- City Guide
The Perfect Winter Day In Amsterdam
The winter season in Amsterdam is pure magic. Explore the charming canals which will transform into a frosty wonderland, discover cozy cafés, and enjoy how the city sparkles with festive lights and holiday markets. With sights like the Amsterdam Light Festival, the enchanting ice rink at Museumplein, and the spectacular Amsterdam Winterparadijs, the season offers unforgettable experiences in Amsterdam. Here’s a detailed winter guide to help you discover the best places to visit in Amsterdam or ask our concierges to help you and make the most of our special winter perks designed to elevate your stay.
Morning: A Cozy Star
Relaxation at Akasha Holistic Wellbeing
Start your day with a relaxing sauna session at Akasha. Our calming wellbeing spa offers luxurious Therabody treatments, U Beauty facials, a Watsu pool, a hammam and much more, creating a quiet and calming atmosphere to help you start your day in the best way.
Cartier Christmas Tree
Early in the morning, enjoy the magical Cartier Christmas tree in the Lobby. This Cartier decorated tree sparkles in the soft morning light and offers a quiet moment to take in the festive atmosphere before your day begins.
A Delicious Breakfast at BARBOUNIA
Afterwards, join our extensive breakfast at BARBOUNIA. Choose from the buffet or à la carte menu featuring freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, and your choice of cappuccino or matcha latte. Enjoy all the treats and get yourself ready for the day.
Midday: Culinary and cultural wonders
Festive shopping on PC Hooftstraat
After the festival, treat yourself to a Christmas shopping spree or a other special occasion shopping spree at PC Hooftstraat, Amsterdam’s premier luxury shopping street. Explore boutiques and flagship stores like Chanel, Loewe, and Prada. For unique finds, visit our very own luxury shopping street the ‘’Van Baerle Shopping Gallery‘’ and discover items you can give as gifts to others but also certainly to yourself!
Lunch at BARBOUNIA
After strolling and browsing the shops, treat yourself to a Mediterranean-inspired lunch at BARBOUNIA. Explore our dishes infused with aromatic spices from the Levant, from Shrimp Kofta, balanced with a touch of grapefruit and spices, to the Shish Barak a la Gyoza. Discover the menu and share different dishes with each other for a cosy atmosphere and unique experience.
Explore the magic in the Concertgebouw
Spend your afternoon at the Concertgebouw with a visit to the Concertgebouw for a festive concert. Here you can feel and experience the festive spirit and enjoy beautiful classical music, warm melodies and an enchanting ambience in this authentic concert hall. A perfect way to experience the magic of the season and an afternoon of harmony and winter sounds.
Afternoon: Festivities and Shopping
The Amsterdam Light Festival
As it slowly begins to dusk, the city’s canals come alive with enchanting light installations during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Stroll through this outdoor gallery and see the creativity and wonder of the displays.
Christmas village at Museumplein
Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to the Christmas market on museum square. Here you can shop for Christmas decorations, Christmas clothes and snacks and drinks. So visit the market on 12th and 26th December with your family and experience the cosy surroundings with the various stalls. A perfect outing to do at the end of the afternoon.
Evening: Culinary Delights and Winter Fun
A Dining Experience at Taiko
End your day with a dinner at Taiko where you can dine in an atmospheric and modern setting. While Amsterdam gets ready for a winter evening, you can enjoy dishes with Asian influences at Taiko. Whether you decide for the tasting menu or à la carte options, each dish is a masterpiece. A fine evening spot where the warm lighting and ambiance make the place cozy for a culinary experience.
Ice Skating at Museumplein
Channel your inner child with an ice-skating session at Museumplein’s outdoor rink. Skate under the festive lights with the Rijksmuseum as background and enjoy afterwords delicious Dutch pastries such as oliebollen or poffertjes to create the perfect winter memories.
Amsterdam Winterparadijs
Or continue your evening at Amsterdam Winterparadijs, a magical winter wonderland held at the RAI Amsterdam. This event combines everything you love about winter: snow slides, curling, festive food stalls, a giant indoor ice rink, live music, and even cozy après-ski bars. It’s an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
This itinerary ensures you will experience the best of Amsterdam this winter, beginning with the comfort and luxury of the Conservatorium Hotel. Make the most of every moment on your unforgettable journey!