![\"Courtney](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEC_293113852-7c04.jpg\")
\n\t\tSkip Amsterdam in Spring and go later in the year, says Courtney (Picture: Courtney Pochin)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tSkip Amsterdam in Spring and go later in the year, says Courtney (Picture: Courtney Pochin)<\/p>\n
If you Google the best time to visit Amsterdam<\/a>, you\u2019ll be told to go in April or May, to see the tulips in full bloom.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n And while I don\u2019t deny that spring is a marvellous time to visit the capital of the Netherlands<\/a>, personally, I\u2019d wait a few months. In fact, I\u2019d wait until winter.<\/p>\n I visited in November last year and found it to be a glorious place for a winter<\/a> getaway.<\/p>\n I know it\u2019s not even summer yet, but if you can think a little further ahead, past Aperol spritzes and beach days<\/a>, you might have just discovered your perfect pre-Christmas break. <\/p>\n What\u2019s so great about Amsterdam in the winter?<\/p>\n On the cobbled streets and quaint canals, Christmas<\/a> lights cast a warm glow over everything.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tBest of Metro Deals\t\t\t<\/p>\n Get exclusive\u00a0discounts\u00a0with\u00a0Metro Deals<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 save on getaways and spa days.\u00a0Powered by Wowcher<\/p>\n Bannatyne Spa: Spa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco \u2014\u00a0save up to 57%\u00a0off.<\/p>\n Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n Mystery Escape: Hotel stay with return flights from as low as \u00a392pp \u2014\u00a0save on worldwide holiday packages.<\/p>\n Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n Beach Retreat (Lanzarote): 4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights \u2014\u00a0save up to 58%.<\/p>\n Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t During the day, winter sunlight dances on the water, and, even though it rains quite a bit towards the end of the year, the wet weather somehow feels cosy and charming, instead of the miserable sleet we get in the UK.\u00a0<\/p>\n There\u2019s something romantic about strolling along the canal as fat drops of rain<\/a> ripple on the surface, a large umbrella keeping you dry overhead and a hot drink in hand.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n And if you think it\u2019s special in the daytime, just wait until blue hour hits.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t This occurs around twilight \u2013 about half an hour after the sun has set \u2013 when the sky turns a spectacular shade of blue. <\/p>\n The streetlights and 17th-century houses reflect off the water, creating the most picturesque scene. You\u2019ll want your camera at the ready.\u00a0<\/p>\n But the best things about Amsterdam in winter? The food<\/a>.<\/p>\n Where to eat in Amsterdam\u00a0on a winter break<\/p>\n As a food writer<\/a>, I care more about food than the average person. I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about where to eat, what to eat and whether it will taste any good.<\/p>\n With that in mind, I can confirm that Amsterdam is a paradise for hearty, winter grub. <\/p>\n Think sausage, mash and sauerkraut, meatballs and gravy, frites smothered in Parmesan sauce, giant doorstop-sized wedges of Dutch apple pie topped with whipped cream, and cookies, cookies, and even more cookies fresh from the oven.<\/p>\n I started my foodie journey in the most touristy way possible: a cookie cruise.<\/p>\n The cruise is run by Flagship Amsterdam<\/a>, which does everything from tulip tours to boat parties. This one is in conjunction with Het Koekemannetje, a popular cookie spot close to the canal.<\/p>\n \t\t You settle into your seat and learn about the history of Amsterdam\u2019s canals as a waiter serves you Prosecco or boozy hot chocolate. Then about halfway through, the boat starts to slow as it approaches a bridge. <\/p>\n A woman leans over the side and carefully lowers a basket of freshly baked cookies down on a rope to the tour guide, who catches it just in the nick of time before you pass under.<\/p>\n Like a cookie-wielding Santa, the treats are passed around, and you\u2019ll spend the rest of the tour in a sugar coma, enjoying the views.<\/p>\n The cruise costs around \u00a322 per person, but it\u2019s worth noting this fee only includes the tour and one cookie; drinks cost extra.<\/p>\n \t\t If boats aren\u2019t your thing, the place to try cookies in Amsterdam is Van Stapele<\/a>, which makes the most delicious chocolate cookie I\u2019ve ever had in my life. So good are these cookies, they are the only thing it sells.