When to go to Amsterdam. “There are no abandoned cats, dogs or people in Amsterdam” - an essay about the freest city in Europe

26.02.2024

Amsterdam is a dirty city. But the mess is somehow familiar, homely. I don’t want to check every shop and the cleanliness of forks in establishments. You know that everything is not very sterile, but somehow you take it calmly. And this is true for everyone. Even those who are used to constantly wiping their hands with antiseptic. Such magic.

What happens with famous houses is very unusual - at first they seem the same, like a solid chocolate bar with a fancy pattern, and then you begin to see the differences: the size and shape of the windows, shutters, the design of the door and porch, the tiles on the roofs and even the degree of inclination of the building itself.

By the way, about the porch. The Dutch take special care of their porch. Required attributes:

many different bushes;

a bench so you can go out for a smoke in the evening;

something on the windowsill (from eccentric porcelain pugs to a touching collection of vintage mini bottles);

and an Instagrammable parked bike, of course.

At first you want to constantly take pictures and photograph every porch, but then the obsession goes away and you start to just enjoy it.

During sunset, the city is incredibly warm. Regardless of the time of year. The canals, bridges and alco-boats acquire such beautiful color and light that it seems as if you are inside a film photo.

About people

Very beautiful. Tall, stately and, how can I describe it, healthy, or something. Shiny hair, muscles, a white smile - as if they were all from a poster about healthy lifestyle.

There are no abandoned cats, dogs or people in Amsterdam. Only bicycles that can sit and rust for years are abandoned here. You won’t see a single animal on the street without a collar and an owner nearby. Even cats have their own little collars. There are no homeless people here either.

This is how they solve the problem. Let's play out a scene:

Social worker: Hire this wonderful man, he is left on the street.

Dutch entrepreneur: No, I don’t want to.

Social worker: If you hire him, you will not pay tax on him, which you pay for all your employees.

Dutch entrepreneur: But he doesn’t know how to do anything!

Social worker: Okay, you are exempt from taxes and will receive additional compensation for a while.

Dutch entrepreneur: Ok, I'll take it.

The waiters and sellers always smile and are sincerely interested in where you come from and how you like the local food. By the way, this is noticeable in few European cities, but in Amsterdam, before asking for coffee at the bar or starting to voice your order to the waiter, it is customary to ask “How are you doing?”

When is the best time to fly to Amsterdam?

The best months to visit are April and November (according to someone who has been to the Netherlands more than 40 times).

In April, everything around blooms, smells and the air is fresh and ringing. Such beauty that even those who are always dissatisfied with everything will not be able to resist (if you have such a friend, advise him to go to Amsterdam in mid-April).

In November, you can find yourself in a Christmas fairy tale ahead of time. It gets dark quickly, hundreds of lights come on and are reflected in the canals. Sometimes snowflakes can come down from the sky and dance with you to the nearest pub. By the way, there are no drunk people on the streets at this time. And in general there are few people - the autumn holidaymakers have already left, and the New Year's revelers are just buying their tickets.

Summer in Amsterdam is also very pleasant. There is no heat, there is a light breeze, but there are a lot of tourists.

Think twice before heading to the Dutch capital on the Queen's birthday (April 30). On this day, all of Europe comes to Amsterdam. It’s very festive and fun, but if you don’t like crowds and crowds, it’s not worth it.
The same applies to the January holidays. Everyone is drunk on the streets. Of course, people are kind and there is no aggression, but you quickly get tired of the eternal party.
In September-October it is rainy and cloudy in Amsterdam. You might as well go to St. Petersburg.

How to choose tickets

It is better to choose direct flights, although they are more expensive. It's only once, when you miss your plane during an hour-long layover in Frankfurt, that you realize what it's all about. Only after 9 hours at Munich Airport will you realize the value of this advice.

As an option, you can deliberately fly to Munich, eat sausages there and relax, and a day or two later fly to Amsterdam.

It is better to look for tickets for direct flights in advance, taking advantage of all the features of our website.

What to take with you

You can only truly enjoy Amsterdam if you have the right equipment.

