Better days are coming, they’re called Saturday and Sunday! So it’s time to think about how to spend a perfect weekend in Amsterdam. Are you a last-minute planner, or do you prefer to look further ahead? Weekend in Amsterdam will never be the same with the weekly updates tips from this local Amsterdam Weekend Guide. To make sure you’re completely up-to-date within minutes, I’ll share the best weekend tips with you every week. Besides tips about the best events for this weekend in Amsterdam, I will also share my favourite seasonal tips to help you plan great weekends in Amsterdam.
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how to spend your weekends in amsterdam
As a local, I can tell you, that spending a weekend in Amsterdam is never dull. There’s just too much going on, and new hotspots open the doors every week! I have collected plenty of tips for you for the perfect weekend break in Amsterdam. Decide on the restaurants in Amsterdam that you are going to try. And reserve your tickets for the best museums in Amsterdam or finally plan that (food) tour that is on your Amsterdam bucketlist.
Have fun!
➊ The Christmas Market at Museumplein is Starting
From December 12 to 26, the Christmas Village Amsterdam Christmas market is open, and it is definitely one of the most fun (and certainly the biggest!) Christmas markets we will see in the city this year. Expect winter chalets with artisanal food and handmade (lifestyle) products. But also cozy food trucks and delicious drinks! What I also love is that this market is open on December 25 and 26 as well. So it’s perfect to stop by before Christmas dinner, with your date or lover, or the whole family if you don’t want to sit indoors all day. More info >>
➋ The 7 Best Restaurant News of This Week
➌ These 3 Festive Pop-ups You Don’t Want to Miss This Month
- How delicious? Salvo Bakehouse has a pop-up this month on the canals in the heart of the city. What you need to know? You can read it here >>
- In love with the beautiful cushion covers from Palais? You can shop them this week at the Palais Holiday Shop on Haarlemmerdijk. More info >>
- Is a Le Creuset pot on your wishlist this year? They now have a pop-up in Amsterdam where you can see everything in person. More info >>
➍ 7 More Great Christmas Markets in Amsterdam This Weekend:
Pillows Christmas Market
This weekend, the first edition of the Pillows Christmas Market will be held on December 14 and 15 at the terrace of Spring Brasserie. What can you expect? Delicious food from Spring (think truffle parmesan pasta, mulled wine, Christmas cookies, and much more!) You’ll also find high-end brands like: Skins, Oro Jewels, and Blank Space. Entrance is €6, including a warm drink. More info >>
Brocante Christmas Market at De Willem
On Sunday, December 15, it’s time for the second edition of ‘de willem brocante’! They’re teaming up again with the ladies from @le.temps.perdu.brocante and turning the restaurant into a large brocante Christmas market. No ticket reservation is required, the market is open to everyone from 12:00 to 18:00. More info >>
Aa Magazine x Zomer Bar Christmas Market
Two favorites join forces for a cozy Christmas market on Sunday, December 15, in Noord! Shop unique gifts from local makers, enjoy delicious food, and festive music. Entrance is €6, but be quick, the first 200 tickets get a fun gift bag.
Dates: December 15, 2024
Times: 14:00 to 23:00
More info: Instagram page
Funky Xmas Market – Sunday Market Christmas Market
This Christmas market remains a favorite every year! At Westergas, the special Funky Xmas edition of the Sunday Market will take place again this year. With many stalls selling delicious artisanal products to take home or eat right there, and plenty of spots to drink with friends. There are also stalls to shop for gifts, from jewelry to items for kids.
Date: December 15, 2024
Times: 12:00 – 17:00
More info: sundaymarket.nl
Queer Market Amsterdam
Visit the Queer Market on Saturday, December 14, at NDSM! More than 30 queer entrepreneurs will be there with vintage items, homemade products, delicious bites & drinks, and music. €0.50 per ticket is donated to a queer cause. Note: reservation for a timeslot is required.
Dates: December 14, 2024
Times: 11:00 – 20:00
More info: linktr.ee/queermarket
An Afternoon with the Collectors
Looking for unique finds? Visit An Afternoon with the Collectors at De Hallen. You’ll score vintage items for your interior, antique jewelry, Art Deco treasures, fashion, and much more. Perfect for getting a unique gift for the holidays or adding to your own collection.
Dates: December 14, 2024
Times: 11:00 – 17:00
More info: Facebook event
The Sustainable Ceuvel Christmas Market
Last year, The Sustainable Ceuvel Christmas Market was a big success! At the Sustainable Ceuvel Christmas Market, you’ll find food, drinks, harvest for home, and green items for under the tree. The café and terrace are decorated with beautiful lights and a dazzling Christmas tree! Cozy music plays, and you can enjoy hot drinks and delicious winter food, such as pea soup by one of the fires.
Dates: December 14 & 15 and 21 & 22, 2024
Times: 13:00 – 20:00
More info: deceuvel.nl
➎ 8 X Kidsproof Weekend Tips:
In Amsterdam with kids this weekend? There are already two great lists ready for the Christmas holiday! What else is fun to do?
Christmas Holiday Shortlists:
This is also fun to do with the kids in Amsterdam this weekend:
Tintin – Fabrique des Lumières: After the success in Paris, the immersive exhibition Tintin, The Immersive Adventure is returning, available until December 20 at Fabrique des Lumières in Amsterdam. Thanks to a collaboration between Culturespaces and Tintinimaginatio, Tintin’s adventures come to life digitally, including two new scenes. Step into the world of Tintin, Snowy, Captain Haddock, and other beloved characters and relive Hergé’s iconic comic classics in an enchanting, interactive experience for all ages!
Available until December 20, 2024, Fabrique des Lumières – fabrique-lumieres.com
Amsterdam Light Festival
What a joy to bike along the canals and Oosterdok in the dark starting this week. There are 27 beautiful light art installations, each depicting a unique ritual. I’ve already told you about the Amsterdam Light Festival Foodwalk! It would be great if you’re there BEST thing about this amazing light art festival is that it’s open to all Amsterdammers and visitors, and it’s free to access. For a small fee, you can download the special app to read all about the artworks. Want to experience the Light Festival from the water? You can book various boat tours again.
Here are the websites where you can buy tickets for canal cruises and boat tours during the Amsterdam Light Festival. I’d definitely recommend checking all these sites, as sometimes they have special offers or discounts!
Amsterdam Weekend Guide Bucketlist & Things to Do during your weekends in Amsterdam
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
⋙ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour
| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money during your weekends in Amsterdam on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>
Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam for the weekend:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your weekends in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
Have you seen that Your Little Black Book is also on Tiktok sharing Amsterdam tips daily?
@yourlbb_amsterdam
See you next week with a new Amsterdam Weekend Guide full of the best local things to do in Amsterdam!
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