Why visit Amsterdam in Winter?
The best things to see and do
Staying at Princess Hostel Amsterdam gives you the perfect base to experience the magic of Amsterdam in winter. From sparkling lights along the canals to festive Christmas markets and cosy cafés, the city is full of charm during the colder months. We've put together a short list of our favourite winter things to see and do while you’re staying with us. Plus… we’ve got discounted tours and tickets to the very best Amsterdam winter attractions!
In and around the hostel
Life’s little extras don’t come for free – but they shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg either. Here are our budget-friendly additions to make your winter stay in Amsterdam even smoother (and cosier!).
- Amsterdam is famous for its bicycle culture, and even in winter it’s a great way to explore. Wrap up warm, hop on one of our hostel bikes and enjoy the freedom of discovering the city at your own pace – without breaking the bank.
- We sell discounted tickets to all your favourite attractions and museums – including skip-the-line options – so you can spend less time waiting and more time exploring.
- Need to get somewhere quickly or prefer to travel in comfort? We can arrange a dedicated taxi service to take you anywhere in the city.
- There are several larger supermarkets within a few minutes’ walk, as well as plenty of cafés, bars, restaurants and take-aways nearby – perfect for warming up after a chilly day in the city.
- Looking for free tours? Or want to party and meet new people on a fun pub crawl? We've got you covered!
Roof top bars
We suggest having a drink at the roof top bar of the Hilton Hotel in the SkyLounge. There, you can enjoy one of the best sunsets in the city! You simply need to take tram 1 accross the street of the hostel until Central Station. View more roof top bar locations.
Winter Markets & Budget Bites
Amsterdam in winter is a feast for food lovers! From festive winter markets filled with delicious seasonal bites to cosy international eateries, there’s something for every taste and budget. If you’re looking for a great-value meal nearby, we recommend trying Taqueria Tacobar – just a 4-minute walk from Princess Hostel! For more tasty and affordable options, check out the IAmsterdam cheap eats guide.
Top clubs
Princess Hostel is at a perfect location for party lovers. Only a 5-minute walk from Leidseplein, there are some of the most cool and popular clubs of the city including Melkweg and Paradiso. For more nightlife suggestions, we suggest to view the Clubbing Guide.
Museums
No visit to Amsterdam is complete without exploring some of its world-famous museums – and winter is the perfect time to do it! Princess Hostel is just a 10-minute walk from Museumplein, home to the iconic Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers. During the colder months, these museums offer a warm and inspiring escape from the chilly weather. The Anne Frank House is another must-see, but be sure to reserve your tickets online in advance, as it remains one of the most popular spots in the city. After your museum visits, enjoy the festive atmosphere at nearby winter markets or take a stroll to admire the sparkling lights of the Amsterdam Light Festival. For more ideas, check out the Top 12 Museums in Amsterdam.
Rainy day activities
Amsterdam can be sometimes rainy, however don't let the weather ruin your stay! Many indoor locations are quite nice to visit on a rainy day. In the street behind Princess Hostel, you can go have a drink and play some pool at the Poolcafe de Keu. If you are interested in exploring culinary options, we recommend to go visit the indoor market of De Hallen. Museums are also a great option for a rainy day or why not learn how beer is made at the Heineken Experience? For more rainy day activities, there's plenty of inspiration to be found on IAmsterdam.
Beach spots
Even in winter, Amsterdam’s beaches have their own special charm! For the ultimate Dutch beach experience, take a short 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central to Zandvoort. Instead of swimming or kite surfing, enjoy long walks along the quiet shoreline, warm up by cosy beach tents with firepits, and sip on hot chocolate or mulled wine as you watch the waves roll in. Many seaside cafés stay open year-round, offering the perfect place to relax and soak up the peaceful coastal atmosphere. For more beach ideas, check out the Top 5 Amsterdam Beach Spots.
