Do you want to spend an unforgettable New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam? If you do, then you might be interested in our tips and advice for this special celebration.
Do not wait until we call you to rescue from a boring family reunion on New Year’s Eve. Make the first step and ask us for available beds.
If you rather want to spend New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam indoors at a party, we would advise you to do researches and look for events in which you are particularly interested in. Maybe there is something for you. And if not, do not panic since there are perhaps more things to see on the streets and canals than in a club or bar!
Showing up 5 minutes before the event starts might be okay for the appointment you have sometimes at your dentist but it is definitely not okay in Amsterdam. Consider removing this. You have to be aware that the public transport runs differently on the 31st of December. Almost all public transportation (trams and buses) within Amsterdam stops around 8 p.m. The metro network, overland trains and the free ferries to Amsterdam North run on a restricted schedule on that day. At 1:30 a.m. nightbuses will run and on New Year’s Day all public transportation will run according to the regular Sunday schedule. For more information, check PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.
If you are only coming to Amsterdam because you want to do some shopping then do that before or after New Year’s Eve. Shops as well as restaurants and museums close around lunchtime on the 31st. So put off your souvenir-shopping until next year.
New Year’s Eve may be the highlight of your stay, but there’s much you can do during the rest of your stay. Do not waste these days but already think about attractions or museums you really want to see. If you have no idea yet, you can also find inspiration and ideas on our blogpost 10 FREE THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM.
Amsterdam is filled with tourists on New Year’s Eve. We know that you will be one of them but we also want to help you to feel as local as possible. Especially when everyone wishes you a “Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!“ we don’t want you to mumble an accidental “No, thank you” because you think that they want to sell you drugs. If you are too lazy to imitate a Dutch native speaker you could also just have a look on DUTCH PHRASES.
4….SMAKELIJK ETEN!Since you already know a little Dutch, you can also try to order all the delicious traditional Dutch food! Especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve a lot of markets sell various delicacies. A MUST-TRY is definitely the traditional sweet treat called Oliebollen which you could compare to a small round doughnut coated with icing sugar, chocolate or caramel. You can also find Appelflappen (= apple turnover) at stands across the city. If you are here to try all the traditional Dutch food then you will have a long list to go with all the pancakes, waffles, cookies, liquors, chocolate sprinkles,….
3….2…..1….SEE THE FIREWORK!After you filled your stomach, you can ready up to find a good spot to see the fireworks. As we have mentioned before, the public transportation will have stopped by this time. You can either walk or ride your bike to the place you want be to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Nieuwmarkt, Museumplein, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein offer plenty of entertainment and fireworks can traditionally be seen above the Amstel river. The Magere Brug (= Skinny Bridge) is one of the best spots to enjoy the spectacle. Another excellent viewing place would be Oosterdok which is near to the NEMO Science Center.
We hope this guide helped you with your preparation for a great New Year’s Eve 2015! Whatever you end up doing, we from the Shelter hope you enjoy your stay and we wish you a happy and blessed new year!
 Close to Central Station and Dam square Charming historic building Great courtyard/garden with lounge |
Review Score 85% "Fabulous" |
 Friendly, welcoming hostel In the trendy Jordan area, in the old city centre Closest hostel to Anne Frank House |
Review Score 85% "Fabulous" |