Be sure to take with you:

A waterproof and windproof jacket (even in summer).

Thin but warm sweater.

Comfortable waterproof boots (rubber boots are not suitable).

Spare shoes (when you walk a lot you need to change your shoes, otherwise even your slippers will start to chafe).

Quick-drying pants (linen is also suitable for summer).

Where to live

Don't rush to rent a house on the central canal. It is absolutely certain that there will be a Coffeeshop or bar under your windows (not everyone likes this). Plus, such housing is 2 times more expensive.

Take a closer look at the areas of Pijp Oud-Zuid and The Plantage (closer to Oosterpark). It’s very cozy there, there are no crowds of tourists, there are many more cute establishments where locals hang out, and adequate grocery stores (the Dirk chain is very cool).

How to get to the city

Taxis, buses, horse-drawn carriages - forget it. Only the train.

A ticket costs up to 4.1 euros (the amount depends on the payment method) and you can buy it on the way to the exit from the airport - in yellow machines, which are located like daisies in the center of the hall. The machine accepts cards and coins. You can buy a ticket for paper euros at the ticket office, but it is more difficult to find.

Trains depart from platforms 1 and 2, travel with stops and arrive at the Central Station. The journey takes 15-20 minutes.

There is only one airport in Amsterdam, so it is quite busy. Be prepared for the fact that you may not be able to get on the train. Fortunately, they run every 15 minutes. At night - every hour.

Things to do?

You should not constantly walk along the red light district, Dam Square and other tourist places. Walk through once, check the box and move further away - beyond the Old Town area. This is where Amsterdam will cover you without any grass.

You need to walk through all the parks while lazily drinking Grolsh or munching on waffles. Amsterdam is very green and the air is rich and tasty.

If you want fashion photographs, go to museums of modern art: Moco Museum (12.50 euros per ticket), Stedelijk Museum (18 euros) or gallery W139 (payment optional).

Here are a few more places.

Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography- the oldest photography museum at Keizersgracht 401.

Canvas used to be a canteen for workers of the newspaper De Volkskrant. Now it's a cute rooftop bar with restaurant and club. Head to Wibautstraat 150.

Cinemacenter- a cinema in retro-modern style, very beautiful. Movies in English. Ticket price: 9.50 euros. Search at Lijnbaansgracht, 236.

In general, Amsterdam is not the kind of city where you just want to run through all the sights and add the Netherlands to your boastful list of countries. Here you just need to walk - on foot, by bike, by boat. And this “must do” list only spoils everything, makes you fuss and run somewhere again. Isn’t that why we go on a trip?

Souvenirs

Chocolate Tony's Chocolonely

The bar is simply huge and catastrophically delicious. There are options with salted caramel and all sorts of coconuts. There are people who, for the sake of this chocolate, went on another Amsterdam trip. The packaging, by the way, is amazing.

A large tile costs 3.5 euros and can be found in almost any supermarket.

Monkey

You can buy this cutie in the souvenir shop at the Central Station in the IJ-hal pavilion, and it costs a little more than 6 euros. The origin of this monkey is unknown and why it was given the honor of being included in the souvenir collection is also unknown. If you find out, tell us.

Duck

A rubber duck in an unpredictable costume from the Amsterdam Duck Store is a great souvenir option. There are also small keychains in the store - but what's the point of them? You need to take a full duck for 25 euros. Collectible options (like Darth Vader, who glows when in contact with water) will cost more. By the way, the store does not accept cash, payment is only by card. You need to look for a duck's nest at Oude Leliestraat, 16.

It is better to buy all kinds of standard magnets, tulip bulbs and porcelain figurines (if you need them) in the Pijp Oud-Zuid area. On a secret street somewhere between the Heineken factory and Sarphatipark there is a market where you can buy watermelon smoothies, fresh fish, a leather belt, mini pasta and traditional souvenirs. They will be no different from magnets from the famous 100% Holland store.

You can also buy a cool set of house magnets at the Flower Market - 10 pieces for 12 euros.

