Usually, most people believe that starting with October, there is not much to do in Amsterdam until spring arrives again. Yet this is a misconception because the most intriguing time of the year to visit Amsterdam is both in autumn and winter.
In October everything changes, the green that was covering the canals up until September takes a golden-red blanket. Mesmerizing sunsets and late blooming flowers, all make Amsterdam in autumn a natural, vivid painting. A multitude of cultural events from dance festivals to marathons happen in Amsterdam in autumn. But our personal favourite tip for visiting Amsterdam in October is to take a moment to visit one of its lovely parks!
Amsterdam in October: to do list
#1 Book a Private Amsterdam introduction tour
So, to get an accurate representation of how autumn feels like in Amsterdam, you should consider booking a private Amsterdam introduction tour. In around 4 hours you will discover Amsterdam’s most exquisite places, while wandering around in a scenery worth to remember.
With a private walking tour in Amsterdam, you will get the chance to explore several tourist attractions, including the Old Town, the Red-Light District, the Jordaan District, the Rembrandt square or the museum square.
#2 Visit the Van Gogh Museum
One of the most popular Dutch artists from all times, Van Gogh gained its popularity due to its ambitious ideas and approach towards classical painting methods. Being a post-impressionist painter, his work revolves around landscapes, still lifes, portraits and the most famous self-portraits.
Hence, a visit to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is a must do while in the city. It was opened to the public back in 1973 and it reveals a vast collection of both paintings and drawings signed by Van Gogh. It is the second most visited museum in Netherlands due to the fact that it hosts famous Van Gogh paintings such as Almond Blossoms or the Sunflowers.
Sunflowers is one of the most valued pieces of art of this Dutch artist as he struggled to prove that you can use only one colour in distinct variations to create such a wonderful masterpiece.
#3 Private Day Tour of Kroller-Muller museum and National Park
If you aim to experience both the natural surrounding of Netherlands and the exquisite flair of Dutch museums, this tour might be the perfect fit for you.
With a private day tour of Kroller-Muller Museum and Hoge Veluwe national park of Netherlands, you will have up to 10 hours to discover the hidden natural beauties and the Dutch culture.
A private tour guide will make the tour more than pleasant, as you will discover and receive all sorts of useful information about Netherlands’ history. The first stop of the tour will be at the National Park, where you will explore the authentic Dutch landscape and flair in an autumn scenery. The intriguing colours of October will transform this walk into a mesmerizing experience.
The Kroller-Muller museum is located in the National Park. It features an immense art collection of worldwide popular artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso or Mondriaan. In addition, the garden hosts more than 160 sculptures signed by artists such as Rodin or Moore, being considered the vastest sculpture garden in Europe.
#4 Attend the PINT Bokbier Festival
And if you plan to visit Amsterdam in October, you should not miss the popular beer festival. PINT Bokbier Festival is one of the biggest bier events in Netherlands, taking place each autumn to celebrate it with all types of bier.
This festival celebrates the release of bok beer, a dark seasonal lager, and it is usually held in central Amsterdam. Mainly, tourists come here from all over the world to experience the traditional Dutch drinking music, old beer chants and admire farmers dressed in overalls instead of lederhosen. Moreover, this is the perfect time of the year to spot locals wearing those famous wooden clogs.
#5 Attend the Halloween Festival in Amsterdam
During one week at the end of October, several annual Halloween festival and costume party take place in the vibrant Amsterdam. Twisted performances, creepy outfits, a multitude of horror movies or even Ghost walking tours are held to celebrate the Halloween.
Our tip is to visit the Amsterdam Dungeon in Amsterdam for an authentic Halloween experience that will be filled with special horror effects and thrilling decors.
