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Things to do in Amsterdam in September

One of the best ways to take in the city of Amsterdam is from the canal district, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Famous for its historical significance, these complex networks of canals predominate Amsterdam’s landscape even today. A canal cruise will take around one hour on an average, and will cover all the must-see sights of the city.

Visitors are provided with audio guides, which provides them with information regarding the various attractions they come across. The view from the water provides a fresh new perspective to visitors, allowing them to enjoy views of elaborate bridges, quaint churches, and traditional houses. The pleasant weather and the clear skies make this an ideal activity for the month of September.

Location: Prins Hendrikkade 25, 1012 TM Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Timings:
-Summer (23 Mar-30 Oct): 9:00 am-10:00 pm, daily,
-Winter (31 Oct-22 Mar): 9:30 am-9:00 pm, daily,
From 29 Nov 2018-20 Jan 2019, there is no cruise after 4:30 pm (Cruise departs every 20-30 minute).

If you are a history buff by nature, you will be in awe of this museum that lets you journey through over 800 years of Dutch art, culture, and history. It hosts over 8000 artifacts from the history of The Netherlands and around 5,000 paintings, making it one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam in September.

However, the museum is not only known for its ancient artifacts. It also houses a number of masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age that includes Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and the Milkmaid by Vermeer. Visitors can marvel at these masterpieces as they learn more about the Dutch way of life. The complex also boasts an extensive garden and a gorgeous cafe where visitors can indulge in delicious Duch cuisine.

Location: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Timings: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm.

Enjoy a visit to the first brewery in Amsterdam and find out all about how the brand grew to be so famous. You will be taken on a tour of the brewery where you will be explained in detail, the process of brewing beer and the various steps involved in it. You will also be told about the brand, how its logo came into being and other interesting facts. You will also get to enjoy old commercials and even indulge in a beer tasting session.

At the end of the tour, you will be treated to complimentary drinks. You can even purchase a customised bottle of Heineken beer with your name on it! Thus, a visit to the hallmark of beers is a fun and interactive activity, making it one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in September.

Location: Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Timings: 10:30 am to 6.00 pm.

One of the best places to visit in Amsterdam in September, this iconic landmark is known for hosting the most number of artworks by the legendary post-Impressionist artist Van Gogh. Trace the history of the Netherlands through the eyes of Van Gogh as you admire a variety of his artworks including masterpieces such as Sunflowers and Almond Blossom. A walk through the museum also allows you to gain more insight into 19th century Netherlands.

However, the museum houses more than his paintings. It also hosts numerous sketches, drawings and even letters that he wrote. If you opt for a guided tour, your guide will also provide you with details regarding his tragic life and death, along with interesting stories regarding the same.

Location: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Timings: 9am to 5 pm.

Price: €19.

Perhaps the most unique of all experiences that Amsterdam has to offer is a walk through the Red Light District Area. Adorned with flashy lights and buildings of all shapes and sizes, the Red Light District area attracts a large number of visitors everyday.

For an authentic experience, indulge in a guided tour of the district. You will be treated with interesting tidbits about the place, its origins and its past. A one of a kind experience this makes it to the top of the list of what to do in Amsterdam in September.

Location: De Wallen.

Definitely one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam in September, especially if it is your maiden visit to the city, is to make the most of the Open Monument Day. During this annual event, thousands of buildings and other relevant sites with historical significance are open to the public, absolutely free of cost.

These sites often include the less popular ones as well, giving you the perfect opportunity to discover Amsterdam to the fullest. During this event, visitors also get the opportunity to access many monuments that are usually not open to the public. For example, places like the prison tower and city hall are all made accessible to the public. What’s more, visitors can take part in events such as music shows, guided tours, exhibitions, and other extracurricular activities.

Location: Delft.

Timings: Second week of September.

A pioneer in the field of performing arts, the Dutch Opera and Ballet boasts an exclusive experience that promises to leave the audience enchanted. The opera focuses on bringing about diversity and vividity in classic performances, while also creating brand-new performances and storylines.

It is interesting to note that the entire package, from accessories to costumes and special effects to choreography is all done in various in-house workshops. The Dutch Opera and Ballet have many interesting programs for art lovers to choose from, including guided tours, backstage visits, and concerts. The Dutch Opera and Ballet is one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam in September since it tends to be less crowded and tickets are also easily available, compared to the peak seasons.

Location: Dutch National Opera & Ballet Amstel 3 1011 PN Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Opening Hours:
-Monday to Friday 12.00-18.00,
-Saturday, Sunday and holidays 12.00-15.00.