If you think that you will get high from chocolate, tea or lollipop with cannabis, this is not so. Although it depends on the strength of self-hypnosis.

At Waterlooplein Market you can also find souvenirs, clothes and even antiques. The market is open every day, except Sunday, from 9:00 to 16:00.

In general, don’t be afraid to feel somehow uncomfortable in Amsterdam because of the embodiment of imposed stereotypes. Yes, the smell of grass is permanent. Yes, the Red Light District starts working in the evening. Yes, you can meet a grown man at a bar with makeup and a dress a la “Captain Sequin.” But there is no feeling that there is only debauchery around, everyone is stoned and insane. Amsterdam is not about that at all.

One of the most liberal cities in the world, where same-sex marriage, soft drugs and prostitution are legalized, Amsterdam is located in the northwest of Holland at the mouth of the Amstel River and consists of a network formed by almost a hundred canals. Read our article on the Tour Calendar and you will find out why the best time to travel to the “Venice of the North” is from May to the end of September.

Tourist season in Amsterdam

Almost everyone who has never been to Amsterdam associates this city with a den of debauchery and immorality and believes that people come to the Dutch capital only to taste all the delights of the “forbidden life.” Of course, it cannot be denied that one of the reasons for her visit is to desire free love and smoke cannabis, but in reality there is more to Amsterdam than coffee shops and the red light district. For lovers, this is an amazingly romantic place with its “golden” web of canals, flickering in the evenings with myriads of lights. For couples traveling with the younger generation, this is a huge Vondelpark with plenty of entertainment for visitors of all ages, children's museums and several of the largest amusement parks. Art connoisseurs and history buffs are also not left wanting, with opulent 17th-century buildings, large collections of works by Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and many intricate museums on offer. Interest in Amsterdam does not fade away throughout 365 days of the year; over 7 million tourists visit the capital per calendar year.

High season

From April to September, Schiphol International Airport operates in enhanced mode. Its maximum capacity is fully utilized at this time. From the end of March to the second half of May, Amsterdam experiences a seasonal influx of foreign guests heading to the capital for the tulip season, which takes place a few kilometers from the capital in Keukenhof Park. Also, for the Birthday of the Queen of the Netherlands, April 30, tour operators are offering special tour packages. Summer is the traditional time for summer holidays and vacations for schoolchildren and students. A motley mixture of foreign languages on the streets of the city is a common thing. There are fewer local residents, as in August they go on a well-deserved vacation and go wherever they go. Some go to campsites scattered throughout the country, others to overseas resorts in France, and others to neighboring Belgium and Germany. During the New Year and Christmas holidays, Amsterdam is also crowded; the Dutch know how to have fun like no other nation in the world. Keep in mind that during the high season, in addition to high prices, you risk facing another problem - the lack of available rooms in hotels and hostels. Book rooms at least 3 months before your expected arrival date.

Low season

As we already found out above, there is no low season in Amsterdam. However, slight declines in tourist activity in this city still exist. They are celebrated in late autumn, winter (except for Christmas and New Year holidays), and also in early spring. As a rule, prices for hotels, air tickets and a number of some excursions are somewhat lower, and there are no longer crowds at popular tourist sites. Probably only the Red Light Street, called “De Wallen” by the Dutch themselves, is not empty even in the most terrible weather.

Best time for excursions

Amsterdam is an off-season tourist destination in terms of sightseeing, because in this unique and rather controversial city, among the popular excursions, in addition to a boat trip along its canals, trips to art galleries and acquaintance with architectural masterpieces, as part of the educational program, an acquaintance with coffee shops with tasting is offered their products, as well as a visit to the Red Light Street under the guidance of an experienced guide who knows many fascinating facts about life on it. So, to take part in excursions of an entertaining nature, it is better to come in the low season, when there are fewer people and prices are more reasonable. City museums are open all year round, but in the summer there are long queues at their ticket offices; late spring and early autumn in this case will be the most win-win option. A walk along water canals and visits to parks and attractions should be planned for the summer. You should come to see the tulips from the end of March to the end of May.

