Your Trip to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. December is an ideal time to visit Amsterdam due to the city's festive atmosphere, highlighted by the annual Amsterdam Light Festival, where the city is transformed into a wonderland of light installations, adding to the charm of the picturesque canals and historic buildings.
Amsterdam is a city full of surprises, with a unique blend of old-world charm and modern innovation. Its picturesque canals, charming neighborhoods, and world-class museums make it a welcoming destination for visitors from all over the world, and its abundance of parks and green spaces provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets.
The weather in Amsterdam during December is generally cold and often wet. Average temperatures range from 1°C to 7°C (33°F to 45°F), and there is a good chance of rain or snow throughout the month. Days are short, with only around 7 hours of daylight, but the city's festive holiday atmosphere and cozy indoor activities, like visiting museums or sipping hot chocolate in a cafe, make it a charming time to visit.
US Passport holders do not need a visa to visit The Netherlands.
There are currently no COVID-related requirements to enter The Netherlands. We will regularly check for updates and ensure you are provided with the most current information prior to departure.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
Today, arrive in Amsterdam and settle in for a few days of exploring the iconic city.
- Upon arrival in Amsterdam from your river cruise, a private car will pick you up and bring you to your hotel.
- Details will be provided pending arrival time.
Booked by scenset
Get settled in before a relaxing evening at a nearby restaurant.
Restaurant Jansz, just next door to Pulitzer, is a sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant located in the heart of Amsterdam, renowned for its contemporary European cuisine and elegant ambiance.
- Address: Reestraat 8, 1016 DN Amsterdam (next door to Pulitzer)
- Reservation Time: Early evening
- Reservation Name: will be provided
- Confirmation Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset | Paid Locally
Pulitzer Hotel | Generous Canal View Kings
- Each room at the hotel is unique, and all of them feature a working desk, marble bathroom and beautiful views of the canals
- Rooms can be next to each other pending availability
Booked by scenset
Why we love it for you: The Pulitzer is a unique and luxurious hotel centrally located in the heart of Amsterdam's historic canal district. The hotel is housed in a collection of 25 restored 17th and 18th-century canal houses, which have been seamlessly connected to create a stunning and atmospheric space. Along with its rich history, the hotel boasts world-class amenities, including an award-winning restaurant, a cozy bar, a tranquil inner garden, and a beautiful art collection that showcases the work of Dutch masters.
Start your day at one of the most iconic museums in Amsterdam, followed by a food tour and an evening canal cruise!
Begin your day at Anne Frank House, just a 5 minute walk from your hotel, which provides a poignant and powerful reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the importance of bearing witness to history.
- Entrance Time: Morning
- Please be on time as the museum staff are strict on entrance times.
- Audio guide included.
Booked by scenset
- As you exit Anne Frank House, your private food expert guide will be waiting for you to begin a food and cheese tour of Amsterdam's best spots
- Visit cheese shops, try the famous "poffertjes" and "stroopwafels", and sample specially prepared Dutch herring
- Transportation is included
- Start Time: Late morning (your guide will meet you at the exit point of Anne Frank House)
- Your Guide: will be provided
- Duration: 4 hours (come on an empty stomach!)
Booked by scenset
- After a couple of hours to rest and reset at the hotel, set off on a private boat tour of Amsterdam's iconic Light Festival, happening only in December each year
- The boat is covered for warmth, and light drinks and refreshments will be provided
- Pickup Time: Evening
- Duration: 90 minutes
Booked by scenset
Bussia, just around the corner from your hotel, is a highly acclaimed restaurant in Amsterdam that offers a modern take on classic Italian cuisine, using only the finest seasonal ingredients.
- Address: Reestraat 28-32, 1016 DN Amsterdam (next door to Pulitzer)
- Reservation Time: Evening
- Reservation Name: will be provided
- Confirmation Number: will be provided
- Note: A deposit has been placed to secure the reservation. This will be deducted from your restaurant bill upon payment.
Booked by Scenset | Balance Paid Locally
Pulitzer Hotel | Generous Canal View Kings
Booked by scenset
Start the day with a walking tour of some of Amsterdam's most famous sights. Later, attend a Christmas concert at an iconic venue.
After breakfast, set off with a private guide to some of Amsterdam's most iconic sights, including:
- Royal Palace: This 17th century former home of Napoleon stands as a majestic symbol of Dutch heritage and architectural grandeur, captivating visitors with its opulent interiors and serving as a significant historical landmark in the heart of the city.
