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Venice of the North
Amsterdam is not often on the short list for winter trips to Amsterdam or even Spring Break. Alternatively, it is a great time to save some money, by traveling on a winter trip to Amsterdam. Amsterdam is often referred to as the Venice of the North. No truer name could be given to it, for the notable canal system that Amsterdam is built around. The Amstel River is the only natural river and was once used to make beer. All the canals around the Amstel River were man made and hand dug, to support the city’s ability to trade. The best way to see the city is by water, on a cruise tour or by renting a houseboat.
Amsterdam on a Budget
The last two winters, hubby and I have capitalized on last minute winter trip deals to Amsterdam. We booked with Priceline, on a trip we saw advertised on Travel Pirates for a flight and hotel package. Notably, we only booked it a few months prior to leaving. Since we were going off season it was really the same price as a road trip in our State.
This winter deal was a great way to get a moreI luxurious trip than usual. Don’t get me wrong, I like luxury, but Amsterdam is a very expensive location in Europe. We typically save on accommodations by renting a flat, using points or booking small, neighborhood hotels. We don’t spend a lot of time in the room, alternatively we spend more time in the room during winter. Staying warm and cozy from the windy, cold weather and minimal daylight hours is much more romantic in a 4+ star European hotel.
Top Hotels on a Budget
The Victoria Park Place Hotel is a Radisson property. It has a great central location in Amsterdam, just across the street from Central Station. The Victoria Park Place is a nicer grade of hotel than we typically splurge on. It has a modern inside, in numerous buildings that were reconfigured on the inside, leading to a strange elevator situation. Keep in mind, the ground floor starts at 0, not 1 and not all hotels and apartment buildings have elevators.
It was a large room for Amsterdam standards, with a sitting area in front of the window. A typical, small bathroom and wet style shower was next to a coffee area. Our room had the best view of the train station and overlooked a few of the canals. The window was the best part of the room. Being able to watch the sunrise as well as the first winter snow in Amsterdam was beautiful.
On our last winter trip, we were able to snag a hotel called the Bank Hotel. This hotel is on our favorite street, Haarlemmerstraat, and we have walked by it for years. We’d comment about staying there or trying the steakhouse on the ground floor called Mr. Meat. Finally, we were able to book a room, with large windows that opened to my favorite street. There was not a balcony, rather a large window sill, I’d sit overlooking the busy street.
Traveling to Amsterdam on Points & Miles
Since Amsterdam is so expensive, a great way to get to travel to Amsterdam is with points and miles. Traveling on points is the best way to get business or first class plane seats, a true luxury when traveling overnight on a flight. I’m not there yet, since we’ve got a big family, but it is my points & miles goals! Alternatively, there are many inexpensive European airline carriers that we take to Europe. Lufthansa is a German carrier that will get you to many Central European cities. TAP Portugal flies from Miami and NYC to Europe, via Lisbon, for more options.
We’ve also flown Icelandair and Play airline, Iceland’s budget carrier, with a layover in Reykjavik. Flying through Iceland is easy and stressless, except needing to check the volcanic ash report. Yes, occasionally a volcano erupts next to the airport and you get to see it from your window! I was fortunate enough to check that natural disaster off my checklist, without delaying our flight to Amsterdam. The best news about Icelandair is that they are partnering up with Southwest. Soon, you will be able to book flights using Southwest points. One of the best tips to search inexpensive flights is being open to dates and locations. Checking low fare calendars by the week or month could save you hundreds of dollars!
Winter trip to Amsterdam
One of the ways to save money on European travel is choosing an off season time to visit, like fall or winter. For Amsterdam, these are the weeks after New Years, but before tulip season in mid-March. You will need to pack more layers, boots and your coat and rain gear. I try to only carry-on luggage when traveling to Europe. I always feel like I bring too much with me, but I used to be a fantastic packer.
My husband thinks I’m just being cheap, why pay $95 for a suitcase when you shouldn’t have too. It really is more about the ease of traveling around European cities, airports and train stations. I have no interest having to drag two suitcases up numerous flights of stairs if you can wear a backpack? I’m also hearing about more bags getting lost, so that’s another plus for carry-on only. Pop an air tag in any checked bag, so you can keep track of it yourself. No one wants to be at the mercy of the airline to find a lost bag. This past summer, we flew with all 3 kids for 2 weeks with one backpack and one carryon bag each. Four airports, 18 hours of traveling and 3 flights of narrow Dutch staircases later, the kids understood why I only carry on!