Beach season in Amsterdam

In summer, Amsterdam residents love to spend time on the beaches. The west coast of the Netherlands is one continuous long beach, where the resort town of Zandvoort is located half an hour from the capital. The swimming season here lasts from mid-July to the end of August, when the water temperature ranges from +16 °C to +18 °C. It must be said that not many people swim in such cold water, but water sports such as diving, water skiing, kitesurfing and yachting are very popular.

Flower season

Tulips are the hallmark of Holland, and Amsterdam in particular. On the outskirts of the capital, in the small town of Aalsmeer, “Bloemenveiling” is held daily - one of the largest flower auctions in the world, where flowers and potted plants are sold. The auction is available for visiting (for a small fee) from Monday to Friday for 4 hours - from 7.00 to 11.00. Every day about 19 million specimens (tulips, roses, lilies, chrysanthemums, etc.) are sold here. On the first weekend of September, a grandiose flower parade “Aalsmeer Flower Parade” opens in the same city: mobile installations of fresh flowers go from the market towards Amsterdam, upon whose arrival festival guests will be treated to a festive concert and a gorgeous fireworks display. During two months of spring (end of March - end of May) in the neighboring town of Lisse, or rather in its surroundings, the tulip season takes place in Keukenhof Park. These are endless multi-colored “bed stripes”, intricate mosaics and outlandish compositions, as well as cartoon figures. The aroma is dizzying.

It's time for holidays and festivals

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the main national and religious holidays of the Netherlands, celebrated annually in Amsterdam, in this section. In addition to the events listed there, the capital's holiday calendar includes the following: the Dutch Theater Festival in early June in the Vondelpark; Summer festival "Zomerfestijn", traditionally held in July; the Amsterdam Tournament football tournament and the Grachtenfestival canal festival, which focuses on classical music, and the Uitmarkt arts festival (in the same month); Jordan Festival in mid-September; in October-November, the Amsterdam Jumping equestrian competition takes place; in February before Lent, residents and guests of the capital attend the annual Carnival; The March arts week closes the holiday season.

Climate in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is dominated by a temperate climate; the weather of the capital is significantly influenced by its proximity to the North Sea. Summers are warm, but not hot, with moderate rainfall. Winter is mild, with little snow. The rainiest season is considered to be the period from September to December. North-westerly winds prevail throughout the year; there are very few sunny days with clear clear skies. A distinctive feature of Amsterdam's climate is its high level of humidity, reaching 80%.

Amsterdam in spring

Spring comes to Amsterdam in early to mid-March. The daylight hours are increasing, the thermometer begins to gradually rise upward. However, this month there is still a large amount of precipitation, so the unpleasant feeling of dampness, easily perceptible in the air, can bring discomfort during long walks around the city. In March, the weather changes for the better: the intensity of rain decreases, temperatures become higher, and the gentle sun warms the earth with life-giving, calorific light. Nature renews its colors, permeating the air with the breathtaking fragrant aroma of flowers. In April, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths bloom. The “flower season” in Amsterdam is celebrated with great pomp and lasts until the second ten days of May. In the last month of spring, the air steadily becomes warmer. At night it is no longer as cold as at the beginning or middle of the season, but you cannot do without a warm jacket in the dark.

Temperature and weather in Amsterdam in spring

	Weather in March	Weather in April	Weather in May
Temperature average	+6	+8	+12
Temperature during the day	+9	+12	+17
Temperature at night	+3	+4	+8
Water temperature	+6	+9	+11
Rain	8 days	11 days	11 days

Amsterdam in summer

The total number of summer days in Amsterdam is dominated by days with fine, sunny weather. It is unlikely that you will get sunburned or suffer from heatstroke here, because heat is not typical for the capital, and periodic rains lead to slight temporary cold snaps. On rare days when the sun is at its zenith, the thermometer can jump to +25 °C. But usually this figure is a couple of degrees lower. As a rule, the beach season opens in the outskirts of Amsterdam in July. The water in the North Sea is very cold even at the height of summer, so only a few swim. When going on a summer trip, make sure you have a warm sweater or jacket, as well as a raincoat or umbrella in your suitcase. Cold evenings and sudden precipitation are almost guaranteed at this time of year.