- Churches: Visit the Oude Kerk, Nieuwe Kerk and Westerkerk to witness the stunning architecture and interior splendor of the city's religious hubs.
- Begijnhof: This serene oasis is nestled in the heart of the bustling city, offering a peaceful retreat where visitors can explore picturesque courtyards, a charming chapel, and historic houses dating back to the 14th century, providing a glimpse into Amsterdam's rich religious and cultural past.
Tour Schedule:
- Meeting Point: Pulitzer Hotel
- Your Guide: will be provided
- Start Time: Morning
- End Time: Early afternoon
Booked by scenset
Pancakes Negen Straatjes is the perfect opportunity to have a casual pancake lunch after your tour.
- Address: Berenstraat 38, 1016 GH Amsterdam
- Note: This is a recommendation only, the restaurant does not take reservations.
- Take the afternoon to relax, go shopping on the Negen Straatjes, or explore the city center at your own pace.
Restaurant de Struisvogel is set in a casual dining environment and features a menu focused on succulent grilled steaks and seafood delicacies.
- Address: Keizersgracht 312, 1016 EX Amsterdam (5 minute walk from Pulitzer)
- Reservation Time: Early evening
- Reservation Name: will be provided
Booked by Scenset | Paid Locally
- We recommend using Uber to travel to the Concertgebouw.
- Destination Address: Het Concertgebouw, Concertgebouwplein 10, 1071 LN Amsterdam
- Travel Time: Roughly 10 minutes
- Departure Time: Early evening
- Tip: Leave a little earlier if you would like to allow time to get a drink before the concert begins.
Tonight, enjoy a very special Christmas concert by the Jazz Orchestra of Amsterdam at the Concertgebouw, one of the most treasured and classic music venues in the city.
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- Start time: Early evening (please arrive to the venue about 30 minutes beforehand)
- End time: Late evening
- Tip: Uber is advisable for travel back to the hotel.
Booked by scenset
Pulitzer Hotel | Generous Canal View Kings
Booked by scenset
Join a local art historian for a privately guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum, followed by a stroll through the iconic Christmas Market on its opening day.
- Your guide, an art historian, will meet you at the Van Gogh Museum for a tour through the work and life of Amsterdam's most famous artist.
- Guide Meeting Point: Cobra Cafe
- Address: Hobbemastraat 18, 1071 ZB Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Meeting Time: Early morning
- Your Guide: will be provided
- Duration: 2 hours
- Travel: We recommend Uber to get to the museum. Please leave the hotel early in the morning.
Booked by scenset
After your tour, walk to a nearby charming French Restaurant, George WPA, for a relaxed French lunch in the Museum District. The star of the show is the steak tartare, prepared right at your table in traditional style!
- Address: Willemsparkweg 74, 1071 HK Amsterdam (6 minute walk from Van Gogh Museum)
- Reservation Time: Around midday
- Reservation Name: will be provided
Booked by scenset | Paid Locally
After lunch, meet your guide at the Rijksmuseum and take a tour of the most famous art works of the world in the city's largest and most prestigious art museum.
- Start Time: Afternoon
- Your Guide: will be provided
- Note: Your guide will meet you after lunch at George WPA to walk to the museum together.
- End Time: Afternoon
Booked by scenset
Today is the opening day of the Christmas Market! As you head out of the Rijksmuseum, walk across the street to the market to pick up souvenirs, have a glass of hot cocoa, and finish up some last minute holiday shopping.
- Address: Museumplein, 1079 RA Amsterdam (5 minute walk from Rijksmuseum)
- Travel: Once you're finished, we recommend using Uber to travel back to your hotel. Travel time is about 15 minutes.
Venus & Adonis is a charming local spot offering classic Dutch dishes in a casual atmosphere.
- Address: Prinsengracht 274, 1016 HH Amsterdam (3 minute walk from Pulitzer)
- Reservation Time: Evening
- Reservation Name: will be provided
Booked by Scenset | Paid Locally
Pulitzer Hotel | Generous Canal View Kings
Booked by scenset
All good things must come to an end. Check out of your hotel and take one final look at the canals before meeting your driver who will take you to the Amsterdam airport.
- After checking out of your hotel, meet your driver outside the lobby who will transport you to the Amsterdam airport.
- Departure Time: Around midday
- Drive time: 30 minutes
Booked by scenset
- Details below
Booked Independently
Thank you for travelling with us. We hope you had a fantastic trip and we wish you a safe flight home!
While on the trip, you can access your support team if any need arises to make your trip as smooth as possible. We are here to support you.