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One would think that October may not be the best time to visit Amsterdam — the days are shorter, the temperature is dropping fast and the wind gets colder. That may all be true, but it would also mean you would miss seeing Amsterdam at one of its most colourful times. In October everything transforms, the green colour that was covering the canals in September changing into a golden-red blanket. The colours and sounds are different; the sunsets are picturesque and late flowers are blooming for the last time before winter. It’s the time when locals win back their city and they can resume their usual routine. Sounds quite romantic, doesn’t it? And it is, especially for fans or Autumn.

There is one risk that anyone assumes when visiting this country — but around here this is true for any other season: the Mighty Weather. Netherlands’ weather is well known for its unpredictability: the days can be sunny and warm like in the summer, or violently cold with heavy rain; or even both at the same time. I, for one, wouldn’t be scared of that — the golden colour is still there under a grey sky as well as a blue one, and a rain coat together with a good umbrella will help anyone find their way between museums, pubs and canal boats. Chances are that you will not see one of those spectacular sunsets, if the days are cloudy, but the charm of the city will still be all around you.

Events in Amsterdam in October

A lot of events are taking place in Amsterdam in autumn: from dance contests to documentary film festivals, there is a lot to choose from.

• Affordable Art Fair – this is an annual art event that aims to make contemporary art accessible to a broader audience by offering works at more affordable prices. The fair typically features a wide range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and prints, from both emerging and established artists.

• Afrovibes – is an annual cultural festival that celebrates contemporary African art and culture. The festival brings together artists, performers, and thinkers from across Africa and the African diaspora in the Netherlands, to showcase their work in various disciplines, including dance, theater, music, visual arts, and film. Afrovibes aims to highlight the diversity and vibrancy of African creativity, often focusing on themes of identity, social change, and cultural exchange.

• Cinekid Festival – the world’s largest festival for children’s film and media.

• The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is one of the world’s largest and most influential electronic music festivals and conferences. This multi-day event transforms Amsterdam into the global epicenter of electronic music, attracting DJs, producers, industry professionals, and music enthusiasts from around the world. ADE features a packed schedule of events, including live performances, DJ sets, and showcases across numerous venues, from intimate clubs to large arenas. Alongside the music, the conference side of ADE offers panels, workshops, and networking opportunities, covering a wide range of topics related to the electronic music industry.

• De Grachten Race (the Canals Race) – canal race of longboats across the city centre of Amsterdam.

What to do in Amsterdam in October

Most of the things that one can do in Amsterdam are suitable for any season. Ok, maybe not having a picnic in the park. But there are still a lot of things to do in this beautiful city in October.

• Take a canal cruise. You might not feel the wind on your face in the covered boats, but the view over the city from a boat will still be amazing.

• Visit museums and art galleries. Spend a day at the Rijksmuseum, exploring Dutch masterpieces, or immerse yourself in the work of Vincent van Gogh at the Van Gogh museum. Go to Stedelijk for contemporary art, at Foam Museum and Huis Marseille for photography, or discover any of the smaller museums like the Kattencabinet.

• There are many art galleries around the city where you can admire art for free, and the most renowned areas are the Jordaan and the Spiegelkwartier.

• Explore Amsterdam’s markets. Check out markets like Albert Cuyp in de Pijp neighbourhood, the Flower Market, the Flea Market at the Waterlooplein or any of the weekly farmers markets.

• Enjoy cozy cafés – this is the perfect time to enjoy the brown cafes or any other cosy place that will allow you to hide from the rain or simply delight in a coffee or a hot chocolate while resting your legs after a long stroll around the canals.

• Visit a park – you must pay a visit to one of Amsterdam’s lovely parks (like Westerpark, Frankendael, Vondelpark) because they are absolutely gorgeous in autumn!

• Do a no-mainstream thing to feel more immersed into the local life: The Best Non-Mainstream Things to Do in Amsterdam.

• Go for a concert at The Concertgebouw or a dance show at ITA Amsterdam. These don’t require knowing the Dutch language and, apart from the obvious treat, the buildings themselves are works of art to be admired.

• You can also check this list of things to do in Amsterdam recommended by locals.
  

Tip: to save some money, you can get an Iamsterdam city card that offers you entrance to many museums around the city, canal cruises, public transport and more.

And here is your virtual walk to illustrate the October colours in Amsterdam:

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