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Top 5 Things to do in Amsterdam this Winter

With its gorgeous gabled buildings, Golden Age Canals, treasure-filled museums, vintage-packed shops and super-creative eating, drinking and design scenes, it’s no wonder that Amsterdam is such a much-loved city-break destination. We have partnered up with urban photographer Sebastien Nagy, who shared with us some of his favorite Amsterdam spots through stunning photography. You never know what you’ll find around the corner: a one-off boutique selling must-have Dutch homewares and fashion; a charming little Dutch gin distillery; a riotous flower stall, a specialist-avocado-only restaurant, a super cool gallery in an abandoned building - or a super-hot new club.

And the winter months bring a host of added special attractions – meaning you’re more than spoilt for choice about what to do next. So, we’ve done the hard yards for you, picking out the Top 5 Experiences you really won’t want to miss.

28 Nov 2022 6 min to read

An After-Dark Tour of the Canals

Describing Amsterdam as the Venice of the North really doesn’t do justice to the lovely Dutch capital: the city is home to an amazing 165 canals, creating 100 km of waterways – FAR more than Venice! It also has 90 islands, linked by more than 1500 bridges! So, a canal cruise is certainly a must. And a leisurely trip along the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canal Ring has a special magic on crisp winter nights when the rippling surface of the water reflects the city's twinkling lights. Our partner Sebastien Nagy is a super-fan of the way that the night light enhances the charmingly illuminated merchants’ houses that line the canals - creating an unforgettable mood of romance and enchantment. As an added bonus on chilly winter nights, the stylish Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center has a wonderfully central location, just a stone’s throw away from the canals and a quick walk from many of the city’s main attractions.

Blog images - Typical Amsterdam houses along canal at night - Top 5 Things to do in Amsterdam this Winter

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center - View onto Canal and Zuiderkerk

Photo: Sebastian Nagy (Amsterdam traditional houses)

Zaandam: A Colorful Trip Back in Time

Instagram fans will find plenty of irresistible shots in the lovely little village of Zaandam - located just outside Amsterdam. Walk a short way from the station to discover row upon row of highly photogenic Zaanse Huisjes – charmingly colorful houses built in the distinctive style of the area. Feel the past come vividly back to life in the Zaanse Shans, with its authentic wooden houses, windmills, sheds and workshops. Smell the scent of fresh bread in the bakery museum - or watch clogs still being made in the traditional way. Zaandam is just a ten-minute train ride from Amsterdam. So it’s an easy day trip – made even easier if you stay at Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam or the Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center - both just a short walk from the Central station.

Blog images - - Top 5 Things to do in Amsterdam this Winter

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam - Executive Room Iconic View couch

Photo: Sebastian Nagy (Zaandam houses)

Magnificent Museumplein: A Mecca for Art Lovers

A total must for all fine art fans, Amsterdam's top three museums – along with a winter ice skating rink - are all handily sited around the stately Museumplein square. Star of the show is the Rijksmuseum, a palatial 1885 building designed by Pierre Cuypers. Home to a treasure trove of Dutch masters, it features works by Rembrandt and Vermeer - along with blue-and-white Delftware porcelain and intricate dollhouses. Explore the world's largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh's masterpieces – including The Yellow House and Sunflowers - in the neighboring Van Gogh Museum. Then marvel at works by more contemporary greats - like Mondrian and De Kooning - in the bright and light-filled Stedelijk Museum.

Buy a Netherlands Museum Pass at the Rijksmuseum or the Stedelijk Museum to gain easy entry to all three Museumplein giants – plus hundreds of other museums across the country. And, after an inspirational day of gallery-going, find a warm winter welcome at the Park Plaza Vondelpark, Amsterdam – located conveniently close to the Museumplein.

Blog images - Top 5 Things to do in Amsterdam this Winter - Museum Square

Park Plaza Vondelpark, Amsterdam - Junior Suite

Unmissable Winter Winners: Jordaan, 9 Streets and The Anne Frank House

Explore the chic and atmospheric Negen Straatjes - or 9 Streets – district, nestling between four canals in the heart of the city. Home to some of the Netherlands smartest shopping, it’s packed with unique boutiques and stylish cafes. Or take a leisurely winter stroll around the former workers' quarter: the Jordaan buzzes with cozy pubs, cool galleries and markets - crammed into a grid of tiny, atmospheric lanes. And don’t leave Amsterdam without paying homage to one of the city’s most famous daughters, Anne Frank. The Anne Frank House at Prinsengracht 263 is where the young Anne hid with her family for more than two years during World War 2. Now converted into a museum, it contains a thought-provoking exhibition about the wartime persecution of the Jews – and about discrimination in general.

Blog images - Amsterdam from above - Top 5 Things to do in Amsterdam this Winter

Beyond Imagine: The Fabulous Festival of Lights

The incredible Amsterdam Light Festival is back with the mysterious new theme of Beyond Imagine this winter (Dec 1- Jan 22). One of the world’s leading events of its kind, it amazes both locals and visitors with an inspirational display of light art - shown against the beautiful backdrop of the city. Wander around evening streets to explore the 20 extraordinary installations – creating fantastic illusions of talking lamps, virtual bridges and water flowing upwards! Let your imagination run riot along The Illuminade - a free, 90-minute walking tour. Or follow the trail like a local – on a bike! Better still, take an unforgettable boat cruise alongside - or even under - some of the installations. Darkness falls early in winter - so you can hit the festival in the early evening - and still plan a full night out to follow on. Base yourself at the historic, yet contemporary Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam. Located in the city center hotspot, right opposite Central Station – it offers a perfect starting point for exploring Amsterdam on foot.

Or, if you don’t want to stay in the middle of the city, consider a break at the friendly, buzzing Park Inn by Radisson Amsterdam City West – set close to the Sloterdijk station, just 20 mins away from the city by car or 30 by public transport.

Blog images - Amsterdam by night - Top 5 Things to do in Amsterdam this Winter

Related tags: Europe & CIS , Netherlands , Amsterdam , Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center , Radisson Hotel & Suites Amsterdam South , Park Inn by Radisson Amsterdam City West , art'otel Amsterdam , Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam , Park Plaza Vondelpark, Amsterdam

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