Discover Amsterdam: 17 Things to do in Amsterdam in January

Hello, and welcome to Amsterdam, the lively city of the Netherlands. Amsterdam is a beautiful city with a lot of history, culture, and lovely canals. It has a great mix of old-world charm and new-world energy. Enjoy tasty Dutch food, like filling stamppot and sweet stroopwafels. There are many things to do in Amsterdam in January, whether you’re interested in the city’s art scene, its long past, or just a cozy café to relax in. Let’s start a trip through this beautiful city we will never forget.

Things to do in Amsterdam in January
Image by Siggy Nowak from Pixabay

“A trip to Amsterdam in January is a great way to escape the cold and have some great experiences.” Even though it’s cold outside, the city’s charm comes through in its snowy streets and warm coffee shops. Visit famous museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, or take a hot canal cruise through the beautiful canals.

Enjoy the Dutch concept of “Gezelligheid” (coziness) by eating filling foods and drinking hot drinks. Find hidden gems in cute areas like Jordan and enjoy the city’s lively nightlife. From exploring culture to enjoying delicious food, a trip to Amsterdam in January will be one you’ll never forget, set against a beautiful winter backdrop.

1. Explore the Museums: 

Van Gogh Museum
Image by emoro from Pixabay

There are many world-class museums in Amsterdam that are great for escaping the cold weather. Go to the Van Gogh Museum to see the famous artist Vincent van Gogh’s work. To see the works of Rembrandt and Vermeer, go to the Rijksmuseum. You can also learn about Amsterdam’s long past at the Anne Frank House or see modern art at the Stedelijk Museum.

2. Walk Around Winter Markets: 

amstradam winter market
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Wrap up warm and check out the beautiful winter markets across Amsterdam. There is something for everyone at the Christmas markets, full of people and crafts made by hand. There are also cozy food markets where you can buy hearty Dutch treats. Remember to enjoy mulled wine and traditional treats such as Dutch donuts while strolling through the shops.

3. Take a cruise on the canals. 

Westerkerk, Amsterdam
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Take in the winter beauty of Amsterdam by going on a tour along one of the canals. As you float along the city’s beautiful waterways, take in the sights of its historic buildings that have been decorated for the holidays. Take in the stunning architecture of the city that is lit up at night and glide past famous sites like the Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, and the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge). Even though it’s cold, many boat tours offer blankets and hot drinks to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable time.

4. Enjoy Dutch food: 

Dutch food, Amsterdam
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In one of Amsterdam’s cozy restaurants, warm up with hearty Dutch food. Traditional foods include split pea soup, mashed potato and veggie stew in a stamppot, and deep-fried meatballs called bitterballen. Get a stroopwafel (a waffle filled with toffee) or poffertjes (little pancakes) for dessert.

5. Experience New Year Celebrations:

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Take part in the fun events in Amsterdam for the New Year. Impressive fireworks shows will light the sky over the famous canals at night. You can also join the locals in Dam Square for fun street parties and music. As you welcome the new year, enjoy the lively atmosphere and raise a glass to fresh starts.

6. Go to cultural events: 

In January, concerts, plays, and art shows in Amsterdam will allow you to experience the city’s rich cultural scene. There are many cultural events, such as classical concerts at well-known places like the Concertgebouw and modern art shows at cutting-edge galleries.

7. Check Out Cozy Cafés and Bars:

Get out of the cold and warm up in one of Amsterdam’s cute cafés or bars. Enjoy a rich hot chocolate or a hot cup of coffee while you watch the world go by. You could also try locally made beers at a traditional Dutch pub or a hip craft beer bar.

8. Visit the Heineken Experience:

Heineken Brewery, Amsterdam
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To warm up, go to the Heineken Experience and learn about the background of this famous Dutch brewery. You can also enjoy tastings and interactive displays. Learn about how Heineken beer is made, its history, and even how to pour the perfect pint.

9. Find Hidden Gems: 

streets of Jordaan
Image by djedj from Pixabay

Check out Amsterdam’s less well-known areas and hidden gems. You can walk through the cute streets of Jordaan, known for its pretty canals and small shops, or you can go to the lively, mixed neighborhood of De Pijp, which has a lot of different kinds of restaurants and the famous Albert Cuyp Market.

