Are you visiting Amsterdam in autumn? Lucky you! As most travelers flock to Amsterdam in the warmer months, the fall season is an often overlooked opportunity to explore this alluring city.
What to expect during the fall season
The average temperature in October, November and December is around 12 degrees Celsius (53.6F), with lows of 6.1C (42.9F) closer to Christmas. Although autumn in Amsterdam can usually be the wettest season, it is one of the most beautiful. So, become a local who is not fronted by a splash of rain or some chilly weather and soak up (no pun intended) our Autumn in Amsterdam must do’s!
Explore the greens
Amsterdam is home to a multitude of beautiful parks, of which the grand Vondelpark is the best known. Covering a whopping 47 hectares (120 acres) this green oasis smack in the centre of town features a beautiful pond, 4700 trees of 150 species and is home to hedgehogs, squirrels, bats, and storks. One remarkable inhabitant is the vibrantly bright rose-ringed parakeet, which is easy to spot because of its noisy presence. During a brisk ‘back to nature’ autumn walk make sure not to miss out on a Picasso sculpture (is it a bird, or is it a fish?) and kick back with a delicious craft beer in the newly opened Brewery t IJ in the Blauwe Theehuis.
Top of our own list is the lesser-known Westerpark. Just off the beaten track but possibly more lively, Westerpark offers a welcoming escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities streets. The main part of this park is made up of the old gas works, which now host various shops, restaurants, a local brewery and one of Europe’s most sustainable hotels. Leave the hectic city behind and visit Buurtboerderij ‘Ons Genoegen’ (Neighbourhood farm ‘our pleasure’), for a slice of their delicious homemade apple pie.
Dutch Autumn Fashion
With weather that can change at the drop of a hat from dark & stormy to bright and crisp, the Dutch Autumn fashion is versatile, to say the least. Cool stores to check out some local makers are situated in the Nine Streets (https://de9straatjes.nl/nl/home), and Haarlemmerstraat (https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/about-amsterdam/amsterdam-neighbourhoods/centre/haarlemmerstraat-haarlemmerdijk). Design lovers shouldn’t miss out on a visit to the Flagship store of Dutch Design brand Moooi at the Westerstraat – https://www.moooi.com/.
Seasonal comfort food
The Dutch cuisine isn’t known for its refinement, but what it does cater to well is good hearty food to warm you up! A cheese lovers dream has just opened its doors in the Westerpark in the form of a Fondue Restaurant from renowned Amsterdam cheese shop ‘de Kaaskamer’: https://dekaaskamerfondue.nl It’s only open until the 1st of March 2020, so don’t miss out! Typical Dutch stamppot or hutspot (mashed potatoes, kale, onion or carrots, gravy, bacon bits and sausage) is a must eat when you visit Amsterdam in autumn, and we think this comfort food is best had at restaurant Haesje Claes: https://www.haesjeclaes.nl.
For foodies that want to bring home some cooking knowledge, we recommend joining up with the ‘Dutch Dinner and Dessert’ experience from our friend Ilse – check it out here: https://abnb.me/XTznMVUB90.
Ultimate Amsterdam Markets
Isn’t autumn just an amazing season to stroll around and explore local produce? Amsterdam is home to so many amazing markets that it’s hard to choose which ones to visit. Farmers Market and antique/vintage lovers can spend a nice couple of hours around the Noordermarkt every Saturday: https://www.noordermarkt-amsterdam.nl/en/home-en
A lesser-known market is the Sunday Market at Westerpark – every first Sunday of the month you can find locally crafted souvenirs, food stalls with delicious treats and a mulled wine stand to warm you up: https://sundaymarket.nl
