last edited Dec 11, 2019
Tips for Amsterdam
Location Map of Amsterdam
Amsterdam
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Best Times to Visit
If you want to enjoy the most pleasant temperatures, June to September is ideal, in contrast to October to March, which is the coldest, cloudiest, and rainiest period. That said, more than the weather, it’s the city’s tourist crowds—among the most popular in Europe—and the associated prices that dictate the best time to visit.
During every school holiday, especially the summer break, the city welcomes tens of thousands of tourists. For the rest of the year, almost every weekend brings its share of visitors from all over Europe. In short, the best option is to aim for the shoulder seasons—spring and autumn—while avoiding weekends and school holidays if possible.
| Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Climate | ||||||||||||
| Avoid the crowds | ||||||||||||
| Low prices |
: very favorable | : favorable | : moderately favorable | : unfavorable.
Exploring the City
Must-See
Offbeat
Family-Friendly
Based on Length of Stay
Nearby Attractions
There are plenty of places to visit within a 50-kilometer radius of Amsterdam.
- Alkmaar: : A charming town north of Amsterdam known for its cheese market and historic center built around canals.
- Edam-Volendam: : A small tourist port north of Amsterdam known for its beautiful traditional architecture and its cheese. Monnickendam, Broek in Waterland, and especially Marken are three equally picturesque villages near Edam.
- Forts of the Amsterdam Defence Line: : This is a series of military structures and small fortifications built around Amsterdam in the late 19th to early 20th century. The entire complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site but is not generally open to visitors.
- Haarlem: : Canals, museums, and a beautiful 17th-century centre in this city just a short distance from Amsterdam. The outskirts of Haarlem are home to Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, known for its forests, dunes, beaches, and hiking opportunities.
- Hilversum: : Between Utrecht and Amsterdam, this rather upscale town is known for its early 20th-century architecture.
- Hoorn: : A charming port in West Friesland with many historic buildings and residences dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Keukenhof: : A stunning floral park where you can see tulips in full bloom in abundance around April. Keukenhof is part of the "bulb region" around Amsterdam where tulips are cultivated.
- Leiden: : Universities, museums, and an old town centre for this city between Amsterdam and The Hague.
- Zuid-Kennemerland National Park: : On the outskirts of Haarlem, this coastal park is known for its forests, dunes, beaches, and hiking opportunities.
- Beemster Polder: : Next to Amsterdam, this is the oldest polder in the world (1612) whose structure is still visible. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for this reason.
- Utrecht: : The country's fourth-largest city, it has a large student population and a lively atmosphere. In addition to museums, you can admire renowned architecture, including the UNESCO-listed Rietveld Schröder House.
- Zaanse Schans: : Not far from Amsterdam, this is a small historic village ("open-air museum") heavily visited for its charming traditional houses and windmills. The site recreates what the region was like in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Zandvoort: : A popular seaside resort due to its proximity to Amsterdam.