Winter Packing Tips
When packing for winter in Amsterdam, or anywhere in Northern Europe, think solid, neutral colors and rain/wind protection. Northern Europeans don’t wear lots of hoodies and you won’t find ugg boots anywhere (unless on an American tourist). I have learned to pack a capsule wardrobe, this time it is all black and camel colors. I packed two pairs of boots, a coat and even dressy clothes all around this theme. It allows everything to coordinate, but to pack less.
I still have options for warmer or cooler temperatures and day versus evening. One year we went to Amsterdam in March, expecting cold weather. It was so warm I had to buy T-shirts and short socks! With the typical winter weather being so bitter, we opted to dine at casual cafes and steakhouses. I save the award winning restaurant reservations for spring and summer. There is always a next trip to Amsterdam, especially with us!
Footwear for Europe
What shoes to bring to Europe is a big question any time of year, especially in the winter. In Europe you are going to walk a lot! All day, every day, up and down narrow stairs and at night you’ll be walking on cobblestone streets. You want to bring at least 2 pairs of comfortable walking shoes. Sneakers, hiking boots and waterproof boots are all good options. The need for proper footwear just to avoid rolling an ankle is real. Be ready to walk 15,000 steps a day and in some cases much more!
You also need sturdy shoes because you will literally be “Tripping through Europe.” My travel friend Cindy and I used to joke about “Tripping through Europe.” We moved to Europe and traveled in our 20’s, there was always an uneven path. Some hole in the pavement or step out of nowhere would cause us to trip or wobble. Expect that you will need to walk a lot of steps at airports, train stations and the hotels. Start a walking routine or increase your steps in the weeks leading up to any European holiday.
Best of Amsterdam Attractions
There are a lot of museums in Amsterdam, you are never going to get to them all. My advice is to pick your top few choices depending on the length of your trip. Taking into consideration, museums and churches are a great way to get out of the elements. Some great options to visit in central Amsterdam:
· Rijksmuseum
· Van Gogh Museum
· Rembrandt House Museum
· Stedelijk Museum (modern art)
· Anne Frank House
· Madame Tussaud’s wax museum
· National Maritime Museum
· Amsterdam Museum
· Houseboat Museum
· Museum On’s Lieve Heer-Op Solder
· Nieuwe Kerk (Amsterdam’s New Church)
· Oude Kerk (Amsterdam’s Old Church)
· Basilica of St. Nicholas
Can you Book a Canal Cruise in Winter? H3
Tourists ask, can you book a canal cruise in winter? Do the boats run during rain or snow? The answers are a resounding, Yes! In the winter, boats often have their tops up and blankets to keep warm inside. I suggest doing a canal cruise on the first day, so it helps you get the lay of the land. There are three main areas to get a canal cruise:
· Outside Central Station
· Anne Frank House
· Near the Rijkmuseum
Skip the touristy boats and try one of these canal cruise suggestions:
· Blue Boats (best for kids and families)
· Flagship
· Pure Boats (best for a romantic wine & cheese)
· Captain Jack
· Those Dam Boat Guys (16+ for humor)
We’ve been on the Buddha and Smoke boat before, they exceed our expectations every time. These are the smoking cruises that allow you to experience the social side of cannabis culture. We sailed around the canals near central station, the gentleman’s canal to see the most expensive canal homes and to the Amstel river. The homes were taxed on their width, windows and front steps. Depending on the canal you are traveling, you can see the obvious differences in wealth. I highly recommend this activity if you are interested in coffeeshop culture, except in a more mature environment.
Public Transportation
The best way to travel around the city is by foot or trams. Both keep you above ground and sightseeing while getting from place to place. Public transport in Amsterdam includes trams, trains and buses throughout the city. There is even a free tram to the neighborhood on the North side of Amsterdam. It takes just 10-15 minutes to cross the IJ river, from behind the train station. The public transportation service is reliable and connects every part of the city.
Public transportation will get you to the suburban areas of the city, directly to other cities in the Netherlands and other European cities. I have traveled from Amsterdam by train to Paris, Brussels and Berlin over the years. Traveling by train or bus is the least expensive option to get to the airport. It is usually the quickest and safest option for solo travelers as well. Passengers can add the GVB app on their phone to access schedules and pay with bank card. Purchase tickets and day passes online or show up at the station and purchase a ticket.
Coffeeshops in Amsterdam
As marijuana has become less stigmatized in America, you’d think the Dutch cultural attitudes would spread across the States. It hasn’t yet! Coffeeshops in Amsterdam are much more than just dispensaries. You can purchase to-go or enjoy a smoke in the coffeeshop (with the purchase of a drink). These coffeeshops are different, everything from a hole in the wall for locals to a relaxing place.
