7x WHAT TO DO IN WINTER
IN AMSTERDAM
Wanting to visit Amsterdam? Why not do it in wintertime? For your inspiration for fun winter activities, you’ve come to the right place. Because what is there to do in winter in Amsterdam? Read on for ideas when exploring our capital.
Ice skating at the Jaap Edenbaan!
Fortunately, we no longer depend on the weather before we can put on our skates. Spread around the city you will find several skating rinks. Take a Casa bike or the tram (easily accessible!) to the Jaap Edenbaan in Amsterdam-East. A 400-meter skating rink named after, yes, Dutch skater Jaap Eden. Would you rather practice your pirouettes? You can do so in the hockey area on the side.
Ultimate winter in Amsterdam at Light Festival
This spectacular festival belongs in the list of winter activities in Amsterdam. Since 2012, this light spectacle in Amsterdam has dominated the winter months with one theme each year. This year’s theme: ‘Imagine Beyond – a journey to the world of imagination’. You can of course take the canal boat, but if you want to be more like the locals: follow the special cycling or walking route during Amsterdam Light Festival.
Culinary delights in wintry Amsterdam
Those cold days ask for some comfort. We have plenty of heartwarming dishes and drinks that will make your winter in Amsterdam even better.
- Classic Dutch pea soup (‘erwtensoep’ or ‘snert’) the way it’s supposed to be. Try the best at Moeders, STACH (with several locations in the city), Koffiehuis De Hoek, The Pantry and Café Jaap (at the Jaap Edenbaan).
- True liquid love: cheese fondue. Dip your veggies and bread at: Café Bern, Smelt (at 2 locations in the city), Fondue & Fondue, Bistrot des Alpes, or head towards Amsterdam East at Maxwell.
- Get some warm glühwein in Casa’s neighborhood at Bar Botanique, Côte Wispe and of course at our bar in EAST. Take your thermos cup to keep it nice and hot during your city strolls.
- Where can you get the best hot chocolate in wintry Amsterdam? At Chocolátl you can drink it with toppings such as chili flakes, ‘healthy’ hot chocolate with cinnamon and cardamom at Bataat (in Amsterdam-East), get a luscious cup of cocoa with a donut at the Corner Bakery or drop by EAST for full, rich chocolate milk in the flavour of your choice.
Winter markets in Amsterdam
We love strolling through markets at any time of year. But Amsterdam’s winter markets have just that little bit of extra. If you are looking for an original gift, go the Funky Xmas Market near the Westergasterrein in December. In Amsterdam-East, the Pure Markt Wintereditie in Frankendael Park is the place to be. Perfect for Christmas dinner inspiration with fresh products or just to stroll around. Do you like Christmas all the way? Then head to the RAI for The Amsterdam Winter Paradise: curling, ice skating and apres-skiing in one place.
Watch Christmas movies in bed (at Hotel Casa)
Get your snacks (in our Wundermart), have a nice drink and snuggle up in our big, soft beds. Turn on the TV and let’s binge! Corny Christmas films and comedy series are best from bed. You can easily stream them on our smart TVs.
To the theatre in Amsterdam
Go to the theatre when it’s cold outside! It’s one of the winter activities you can do when in Amsterdam. Are you staying at Hotel Casa? Then there are some great theatres nearby. Combine your show with delicious bites at Tapastheater or go for an intimate, experimental performance with modern dance or music at Plein Theater. Rather see a film or enjoy a cabaret? Then cycle to Theater De Omval in Diemen.
Take a nice winter walk
Amsterdam in winter is beautifully decorated with lights and in some parts of the city you even hear music. A walk through the city is always a good winter activity, but an art walk is even more fun. Do the Buiten Beelden Toer (Outdoor Sculpture Tour) by the Stedelijk Museum or visit graffiti works and street art at STRAAT in Amsterdam-North.
In short: plenty of fun winter activities in Amsterdam to experience. From street art to a bowl of ‘snert’ and from a skating competition to strolling on a nice market. Perfect when you can return to a cozy hotel and a warm, soft bed afterwards. Happy Amsterdam in wintertime!
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