Even if you’ve visited the Dutch capital before, Amsterdam in autumn offers something truly different. This vibrant city is the perfect destination for autumnal walks, cosy drinks, and indoor cultural experiences, plus, after the rush of summer tourists, you’ll find it has a more laid back feel too.
Here, we share the best ways to discover Amsterdam in autumn, and just some of the reasons why it’s one of our favourite Mini Cruise destinations.
Autumn colours in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a beautiful city throughout the seasons, but it’s extra magical during autumn. Around 400,000 trees line the city’s famous canal network, and when these turn amazing shades of yellow, orange, and red, they give Amsterdam a surreal glow that you won’t see at any other time of year.
Autumn in Amsterdam provides the perfect excuse to wrap up and take a walk through some of its parks, and around its UNESCO recognised canal ring. You’ll also find that, as the leaves fall, the city’s cobblestone streets are lost under a blanket of stunning autumnal shades, and there’s nothing more satisfying than crunching through these in winter boots.
Enjoy some rainy day activities
The weather can be changeable in Amsterdam during autumn, but there are loads of great things to do should it rain while you’re there. If you want to see the city’s top sights and landmarks, take a canal cruise which will show you Amsterdam from a different perspective, and keep you dry! Most canal tours come with informative commentary, and others include lunch, drinks, or other entertainment.
Museums are a great place to hide out and explore when it’s raining outside, and Amsterdam is home to lots of them! The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museum are two of the city’s favourite options, and both offer plenty to see. If you’re travelling with children, you might like to visit the NEMO science museum. With 5 floors full of interactive exhibitions and workshops to discover, guests of all ages will be thoroughly entertained.
Museum night in Amsterdam
On the topic of museums, autumn sees Amsterdam’s popular Museum Night return to the city, which gives you the opportunity to see over 50 museums after dark. Taking place on the 2nd November 2019, Museum Night is in full-swing until 2am the following morning, and offers the chance to enjoy exhibits alongside music, DJs, food, drink, and a number of great surprises.
During this event, the whole of Amsterdam is alive with a cultural buzz, and it’s a great time to explore some of the city’s smaller museums, although the larger museums are certainly worth a visit too!
Get cosy in a café
Amsterdam is full of lovely cafés and bars that have cosy atmospheres perfectly suited to autumn days, and the city’s ‘brown cafés’ are particularly popular. These traditional drinking holes were given their name due to their dark interiors, usually stained by cigarette smoke during years gone by. Some of these bars are centuries old, and many are still owned by the same family that founded them, and you’ll find a mix of locals, students, and tourists inside.
If you’d prefer to visit somewhere a little more modern, there are plenty of options for you too. You’ll also find that many cafés boast sheltered outdoor terraces with heaters – the perfect place to relax with a cup of hot chocolate and slice of Dutch apple pie.
Now that you know the best ways to discover Amsterdam in autumn, book your Hull to Rotterdam crossing and start planning your perfect trip.
