Terrible purchasing process. Bought tickets for the silent disco and when I arrived they told me…read morethat the skating time is sold separate. Now the skate time is sold out and it is an extra charge, of course. They really should sell the tickets with everything included. When you buy tickets to an event, you don't usually buy separate tickets to be able to be inside the building.

I am a fan of skating at Museumplein ice rink, which is near the Rijkmuseum and Van Gogh Museum,…read moreit's just the ideal size for me as a beginner skater. I was petrified the first time I put on skates here. I sadly came to a conclusion that I would not be the next Debi Thomas in ice skates. However, I do hope to use this ice rink on a regular base, so I can improve my ice skating skills. Ice skating at the Museumplein is one thing you can add to your list for things to do in Amsterdam. From December to February the public rink is available, skating is the best way to make the most of the winter here. Head to skate if you have your own ice skates or rent a pair for a small fee. You will see a number of locals and visitors enjoying the ice skating rink on Museumplein. What's so lovely about skating here is that local vendors come out and serve hot chocolate, mini Dutch pancakes, and olliebollen ( doughnuts).

If you are used to Leidseplein crowded with bar tables and people drinking and chatting... well…read more. it all changes from 15th November until 13th January ... with a small but nice ice rink where you can enjoy ice skating ... even if temperature is not below freezing point (artificial ice). No need to take your own skates... you can rent them here... for just an apre shopping sport activity :) It is open from 10 in the morning until 11 in the evening and on Saturday and Sunday until midnight.. of course with Dutch folk music and Christmas ones.... you might find a Santa Claus skating if you are lucky!! Not expensive at all, totally worth it ... and yes.. it gets crowded in the weekend during the evening. You can train and get ready for the real deal when (if) the canals freeze!!

Despite me having absolutely no skills when it comes to ice skating, I am still a big fan of Jaap…read moreEden. I enjoy watching my Dutchman on Sundays ice skate here, then after we grab a nice cup of hot chocolate in the pub. When I first came to Holland, I was strongly encourage that I would have to learn to skate because I was told the Dutch love..... to skate. Well unfortunately, I have not got around to it yet. I have been more of a spectator instead on the ice. However, I decided that I am going to pick up some lessons soon, so I can participate more in winter sports. Hopefully I will be gliding across the ice in no time. The best way to make the most of the winter in Amsterdam is to skate. In winter there is an open-air ice rink at Jaap Eden, which is actually one of the best ice skating venues in Holland. The Dutch come out here to maintain their ice skating skills in mass numbers.

Usually the service is pretty good, but today me and my friends went to the Jaap Eden baan, and an…read moreemployee treated us with such disrespect!