Fun things to do in Amsterdam in January

About Amsterdam

With its picturesque canal network, vibrant cultural scene, and rich history, the capital of Holland is one of the world’s most unique city destinations for tourists.

Amsterdam is known to be the most visited city around the globe. With its vibrant nightlife, laid back reputation, gorgeous canals, and dozens of museums, it has something for everyone. It is also a perfect place for individuals who want to explore surrounding cities and countries.

There are a wide variety of things to do in Amsterdam in any weather or season, with many of the most rewarding experiences to be found when you step off the well-trodden tourist path of the city center. So if you are visiting for the weekend or a fortnight, here is your essential checklist of the best Amsterdam attractions and unmissable adventures.

The Amsterdam Pub Crawl

Leidseplein square is the busiest nightlife hotspot in Amsterdam, making it an ideal place for a bar crawl. This Amsterdam pub crawl visits six venues in total, and the best part is you get a free wine, beer, or soft drink in each one, as well as a free shot in each of the first three bars. There are also 30 minutes of unlimited Vodka shots poured into your mouth. A must-visit place to taste the best quality drinks like Vodkas.

Attend one of the over 1000 events all over Amsterdam

Whatever season you are planning to visit, there are always plenty of things to do in Amsterdam. Street markets, exhibitions, fairs, and festivals make it an eventful city all year round.

Starting from May until September, hardly a weekend goes by without an outdoor festival, from food festivals offering the best local and international dishes to music festivals showcasing world-renowned artists.

In October, the madness continues with the Amsterdam Dance Event. Over 2,400 DJs and artists from around the world will be performing in Amsterdam’s finest and most unique locations. Find yourself dancing in an old church or the passage under the Rijksmuseum. If you are crazy about clubbing, this is an event not to be missed.

Pollux

A late-night dive bar with the most loveable publicans you will ever meet. The ever-smiling Frits single-handedly operates the bar while his wife Tanja sits on the same barstool all day, chain-smoking, smiling at customers, and ordering neat vodkas. The neon-lit 50s style jukebox is packed with classic rock and soul, making for some interesting moves on the stripper’s pole – a remnant from the bar’s former life as a go-go bar.

Red Light District

The Red Light District, which locals call the Wallen, is one of Amsterdam’s best-known attractions. Though very interesting indeed, there is much more to the area than bars, peep shows, brothels, and sex shops. The Red Light District of Amsterdam is home to some of the oldest buildings and churches in town; The Old Church dates back to 1200.

Best beer tasting under a windmill

There are eight remaining windmills in the capital, the easiest to visit being de Gooyer in the Oostelijke Eilanden neighborhood. And this is not just any windmill – under the sails of this striking landmark is Brouwerij ‘t IJ, an award-winning artisan microbrewery with a large outdoor drinking terrace and almost thirty-minute guided tasting tours. The brewery makes a range of organic standard and seasonal ales that you will find in many Amsterdam bars, and nothing tastes quite as good as beer brewed there.

Take a Bike and Get Lost in the City

One of the first things you will notice when you visit Amsterdam is bicycles. They are everywhere! In fact, there are more bicycles than actual residents in the city, making bike tours one of the top and fun things to do in Amsterdam.

Wander Through Jordaan

If you like picking up unique works of art and antiquing, the quaint neighborhood of Jordaan is right up your alley. The narrow streets are home to a variety of eclectic art galleries, shops, and cafes.

Ice Skate at Leidseplein

Deciding to visit Amsterdam in the winter? You don’t have to skip outdoor fun. Leidseplein features festive holiday days and ice skating around a bustling shopping area. People have a lot of fun ice skating.

Check Out the Amsterdam Zoo

Situated in the center of Amsterdam, Artis is one of the oldest zoos in mainland Europe. In addition to exotic animals, there is a zoology and botany library, as well as 26 historic buildings to explore.