48 Hours in Amsterdam | A Winter Escape to the City That Once Had My Heart
A spontaneous getaway… and a personal homecoming
We booked a last-minute trip to Amsterdam. No big plan, just a shared feeling that we needed to go.
My boyfriend had never been. I hadn’t been in years. But I had been holding onto a quiet promise that someday, I’d return.
The first time I went to Amsterdam, I was studying abroad in Italy. My roommate and I took a long weekend trip during spring right in the middle of tulip season. It was vibrant and fresh and alive in a way that made me fall hard for the city.
I loved it so much that I seriously considered moving there after college. But my mom got sick again. Then the pandemic hit. That version of the dream quietly dissolved.
So this winter weekend felt like more than just a trip. It was a chance to experience Amsterdam again — not as a student, not as a would-be expat, but as someone who plans meaningful travel for a living. And someone who still believes in last-minute magic.
Amsterdam in the Winter
I had only known Amsterdam in the spring, all sunshine and outdoor cafés. Winter was new to me. And honestly, it was just as special.
Yes, it was cold. Frigid, really. But we bundled up and leaned into the coziness. The city was still alive with energy; people on bikes, couples walking the canals, cafés glowing from the inside.
There’s something romantic about experiencing a place in its quiet season. Everything feels a little slower, a little softer. You notice more.
Where We Stayed: Park Centraal Amsterdam
This hotel felt like a warm hug after cold, rainy days.
Located right by the canal, Park Centraal Amsterdam was perfectly situated for walking and exploring. Our room had a dreamy view of the water, and the bed was one of the comfiest I’ve ever slept in. After being out in the cold all day, it was the kind of bed you sink into.
The lobby was even better. Warm lighting, a roaring fireplace, a cocktail bar, and even a pool table if you didn’t feel like going back out. The holiday decorations added that extra bit of sparkle. It felt both elegant and welcoming, exactly what we wanted for a quick winter escape.
Albert Cuyp Market
We spent our first afternoon at Albert Cuyp Market, which is way bigger than I expected. It’s full of local food stands, warm snacks, and all kinds of Dutch treats.
Some of our highlights:
Stroopwafels, fresh off the griddle
Crispy, salty fried fish
Mini poffertjes (Dutch pancakes) dusted in powdered sugar
It was the perfect way to eat our way through the city while staying warm and mobile. Highly recommend going hungry.
Coffeehouse Culture: A Different Kind of Nightlife
One of the most unique things about Amsterdam is the coffeehouse vs. café distinction.
Cafés are your classic spots for lattes and pastries.
Coffeehouses, on the other hand, are where you can legally enjoy cannabis.
If you’ve never experienced it, the vibe is wildly different from a bar. No loud music. No rowdy groups. Just a mellow, chill environment with people reading, chatting softly, or quietly enjoying their evening.
We loved it. It felt relaxed, intentional, and (surprisingly) romantic. If it’s something you’re open to, it’s worth experiencing the atmosphere. It was one of our favorite parts of the trip.
A Couples’ Experience: The Red Light District
This part of the trip is a little harder to write about, not because I don’t recommend it, but because I don’t want to sound sensational.
We did explore Amsterdam’s Red Light District. And yes, we attended one of the more well-known X-rated shows.
Here’s what I’ll say: if you’re an adventurous couple, it can be a surprisingly artistic, cheeky, and thoughtful experience. It wasn’t what I expected, it was better. Less about shock value and more about expression and curiosity. We left feeling more connected, not less.
Even though we were only there for 48 hours, this trip felt personal. It felt like honoring a place that once meant so much to me, while getting to experience it in a completely new way.
I often tell my clients that travel is about more than just seeing a place, it’s about feeling something. This trip was exactly that.
If you’re craving something different for your next couples' trip, don’t overlook Amsterdam in the winter. It’s romantic in the most unexpected ways.
Planning Your Own Escape?
Whether you want a cozy weekend in Europe or a full itinerary built around food, connection, and new experiences, I’d love to help.
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