The 10 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam in Autumn

Autumn is a lovely time to visit Amsterdam. The days are getting shorter, the lights come on earlier and the trees are slowly turning orange and yellow. Combined with Amsterdam’s cosy street scene, its characteristic canal-side houses and historic bridges, this makes for a charming city break. Are you planning to visit Amsterdam this autumn but aren’t sure what to get up to? In this blog, we’ll give you 10 tips for the best things to do in Amsterdam in autumn. Read on to discover them all.

1. Enjoy a coffee and an autumn stroll

One of the best things to do in autumn is to grab a hot drink and then go for an autumn stroll. For example, order a delicious cup of coffee and stroll along the canals or through Vondelpark, where the trees are slowly turning red, orange and brown. As you walk through the city, you can enjoy the crisp autumn air and sun and the cosy atmosphere that Amsterdam has to offer at this time of year. In Amsterdam, there are over a thousand cafés where you can pop in for coffee and other hot drinks. There are also all sorts of treats that are perfect for autumn, such as apple pie, cinnamon buns and carrot cake.

Is it raining outside? Then you can, of course, stay indoors in a cosy café. Take a seat with your friends, order something warm and enjoy the atmosphere whilst looking out at the city. You can catch up with friends, read a book or simply unwind. It’s precisely the combination of an autumn stroll through the city followed by warming up in a cosy café that makes this such a lovely way to discover Amsterdam. Whether the sun is shining or it’s raining, there’s always a way to enjoy the changing seasons.

2. Admire the stunning light art installations during the Amsterdam Light Festival

One of the best-known events in Amsterdam during the darker months is the Amsterdam Light Festival. The fifteenth edition will take place from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. During the festival, Amsterdam’s canals are illuminated with unique and impressive artworks by various artists. The best way to admire these artworks is, of course, from the water. Step aboard a special LOVERS Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise and glide leisurely through the canals whilst the light artworks pass you by. New artworks are created every year, meaning the festival is different every time. During the cruise, the audio guide will tell you more about the artworks and the artists who created them. The boat sails past the various artworks along the route, giving you plenty of time to admire them and, of course, take some amazing photos. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the illuminated canals, bridges and historic canal-side buildings. A cozy evening on the water, admiring extraordinary light art and discovering Amsterdam in a completely different way. 

The Amsterdam Light Festival is also a great activity for groups. With Lovely Cruises, you can hire a private boat and cruise past the various light art installations with your party. This way, you can enjoy the extraordinary art, the lit-up city and the cosy atmosphere on the water in complete tranquillity.

3. Step aboard a luxury open boat

Fancy a cosy and unique way to discover Amsterdam? With Lovely Cruises, you can step aboard a luxury open boat and experience the city up close. Thanks to the boat's small size, the atmosphere is intimate, cosy and friendly. On board, a skipper and a guide will be on hand to share all sorts of entertaining stories, trivia and interesting facts about Amsterdam during the cruise. As the boat is open-top, you’ll also have plenty of space to take in the views around you. And you’ll certainly want to, because there’s so much to see from the water! These small boats have another major advantage. They can reach places where large tour boats cannot go. You’ll glide under smaller bridges and sail through narrow canals, allowing you to discover Amsterdam from a completely different perspective and perhaps even come across places you’d never otherwise see.

Even if the weather isn’t quite so cooperative, you can still enjoy a comfortable cruise. In autumn, the chance of a rain shower in the Netherlands is, as you’d expect, a bit higher, but this has been taken into account on board. Umbrellas are provided, and if necessary, a tarp can be put up. If the sun’s shining, you can cruise through the canals with the top down and enjoy the view to the full. And of course, a nice drink whilst cruising is a must! There’s a bar on board where you can order soft drinks, wine, beer and mixed drinks, amongst other things. If you choose a cruise where drinks are included in your ticket, you can order unlimited drinks during the trip. In short, step aboard, grab a drink and enjoy.

