Amsterdam in February

If it wasn’t cold enough already, it’s about to get even colder! Amsterdam is an eventful city no matter the season, weather or month. So even in February, what often is the coldest month of the year, there are plenty of things to do, attractions and places to go . Amsterdam in February marks the start of a season filled with new exhibitions and lots of great events. Read on to find out what the weather is like, what you should not miss out on and where to go for the best food & beverages in town!

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Weather in Amsterdam in February

February is one of the coldest month of the year in Amsterdam. From rain to an occasional sunny day and from snow to frost. What locals hope to happen, is that it gets cold enough for the waters to freeze. Ice skating on natural ice over the Amsterdam Canals is definitely one of the coolest experiences ever! The average temperature is 5 degrees Celsius by day and 0 by night, so it’s best to pack all that’s comfortable and warm.

Events and things to do in February

With the weather being chilly and often wet you have all the more reason to head inside for some warm and fun activities. An afternoon at the museum to check out the newest exhibition, a cosy evening in a restaurant with a fire place or a full day of relaxing at one of Amsterdam’s best spa’s. We’ve gathered it all, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on anything!

Treasury! at the Hermitage Amsterdam

In 2019 the Hermitage Amsterdam will celebrate their 10th anniversary with two new exhibitions and a full year of special activities. From February 2nd on their first exhibition Treasury! will be open to the public, showcasing an amazing selection of artworks and objects from all over the world. Masterpieces from the likes of Da Vinci, Matisse, Fabre and Rembrandt are just a few of the highlights that can be seen. Expect antiques, manuscripts & books and ancient works from Egypt, with the oldest piece dating all the way back to 23,000 BC!

Hermitage Amsterdam – Amstel 51

Exhibition: Rembrandt’s Social Network

In 2019 it has been 350 years since the passing of one of the most famous Dutch painters in the world: Rembrandt van Rijn. This anniversary will be celebrated nation wide with a large variety of dedicated exhibitions and special activities. The Rembrandt House will open their exhibition Rembrandt’s Social Network on the 1st of February, giving you a intimate look into his private life. His wife, friends and family all contributed to him becoming a world famous painter. Learn all about the people that inspired and influenced him during his time as an artist with the help of known and rarely seen paintings, drawings and prints.

Rembrandt House – Jodenbreestraat 4

Chinese New Year in Amsterdam

February 5th 2019 marks the start of the year of the Earth Pig, the symbol of good fortune & wealth. All throughout the Amsterdam various Chinese restaurants will celebrate the Chinese New Year. One of the most iconic places to go is located on the docks right next to Central Station. The floating restaurant Sea Palace is known for both their traditional decor as well as their authentic dishes. Either go a la carte or enjoy their special Chinese New Year menu. A good spot for lunch is Ron Gastrobar Oriental. To celebrate the New Year they will serve a 5-course ‘Sunday Lunch’ on February 10th. Expect tasty Chinese dishes like Dim Sum, Peking duck Bao and a Surprise egg!

If you’re looking for festive decorations, traditional lion dances and fireworks you should head over to Amsterdam’s China Town. Located in the Red Light District near Dam Square and the Nieuwmarkt you’ll find lots of Chinese restaurants, supermarkets and shops. This area is also home to the Buddhist temple Fo Guang Shan He Hua on the Zeedijk 106. They will hosts celebratory activities on several different dates. The program can be found on their website.

Movietheater Cinetol

Looking for an alternative way to celebrate Chinese New Year? Cinetol will host an evening filled with live music, movie screenings, art and of course, food! Music will be provided by Indie quartet ‘Probably Oslo’ from London and dream pop duo ‘The Secret Love Parade’ from Amsterdam. You can either choose to do dinner and the event, or the event only. Tickets are available here.

Saturday January 9th at Cinetol – Tolstraat 182

Please note that although the official celebration is on February 5th, festivities may be held on different days as well.

Japanese Design at Mono Japan

In honor and celebration of contemporary Japanese craft and design, Lloyd Hotel Amsterdam has set up a project to give craftsmen and brands a platform to present their products to the European public. MONO Japan is an exhibition where consumers, lovers of design and artists come together. From textiles, furniture and ceramics to food and teas. Anything in the field of art and design will be represented here. And, you can join in on the craft making during several workshops such as Miso making.

1 to 3 February at Lloyd Hotel – Oostelijke Handelskade 34

Valentines Day in Amsterdam

Valentines Day is the perfect time to show your lover, best friends or family just how much you love them. Wether you’re single or not, Amsterdam has some incredible dining options and fun activities to make it into a memorable day. In need of some inspiration? Read on to find out what the most fun things to do and places to go are!

A Romantic tour through the Amsterdam Canals

While in Amsterdam on Valentines Day, one of the most romantic things to do is going on a boat tour through the Amsterdam canals. The city is called the Venice of the north for a reason: all canals combined have a length of over 100 km! Alongside you’ll find countless houseboats and monumental buildings and the almost 1300(!) bridges make for an charming scenery. Tours & Tickets is one of the many offering a wide variety in cruises. How about a dinner cruise or even a private one on a small historic boat? Almost everything is possible to make it into a day or night to remember!

Wining & Dining

A dinner date is one of the most common and yet most enjoyable things to do on Valentines Day. So if you choose to do it, do it the right way! Amsterdam culinary scene has a lot to offer that offer when it comes to upgrading your dining experience. Read on!

