Since my most recent attempt at getitng a trip together went bust im aiming for the cheaply priced time right after Christmas. I have a few questions...
1. Whats the coffeeshop scene like in late December (right after Christmas) and right after the New Years?
2. How does the weather affect things? Im used to the cold weather and snow so that isn't a issue, but do stores and coffeeshops stay open this time of year?
3. What is Amsterdam like on New Years Eve? Where is the funnest place to party?
Thanks.. trying to get a feel for things...
What is Amsterdam and the Netherlands like in the winter?
my first trip was over new year 05/06 and it was awesome!! all the coffee shops were open as far as i know.
yeah its cold and it snowed alot when we were there but that was plain awesome! first night first coffee shop ( bushdocter) lookin out on the rembrantsplein as it snows was so amazing!
we went to nieuwmarket for new year and it was CRAZY!! if your up for a big party atmosphere and lots of fireworks ( which are flying in all directions) this would be my recomendation
yeah its cold and it snowed alot when we were there but that was plain awesome! first night first coffee shop ( bushdocter) lookin out on the rembrantsplein as it snows was so amazing!
we went to nieuwmarket for new year and it was CRAZY!! if your up for a big party atmosphere and lots of fireworks ( which are flying in all directions) this would be my recomendation
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pickapocket
- Posts: 108
- Joined: Thu 22nd Feb 2007 01:41 pm
- Location: Midlands
COLD BRRRRRR
I have been once in summer and 4 times in winter, definately favour winter. I always feel that the place is far more of a winter city, I can't think of anything worse than sitting in a sweltering hot coffeeshop in the middle of July, a recipie for a whitie if ever I saw one.
Out of season is much better, you can always get a seat in virtually any coffeshop and the cold air helps to freshen you up. oh and its a bit cheaper in the hotels.
Its a no brainer for me!!
I have been once in summer and 4 times in winter, definately favour winter. I always feel that the place is far more of a winter city, I can't think of anything worse than sitting in a sweltering hot coffeeshop in the middle of July, a recipie for a whitie if ever I saw one.
Out of season is much better, you can always get a seat in virtually any coffeshop and the cold air helps to freshen you up. oh and its a bit cheaper in the hotels.
Its a no brainer for me!!
i have only been in february, but that is still winter... and i must say it was beautiful!!!
for me as a canadian , plus 10 celcius , even plus 15 one day!!... is really warm in february.. i was walking around feb 12-19 in a t-shirt and sweater... i didnt even bring my hemp hoodlamb!! it was too warm for it.
soooo, it depends what kind of winter ur used to, if ur used to a real shitty winter, then the amsterdam winter is a breaze and actually quite nice.
and as previously stated, its much nicer there when less people are around, and more room in the shops.
for me as a canadian , plus 10 celcius , even plus 15 one day!!... is really warm in february.. i was walking around feb 12-19 in a t-shirt and sweater... i didnt even bring my hemp hoodlamb!! it was too warm for it.
soooo, it depends what kind of winter ur used to, if ur used to a real shitty winter, then the amsterdam winter is a breaze and actually quite nice.
and as previously stated, its much nicer there when less people are around, and more room in the shops.
what's amsterdam and the netherlands like in the winter
We first went around the 10th Nov and the place was relatively quiet and not too hard to find seats in most places, but sitting too near the doors was a bit chilly. We then went 2nd week in Feb and it was a lot busier in the central RLD but ok further out. We are going in April this year for Queens Day and I've heard it will be heaving so I'm a bit concerned it will make for a difficult coffeeshop crawl. C'est la vie 
A toke a day keeps the blues away - Hils xxx
Weather depends on your comfort level. Check the travel guides weather seasonal weather outlooks & compare that for what you're used to. Xmas & boxers day a lot of stuff's closed but, in my experience, generally not a problem finding a coffeeshop.
I've gone a few times between late Nov. & February. I found the whole period pretty tame compared to Chicago winters. Instead of a bulky winter coat I've only taken a rain overcoat w/ a liner. It's generally been overcast but usually some good days, even near 50 degree weather occassionally.
& not crowded, except for New Year's. I been there over Thanksgiving & even the Cannabis Cup wasn't a big deal as far as crowds.
BTW, in my experience, you can pick up fairly cheap flights from Nov. until the Xmas season, and then after New Years again. I think most US airlines start the Xmas high season around mid-Dec. thru New Year's. Hotels are pretty well high season rates from Xmas thru New Years. Lotsa Europeans and S. Americans travel for 2-3 weeks after Xmas, as they have sane vacation policies compared to the AMerican beast.
Sinterklaas (December 5) is the big holiday, but I've never been there for that. But, as across all Europe, the American consumer frenzy is fueling Xmas day in more prominence in the interests of retail business. I've been there on Xmas & encountered Dutch hostility to the "American" holiday for taking away from Sinterklaas.
(Cylons
.... come out to plaaaa-aay....clink clink )
I've gone a few times between late Nov. & February. I found the whole period pretty tame compared to Chicago winters. Instead of a bulky winter coat I've only taken a rain overcoat w/ a liner. It's generally been overcast but usually some good days, even near 50 degree weather occassionally.
& not crowded, except for New Year's. I been there over Thanksgiving & even the Cannabis Cup wasn't a big deal as far as crowds.
BTW, in my experience, you can pick up fairly cheap flights from Nov. until the Xmas season, and then after New Years again. I think most US airlines start the Xmas high season around mid-Dec. thru New Year's. Hotels are pretty well high season rates from Xmas thru New Years. Lotsa Europeans and S. Americans travel for 2-3 weeks after Xmas, as they have sane vacation policies compared to the AMerican beast.
Sinterklaas (December 5) is the big holiday, but I've never been there for that. But, as across all Europe, the American consumer frenzy is fueling Xmas day in more prominence in the interests of retail business. I've been there on Xmas & encountered Dutch hostility to the "American" holiday for taking away from Sinterklaas.
(Cylons
.... come out to plaaaa-aay....clink clink )Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.
winter...
I was there last November and the weather was incredible. it wasn't too cold, and I wore a sweatshirt and jeans during the daytime without discomfort. I was blitzed though, that may have been why I seemed impervious to the winter. seriously, there was no snow and a lot of people were out and about.