Temperature and weather in Amsterdam in summer

	Weather in June	Weather in July	Weather in August
Temperature average	+15	+17	+17
Temperature during the day	+19	+21	+21
Temperature at night	+11	+13	+13
Water temperature	+14	+17	+18
Rain	8 days	11 days	10 days

Amsterdam in autumn

In September, Amsterdam is incredibly romantic, despite the fact that it now starts to rain much more often. Nature pleases with shades of gold, orange and crimson. Her flaming landscapes against the background of a faded sky, as if painted by an artist with gray pastels, look especially bewitching. There is no significant drop in temperatures yet, but already in October there is a sharp drop in temperatures in the capital. Squally winds blow, heavy downpours charge, from which even the strongest and most reliable umbrella cannot save you. In November, air humidity reaches its maximum, the sun appears from behind gloomy clouds literally 3-4 times a month.

Amsterdam is an ancient and beautiful city, where many cultures and nations are amazingly mixed. Thanks to this, it has become a unique place, unlike any other in the world. Every day thousands of tourists come here to see everything with their own eyes, but when is the best time to go to Amsterdam?

Amsterdam in summer - parks and festivals

Amsterdam becomes even more beautiful due to the abundant greenery of trees and numerous flowerpots on residential buildings. Despite the fact that the truly warm summer here does not last long, you can enjoy the warm rays of the sun quite often. The hottest time of the year falls on , when the thermometer often shows 30C. On days like these, the Dutch flock to the beach, leaving tourists alone with the city. Lovers of deserted streets will benefit from this, and after walking around enough you can go to one of the many, lie there on the grass or have a picnic.

This is the time to take a leisurely stroll around the city and enjoy its streets and canals. Download our audio guide to Amsterdam and go on an exciting walk.

In such heat, high humidity, and here it usually reaches 80%, can be a big problem for those who cannot stand such a climate, so take this into account when planning your trip. There are a lot of festivals in Amsterdam in the summer, but the most significant of them are:

- dance music festival Sensation Amsterdam, usually taking place on the first weekend of July. Where the best DJs and several thousand dance lovers gather under one roof.

- gay pride parade, taking place on the first Saturday, when Amsterdam turns into an open-air dance floor.

- classical music festival Amsterdam Canal Festival, taking place in the second half of August.

Amsterdam in autumn - culture and sports

Autumn is also rich in various festivals. On the first weekend of September, the Jordan Festival takes place, dedicated to ballads about life in Amsterdam. The next weekend is no less significant and many Dutch people wait for these days all year, because it is on these days that you can get inside most of them, which are inaccessible to visitors for the whole year. A list of open monuments and their addresses can be asked at the tourist center.

If sport is an integral part of your life, then you will undoubtedly be interested in the Amsterdam Marathon, which takes place in mid-October. Arriving in Amsterdam in November, you can see one of the most wonderful holidays for children - the Procession of St. Nicholas.

Amsterdam in winter - Christmas and... tulips!

It is believed that it was on the 15th that St. Nicholas and his assistant sailed by ship from Spain. On this day, the pre-Christmas period begins, Christmas decorations appear on the streets, and in December, Christmas markets. Undoubtedly, the main holiday of the country is Christmas (25) and on these days museums and shops are usually closed.

National Tulip Day can rightfully be considered the most unexpected and striking event. On this day, everything is covered with a carpet of blooming tulips, which everyone can take with them completely free of charge. When going to Amsterdam in autumn and winter, be sure to take waterproof and warm clothes with you, and from mid-October a scarf, hat and gloves can be very useful. At this time of year, as a rule, frequent rain is accompanied by a cold wind blowing from the North Sea.

Amsterdam is one of the most interesting cities in Europe and a great place for tourism. However, before planning a trip to the “Venice of the North,” as Europeans call it, you should decide what time of year it is best for you to go there, so that the trip turns out to be the most convenient and eventful for you.

