7 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam This Spring

Amsterdam is an undeniably beautiful city at all times of year, but especially in the springtime. The cherry blossoms begin to bloom in Amsterdam’s many lovely parks, and the gently meandering canals can be enjoyed in the spring sunshine, but without the crowds of the peak summer season.

Spring holidays in Amsterdam are all about alfresco dining, national holidays bringing interesting events to attend, and sight-seeing strolls through the historic streets. Easter sweets adorn elaborate patisserie window displays and there’s a relaxed and pleasant feel to the whole city. Check out our list of great Amsterdam springtime sites for a city break to remember.

Amsterdam Hotels

1. Amsterdam in bloom

A floating flower market to behold

Good for: Photo, Budget

Say farewell to winter with a springtime stroll through the gorgeous Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest mid-city green space. Don’t forget your camera to capture the start of the Dutch tulip season and the rainbow of flowers in bloom.

During spring holidays in Amsterdam, make the most of mild weather by enjoying a refreshing drink on a canal-side outdoor terrace near the Bloemenmarkt floating flower market on the nearby Singel canal. As the world’s only floating flower market, established back in 1862, it’s a spectacle of uplifting color that’s not to be missed.

Location: 1071 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands

2. King’s Day celebrations

A colorful celebration fit for a king

Good for: Families, Nightlife, Photo

Amsterdam residents, along with the rest of the country, take to the streets for an all-day party on the 26th or 27th of April to celebrate Koningsdag (King’s Day) which honors the Danish King’s birthday. Donning orange clothes, hats, and wigs, the locals transform the city into an orange sea of partying masses, an unmissable experience on a spring vacation in Amsterdam.

For family-friendly activities, Vondelpark is the place to go, while King’s Night celebrations (on the eve of King’s Day) are particularly lively in the Jordaan district. Join the street parties, then get a good night’s rest ready for the next day’s festivities.

Location: Jordaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands

3. Art markets

For lovers of art, both old and new

Good for: Families, Shoppers

Early to mid-March sees the reopening of 2 of Amsterdam’s best art markets, closed since December. Browse the exquisite sculptures, paintings, and ceramics of Dutch and international artists at Sunday’s open-air Art Amsterdam Spui Market held in Spui Square in central Amsterdam.

Also reopening in March is the Rembrandt Art Market (formerly called the Thorbeckeplein Modern Art Market) held near Rembrandt Square where, each Sunday, local artists display their modern art pieces. Portrait painters offer their services and the bandstand attracts a variety of musicians.

Location: Spui, Amsterdam, Netherlands

4. Flower fields

Spring flowers as far as the eye can see

Good for: Couples, Photo

Take advantage of Amsterdam’s proximity to Holland’s colorful commercial flower fields during spring’s tulip season. If prepared to travel only an hour out of Amsterdam by train, you can also encounter a riot of color in the world-renowned 32-hectare Keukenhof Gardens near the town of Lisse.

The gardens are open for 2 months, from March to May. Snap pictures of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils in these beautifully manicured, inspirational gardens. Active visitors can also rent a bicycle and cycle past the vast fields of flowers tended by nearby farmers.

Location: Stationsweg 166 A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands

5. National holidays

Commemorative and celebratory events

Good for: Families, History

After the poignant Remembrance Day events commemorating fallen soldiers on the 4th of May, the more joyous Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) on the 5th of May celebrates the end of occupation during the Second World War. There’s a range of events held throughout the city where you can soak up the celebratory atmosphere.

Head to Museumplein (Museum Square) south-west of the city center, for the Amsterdam Liberation Festival where theater performances take place in tents by the Museumplein pond. Later, join the crowds at the live music concert along the Amstel River.

Location: Museumplein, Amsterdam, Netherlands

6. Easter in the city

So many sweet treats to sample

Good for: Families, Food

Join the locals as they celebrate Easter in Amsterdam, particularly on the national holidays of Easter Sunday and Monday. Sample the mouth-watering cakes, biscuits, and sweets decorating Amsterdam’s elaborate patisserie windows, and tuck into traditional Dutch Easter foods in city markets.

Sumptuous Easter brunches are served in the Art Deco interior of the Eden Hotel Amsterdam (formerly a chocolate factory) by the Amstel River. Or, if you’re vacationing with excited children, Vondelpark is the place to go as it holds extensive Easter egg hunts every year.

Location: Amstel 144, 1017 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands

7. World photography

Fascinating photojournalism from around the world

Good for: History, Photo

In early May, Amsterdam’s De Oude Kerk (The Old Church) museum in the city center hosts the annual World Press Photo exhibition, showcasing award-winning photojournalism from across the globe.

Housed inside Amsterdam’s oldest church (founded in 1213), you can admire both the photographs on display as well as the beautifully preserved medieval architecture of the building itself. Attending this thought-provoking exhibition is a special opportunity to admire the creative, often poignant and sometimes shocking, photographs taken throughout the year before the exhibition begins its international tour to 100 cities in 45 countries.

Location: Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam, Netherlands

Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 5.30 pm

Phone: +31 (0)20 625 8284

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