Netherlands
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Amsterdam
Updated Apr 08, 2025
Overview
Amsterdam captivates with its picturesque canals, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife. Beyond the famous attractions, discover hidden gems like local markets and cozy brown cafés. Cycle through charming neighborhoods, savor Dutch cuisine, and experience the city's progressive spirit. From Anne Frank House to cutting-edge art galleries, Amsterdam offers a perfect blend of history and modernity. Embrace the gezellig atmosphere and enjoy a truly authentic Dutch experience.
Best time to visit. Visit Amsterdam between April and May or September and October for mild weather and fewer crowds. Spring brings beautiful tulip blooms, while autumn offers cozy atmospheres and cultural events. Summer is lively but busy, and winter can be chilly but magical with holiday markets.
City stats
Population
872,680
Land area
85 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
1275 CE
Official langauge
Dutch
English speaking
Widely spoken
State/Province
North Holland
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
Neighborhoods
Getting around
Where to stay
Day trips
Cities within 8 hours
Active pursuits
Leisure activities
Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
Lunch and snacks
Dinner restaurants
Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 43°F - 34°F | 39°F - 29°F | Cloudy | 8:46 am | 4:45 pm | 13 days 2.7 in | 3 days 1.0 in | 11 mph |
| February | 45°F - 34°F | 41°F - 29°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:04 am | 5:39 pm | 11 days 1.9 in | 2 days 0.7 in | 11 mph |
| March | 51°F - 38°F | 48°F - 34°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:02 am | 6:32 pm | 11 days 1.9 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 11 mph |
| April | 58°F - 42°F | 56°F - 39°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:44 am | 8:24 pm | 9 days 1.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| May | 65°F - 49°F | 64°F - 47°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:42 am | 9:15 pm | 9 days 1.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 70°F - 54°F | 70°F - 53°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:19 am | 9:53 pm | 9 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| July | 73°F - 57°F | 74°F - 57°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:39 am | 9:45 pm | 10 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| August | 73°F - 57°F | 74°F - 57°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:24 am | 8:54 pm | 10 days 3.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| September | 67°F - 52°F | 67°F - 51°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 7:46 pm | 11 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| October | 59°F - 47°F | 57°F - 44°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:06 am | 6:38 pm | 12 days 3.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| November | 50°F - 40°F | 47°F - 36°F | Cloudy | 8:01 am | 4:41 pm | 13 days 3.4 in | 1 days 0.1 in | 11 mph |
| December | 45°F - 36°F | 41°F - 31°F | Cloudy | 8:46 am | 4:29 pm | 13 days 3.0 in | 2 days 0.6 in | 11 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year with fireworks, parties, and traditional foods. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Good Friday | Friday before Easter Sunday | Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. | Limited services, plan accordingly. | ||
| Easter Sunday | First Sunday after first full moon of spring | Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. | Festive atmosphere, some closures. | ||
| Easter Monday | Day after Easter Sunday | Public holiday extending Easter celebrations, often with family gatherings. | Many places closed, plan activities. | ||
| King's Day | April 27 | National holiday celebrating the Dutch monarch's birthday with street parties. | Busy, festive, plan for crowds. | ||
| Liberation Day | May 5 | Commemoration of the end of Nazi occupation in World War II. | Patriotic events, some closures. | ||
| Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter Sunday | Christian holiday marking Jesus' ascension to heaven, public holiday. | Some closures, plan accordingly. | ||
| Pentecost | 7 weeks after Easter Sunday | Christian holiday celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit, public holiday. | Some closures, outdoor activities. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, family gatherings. | Festive, but many closures. | ||
| Second Christmas Day | December 26 | Extended Christmas celebration, also known as Boxing Day in some countries. | Quiet day, limited openings. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam Light Festival | December - January | Annual winter festival featuring light installations by artists along Amsterdam's canals | Great time to visit for unique experiences | ||
| National Tulip Day | Third Saturday in January | Celebration marking start of tulip season with free flower picking in Dam Square | Fun event, but expect crowds in Dam Square | ||
| Amsterdam Coffee Festival | Early March | Three-day event celebrating coffee culture with tastings, workshops, and competitions | Great for coffee lovers, minimal disruption | ||
| Tulip Festival | April | Month-long celebration of tulips with displays throughout Amsterdam and surrounding areas | Beautiful time to visit, no disruptions | ||
| Open Garden Days | Third weekend in June | Annual event where private canal house gardens are open to the public for viewing | Unique opportunity, minimal impact on travel | ||
| Holland Festival | June | International festival of performing arts featuring theater, music, dance, and opera | Great for culture lovers, no travel issues | ||
| Amsterdam Pride | Late July - Early August | Week-long LGBTQ+ celebration culminating in the famous Canal Parade | Vibrant atmosphere but very crowded | ||
| Grachtenfestival | Mid-August | Classical and contemporary music festival with performances along Amsterdam's canals | Enjoyable event with minimal disruption | ||
| Amsterdam Dance Event | Mid-October | Largest global club-based festival and conference for electronic music | Exciting for music fans, expect busy venues | ||
| Amsterdam Marathon | Third Sunday in October | Annual marathon race through Amsterdam's historic city center and along the Amstel River | Some road closures, but generally manageable | ||
| Museum Night Amsterdam | First Saturday in November | Annual event where museums stay open late with special programs and performances | Great for culture, minimal travel impact |
1 | Dutch people are direct in communication. Don't be offended by blunt remarks or questions. It's not rudeness, just cultural honesty. Embrace their straightforward approach. |
2 | Bike culture is huge. Always use bike lanes and obey cycling rules. Never walk in bike paths. Rent a bike to explore like a local, but be cautious if you're not used to busy cycle traffic. |
3 | Tipping isn't expected in restaurants as service charge is included. For exceptional service, rounding up or leaving a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated but not mandatory. |
4 | Learn basic Dutch phrases like 'Dank je wel' (thank you) and 'Alstublieft' (please). While many Dutch speak English, attempting their language is appreciated and often met with smiles. |
5 | Coffee shops aren't just for coffee. They legally sell cannabis. If you're not interested, stick to 'cafes' for your caffeine fix. Be mindful of local laws if you choose to partake. |
6 | Punctuality is valued. Arrive on time for appointments and reservations. Being late is considered disrespectful. Plan ahead, especially when using public transportation. |
7 | Don't take photos of sex workers in Amsterdam's Red Light District. It's disrespectful and illegal. Enjoy the unique atmosphere, but be respectful of privacy and local norms. |
8 | Carry cash for small purchases. While cards are widely accepted, some smaller shops, markets, and public toilets may only accept cash or coins. Always have some euros on hand. |
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