Weather in Amsterdam

As you know, nature does not have bad weather, but in Amsterdam it does happen. Like many other northern European capitals, the city often experiences quite rainy weather, and the winds make it completely unpredictable. But this does not mean that this makes Amsterdam any less interesting. Just stock up on appropriate clothing and shoes in advance if you are going here in the off-season. Spring or summer is another matter. The tourist season starts in Amsterdam in mid-March. But the best time to explore the city is in April: there are not many tourists yet, the weather is becoming more welcoming, and the world-famous Dutch tulips are fragrant all around.

In summer the situation becomes a little more complicated. This is not only the time of the most massive pilgrimage of tourists to the city, but also a period when the locals themselves try to spend as much time as possible in the fresh air. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that all parks and squares will be filled with people, and it will be difficult to quickly get to the museum or find inexpensive housing. If you have visited Amsterdam at other times of the year, be sure to return here in the summer to enjoy the active life of the city. But keep in mind that prices increase significantly in the summer.

The most convenient way to travel around Amsterdam and its surroundings, and even more so throughout the Netherlands, is by car. You can book a car at Amsterdam airport directly through the website cars-scanner.com, where you can find affordable car rental in Amsterdam at any time and for any period. The prices here are quite reasonable and all-inclusive, including insurance. Free cancellation and modification of your reservation is provided. And you can use the reserved car almost immediately after arrival.

Budget holiday options

If you are a student, or simply prefer budget travel, you should avoid Amsterdam in the summer and spring. Autumn and winter are a completely different matter. Traveling at this time of year has several advantages. You will significantly save money on food and accommodation. You will be able to easily access most museums. Some of them completely remove the entrance fee after the end of the tourist season. Get a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the real atmosphere of Amsterdam and try on the role of a local resident.

Autumn joys. From mid-September to the end of October, spending time in Amsterdam will be surprisingly pleasant. Although the days are getting shorter and the weather is gradually deteriorating, the streets of the city acquire some special comfort and tranquility. You can easily find affordable accommodation, enjoy a delicious lunch in a cozy and uncrowded café, and enjoy some of Amsterdam's purely autumn activities (meaning special beers that local producers brew and sell only in the fall).

Fabulous winter. It's already quite cold in Amsterdam from November, so be sure to take a warm sweater with you on your trip. But the bright colors of the city along with the snow make Amsterdam very romantic. Moreover, it is

Winter is a time when prices in the city drop to a minimum, but the amount of entertainment does not decrease at all. On the contrary, in the middle of winter the city’s canals freeze, and locals skate on them. You too can take part in this purely seasonal entertainment.

When should you NOT go to Amsterdam?

It may seem that the city is beautiful at any time of the year. And this is true, because each season makes the capital interesting, unusual and attractive in its own way for a certain category of tourists. But if you still want to look at the city itself and its attractions, and not push through a crowd of the same tourists to see at least something, you should definitely take into account the necessary list of dates.

1. From the last weekend of April to the first weekend of May, Amsterdam celebrates two important public holidays: Queen's Day and Dutch Liberation Day (the official end of World War II in the country). These holidays are important for the Dutch, so there will always be a lot of people on the streets, both local residents and visitors from all over the Netherlands. Would you like to watch national celebrations and wander among the crowd of locals? Then this time is the best for you.

2. August is considered the most “tourist” month. If you want to get a good look at the city, it's best not to come here in August. It is at this time that there are a lot of visitors with custom tours, so even trying to get into any museum will take forever. And prices skyrocket according to the influx of tourists. Even the residents of the capital themselves prefer to temporarily go somewhere outside in August.

3. New Year. In fact, during the New Year's celebrations, Amsterdam is no different from other big cities. Everyone still indulges in noisy fun, setting off fireworks and wandering the streets. The number of locals in the fresh air is explained quite simply: most restaurants and nightclubs double their prices on New Year's Eve, so many residents of the capital prefer to have fun on their own in the fresh air. Of course, you can always come to Amsterdam for New Year with a group of friends, but if you want to see the city itself, extend your trip for at least a few more weeks after the holiday.