Amsterdam, the Dutch capital is a popular tourist destinations, and for good reasons too -- it appeals to kids and older adults alike. There's something for everyone to do in this city! February in Amsterdam is a delightful time to visit, whether you're into history, culture, or just soaking up the local vibe. From its rich heritage to its welcoming locals, Amsterdam is laden with tradition and modernity, in almost equal measures. If you crave a destination with character and warmth, look no further than Amsterdam.
What makes Amsterdam in February special?
February isn’t a traditional choice of time to go to the Dutch capital. However, just because the masses don’t go, doesn’t mean that you should drop the plan too. One of the top reasons to visit Amsterdam in February is the lower tourist footfall. This means that you will be able to explore the city at your own pace.
February is amongst the coldest months in the city of Amsterdam. Aside from the frigid temperature, it also means that the local eateries will present you with delicious food items to keep you warm. Enjoying a mug of hot chocolate or a fondue in February is an experience that you cannot afford to miss. February is considered to be a part of the off-season in Amsterdam. Consequently, you will be able to score attractive discounts on hotel and flight rates during this month.
Amsterdam in February: Weather
A study of the weather of the past few years would reveal February to have the lowest average temperatures in the year. Sub-zero temperatures are likely but precipitation in the form of rain or snow is rare. The sky is typically overcast during the month and direct sunlight is only received for a couple of hours every day.
High: 6°C; Low: 0°C
Amsterdam in February: Things to do
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Van Gogh Museum
Dutch art and culture are on display at many of the city’s famous museums and galleries. One of the most significant ones among them is the Van Gogh Museum. No wonder that even in February, you won’t find the museum free of the tourist crowd. Visit this museum to witness the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works. This is a must-visit irrespective of the weather.
February timings
February 1-16 from 9 AM to 5 PM
February 17-25 from 9 AM to 6 PM
February 26-29 from 9 AM to 5 PM
Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
2
Rijksmuseum
If there are two places in all of Amsterdam that can give you a clear picture of the Dutch heritage, the first is the Van Gogh Museum, and the other is the Rijksmuseum. This landmark institution is home to over 8000 artifacts from The Netherlands’ illustrious past. Make sure you see the masterpieces of Rembrandt and Vermeer when the museum is less crowded in February.
February timings
Daily from 9 AM to 5PM
Dam 20, 1012 KW Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
3
Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Amsterdam is known as the Venice of the North, and this canal cruise shows you exactly why. Amsterdam has an elaborate canal system and you can take a cruise on it in February. The chilly weather might force you to put on a few extra layers of clothing, but the complementary Dutch wine and cheese will more than make up for it.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Getting There ›
4
Anne Frank House and walking tour
The Netherlands, like most of Europe, was deeply embroiled in the Second World War. The Anne Frank House is probably the most significant reminder of the brutality of war. Visiting Anne Frank House and taking a walking tour in February will enable you to take your time seeing the world from Anne Frank’s perspective in those times of peril.
February timings
Daily from 9 AM to 10 PM
Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
5
Day Trip to Zaanse Schans and Volendam
It is highly recommended that besides Amsterdam, you also witness some of the beautiful locations situated right outside the city limits. The traditional village life of The Netherlands can still be seen at Zaanse Schans. Another place worth checking out is Volendam, a small fishing village right outside Amsterdam. Off-season trips to these places could turn out to be quite a romantic masterstroke.
February timings
Depends on the chosen tour
Zaanse Schans, Zaandam
Netherlands
Getting There ›
6
Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience is one of the most sought-after activities in Amsterdam. It is quite popular among the youth. The facility where this activity takes place was once brewing beer for the whole world. Now, you can head to the revamped building to get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. You may even brew your own beer.
February timings
Monday to Thursday & Sunday from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Friday & Saturday from 10:30 AM to 9 PM
Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
7
Amsterdam Icebar
The Amsterdam Icebar is a unique bar in the city that is, unsurprisingly, made of ice. From the moment you step inside this place, you will be bombarded with visually stunning decor. A combo ticket lets you experience a 3D ride of the Amsterdam Icebar while enjoying complimentary drinks.
February timings
Daily from 11:45 AM to 1 AM (last entry is 12:20 AM)
Amstel 194, 1017 AG Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
8
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam remains at the center of tourist and local attention throughout the year. When it was established in 1970, it was the first of its kind in mainland Europe. The establishment has life-sized wax statues of numerous international figures of the past and present. A customary visit to a comparatively less busy Madame Tussauds in February would only enhance your trip.
February timings
Daily from 10 AM to 8 PM
Dam 20, 1012 KW Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
9
ARTIS Royal Zoo
The ARTIS Royal Zoo is quite popular among tourists, and with good reason too. The aquatic species along with terrestrial ones make the ARTIS Royal Zoo worth a visit. Head to the zoo during feeding times to witness the animals up close.
February timings
Daily from 9 AM to 5 PM
Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
10
Red Light District Tour
Probably not the place you might want to take your kids, but the Red Light District of Amsterdam is a recommended visit. The area attracts a lot of attention for all the wrong reasons and has quite a notorious reputation. However, if you visit the area, you will see that the real picture is actually quite safe. The area has several great bars that are worth a visit.
