In this article, I explain what to do and where to go if you're planning to spend New Year's Eve in Amsterdam!
Here you'll find
- 5 ways to enjoy New Year's Eve festivities in Amsterdam
- The busiest places that evening
- Unusual activities and good deals
- Practical information and advice
- And much more!
If you're looking for information for a successful New Year in Amsterdam, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Amsterdam New Year's Day: article summary
5 ways to enjoy New Year's Eve in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is an ideal city for a short stay and many visitors opt for a visit to the dutch capitalas we ring in the New Year.
So you can enjoy the festive atmosphere and events organized for the occasion. Planning your New Year's Eve in Amsterdam? Celebrate Oud & Nieuw with my ideas and recommendations!
Treat yourself to a fine Dutch meal
On the evening of December 31most good restaurants in Amsterdam are offering special menus for New Year's Eve. It's a chance to discover a little-known gastronomy, with a few special treats reserved for the end of the year.
Among the small local specialities don't miss the apple fritters (appelflappen) and oliebollen, which are similar to the delicious sonhos Portuguese (for connoisseurs!), who you'll come across in one of the town's stalls.
Enjoy the outdoor decorations
Amsterdam is a beautiful city all year round, but it's all decked out in lights at the end of the year.
On your New Year's Eve in Amsterdam, you'll see the bridges shine, facades flashing and some of the main monuments decked out in their finest finery.
Take a stroll through the liveliest neighborhoods (like Jordaan or the red-light district), to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
A cruise to enjoy the fireworks
As in most capital cities, Amsterdam is home to some of the world's most spectacular fireworks displays. While it's possible to enjoy them amidst the crowds, from the city's main squares, I find that the best way to admire them is to from the canals.
To do this, you can take part in a cruise. Just let the water lull you to sleep and look up at midnight!
Taking part in street festivities
From concerts and entertainment are organized throughout the city. In general, the Museumplein (where the main Amsterdam museums) is particularly lively, with DJs, a skating rink and food and drink stalls.
Other areas, such as the RAI Amsterdam (see my interactive map) are transformed into a party zone that evening. This is where the Winter Paradise festival takes place every December, culminating in New Year's Eve!
Drink, dance and gamble the night away
There's no shortage of fun to be had in Amsterdam, and you can spend the night in a variety of establishments conducive to partying or entertainment. These include:
- Visit Amsterdam's coolest barsfor a New Year's Eve party with local youth
- Visit best discos with special evenings on the night of December 31.
- Casinosfor adults, to play and bet late into the night
What do the people of Amsterdam do in the New Year?
As a general rule, Amsterdamers like to get together on the main squares to celebrate the arrival of the new year.
The most popular are :
- La place Nieuwmarkton the east side of the Red light Districtin the local chinatown
- Visit Museumpleinincluding the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum
- Visit Dam squarewhere you can also visit the Royal Palace Amsterdam
- Leidsepleinin the south of the city, not far from the very pretty Vondepark
- The A'Dam Lookoutthe city's tallest tower, from which fireworks are fired every year
The evening often consists of a good dinner, followed by a stroll to one of these places, before fireworks. Afterwards, the hardy enjoy the concerts until the wee hours of the morning!
Tips and practical information for a successful New Year in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a great city for a fun-filled New Year's Day. Here are just a few tips on how to make the most of it!
Book in advance!
You're not the only one who wants to spend New Year's Day in Amsterdam! It's essential to book your plane ticket and your hotel room early enough. Then you can get busy finding a good restaurant for your party!
Wear warm, protective clothing
In Amsterdam, in December, it can rain and, above all, it will be cold. quite cold. Just remember to wear the clothes best suited to the season so you don't freeze on your New Year's Eve!
Anticipating the 1er January
Those who don't return immediately after New Year's Eve can enjoy the city, which is fairly quiet on this day. The good news is that many museums are open. the 1er January. This will be less the case for cafés and restaurants, but you won't starve, because there's always something to eat. the FEBO solution !
What to do in Amsterdam in December
A number of activities lend themselves perfectly to the in winter. If you're spending New Year's Eve in Amsterdam, here are a few must-sees!
- Visit festival of lightsheld from late November to late January. It's a must-see event, as it brings the city and its canals to life!
- Amsterdam Ice Barfor a drink in an ice barto match the season!
- Enjoy skating rinks Museumplein or Rembrandtplein
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.
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