January is the heart of winter in Amsterdam.
The days tend to be short, cold and gray, and the festive cheer slowly leaves the city, returning it to a slow, local rhythm.
Cold weather, however, doesn't detract from Amsterdam's charm, and there are many reasons why visiting Amsterdam in January is a great idea.
The key to a successful trip to Amsterdam in January is to know what to expect and plan accordingly.
January in Amsterdam: article summary
Amsterdam weather in January: what to expect
January iswinter in Amsterdam.
In January, you should expect a few hours of daylight, gray skies, a few days of rain and a thin layer of snow.
But you can also expect dreamy atmospheres: the snow-covered canals are magical!
Official temperatures and precipitation range from 6 to -1 degrees Celsius. So bring some warm clothes.
The best things to do in Amsterdam in January
The best things to do in Amsterdam in January are a mix of classic sightseeing, seasonal activities and shopping!
Marvel at the works of art at the Amsterdam Festival of Lights
Amsterdam in January hosts a fantastic festival of lights.
The festival takes place every year during the darkest weeks of winter, from early December to the third week of January.
The festival is a public exhibition of light art installations. in outdoor locations around Amsterdam.
Artists from all over the world take part in the festival, and their installations literally brighten up Amsterdam nights!
The best way to admire the exhibits is to take a night cruise on the canals. Many of the installations are located on bridges, and the cruise offers a natural view of the city. to see them in all their splendour, reflected on the water.
It's an attractive way to visit Amsterdam in winter, and allows you to make the most of the hours of darkness.
Go ice skating in downtown Amsterdam.
Amsterdam has several seasonal ice rinks perfect for a fun afternoon in the great outdoors.
The most picturesque is probably on Museumplein, just opposite the Rijksmuseum Here you'll find an outdoor skating rink open until the evening, when colored lights illuminate the ice. The rink is open until January 30 each year.
Others skating rinks in downtown Amsterdam are on Rembrandtplein and Amsterdam Winter Paradise.
Sometimes Amsterdam's canals freeze over in winter and people go ice-skating. This is not a regular event, and there are risks associated with it: caution is paramount!
Shopping in Amsterdam in January
Amsterdam is fabulous for shopping and January can be a good time to take advantage of it since you won't be surrounded by excessive crowds, like during the holiday season. Christmas.
Visit shopping in Amsterdam is different depending on where you are. In the downtownHere, you'll find department stores and international retail brands. What makes the city unique, however, are its concept stores and markets.
Concept stores can be expensive, but they're nice, especially in winter: if you're shopping in Amsterdam in January, you can browse them and get a good idea of what's on offer. often warm up with a cup of coffee in the store itself.
If you prefer markets, I recommend a visit to the Albert Cuypt market. It's an open-air market, but you'll find plenty of hot food stalls, making it a pleasant place even in January!
It's also a great place for bargains and souvenirs, with stalls and stores selling clothing, household goods, food and decorative items.
January in Amsterdam: visit the Van Gogh Museum
Another wonderful museum to visit in Amsterdam in January is the Van Gogh Museum.
At this time of year, I recommend booking well in advance, as demand is enormous.
If you'd like to find out more about Van Gogh's relationship with Amsterdam, don't miss the museum's free Van Gogh City Walk, a self-guided tour that takes you around the city of Amsterdam. you can also follow from home.
Visit Anne Frank's house
Visit Anne Frank House is one of the most important places to visit in Amsterdam.
The house and annex offer a unique opportunity to try and understand what life was like in Anne Franck's time.
Admire Amsterdam's gingerbread houses
Amsterdam has many gingerbread houses. However, the most emblematic of them all can be found on Damrak. one of the city's most famous photo spots!
In winter, they are exceptionally beautiful, their lights giving them an even more distinctive fairytale look.
Visiting Amsterdam in January is a unique way to see the real beauty of the city. During your visit, you'll discover places you'd never imagined.
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
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