonal travel list:
1. Better deals and fewer crowds
Winter is typically Amsterdam’s quiet season — aside from the festive Christmas and New Year rush —making it a great time to explore without the usual crowds. From early January through February, hotel rates dip well below summer prices, giving travellers excellent value. With fewer visitors and shorter lines, you can savour the city’s highlights at a slower, more comfortable pace, whether that’s visiting the Anne Frank House, strolling through the Rijksmuseum, gliding along the canals on a serene winter cruise, or pedalling through calm, crowd-free streets.
2. The Amsterdam light festival
From late November to January, Amsterdam turns into a glowing outdoor art space during the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. The city’s historic canals and bridges become the backdrop for imaginative works by international artists, inviting visitors to experience the architecture in an entirely new way. The most memorable way to take it all in is from the water. A Light Festival Canal Cruise lets you get up close to the illuminated installations, offering views you simply won’t get from the streets. It’s a festive, enchanting experience that brightens even the darkest winter nights.
3. Ice skating and festive markets
Although Amsterdam’s canals no longer freeze reliably for skating, the city more than makes up for it with charming pop-up ice rinks that evoke that classic winter magic. The most iconic is set on Museumplein, framed by the beautifully lit Rijksmuseum — an unbeatable backdrop for a spin on the ice.
Winter markets also bring extra cheer to the season. Spots like Winter Paradise and the Ice Village at Museumplein offer tasty treats such as churros and glühwein, along with music and entertainment. It’s the kind of cosy, festive atmosphere that makes a winter day out in Amsterdam feel truly special.
4. Experiencing Amsterdam’s winter ‘Gezelligheid’
No winter visit to Amsterdam is complete without soaking up gezelligheid — that distinctly Dutch feeling of warmth, comfort and togetherness. As the temperatures drop, the city naturally shifts into its cosier side: glowing windows, buzzing cafés and an inviting atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and settle in.
Duck into one of Amsterdam’s classic brown cafés, where wooden interiors, soft light and friendly locals offer the perfect retreat from the cold. Whether you’re warming up with a hot drink or sharing winter favourites like oliebollen or bitterballen, the laid-back charm that defines Amsterdam in winter is impossible to miss.
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