The Perfect Winter Day In Amsterdam

The winter season in Amsterdam is truly magic. Charming canals transform into a frosty wonderland, cosy cafés beckon, and 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 Winterparadijs, the season offers unforgettable experiences. Here’s a detailed winter guide to help you discover the best places in the city to visit, or ask our concierge to help you plan your itinerary and make the most of our winter perks designed to make your stay more speciaal.

Morning: A Cozy Start

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 to prepare you for a day’s exploring.

Cartier Christmas Tree
Take a moment to pause in our lobby, where our Cartier decorated tree sparkles in the soft morning light and offers a quiet moment to take in the festive atmosphere.

Breakfast at BARBOUNIA
Enjoy a hearty 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 before getting ready for the day.



Midday: Culinary and Cultural Wonders

Festive shopping on PC Hooftstraat
Treat yourself to a Christmas or other special occasion shopping spree at PC Hooftstraat, Amsterdam’s most prestigious shopping street. Explore boutiques and flagship stores such as Chanel, Loewe, and Prada. For unique gifts, visit our very own luxury shopping street, the ‘Van Baerle Shopping Gallery’. Don’t forget to treat yourself!

Lunch at BARBOUNIA
After browsing the shops, treat yourself to a Mediterranean-inspired lunch of 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 more of the BARBOUNIA menu with sharing plates, in a cosy and unique atmosphere.

Explore the magic in the Concertgebouw
Spend your afternoon at the Concertgebouw, with a festive concert of beautiful classical music. An afternoon of harmony and warming winter sounds in this globally-renowned concert hall is the perfect way to experience the magic of the season.



Afternoon: Festivities and Shopping

The Amsterdam Light Festival
As dusk descends over the city, watch the canals come alive with the enchanting installations of the Amsterdam Light Festival. Wrap up warm and stroll through the creativity and wonder of this outdoor gallery.

Christmas Village at Museumplein
Get into the festive spirit with a visit to the Christmas Market on Museum Square, open daily until 26th December. Shop for Christmas decorations, clothes, and seasonal sweet treats. A perfect family outing on a cosy winter’s afternoon.



Evening: Culinary Delights and Winter Fun

A Dining Experience at Taiko
End your day with dinner amid the soft lighting and modern ambiance of Taiko. As Amsterdam winds down for a winter evening, enjoy beautifully plated Asian-inspired dishes from our tasting or à la carte menu.

Ice skating at Museumplein
Channel your inner child with an ice-skating session at Museumplein’s outdoor rink. Skate beneath the festive lights with the Rijksmuseum as your backdrop, creating the perfect winter memories with delicious Dutch pastries such as oliebollen or poffertjes.

Amsterdam Winterparadijs
Continue your evening at Amsterdam Winterparadijs, a magical winter wonderland held at the RAI Amsterdam. This event combines everything you love about winter, from snow slides, curling, and a giant indoor ice rink, to live music, festive food stalls, and even cosy après-ski bars. A memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Experience the best of Amsterdam this winter, beginning with the comfort of the Conservatorium Hotel.