Teppanyaki spectacle at Sazanka

Dining teppanyaki style is an experience on its on but Sazanka takes it a step further. This restaurant is located on the higest floor the luxury Okura hotel and is the first and so far only teppanyaki restaurant in Europe that holds a Michelin star. The teppan chefs will demonstrate their amazing cooking skills while grilling meats and seafood at their table. Other traditional Japanese dishes, that can be ordered a la carte, are as delicious as they are presented with allure. This will be a culinary experience you will not soon forget!

Sazanka at Okura Hotel – Ferdinand Bolstraat 333

A little competition at the Ton Ton Club

Who’s up for some friendly competition on Valentines Day? The Ton Ton Club, with locations on the west part of town and in the city centre, offers you and your date (or friends) a fun and active night out. They serve bar bites in the city center and have a restaurant serving delicious Japanese street style food at the location on the west part of town. Play iconic arcade games and oldskool table games, while enjoying drinks and music. They have an amazing selection of craft beers and they have a proper cocktail list as well!

City Center – Sint Annendwarsstraat 6 / West – Polonceaukade 27

The Foodhallen turns Flirthallen

Live music, a one-day marriage, the lovebooth and much more! The Foodhallen Amsterdam will turn into the Flirthallen for one day only. Enjoy all the activities and delicious food they have to offer. The Foodhallen is filled with stands offering anything from sushi, burgers and taco’s to tapas and good wines per glass or bottle. Oh, and their cocktails are known to be some of the best in town!

Foodhallen – Bellamyplein 51

Valentines Day Concert

If you’re looking for a romantic musical evening the Valentines Day at the Movies concert is the place to take your loved one. The concert will be held at the world famous Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam, known for the beautiful historical building with its exceptional acoustics. Be amazed by film music played by the North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra. If you’re a lover of classical music, this promises to be a memorable night out!

8:15 – 10:35 p.m. Concertgebouw – Concertgebouwplein 10

Relax & Enjoy at the Spa

A relaxing day at the spa is always a good idea. Especially when being surrounded by your loved ones and with this cold weather outside. Amsterdam has some amazing spa’s, from city center hidden gems to a 13.000 m2 wellness resort near the Amsterdam Forrest. Let your body detox in the sauna, book a relaxing massage and dive into heated pools and bubble baths.  Sauna Deco is, with its beautiful 1920’s Art Deco interior, a highly romantic option. The moment you walk in you’ll feel like you’re in Paris, complete with original stained-glass windows and decorative ceilings!

Looking for more tips for Valentines Day? Head over to our Valentines Day in Amsterdam guide!

Chocoa Fair

Lover of chocolate? (who isn’t?!) Chocoa Festival is the place to be on 23 & 23 February. During this festival you’ll get to know all there is on this sweet treat. World famous chocolatiers and experts will explain the future of chocolate, the difference in cocoa beans, tell you more about fair-trade and there will be a live chocolate cooking show. And of course, what you’ll want to do most is tasting. Over 85 stands with various chocolate products will be ready for you to stop by. Not only will there be chocolate products but also wines, beers and coffees to go with that.

23 & 24 February at Beurs van Berlage – Damrak 243

Bars & Restaurants in Amsterdam with a fireplace

Bye bye, dry January. By now we’ve all recovered from the holidays and it’s time to head inside a warm bar to cosy up with friends and a good drink or two. And what’s nicer than to sit back and relax by the fireplace. Read on to find out where to go!

On the other side of the water: Pllek

Pllek is a locals favorite in summer, because of their city beach overlooking the IJ river with an amazing terrace. But what many don’t know is that it’s a cosy and warm spot in winter as well. Fireplaces and occasional bomb fires, tasty International dishes and an amazing selection of beers and wines. Enjoy dinner and have a seat on their comfortable leather sofas by the fire after that. A good glass of wine and a few of the city lights across the water. What more do you want?

TT Neveritaweg 59 (North)

View from up top at Mr. Porter

On the top floor of the luxurious Conservatorium hotel you’ll find Mr. Porter. This restaurant offers delicious dishes and drinks and is known for their amazing steaks. Enjoy your after dinner time at one of the seats by the fireplace, or head next door to the W Lounge for their amazing selection of cocktails. Oh, and the view over the Amsterdam city center is incredible!

Spuistraat 175 (City Centre)

Hidden Gem: The Lobby at Hotel V

The Lobby Nesplein is tucked away in a small street right behind Dam Square. This hidden gem is open all day, so wether you want breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks, this is a perfect hide away from the cities buzz. The atmosphere at this restaurant is homey, with a large fireplace surrounded by leather sofas to cosy up in with friends and a drink on any chilly night. It is wise to make reservations beforehand though, it is known to be a very popular spot amongst locals.

Nes 49 (City Centre)

Dining and dancing at Pacific Parc

Fancy dinner, drinks and dancing? At Pacific Parc you can have it all. This restaurant and bar on the west part of town is the perfect spot for a cosy yet lively night out. Wether you choose to have a laid back evening with tasty bites and a good glass of wine by the fire or go in late for one of their events. At Pacific Parc you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself. Tip: try one of the wines from the local Wester Wijnfabriek.

Polonceaukade 23 (West)

Want the full overview? Head over to our restaurants and bars with a fire place guide!

We hope you enjoy the month of February in Amsterdam. Browse through our website for more on the city’s highlights. We’ve covered everything from the best museums in town to the most amazing attractions and places to eat.