Amsterdam is buzzing with action on the most normal days, but visiting this city on New Year’s Eve promises to set your trip off with a bang or two. Some prep: New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam is calledOudjaarsdag (Old Year’s Day). Start practising your Dutch gelukkig nieuwjaar means “prosperous New Year” and there's also willen knuffelen? ("want to cuddle me?"). It's gonna be cold, so bring plenty of warm clothes.
Enjoy your Amsterdam weekend city break with a date, or find one when you get there, either way seeing in the New Year in Amsterdam is seeing it in in style.
You might wonder "Where’s the party at?", but once you arrive there won’t be any doubt about where to go for entertainment - the city holds parties out on the streets!
Head to Dam Square, near the central station for a great atmosphere to welcome in the New Year. Anyone who has been to Amsterdam for New Year’s before will tell you that fireworks can be let off by anyone and they'll be everywhere! Whilst it looks spectacular, and is breath-taking to watch from afar, it can border on dangerous - It goes without saying; keeps a safe distance from any firework displays going on around you.
Organised fireworks do go off at midnight at Dam Square; you'll need to get there for around 23.30 to ensure you get a good spot however, as it is certain to get very busy.
Head across to the Nieuwmarkt area, in the heart of Amsterdam’s China Town to stock up on some colourful fireworks of your own, there you’ll also be able to sample some very tasty Dutch-Chinese cuisine.
If you'll be wining and dining anywhere in town on the night, book early in the day or even the day before if you don't want to leave your date unimpressed. Restaurants get very busy during the evening and some even close entirely, so be prepared if you have dinner plans.
You could always take in the fireworks from a more relaxed spot, such as the Amstel River. Head to the secluded Skinny Bridge, over the Amstel River for great views of the fireworks and the perfect spot to steal a quick smooch. This area is much more private, so you'll avoid the hustle and bustle of the crowds - and avoid the potential fire/burns hazard that is Amsterdam on NYE.
If you want to get a feel for local Amsterdam, cycle or tram over to the cutting edge cool of the Jordaan neighbourhood, for an authentic Amsterdam experience. Many cafes on the Western canal ring offer a free glass of Champagne as midnight approaches, which is always a welcome bonus.
If you were hoping for something more organised, or if you don’t want to get involved in any of the city’s street parties, head on down to the coolest club in town - Supperclub. They promise an epic New Year’s with a champagne bar, club hits blasting out the speakers, and even a circus theme for the evening’s entertainment (including). The party here won’t end until the sun comes up on New Year’s day, and you will never forget your trip to Amsterdam’s New Year.
On New Year’s Day, Amsterdam becomes the city of the hangover! You will find that many shops will stay closed on the day whilst the main bars, coffee shops and restaurants will get busy with tourists who all seem to be nursing a hangover too.
Enjoy the coffee shops and Dutch food and then perhaps head down to the local Vondel Park to relax. An early version of Chinese New Year is also held on the day in China Town in Nieuwmarkt, which offers a show of fireworks, dance performances and colourful costumes. Ideal for those who want to party, see spectacular sights and for those who want to be part of something epic - an Amsterdam city break over New Year’s will be a trip you won’t forget in a hurry.
*written by Guest Writer, Adam
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