Amsterdam in Autumn: The Most Beautiful Routes

Amsterdam may be beautiful in summer, but autumn is when this city truly comes alive with magic. From late September to early November, the city transforms into shades of golden yellow and orange.

The trees along the canals, historic buildings, and bike paths take on a completely different beauty. The cool air is perfect for walking, and the occasional rain adds a romantic atmosphere to the city. Here are the routes you must try in autumn.

Amsterdam's most famous park, Vondelpark, is a must-see paradise in autumn. The 47-hectare area is filled with trees covered in colorful leaves and ponds.

Route details:

• Length: 3 km, approximately 45 minutes
• Start: Main entrance (Stadhouderskade)
• Stops: Open-air theater, pond side, tea garden

Tips:

• Perfect to go early in the morning - you can see dew drops on the leaves
• Bring a blanket and hot drinks for a picnic
• Take a coffee break at Het Blauwe Theehuis
• Live music performances on weekends

This massive forest park south of the city transforms into a fairy tale land in autumn. Three times larger than Central Park, this area is a paradise for nature lovers.

Route details:

• Length: 8-12 km (cycling or walking)
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Transport: Tram 5 or Metro 51, Amstelveen station

Must-sees:

• Deer area - you can see deer early in the morning
• Bosbaan - long rowing canal, check out the leaf colors
• Goat farm (Geitenboerderij) - ideal for families
• Bike rental: Rent a bike from the entrance rental points, exploring the forest is amazing

Amsterdam's UNESCO World Heritage Canal Ring takes on its most romantic form in autumn. The trees along the canals reflect their golden yellow leaves on the water.

Route details:

• Length: 10 km, approximately 1.5 hours
• Start: Centraal Station
• Route: Herengracht → Keizersgracht → Prinsengracht → return

Best photo spots:

• Brouwersgracht bridge - classic Amsterdam view
• Seven bridges of Reguliersgracht - iconic image
• Magere Brug - especially at sunset
• Tree rows on Prinsengracht - golden yellow leaves

Cycling in the evening is especially beautiful - the lights along the canals turn on and the city takes on a completely different atmosphere.

Just 15 minutes from Amsterdam, Haarlem is a magnificent city to visit in autumn. More peaceful, less touristy, but equally beautiful.

Trip details:

• Transport: Train from Amsterdam Centraal, 15-20 minutes
• Recommended duration: 4-6 hours
• Cost: Train ticket €5-8 (one way)

Places to see:

• Grote Markt - historic square, St. Bavo Church
• Jopenkerk - brewery in an old church, try autumn beers
• Haarlemmerhout Park - Netherlands' oldest park
• Small streets and boutique shops

For lunch, try Jopenkerk or Café Studio. Both offer local flavors and warm atmosphere.

Autumn Amsterdam is a paradise for photographers. Here are the most Instagram-worthy spots:

Top 5 photo spots:

• Begijnhof: Hidden courtyard, yellow leaves and historic houses - afternoon light is perfect
• Brouwersgracht: Canals, houseboats and colorful leaves - best early morning
• Oosterpark: Long tree paths and leaf carpets - ideal for golden hour
• De 9 Straatjes: Narrow streets, boutique shops and autumn decorations
• Westerpark: Wide open spaces, modern art and nature combination

Photography tips:

• Best light: Morning 08:00-10:00 or evening 16:00-18:00
• Go after rain - leaves appear brighter
• Take advantage of shadows and reflections

Autumn weather in Amsterdam is variable. One day sunny, the next rainy. Dressing right is very important.

Essential clothing recommendations:

• Layered clothing: Thin t-shirt + sweater + jacket combination
• Waterproof jacket: A must! There's no rainless day in Amsterdam
• Comfortable shoes: You'll walk a lot, prefer waterproof ones
• Scarf or shawl: Evenings get cool
• Umbrella: Always have a small foldable umbrella in your bag

Temperature guide:

• September: 15-20°C - light jacket sufficient
• October: 10-15°C - sweater and jacket needed
• November: 5-10°C - thick jacket, gloves and hat

Autumn hosts many cultural events in Amsterdam. Here's what you shouldn't miss:

November events:

• Amsterdam Light Festival (late November - January): City decorated with light installations, canal tours are amazing
• Museum Night (November): Museums open until midnight, special programs
• Sinterklaas (November): Netherlands' traditional holiday, city fills with decorations
• IDFA (November): International Documentary Film Festival

Museum recommendations:

• Rijksmuseum - perfect for rainy days
• Van Gogh Museum - especially see autumn paintings
• NDSM Werf - alternative art and culture

After an autumn walk, a warm drink and comfortable environment feels good to everyone. Here are my favorite warming spots:

Best 5 autumn cafes:

• Café de Wetering (De Pijp): Traditional Dutch cafe, with fireplace
• Coffee & Coconuts (De Pijp): Old cinema, hot chocolate is amazing
• Café de Prins (Jordaan): Canal view, intimate atmosphere
• Greenwoods (Singel): English-style tea and cake
• Back to Black (De Pijp): Specialty coffees and homemade pastries

Order recommendations:

• Dutch-style hot chocolate (warme chocolademelk)
• Chai latte - spice flavored
• Appeltaart (apple pie) met slagroom (with whipped cream)

Autumn is the best season to explore Amsterdam. Layer up, grab your camera, and witness this magical state of the city. Every corner is a photo, every canal is a view. Happy exploring!