October is here and it feels like it never came faster than this year. The seasons are changing, leaves are falling, and coziness is calling.

Amsterdam is a lovely place to witness it happening, as there’s still enough daylight to roam around and things happening to keep you interested! (Yes, even Corona cannot seem to stop this city.)

THE ‘CLASSICS’

There are a few places you cannot afford to miss seeing. I’ve narrowed them down to some of my favorites by creating a mini-tour of the city center.

Tip: research some more on your specific points of interest – updates are made constantly due to the current situation. For full COVID measures, follow the city’s official guidelines here.

Let’s start at Museumplein or Museum Square:

Dive into the city’s history by visiting the Rijksmuseum. The royal museum contains Rembrandt’s famous ‘Night Watch’, old ship replicas and Delft Blue pottery from the Dutch Golden Age.

If you’re short on time and are already at Schiphol airport, go for the mini Rijksmuseum, located between Lounges 2 and 3. This is the first airport exhibition of its kind and entry is free of charge.

Stedelijk Museum is a must-go for (modern) art lovers – there’s always a new exposition in the bathtub-shaped institution. Note that you need to wear a facemask to enter.

The Van Gogh Museum takes you inside the mind of the famous painter. Admire his artwork or imagine what it felt like to live in his shoes by reading his letters.

Moving along, a canal cruise is always a good idea, even on a rainy day. Amsterdam shines in its brightest colors when observed from the water. If you’re not into sharing the boat with others, rent out your own.

Jordaan is a charming central neighborhood that maintains a very calm vibe in some of its smaller streets. Especially wonderful are the 9 straatjes, nine intertwined streets filled with shops, restaurants and cool spots.

In this area is the Anne Frank Museum, one of the main tourist attractions. If you’d like to visit, make sure to book a ticket online well ahead of time.

Getting closer to Centraal, say hello to the Dam Square, the defining point of the city. This was where the dam on the river Amstel was built in the 13th century. It created the foundation for Amsterdam, including its name – Amste(l) + r + dam = the dam on the Amstel.

It’s home to the Royal Palace and the New Church, among others. It’s a great place to start exploring the Nieuwmarkt area, where you can find many popular coffeeshops that sell more than just coffee.

Red Light District is still open, regardless of the speculations. Check out the windows with the inviting red lights and don’t forget to be respectful of its residents.

EVENTS IN THE TIME OF COVID

Trying to adjust to the reality of the current pandemic situation has not been easy on the events industry. To say the least.

The Netherlands has issued some restrictions, including that bars and restaurants are now to close at 9 pm and the public parks at 10 pm.

A lot is happening in Amsterdam, only the preparations have changed. To get to an event you want, you have to book online, follow the guidance, and be there in advance. If you’re showing flu symptoms or have a fever, it’s best to stay at home.

The cultural sector is working hard to keep showing up for its public. With the festivals postponed and the clubbing scene hibernating, we do the best with what we have.

Some highlights include:

• Pure Markt – an outdoor market specialized in high quality local food and beverages. It takes place in 3 different parks in Amsterdam on 3 Sundays in October – the 11th, 18th, and 25th.

• Lunchtime concert – classical music is what awaits you at the beautiful Royal Concertgebouw on October 14th. Although it is free of charge, you need to book a ticket online to get in.

• IJ Hallen – the largest flea market in Europe is usually held every month in the former NDSM shipyards. The entry costs 5 euros, and you will need cash to pay for the one-of-a-kind items you will stumble upon. You can get here by taking the free ferry from Centraal, which takes about 10 minutes. The market should happen in mid-October, but it’s not yet confirmed due to new Corona regulations.

• ADE – the most popular (electronic) music festival is on from October 21st till 25th. It will be held online, but some venues will host the live program too. Tickets are very limited, and you can find more information here.

WHAT TO WEAR IN amsterdam IN october?

When I first visited this gorgeous city 6 years ago, I failed to bring a jacket. It was the beginning of October and I didn’t think I’d need much besides a few hoodies and sweaters, but I was very wrong.

Even having lived here for almost 2 years now, I am often wrong about my outfit choices. To try to be on top of the weather situation, you should pack a bit of everything.

A strong jacket is a must. Bonus points if it’s wind- and/or rain-proof. Don’t go for the winter one though, because the weather can be warm at certain points throughout the day.

Take good shoes for walking, sneakers work best. No need for rain boots, but there’s a real need for umbrellas or better yet, raincoats.