4. Take a Classic 1 Hour Canal Cruise through Amsterdam

A visit to Amsterdam isn’t complete without a canal cruise through the famous canals! Whether you visit Amsterdam in spring, summer, autumn or winter, you’ll always discover the city in a special way from the water. As you cruise leisurely through the canals, you’ll see the beautiful canal-side houses, charming bridges, characteristic lampposts and the daily life of Amsterdam pass by. Cyclists, pedestrians, cosy cafés and charming living rooms. From the water, you’ll get a unique glimpse of the city. During the classic canal cruise, you’ll sail past well-known highlights such as the Anne Frank House, the Magere Brug, the Seven Bridges and the Westerkerk. But do keep your eyes wide open, because you’ll come across many more beautiful and surprising spots along the way!

Whilst you enjoy the view, the audio guide will tell you all about the places you pass along the way. The audio guide is available in nineteen languages, including English, German, Spanish, Polish, Korean, Chinese and Arabic. And thanks to Lovers’ modern, electric, covered and heated tour boats, you’ll be sitting in comfort, whatever the weather. You can board from four centrally located spots in Amsterdam. The main departure point is at Amsterdam Central Station, but there are also boarding points near the Anne Frank House, Leidseplein and the Rijksmuseum. Step on board, sit back and relax, and discover why Amsterdam is perhaps at its most beautiful when viewed from the water!

5. Enjoy a Dutch apple pie and a luxury open boat tour

A visit to the Netherlands isn’t complete without tasting a slice of real Dutch apple pie! Apple pie is delicious all year round, but on an autumnal day in Amsterdam, a warm, sweet slice of pie might taste even better. The scent of apple, cinnamon and freshly baked pastry is the perfect match for the season. At ’t Westerhuys, they serve delicious, homemade apple pie that’s definitely worth trying. And it gets even better, because Lovely Cruises has a special offer where you can combine your canal cruise with a tasty slice of apple pie at ’t Westerhuys.

Lovely Cruises departs from the Prinsengracht, close to ’t Westerhuys and the Anne Frank House. That makes this combination a real treat during a day out in Amsterdam. For example, you could first visit the Anne Frank House, then enjoy a delicious slice of apple pie, and afterwards discover the city’s most beautiful canals from the water. Or do it the other way round and round off your canal cruise with a cosy moment in the restaurant. This experience combines the best of both worlds: admiring the city from the water whilst enjoying a typical Dutch treat in an atmospheric Amsterdam restaurant. A delightful combination for a wonderful day in the Dutch capital.

6. Taste wine and cheese during a canal cruise in Amsterdam

Fancy a cosy culinary experience? Then the Wine & Cheese Cruise is a wonderful way to discover Amsterdam! During this 90-minute cruise, you’ll sail through the atmospheric canals whilst enjoying a selection of delicious Dutch cheeses and local wines. Sample various young and mature cheeses, paired with grapes, figs and fresh bread for a complete cheese tasting. Of course, a good glass of wine is a must: choose from red, white or rosé and discover which combination is your favourite. The cheeses come from well-known Dutch cheese brands, such as Old Amsterdam and Reypenaer, and are sourced from Amsterdam and the surrounding area. So, whilst you’re sailing, you’ll not only sample different flavours but also get to know a little bit of Dutch culinary tradition.

The wine and cheese canal cruise departs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8.00 pm and, due to the wine, is only open to visitors aged 18 and over. As evening falls, you’ll glide past the illuminated canals and enjoy the view of the charming canal-side houses and bridges. The combination of the cosy atmosphere on board, delicious cheese, a good glass of wine and the beautiful Amsterdam canals makes for a lovely evening out. And because you’ll be sampling different cheeses and wines, every bite and every sip is a new taste experience!

7. Experience dinner on the Amsterdam canals

In autumn, it gets dark earlier and earlier, which makes going out for dinner together even more cosy. But why sit at a table when you can also cruise through the Amsterdam canals at the same time? During the Dinner Cruise, you combine a delicious four-course dinner with an atmospheric cruise through the city. The cruise departs on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7.00 pm and lasts two hours. Just enough time to leisurely enjoy both your dinner and the view. Step aboard, take your seat at the table and let Amsterdam by night surprise you. The canals are already beautiful during the day, but as soon as it gets dark, the city takes on an almost magical atmosphere. The lights along the water and on the bridges are reflected in the canals, and as you sail past the illuminated canal-side houses, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a romantic fairy tale.