10. Ice Skating:

Museumplein Ice Rink
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Get into the winter mood by putting on your skates and hitting the ice at one of the outdoor ice rinks in Amsterdam. The Museumplein Ice Rink is in a beautiful spot with views of the Rijksmuseum. The Jaap Edenbaan, on the other hand, has a more extensive skating area surrounded by grass.

11. Visit the Amsterdam Light Festival: 

Amsterdam Light Festival
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The streets, canals, and landmarks of the city are lit up by beautiful light displays and artworks during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Enjoy a walk or a canal cruise to see the beautiful shows against the winter sky at night.

12. Take a break in a spa or sauna: 

Get away from the cold winter weather and treat yourself to a day of relaxation at a spa or sauna. In Amsterdam’s high-end health centers, you can relax in a traditional Dutch sauna or get a massage that will make you feel better.

13. Go on a Day Trip:

Leave Amsterdam and spend the day exploring the beautiful Dutch countryside. Depending on the time of year, you can visit the cute windmill town of Zaanse Schans, the historic city of Haarlem, or the beautiful tulip fields at Keukenhof.

14. Go shopping: 

Look through Amsterdam’s many markets, boutiques, and used goods stores to find one-of-a-kind gifts and trendy items. There is a lot of shopping to be done. The Nine Streets has trendy brand shops, and the Jordaan has interesting antique shops.

15. Visit Amsterdam’s Parks: 

Vondelpark
Image by user32212 from Pixabay

Wrap up warm and stroll or bike through the city’s beautiful parks. Vondelpark is the city’s most significant green space. It has lovely walking paths and statues you can see from the street. The Amsterdamse Bos has acres of woods and meadows that you can explore.

16. Attend a Film Festival: 

Movie fans will want to attend some great film festivals in Amsterdam in January. There is something for every movie fan at a film festival, from international events showing the newest works to specialized events honoring certain types of movies.

17. Go on National Tulip Day:

National Tulip Day, Amsterdam
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Last but not the list On National Tulip Day, which is every third Saturday of January, more than 200,000 tulips are brought to Dam Square. It’s completely free to join, which is the best thing about it. Of course, you should get in line early to make sure you get the tulips you want to take home.

Exploring Amsterdam in January: A Weather Guide

Amsterdam weather
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First things first: if you want sun and palm trees, don’t come to Amsterdam in the winter! The weather in Amsterdam is continental, meaning it gets cold in the winter and warm in the summer. Due to the cold weather in Amsterdam, January might not be the busiest month for tourists. Still, it does offer a unique experience for those who are up for it. Let’s talk about what the weather will be like in Amsterdam at this time of the year.

Temperature:

In January, high temperatures in Amsterdam are usually between 4°C and 6 °C (39°F and 43°F), and low temperatures drop to between 0°C and 2 °C (32°F to 36°F). Sometimes, it gets below freezing, so it’s wise to bring layers like a warm coat, gloves, a scarf, and a hat to stay warm while in the city. 

Rainfall:

Over the year, Amsterdam gets a fair amount of rain, and January is no different. You can expect drizzles and showers here and there. On average, 70 mm of rain will fall over 18 days this month. If it rains, don’t let that stop you from exploring. Instead, enjoy it as part of the authentic Amsterdam experience by walking along the shiny cobblestone streets or getting cozy in a cute café with a hot chocolate. 

Sunlight:

The days are short in January, and there are only about 8 hours of sunshine. The sun comes up late in the morning and goes down early in the afternoon, giving the city’s famous sites a magical glow. Plan your outdoor activities around sunny hours to get the most out of them, whether you want to look at the historic center’s impressive buildings or take a slow canal cruise to enjoy the city’s beauty. 

The feeling of Joy:

Even though it’s cold outside, January in Amsterdam is joyful, especially before and during the Dutch New Year (Nieuwjaar) events. Enjoy the fun of New Year’s Eve celebrations, which include fireworks that light up the sky and lively street parties in Dam Square and along the canals. Join people from the area and other travelers in toasting to new starts and getting to know each other. 

January is a magical month to visit Amsterdam because of winter festivals, cultural sites, and delicious food to discover. So bundle up, enjoy the cool weather, and start your trip through the heart of this charming Dutch city. Travelers looking for excitement and culture in the middle of winter will have an unforgettable time in Amsterdam in January.

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