How To Beat the Crowds in Amsterdam

There’s no denying it—the best time to visit Amsterdam as far as the crowds are concerned (winter) is not the best season in weather terms (summer). In winter months, canal cruises are more likely to come with blankets and mulled wine rather than an open deck and an ice-cold beer, but Amsterdam offseason travel really is key to a more peaceful experience. So, visit during cooler months such as November or February for fewer crowds and a more relaxed vibe in the city.

One caveat: If you do plan to visit between late November and mid-January, the popular Light Festival draws lots of visitors to the canals at night to ooh and aah at the twinkling lights over the illuminated canals, but it’s still a far cry from the summertime swell.

There are many advantages to staying in Amsterdam’s Centrum district—not least that you have amazing sights, delicious eats, and historic canals on your doorstep. But even slightly less crowded central areas such as Jordaan can still feel busy, particularly during the warmer months.

Thankfully, when it comes to quiet neighborhoods, Amsterdam has a range of options: Noord spans the gamut from village-y delights to modern architecture, and Oost has great markets and fabulous food. You could also consider diverse, dynamic Oud-West or lively, bohemian De Pijp. Expand your geographical range and you may be very surprised at what’s convenient and calm.

While crowds flock to Amsterdam day in and day out during the European summer, timing your visit for the working week is one part of the answer to the question of how to avoid tourists. Amsterdam weekends draw hard-partying crowds, including bachelor and bachelorette parties from the United Kingdom, meaning Centrum and the Red Light District in particular can feel unbearably packed.

But unlike many European cities, most Amsterdam museums open daily, so there’s no risk of missing out if you come midweek. Plus, travel and accommodation can often work out slightly cheaper, making Monday through Friday visits a win-win for those on a budget.

All the big-name Amsterdam attractions operate on a timed-entry system, which means it’s essential to book tickets in advance. And even with that system in place, expect to see lines outside famed sights such as the Anne Frank House all year-round.

If you plan ahead though, you can schedule your visit for quieter times: either as soon as a museum opens, or shortly before it closes. Be sure to check each museum’s hours—for instance, the Van Gogh Museum stays open until 9pm on Fridays, while the Rijksmuseum opens its doors at 9am.

While it’s not known for hidden gems, Amsterdam does offer some less busy sights, so consider switching top-tier destinations for not-so-crowded attractions. Amsterdam’s star galleries are always popular, but swapping in FOAM Photograph Museum Amsterdam for the Van Gogh Museum or STRAAT Museum for the Rijksmuseum can pay dividends.

Get your windmill fix at Molen Van Sloten rather than Zaanse Schans, or take a craft beer tour rather than brave the hordes at the Heineken Experience. And when it comes to the famous tulip fields, there’s no way around it: The Keukenhof Gardens are always busy, so a skip-the-line tulip tour is your best bet.

Particularly during high season, Amsterdam’s canals can be chockablock with boat trips. But if you’re hankering to hop aboard one yourself, you’re in luck—with options running from smoke-friendly cruises to dinner cruises, there are plenty to choose from.

Booking an option that departs around sunset can feel less crowded than daytime trips, or you can go one step further and rent your own boat, pulling up for drinks at the bars that take your fancy. Boating on a budget? When it comes to canal walks, Amsterdam is hard to beat.

Amsterdammers are famously cycle-crazy, and there are few better ways to discover the city than pedaling around on two wheels. Whether you rent a bike or join a bike tour, it’s a great way to get off the beaten path.

Amsterdam’s countryside is also easy to access by bike. From the Amsterdamse Bos woodland to scenic settlements such as Monnickendam and Broek in Waterland, bike tours give you access to places that minibus tours just don’t go. (And many popular tours include an e-bike option so you can choose how hard you work.)

While some popular day trips from Amsterdam are at least as busy as the city itself—hello, Bruges!—there are a number of less tourist-packed destinations well worth a visit.

Utrecht offers medieval churches, canals, and an eclectic arts scene all just a 15-minute train ride away from Amsterdam Central Station. Haarlem (which gave the New York City neighborhood its name) is even quicker to reach, and offers cobbled streets, canals, and museums. Or, try a sea safari to the Wadden Islands (also called the Frisian Islands), known for their seal population.

Taking the time to soak in your surroundings during a trip can make for a more down-to-earth experience and help you beat the crowds. To break a sweat, try Sanctum, an Amsterdam original workout that pairs meditation and mindfulness with high-energy exercise and dance music.

Or, for some therapy of the retail variety, stop by one of the many local markets to pick up some handcrafted goods to bring back home. Afterward, people-watch from a traditional brown bar such as Cafe ‘t Sluisje, soak up some sun on the NEMO Science Museum roof, or take one of the Amsterdam food tours to enjoy the city’s cuisine like a local.