Sunglasses, a few long-sleeved shirts and an extra t-shirt. Yes, Dutch weather is that fickle. If you’re into skirts and dresses as I am, you’ll want to take leggings. Otherwise, jeans and other long pants work just fine.

I couldn’t recommend a scarf more for spending a few autumn days here. The wind is always around and you can catch a serious cold if you’re not paying attention.

Bring a large enough backpack so it can store some extra clothes while you’re out and about exploring. And even with all the preparations you’ve made, you might still be wrong. Most of us are, and we are learning to accept it 😊

STAYING NOURISHED

Let’s get the traditional stamppot (Dutch vegetable stew) and bokbier (dark seasonal beer) out of the way. They will keep you warm (one longer than the other) and are so enjoyable after a long day of walking around. Yet Amsterdam offers much more.

International cuisine has long been associated with this vibrant city. It was well known for its mix of influences, as well as spices that were carried together with the sailboats.

If you’re craving something special, chances are you will find it in Amsterdam.

There are so many different cafes and restaurants I cannot begin to describe. That’s why I’ll share just some of my recommendations.

Suriname used to be a Dutch colony up until the 1950s. It’s no wonder there are a lot of dishes from this South American country that are dominating the city’s food scene.

It’s filled with exotic flavors such as fried bananas and peppery spices, also found in shops. Most Surinamese restaurants are welcoming and inexpensive. I recommend trying the bara. It’s a savory lentil-based fried dough, which you can eat on its own or as a sandwich – try it with chicken saté.

For the best chocolate cookies ever, go to Van Stapele. This is the only thing this cute patisserie makes. It’s super popular for a reason, so even if you have to wait in the line, it will be well worth it.

If you’re not in the mood for another coffee, but you want to get warm (and not drunk 😊), order a fresh mint or fresh ginger tea. Most cafes in Amsterdam serve these natural beverages, and they are so soothing. Especially paired with a warm Dutch apple pie.

Last but definitely not least, treat yourself to a trip to the food markets.

The authentic Amsterdam experience awaits you at the largest market, Albert Cuyp. It’s open each day except for Sunday. This market is not limited to food; you can find many things here, from vintage furniture to cheap beauty products.

Turkish, Mediterranean and Vietnamese vendors interweave with their Dutch colleagues. There’s a stroopwafel maker who’s the only one in the city who uses the original ingredients. Go for the non-traditional chocolate dipped option.

Foodhallen keeps food in its focus and is basically a foodie’s paradise. 21 stalls serve a variety of international cuisines here. It ranges from Asian-Mexican fusion to modernised Dutch bitterballen.

BEYOND THE CITY WALLS

If time and finances allow, why not take a trip to another part of Holland? You don’t have to go far to see the Dutch beauty lies in its diversity, and not everything is about Amsterdam.

Zaandam is a city north of Amsterdam and easy to get to by train, boat or bike. Check out the interesting downtown architecture and Het HEM – a unique venue/art center open on weekends, complete with a café. Usually, there are interesting food options and music played by DJs.

Right next to Zaandam is the picturesque village of Zaanse Schans. Imagine the most perfect Dutch postcard setting with canals, windmills, and wooden houses – a fairytale coming to life.

If you’re missing summer and/or you’re into catching some waves, head to Bloomendaal or Zaandvoort. Both beaches are reachable by train and guarantee a good (if windy) time.

The Dutch don’t only go to beaches when it’s sunny. They let the wind blow out everything they don’t need to carry anymore and even have a special word for it – uitwaaien.

Haarlem is a lovely city located close by and a heaven for culture/art lovers. Not so close, but similarly intriguing is the city of Utrecht. According to many, it’s the most beautiful city in the Netherlands.

If you just want to chill out in a pretty park somewhere and watch the leaves fall, go to Amsterdamse Bos. It’s actually a small forest located between Amsterdam and Amstelveen.

Otherwise, the city parks Oosterpark, Westerpark and of course Vondelpark are all waiting for you to take a stroll in the crisp autumn air. Frankendael in the east of the city is my personal choice, as it incorporates natural and cultural treasures.

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ALLOW FOR IT TO UNFOLD

Any time is a good time to visit Amsterdam. The colder days somehow suit the spirit of the city better. Come and experience it for yourself.

October helps to bring out a special tone, both in nature and in our inner worlds. Before winter arrives, it feels good to be out and about.

If you’re not able to travel to the Netherlands at this moment, it will be waiting for you. In the meantime, you can plan your next visit or get to know your corner of the Earth better.

Has this piece inspired you to do so? Is there anything you would like to know more about? Leave me a comment or get in touch here.