Looking for more things to do in Amsterdam in September? The annual Nederlands Theater Festival is another must-see event that takes place in the month of September. A favorite of all theatre lovers, the fest aims to combine elements of the Dutch and Flemish theatre, in order to create a more diverse platform that can be enjoyed by everyone.

However, the most interesting aspect of this fest is perhaps the gala, which hosts a variety of fun and unique experiences and performances such as exhibitions, concerts and more. The gala also hosts an award show where various productions are awarded across different categories such as the choice of the District Jury and the Director’s Choice. Nederlands Theater Festival also becomes home to numerous parties, theatre programs, and debates, making it one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in September.

Location: Donker Curtiusstraat 23A, 1051 KM Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Timings: First week of September.

If you are a fan of boho goods, look no further than the Museum Market. Undoubtedly one of the most unique places to visit in Amsterdam in September, the Museum Market is famous among the locals for beautiful textile, statement jewelry, quirky stationery and much more.

What’s more, all these goods are designed by local designers and are frequented by locals, so it is a great place to visit if you are on the lookout for an authentic Netherlandic experience. Not to forget the food stalls and live music the Museum Market is known for. Take a walk around the market with your friends and family as you admire the goods and enjoy the pleasant weather. It will definitely be an enjoyable experience!

Location: Museumplein, 1071 DJ Amsterdam.

Timings:
-Third Sunday of every month, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without visiting the Jewish district and paying homage to the brave Anne Frank. Discover more about the brave teenager who made a mark upon the history of the Netherlands. Take a walk through her life as you are introduced to the house that she grew up and later hid in, for more than two years.

Visitors can also access the Secret Annex from where she wrote her world famous diary. If you are fascinated by Anne Frank and her extraordinary life, head over to The Anne Frank Museum that contains all details of her brief life. Many artefacts that have been recovered over the years are displayed here, allowing visitors a brief glimpse into the life of a legend.

Location: Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Price:
-For adults- €10,
-For children between 10-17- €5,
-For children between 0-9 - Free.

If you are wondering what to do in Amsterdam in September, visit the Royal Palace of Amsterdam and trace its history through its days as Amsterdam's Town Hall first, then the French Royal and Imperial Palace and the Palace of the House of Orange. This 17th century palace is often seen as a symbol of success during the Dutch Golden Age.

Apart from the breath-taking architecture, the palace also houses a wealth of sculptures and paintings. Many of these paintings portray the royal family, providing us a glimpse into their lives during the time of monarchy. The palace also boasts a collection of Empire furniture, clocks and chandeliers. The collection of Empire furniture is one of the most well-preserved and coveted collections in the entire world.

Location: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, 1012 RJ Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Touted to be the largest outdoor market in the whole of Amsterdam, the  Albert Cuyp Market is where the locals and the tourists come to do their shopping. For this same reason, it should be on top of your list of places to visit in Amsterdam in September.

If you are looking for an authentic Dutch experience, head over to the Albert Cuyp Market that sells everything from spring rolls and stroopwafels to fresh vegetables and fish. The market is also famous for Dutch cuisine and serves delicious raw herring. It also houses a variety of shops, cafes and even jazz bars so if you are looking for a fun night out, this is the place to visit!

Location: Albert Cuypstraat, 1073 BD Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm.

The Fringe Festival, Amsterdam, keeping true to its name, is a festival that seeks to encourage and promote content that is on the “fringes” of theater. A step away from traditional theatre, the Fringe Festival celebrates theatre productions that revolve around off-beat, thought-provoking stories. More than 80 theatre groups take part in this annual fest, allowing theatre enthusiasts to take their pick from a wide array of avant-garde productions.

The fest hosts an innovative program called “Language No Problem”, which tries to overcome the barrier of language in art. Plays labeled ‘LNP’ are either silent performances or in the English language, allowing the majority of the population to enjoy the show. One interesting fact about this fest is that it is not confined to a particular spot. Multiple stages are set up in different parts of the city, making it convenient for people living in various parts of Amsterdam. These stages are strategically designed to be accessible by all means of public transport.

Timings: This fest usually takes place during the first week of the month and extends over a period of eleven days.

Price:
-Short performance (under 35 minutes): € 8,00
-Medium performances (35 – 50 minutes): € 10,50
-Long performance (over 50 minutes): € 13,00
-Fringe passe-partout (visit all Fringe shows): € 75.