The beginning of a new year invites you to slow down. The city feels calmer after the holidays. Streets are quieter. The rhythm softens. Amsterdam becomes the perfect place to reset and begin the year with intention.

1. FIND INSPIRATION IN AMSTERDAM

One of the simplest ways to clear your head and ease into the day is to start your morning with a quiet walk. A 10 to 30 minute walk is enough to lower stress levels, improve focus, and optimize your sleep. Try the Canal Ring Loop starting from Dam Square, when the early light reflects softly on the canals. Or begin at the Rijksmuseum and walk through Vondelpark, where open paths and greenery set a calm tone for the rest of the day.

Tip: try Japanese walking
Also known as interval walking training, this method alternates three minutes of brisk walking with three minutes of slower walking, repeated for about 30 minutes. Research from Japan shows it can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and increase endurance more effectively than steady‑pace walking.

2. VISIT MUSEUMS WHEN AMSTERDAM IS AT ITS QUIETEST

Amsterdam is home to some of the best museums in Europe, and winter is the ideal time to visit them at a relaxed pace. Fewer visitors mean more space to focus and linger over your favourite art. We recommend visiting:

• Rijksmuseum to see masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch Golden Age painters.
• Van Gogh Museum to explore Van Gogh’s iconic works and temporary exhibitions.
• Stedelijk Museum to discover modern and contemporary art, design, and photography. 

3. make time for a massage

A massage is one of the most effective ways to hit reset. After the busy holiday season, your body carries tension and your muscles may feel tight from travel, celebrations, or long hours. A massage helps release these strains, improves circulation and restores mobility. Starting the year with this intentional care sets the tone for healthy habits, balance, and energy in 2026.

4. RESET TO ROUTINE

Starting the year with regular movement helps you build strength, maintain balance, and feel more in control of your day. It improves circulation, tones muscles, boosts energy, and supports focus while reducing stress. Whether it’s a peaceful morning walk, a swim, or a workout, making movement part of your routine prepares you for a healthy and energized year ahead.

5. CELEBRATE YOUR WINS OF 2025

Before turning your focus to new goals and resolutions, take a moment to acknowledge what you have achieved. Whether it was personal growth, professional milestones, or simply learning to slow down. The serene atmosphere of Hotel Okura Amsterdam creates space to celebrate these moments and close the year with balance.

Imagine stepping into your room with breathtaking views over Amsterdam. Later, every tension slips away during a 60-minute massage at Nagomi Spa. A swim in the pool leaves your body refreshed and your mind at ease. By the end of your stay, you feel rested, grounded, and ready to step into 2026 fully recharged.