Great things to do in Amsterdam in autumn

So the Amsterdam spring has tulips and daffodils, the Amsterdam summer has days on the water and drinks on terraces, the Amsterdam winter has snow, skating on the canals (hopefully) and Christmas lights, but what about autumn? If you feel like autumn might not be the perfect time to visit the Dutch capital you are very much mistaken. Let us introduce you to our favourite attractions and activities you'll love during autumn in Amsterdam!

Enjoy the quiet

The summer tourists have gone home and left behind are the locals and the few who already know what we’re about to tell you. Amsterdam is beautiful in autumn! The green of spring and summer makes room for the yellows, oranges and reds of fall and blend in perfectly with the picturesque historic city centre.

Add in one of the historic canals and you have the perfect picture. Top that with off-season hotel rates and fewer crowds on the streets and you have the perfect holiday. Explore the city on foot with the Vox City Walks or hop on a Fatbike, to explore beyond the city centre.

Discover the canals

Imagine this: it is a warm autumn day, the sun is shining, you joined a canal cruise on the historic Amsterdam canals, the banks are lined with trees dipped in orange, red and yellow, the clear blue sky makes the city look even more beautiful... there is no better way to explore the Dutch capital!

The canals really are the place to be on a sunny fall day in Amsterdam to explore the city from another perspective, relax as you cruise through the beautiful canals and past iconic sights as well as picturesque canal houses. Even if it happens to rain during your trip to Amsterdam, you'll stay comfortable and warm in the boats!

Visit one of Amsterdam’s beautiful parks or its forest

Those golden leaves that fill the trees make the perfect scenery for a visit to a park or forest. Luckily, Amsterdam has a few great ones. Here you can stroll, relax or engage in a sporting activity. The most well-known park is probably the Vondelpark. Here you can find restaurants, a rose garden and even an open-air theatre. But also the lesser known parks are worth a visit. Go to the Westerpark or the Amstelpark for example and mingle with the locals.

Or if you want even more fresh air, visit the forest Amsterdamse Bos. Filled with cycling and walking paths it is the perfect autumn getaway. Enjoy the colourful forest and crisp air in the Dutch capital during autumn. And Amsterdam in September or October is known to still have lovely sunny days so a little sunbathing isn’t as far-fetched as you might think. We do recommend to pack an umbrella and a rain jacket on a gloomy day though.

Explore the world's best museums

Fall days in Amsterdam are perfect for exploring some Dutch culture and great art. Amsterdam is famous for its well curated museums and you can choose from 75 museums in the whole city! If the warm sun is replaced by a storm on a rainy day, paying a visit to some of the world's best museum is a fantastic idea.

Go to the Rijksmuseum to see world-renown paintings by Dutch masters or take the kids to the NEMO science museum and discover new things. Alternatively, visit Red Light Secrets to learn more about the sex workers and their perspective in the notorious Red Light District. Looking for a different kind of experience? Amsterdam's Instragram museums, such as WONDR Experience and The Upside Down ensure the perfect backdrops for your holiday pictures even on a rainy day!