Coffeeshops are not like bars, you won’t see people getting angry or starting fights. The worst thing that happens is that young tourists think they have more of a tolerance with Dutch weed. After traveling far and wide, testing strains and coffeeshop vibes all over the city I’ve created my list of best coffeeshops. Number one is Greenhouse, it has stood the test of time, their products are superior year after year. There are six Greenhouse coffeeshops around the city, but only the one in the North Jordaan area on Harlemmerstraat has the amazing vibe. They have three rooms, all with different vibes and a full menu from breakfast to dessert. Here are my favorite coffeeshops, they are rated on the vibe of the coffeeshop:
- Greenhouse
- Coffeeshop Amsterdam
- Abraxas
- SWED (Oud West)
- Tyson 2.0
- Kadinsky
- Dolphins
- Katsu (de Pijp)
- Green Place
- Popeye
*Honorable Mention: Prix d’Ami. The location, amenities, and food are a prefect way to relax after a long flight. Great for movie lovers and day trippers who arrive at Central Station. The vibe is a little young for me and not traditionally Dutch.
Restaurants in Amsterdam
We spent time looking for the best brunch around Amsterdam. We were pleasantly surprised by Ted’s All Day Brunch in the Jordaan area! There are a few throughout the city and even in neighboring Haarlem. We had a fruit prosecco drink, two different open faced sandwiches on amazing Dutch brown bread and truffle rice balls. We enjoyed it so much, we visited the one in Haarlem the next day for the same meal! In addition to their all day brunch menu, Ted’s serves high tea in the afternoon. It’s “traditional” in service, but with their own spin. This place gets very busy, so be sure to make a reservation well in advance.
Honorable brunch mention goes to our favorite coffeeshop, Green House. They have amazing breakfasts that are served until 2:00 pm. A full English breakfast and eggs benedict on a pretzel bun are amazing!
Everything from a takeaway pizza or sushi, to 5 star cuisine can be found in Amsterdam. There are lots of Steakhouses, Italian restaurants and Seafood places in the Jordaan area. Try some other great places like:
- Ms. B’s at La Grotte
- The Papeneiland Cafe
- Cafe Tgijssen
- Winkle 43
- Pesca- Theater of Fish
- Salmuera
- La Oliva
- Cannibale Royale (5 locations in Amsterdam)
- Black & Blue Steakhouse
- La Perla Pizzeria
- Mr. Meat Steakhouse
- Seafood Bar (4 locations in Amsterdam)
Cheese Shops
Toward the end of our trip I had to get serious about shopping for souvenirs. I stocked up at my favorite, Old Amsterdam, as well as the Fromagerie. This summer, when I brought the whole family my son, Aidan, went on a cheese tasting with me! Finally, someone who shares my love for cheese traveling to Amsterdam! Here are my top choices of where to buy cheese for gifts or souvenirs. Top Cheese stores:
- Old Amsterdam (all over the city and even at the airport)
- Kaasland (on Haarlemmerstraat)
- Fromagerie Abraham Kef (3 in the city)
- De Kaaskamer (in the 9 streets)
- Cheese stalls at any of the neighborhood markets
Haarlem Day Trip
It is great to take day trips to other Dutch cities, they don’t all look like Amsterdam. Amsterdam’s smaller (but older) sister city is less than 30 minutes by train, but does look very similar to Amsterdam. We took the train from central station to Haarlem; this whole town is tiny and easily walkable. I like to book a river cruise to see the sites in a town like Amsterdam, all connected by canals. We took a day trip to Haarlem and enjoyed a similar canal cruise to see the city better.
We were trying to see many of the sites in a single day, this was the perfect option. A crepe affair and the Frietkamer are famous for their snacks, and just steps from the train station. Grab your walkable snack of choice and head down the main street to the town square. Corrietenboom is said to be the Anne Frank of Haarlem. Be sure to make an online reservation well in advance, I’ve been here twice and both times they are closed! Haarlem is also a great place to find less expensive hotel options and smaller crowds. Choosing to split your trip time in both locations could save a bundle in the long run.
Additional options for day trips during the winter weather skip outdoor attractions of windmills and cheese markets. Rather, Dutch cities with indoor museums of interest and attractions are highly recommended. Just a short train ride away, consider:
- Utrect
- Rotterdam
- The Hague
- Delft
Is Winter a good time to go to Amsterdam?
This is one of my top 5 questions asked, is winter a good time to visit Amsterdam? My honest answer is both yes and no! It depends on what you are looking for in your trip. If you are planning a once in a lifetime trip to Amsterdam, visit during flower season (April & May). If you are a traveler or you are a budget traveler, winter is the perfect time to go to Amsterdam. You can enjoy the architecture and city from heated canal boats and stay warm in the countless museums and churches. Winter is cold, damp and often wet, but it also lends a romantic feel to the restaurants and cafes. There truly is no bad time to visit Amsterdam!
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