The price includes the boat trip, the four-course dinner and drinks. You can choose from various types of beer, wine and soft drinks, and for dinner there’s a choice of a meat, fish or vegetarian menu. The dishes are prepared with traditional Dutch ingredients and consist of delicious Dutch classics. This way, you not only discover the city from the water, but also get a taste of the Netherlands at the same time. Enjoying a delicious meal whilst the lighted Amsterdam canals slowly glide past makes the experience just that little bit more special. Please note that the minimum age for this dinner cruise is 12 years.

8. Step into the world of Van Gogh & Rembrandt

For a unique art experience in a beautiful historic setting, visit the Van Gogh & Rembrandt in Amsterdam experience at the Noorderkerk. In this impressive light show, you’ll discover the special connection between these two famous Dutch artists. Van Gogh was, in fact, inspired by Rembrandt’s work. During the light show, various similarities between their paintings become apparent. Through the use of light, music and sound, the artworks come to life in a unique way, making it almost feel as though you’re standing right in the middle of a painting yourself.

The venue makes the experience even more special. Both Rembrandt and Van Gogh attended Sunday services at the Noorderkerk. This brings together not only their artworks, but also a place that plays a special role in the history of both artists. For art enthusiasts, this experience is therefore definitely worth a visit. The combination of the historic Noorderkerk, the artworks by Van Gogh and Rembrandt, and the impressive light show ensures that you experience art in a whole new way. Complete your experience at Van Gogh & Rembrandt in Amsterdam by combining your visit with a canal cruise to make the most of your day.

9. Discover Amsterdam’s best bookshops

A good book is the perfect match for the cosy atmosphere of autumn. Fortunately, there are plenty of lovely bookshops in Amsterdam where you can hunt for your next favourite book. Visit one or more bookshops and discover a wide range of genres. Whether you’re looking for a gripping story, interesting literature, an educational book or simply something to relax with, there’s something for everyone. Take your time strolling through the shop, flick through various books and let yourself be surprised by new stories. Found something you like? Take your book to a cosy café and enjoy a relaxing autumn afternoon. The perfect autumn activity for anyone who loves reading!

Bookshops we recommend:

The American Book Center

• Location: Spui
• Sells: English books in various genres
• What: A great place to have a quiet browse and take your time choosing a book.

Athenaeum Boekhandel

• Location: Spui
• Sells: Literature, magazines, photography and art books
• What: A cultural bookshop with a varied selection and lots of interesting books.

Boekhandel Scheltema

• Location: Rokin
• Sells: All sorts of books, both new and second-hand, as well as stationery and gifts
• What: A large bookshop where you can easily spend hours browsing and keep discovering something new.

10. Experience the unique Amsterdam Icebar

Are you looking for a special and unique experience in Amsterdam? If so, the Amsterdam Icebar is definitely worth a visit! In this extraordinary bar, everything is made of ice and the temperature is a chilly -10 degrees. Sip your drink from an ice glass, admire the impressive ice sculptures and take some great photos with your friends, family, partner or colleagues.

A visit to the Amsterdam Icebar is a fun way to create a special memory together. After all, how often do you get the chance to have a drink whilst being completely surrounded by ice? During your visit, you’ll learn about the adventurous story of explorer Willem Barentsz and his crew. You’ll start your adventure in the warm section of the Icebar, where you’ll be given a brief introduction. You’ll then be provided with a warm jacket and gloves, so you’re well prepared for the cold. Put on some warm clothes, brace yourself for the cold and get ready to step into the icy world. Warm up afterwards with a scenic canal cruise to see the city from the water. A unique autumn activity you won’t forget in a hurry!

Experience Amsterdam in autumn

There’s plenty to do in Amsterdam in autumn. Whether you’re looking for a cosy indoor activity or want to see the changing autumn leaves from the water, LOVERS Canal Cruises has everything you need. Step aboard, discover the city from a unique perspective, and make the most of your autumn visit!