A visit to Amsterdam's museums in October means fewer crowds and a guaranteed cosy venue to see some of the world's most famous artists. The Rijksmuseum is the place to see works by Rembrandt, particularly his most famous painting, "The Night Watch," in the ongoing exhibition called "The Masterpieces." The nearby van Gogh Museum is another must-see. For a lighter touch, visit the Museum of Bags and Purses (Tassen Museum Hendrikje) or the Hash Museum.
Rijksmuseum
Stadhouderskade 42
1071 ZD Amsterdam
Netherlands
+31-020-674-7000
rijksmuseum.nl
Van Gogh Museum
Paulus Potterstraat 7
1071 CX Amsterdam
Netherlands
+31-020-570-5200
vangoghmuseum.nl
Tassen Museum Hendrikje
Herengracht 573
1017CD Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31-061-480-3413
tassenmuseum.nl
The Hash, Marijuana and Hemp Museum
Oudezijdsachterburgwal 148
1012 DV Amsterdam
Netherlands
+31-020-626-2988
hashmuseum.com
No tour of Amsterdam is complete without a visit to one of the famous "brown cafes," incredibly tiny but always welcoming little places where you can order cold Dutch beer or a glass of the potent schnapps-like gin called jenever. It's the perfect activity for a cool October evening. De Ooievaar (The Stork), just around the corner from Central Station, is one of the smallest in the Netherlands and is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Amsterdam. It is hardly larger than a couple of walk-in closets. Don't hesitate to visit the infamous red-light district. The area is undergoing a metamorphosis and is now more a place for hip shopping and dining than it is for watching the ladies in the windows ply their trade.
De Ooievaar (The Stork)
Sint Olofspoort 1
1012 AJ Amsterdam
Netherlands
+31-020-420-8004
proeflokaaldeooievaar.nl
Enjoy a riot of flowers in the market on the Singel canal. Stalls full of seasonal flowers are a photographer's dream. In October, you will see fall blooming bulbs, dahlias and chrysanthemums, as well as lilies and roses. You can buy tulip and amaryllis bulbs to take home, but check with the seller to make sure that they are bulb varieties that are not prohibited by customs.
A romantic way to see the city is from one of the many canal boats that steer visitors through the city with guides telling the stories of the canals and the canal houses. The boats are enclosed, so even if the October weather is chilly, the cruise is comfortable. Amsterdam Canal Cruises is one of many companies that offer canal cruises. It is centrally located and has six cruise boats offering lunch and dinner cruises as well as combination tickets that include the cruise and admission to one of several museums.
Amsterdam Canal Cruises
Stadhouderskade 550 (opposite Heineken Experience)
1072 AE Amsterdam
Netherlands
+31-020-679-1370
amsterdamcanalcruises.nl
A tour of the Anne Frank house is a moving experience and a window into the difficult times that the Dutch endured during the World War II German occupation. It's a popular tour, even in shoulder season, so it's best to plan to arrive at opening time, 9 a.m., or late in the afternoon when the crowds are smaller.
Anne Frank House
Prinsengracht 267
1000 AS Amsterdam
Netherlands
+31-020-556-7105
annefrank.org
The best way to navigate the narrow streets in the center of Amsterdam is by bike. The weather in October is cool and often sunny, providing nice conditions for a bike ride, but take along some rain gear, just in case. Many bike tours, such as those run by Mike's Bike Tours, will take you comfortably around the historic center.
Mike's Bike Tours
Kerkstraat 134
1017 GP Amsterdam
Netherlands
+31-020-622-7970
mikesbiketoursamsterdam.com
If music is your thing, the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) held in late October is an electronic music conference and the world's biggest club festival, where new music and new trends are often showcased. For the sporting tourist, the ING Amsterdam Marathon is held Oct. 15. On the evening of Oct. 9 each year, visitors can watch the Canoe Tour of Amsterdam, when more than 500 illuminated canoes and kayaks paddle through the canals of the city.
Amsterdam Dance Event
amsterdam-dance-event.nl
Amsterdam Marathon
Le Champion
1802 TA Alkmaar, Amsterdam
Netherlands
+31-020-663-0781
Canoe Tour of Amsterdam
visitholland.nl
