Best Things to Do in Amsterdam in February

Updated: 28 octubre 2023

This post covers things to do in Amsterdam during the month of February.

We include family-friendly, nighttime, and free or cheap activities, all updated for 2024.

Read about the average weather in February in Amsterdam.


TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN FEBRUARY

This section will feature our top 10 activities to enjoy in Amsterdam throughout February.

We also have a post on things to do at any time of the year.

For tips on the most popular activities in Amsterdam, check out these popular posts:

Several of the items below are already included for free with the purchase of a tourist discount pass

And be sure to check out our post on the weather in February in Amsterdam.


1. Attend IMPRO Amsterdam

From February 17th-24th, fans of improv theater and comedy will be able to enjoy the happenings at the IMPRO festival.

There will be three different stages with performances, nightly shows, open-stage opportunities, workshops, and social events.

Performances are in English.

They also sell out quickly, so get your tickets soon.


2. Take a Sightseeing Tour

On days when February's temperatures are a bit too cold to explore the city on foot, you can take a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Stay warm while seeing a lot of the city in a short time. 

On a budget? Take a free walking tour of Amsterdam

In addition to introductory tours, there are also outings that cover subjects and locations such as the Red Light District and the Jewish Quarter.

For foodies, check out a food tour. For beer lovers, there are bus or boat combo-packages that include The Heineken Experience.


2. Go to the Chocolate Lover's Festival

The Chocoa Festival, which promotes sustainable and high-quality chocolate from ethical sources, takes place each year in February.

Amsterdam is the "largest cocoa post int he world" so they take their chocolate seriously.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgSKKhiprpA

At the festival you can learn about how chocolate is made, and about how to make some of your own delicacies from the different vendors and workshops.

Head over to Beurs van Berlage from February 6th-11th to take part.

Get your tickets in advance here.


4. Go to a Museum Museum Exhibit

There are several interesting museums you can visit in Amsterdam.

Just a few of them are:

RTXP Amsterdam

50 repaintings of the world's most iconic works can be found at this museum. Tickets to RTXP be purchased here.

STRAAT Museum

The world's largest street art museum. It includes paintings, sculptures, and more. Tickets to STAAT Museum can be purchased here. You can also combine STRAAT with a City Canal Tour here.

Van Gogh Museum

The world's largest collection of Van Gogh's works can be found here, including his paintings, drawings, and some of his letters. Tickets to the Van Gogh Museum can be purchased here.

NOTE: Admission to some museums is included on the Amsterdam tourist passes.

Or, to purchase them directly, you can find them here: All Inclusive - Amsterdam GoCity | Explorer - Amsterdam Go City


5. Celebrate Valentine's Day

If you're visiting Amsterdam with your partner during Valentine's Day weekend, there are a variety of fun and romantic activities you can enjoy.

Here are a few of the best ideas for couples:

In addition to these options, you may also want to consider a quick trip to the Floating Flower Market to find the perfect flowers for your loved one.


6. Go on a Pub Crawl or Beer Tour

Since it tends to be cold in Amsterdam this time of year, you might want to consider warming up with a drink.

If you're looking for the best bars and drinks in the city, a pub crawl can help you become more familiar with the area.

Here are a few pub crawls you can take in Amsterdam:

In addition to these options, you might also want to consider a trip to the House of Bols or the Heineken Experience.


7. See Amsterdam's Red Light District

The Red Light District is famous for its red-lit windows where legal prostitutes wait for customers.

Since it has been legal since 1811, visitors have been fascinated by the openness of the practice. 

There are some things you should be aware of before heading over to this unique neighborhood, which is why we suggest you consider touring the district with a professional guide.

Read our post on How to Visit the Red Light District to find out what tours are available and what else there is to do in the district. 


8. See Improv Theatre & Comedy

If you like improvisational comedy, you might enjoy the Boom Chicago Comedy Show.

This English-language show has been performed by such past in-residence comedians as Seth Meyers, Jordan Peele, and Jason Sudeikis.

For the line-up and to buy tickets, visit their website.

It's an English-language show that has been performed by such past in-residence comedians as Seth Meyers, Jordan Peele, and Jason Sudekis.

Alternatively, you can also enjoy some magic at Amsterdam Magic Show: Things That Make You Go Huh.

For other nightlife suggestions, see our post on things to do in Amsterdam at night.


9. Explore a Market

There are multiple markets running during February!

Head to Sunday Market at Westergas on February 5th to find clothing, art, handmade goods, delicious street food, and kid-focused toys and trinkets.

Museumplein hosts a market on February 18th, 2024 with more art, handmade crafts, food vendors, and live musical entertainment.

If you're a big flea market fan, you won't want to miss the biggest flea market in Europe, IJ-Hallen at NDSM-wharf, on February 24th and 25th.

There will be 500 indoor vendors and stands with various goods, clothing items, household decor, toys, and trinkets.


10. Save with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass

The easiest way to see more attractions in Amsterdam is by purchasing a discount pass.

These tourist passes work by allowing you to bundle admission tickets for heavy discounts.

You could get up to 50% off retail prices on several passes – or get in for free with an all-inclusive pass.

Attractions on various passes include:

See which pass can save you the most money on your trip with our in-depth comparison post.

To purchase one of the discount passes, find them here: All Inclusive - Amsterdam GoCity | Explorer - Amsterdam Go City


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About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

Stephen is the CEO of Free Tours by Foot and has overseen the transformation of a local walking tour company into a global tour community and traveler’s advice platform. He has personally led thousands of group tours in the US and Europe, and is an expert in trip planning and sightseeing, with a focus on budget travelers. Stephen has been published and featured in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Yahoo, Washington.org, and more.
Updated: octubre 28th, 2023
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