<\/p>\n The signature is a dark chocolate cookie base, with a molten white chocolate filling that perfectly balances rich and sweet flavours. The edges are crisp, while the middle is soft and gooey.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t be put off by the queues, this place is worth all the hype. You\u2019ll regret getting one. Buy a whole damn box.<\/p>\n Other unmissable sweet treats include the apple pie from Winkel 43<\/a>. Instead of a pastry, this pie has a crumbly topping that\u2019s more akin to Lotus Biscoff biscuits, and it\u2019s sweet, fruity, spiced, and bigger than your head.<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t\t\tAnother reason to visit Amsterdam in November…\t\t\t<\/p>\n If I\u2019ve convinced you that November is the ideal time to visit Amsterdam, there\u2019s one other benefit to taking a trip at this time of year.<\/p>\n Towards the end of the month, Amsterdam\u2019s Light Festival launches, which sees 20 different artistic light installations installed along the canals, illuminating the city. <\/p>\n You can see them by walking around, cycling or during a canal boat tour. Those travelling on foot will be able to stop at food and drink establishments along the route. <\/p>\n Each edition of the festival has a unique theme, but this year\u2019s hasn\u2019t been announced yet.<\/p>\n For more information, visit amsterdamlightfestival.com\/en<\/a><\/p>\n But Brits, be warned, if you go there and order a cup of tea, they will give it to you in a highball glass, and it will feel fifty shades of wrong.<\/p>\n Of course, no trip to Amsterdam is complete without a Stroopwafel.<\/p>\n I tried the viral ones from Van Wonderen<\/a>, and they were nice, but I\u2019d recommend saving your money and heading to a local market. <\/p>\n The stall might not be as aesthetic, but they\u2019ll make it up fresh in front of you, with warm oozy caramel, and it\u2019ll taste just as good, for a fraction of the price.<\/p>\n \t\t For those who aren\u2019t into sweet treats, I visited three incredible places serving savoury delights.<\/p>\n First, there\u2019s Davie\u2019s<\/a>, which has a pastrami sandwich that rivals the iconic Katz\u2019s deli in NYC. <\/p>\n Then Bagel Boy, with an equally epic BEC bagel. And finally Heemelrijck<\/a>, for traditional Stamppots, a Dutch dish made with mashed potatoes, veg and sausages.<\/p>\n My top tip? Swing by the Bagel Boy<\/a> near the Rijksmuseum just before it closes at 3pm. You might be offered a bag of leftover bagels free of charge.<\/p>\n And don\u2019t think I\u2019ve forgotten about drinks.<\/p>\n Coffee<\/a> snobs will be in their element at Greek coffee bar Kafenion, while for cocktail drinkers, Pulitzer\u2019s Bar is a real vibe. <\/p>\n Order an Oh! Rosa from the alchemy menu, grab a window seat and people watch. The perfect winter getaway.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tHow to get to Amsterdam\t\t\t<\/p>\n There are several ways to get to Amsterdam from the UK. <\/p>\n From London, you can take the Eurostar<\/a>, a journey of just under four hours. Prices start from \u00a339, but in November, it\u2019s currently \u00a349 each way online.<\/p>\n If you prefer to fly, it\u2019ll take just over an hour. There are direct flights with several airlines, including easyJet<\/a> and BA<\/a>, with prices starting from \u00a373 return.<\/p>\n Do you have a story to share?<\/p>\n Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Chirstmas](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20251113_204648_335-5c56-e1776158434987.jpg\")
\n\t\tAmsterdam in winter is magical (Picture: Courtney Pochin)<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20251112_152642_605-667c.jpg\")
\n\t\tJust wait for blue hour (Picture: Courtney Pochin)<\/p>\n![\"Split](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/the-flagship-cookie-cruise.png\")
\n\t\tThe cookie cruise was touristy, but great fun (Picture: Courtney Pochin)<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_3783-c7e2-e1776158855347.jpg\")
\n\t\tVan Stapele cookies are THE BEST (Picture: Courtney Pochin)<\/p>\n![\"Courtney](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_3769-65ea-e1776159025683.jpg\")
\n\t\tStill not over this giant piece of pie (Picture: Courtney Pochin)<\/p>\n![\"Traditional](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_3759-6d29.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe sauerkraut stamppots are such hearty winter grub (Picture: Courtney Pochin)<\/p>\n
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