February timings
Depends on the chosen tour
De Wallen, Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
Amsterdam in February: Events to look out for
Valentines Day in Amsterdam
February 14, 2024
Amsterdam is the perfect place to celebrate Valentine's Day with your loved one. With plenty of romantic spots in the city and a wide range of special restaurants and luxury hotels, the capital of the Netherlands is the place to be for your romantic date. Checkout a list of popular things to do in Amsterdam here.
Winter Wooferland
February 17-18, 2024
Although the weather is rather merciless, that is no reason for Amsterdam to curb its festive mood. The Winter Wooferland festival takes place in the city on every third Saturday of February. The music festival is mainly headlined by House and EDM artists. This is the most awaited winter music festival in Amsterdam.
Depeche Mode
February 8, 2024
The iconic sync-pop English duo Depeche Mode are returning to Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome on February 8, 2024! Enjoy their synthwave hits like "Enjoy the Silence," "Personal Jesus," and "Just Can't Get Enough." Book your tickets to the event here!
Chocoa Festival
February 6-11, 2024
Dive into the world of decadent delights at the Chocoa Festival. Educate yourself and enjoy artisanal chocolates from around the globe and understand the bean-to-bar journey through interactive workshops. In this year's edition, over 49 countries are represented and it's a great opportunity to network. Tickets are available here.
Amsterdam in February: 7-day itinerary
There is never a quiet moment in Amsterdam. There's plenty do, and the city is a very happening place. We have created a 7-day itinerary for you, so you can make the best of your stay, and included the highlights and must-have experiences. You can read more about them in detail here.
7 days in Amsterdam itinerary
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Amsterdam in February: What to eat
As you might have heard from multiple sources, Amsterdam is a great place to go out drinking. To make the most of your booze cruise, you will need a great bar food item. Bitterballen is the perfect meat-based snack too for a cold February night. Try this Amsterdam essential at De Ballenbar.
The Dutch version of fries employ a unique preparation method. A special sauce, known as the patatje oorlog, sets it apart from the other renditions. Dutch fries also come with many toppings to enhance its taste. Head to Frietboutique to try an amazing serving of this dish.
You shouldn’t end your trip without trying the local street food. Raw Herring is not as scary as it sounds. It is an open fish sandwich that is available at streetside carts in the city. One of the best Raw Herrings in the city is available at Frens Haringhandel.
This sweet dish is as delicious as it sounds. It is a Dutch spin on the traditional waffle. It consists of two waffles stuck together with sugar syrup. It is had when it is hot and moist, which makes it the perfect dessert for the February weather. Original Stroopwafels is one of the best places to try this delicacy.
This dish was named after a performing dwarf, called Tom Pouce, at an emperor’s court. Although the story leading to the naming is unknown, the dish itself is full of character. The dessert consists of a rectangular piece of pastry and pink icing on top. Stefs Bakery serves wonderful Tompouce.
Amsterdam in February: Essentials
Where to stay
It won’t be a big task to find a place to stay in Amsterdam in February. This being the low season, lots of premier hotels in the city will be affordable. Try to chalk out a plan for the entire trip and choose the hotel of your preference accordingly.
What to pack?
Packing for Amsterdam in February is fairly straightforward. All you need to remember is to bring as many layers as possible. Carry a bulky piece of luggage with all of your warm clothes to battle the weather. The sun appears quite rarely over the winter fog and precipitation is quite rare, but you should still have your umbrellas and waterproof clothing. You should also carry a small bottle of water as February is a dry month, and dehydration is a possibility.
Getting around
Amsterdam is very easy to navigate. There are many public transport stations throughout the city which makes traversing within city limits quite comfortable. The fares are quite low as well. The most reliable mode of transport in Amsterdam is by train. It covers most of the city.
If you want to be heading outside the city limits, the metro is your best bet. Biking through the city is also a viable option. The most scenic of all these means of traveling is by grabbing a boat and setting out to navigate the city’s canal network. It is quite slow, but it gets the job done while acting as a sightseeing experience.
Amsterdam in February: Visiting tips
- Go ice skating at Ice*Amsterdam or the Jaap Eden ski rink to make the most of the February weather.
- Look out for low season discounts on hotel and flight rates.
- Try the Wed & Walk experience with your partner on Valentine’s Day, where you can get married for a day.
- Keep off the bike lanes in Amsterdam as biking becomes quite popular in the winter.
- Be discreet and respectful during your visit to the Red Light District. Do not try to click photos or engage in conversation with the workers.
Explore Amsterdam through the year
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FAQs
Yep! February is right before the tulip-season, which is when Amsterdam is flocked with tourists. So February is the perfect time if you're looking for a quieter holiday, and you'll find that food and stay are cheaper than usual as well.
Daily high temperatures range from 0-6°C early in the month to 6-7°C near the end of the month. While it is normally cloudy, sunny days are not necessarily off the table.
Unfortunately, no. Tulip season starts in April. However, the flowers are on display all over Amsterdam from December through March. But if you want to see tulip fields in full bloom, February is definitely not the month for it.
While the area may look shady, it is definitely not unsafe. It is in fact quite well controlled and secure if you want to walk about.
Typically, 3-4 days is enough if you want to cover the most important sites in the city.
Ready to visit Amsterdam in February?
Here are some more guides to make your trip to Amsterdam a splendid one.
