It’s time for a new Amsterdam Weekend Guide! We hope you had a blast during NYE and have recovered from your hangovers. The first weekend of January 2019 is here, so let’s make it a good one. We gathered the best events, things to do and places to visit. Happy Weekend!

Magical evening at Hortus by Night

From Thursday until Sunday you have the chance to visit the Amsterdam Botanical Gardens, Hortus Botanicus, by night. The gardens will be illuminated by thousands of light, making for a magical scenery. Enjoy all there is to see and get comfortable on their winter terrace with a drink by the the campfire. If you want to learn more about the plants and their behavior at night, you can book a special guided tour. Rather sit back and relax? Make sure you reserve a spot at their restaurant, offering an delightful four-course dining experience with a view over the garden.

3 – 6 January at Hortus Botanicus

New in town: Phanthers at Maïa

There is a new club in town! Maïa opened in December 2018 and is slowly becoming a hotspot in Amsterdam’s nighltlife scene. On January 4th the opening night of the new club concept Phanthers will take place. Expect a beautiful atmosphere with an even more beautiful crowd dancing to the best Disco, R&B, Hip Hop and House Classics. Gather your friends and let DJ’s like Melly Mel, Alain Kuipers and God’s Sons entertain you all throughout the night. Keep their door policy in mind though, you have to be 23+ to get in.

4 January 11:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m. at Maïa Amsterdam – Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 14

Shopping on a budget at the IJ Hallen

Went way over budget during the holidays but do want to spice up your wardrobe and interior a bit? The IJ-Hallen is your place to be! This flea market is the biggest in Europe, with over 500 stands filled with everything you can imagine. From vintage camera’s to barely worn fashion pieces and antique jewelry & accessories. All for reasonable (and negotiable) prices. Head over to the North part of Amsterdam for an afternoon of shopping and good vibes. There will be music, food stands and beverages so you can keep your vintage shopping spree going all day long!

5 & 6 January – IJhallen Amsterdam

Kopstootbar x Soul Food Nourriture de l’ame

The first week of January is the last week you can enjoy the amazing Soul Food by Nourriture de l’ame at the Kopstootbar. Their aim: bringing people together with a passion for food. And they do this right! With a menu full of mouthwatering dishes and a program filled with music and entertainment. The afterparty starts at 10:00 p.m. with Coup De Foudre behind the turning table. This French DJ duo will play the best beats, making you dance until late to anything from Disco and French Touch to House music.

5 January 3:00 p.m. – 10.00 p.m. at Kopstootbar – Marnixstraat 429

New Year’s Concert at Paradiso

Paradiso will host a New Year’s Concert on Sunday 6 January 2019. Together with the Tramharmonie they’ll take you to Vienna for the moment, with all the classics you would expect at a traditional New Year’s concert. The orchestra founded by the staff of the Amsterdam Tram Company has been performing for nearly 100 years now in the biggest venues all around Amsterdam. And the best part is: there will be oliebollen and champagne!

6 January 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. at Paradiso – Weteringschans 6

Badplaats Winter Sessions w/ Robin Block at Volkshotel

Looking for a unique experience? This Sunday the rooftop of the Volkshotel will be the location for Badplaats Sessions. It will be an afternoon filled with live music by Amsterdam singer-songwriter Robin Block, hot drinks, tasty food, hot tubs and a tiny sauna. And all that with an amazing view over the city! If you’re up for it, bring your swim wear & towels and take a dip into one of the hot tubs. There are blankets and heaters present for after your courageous move, so you can get cosy and warm after. Even if you don’t feel like getting wet, this event will be a fun place to spend your Sunday afternoon.

6 January from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Volkshotel – Wibautstraat 150

New Years Market

The Sunday Market offers the perfect oppertunity for some fun family time. The first edition of 2019, the New Years Market, will be held at the Westergasfabriek on January 6th. Stroll past the numerous stalls selling anything from art & fashion by local designers to interior and tasty delicacies. This market is known for their unique products and fun entertainment program with lots of live music. The kids will have enough to do and there will be gluhwein for the grown ups to warm their hands to!

6 January from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Westergasfabriek

Pesca’s Sunday Show – The Gamba Edition

Seafood restaurant Pesca has something special for you this Sunday. Their Sunday Show on January 6th is all about the Gamba. During this afternoon, you can have an incredible lunch with Gamba’s for €1,- each. And if that isn’t enough, the oysters are €1,- as well and their cava is yours for just €9 per bottle. Get ready to get your hands dirty and your taste buds satisfied! Live music will entertain you during this tasty happening. To secure your spot, make your reservation via www.pesca-amsterdam.nl.

6 January from 12:00 – 5.00 p.m. at Pesca – Rozengracht 133

We hope you enjoy this first weekend of 2019 using our Amsterdam Weekend Guide. Looking for the best places to eat? Check out our Best Breakfast in Amsterdam for amazing brunch spots or the Amsterdam Restaurant Guide for the best dining experiences in the city!