Reasons to visit Amsterdam in Spring
If there’s one season of the year that brings out the best in Amsterdam and its surrounding countryside, then spring must be it. As the city awakens from its wintry spell, trees along the canals burst with greenery, tulips bloom, and the parks and terraces fill with people seeking out those first rays of sunshine. Spring is often referred to as the best time of year to visit the Amsterdam area, so let’s look at some of the reasons why.
Flowers are blooming everywhere
Tulips are one of Holland’s most famous exports, and come springtime in Amsterdam, you can’t move for these pretty petals. You’ll find plenty of flowers around the city, but for the entire floral experience, nothing beats a trip to Holland’s world-famous flower strip, or ‘bollenstreek’. Head to Keukenhof Gardens between March and May for the best blooms, or get involved in Amsterdam’s annual Tulip Festival, which runs throughout April. Check out our top reasons to visit Keukenhof gardens this year.
You can dress in orange and run amok for the day
Nothing can quite prepare the unsuspecting visitor for the utter chaos of King’s Day. This citywide annual carnival takes place on 27 April and sees over a million revellers spill out onto the streets and canals to paint the town orange. Expect boat parties, street parties, house parties, bar parties and every other sort of party imaginable. Find out all there is to know about King’s Day in Amsterdam.
You're less likely to need your raincoat
Yes really. Put all ideas of April showers out of your mind because, statistically, April is the driest month of the year in Amsterdam. Which just makes everything (including cycling) so much more pleasant. Not that you should let a bit of rain spoil your fun, though – take a look here for our pick of the best rainy-day things to do in Amsterdam, just in case.
You can hang out in the park all day long
Amsterdam’s parks are beautiful at any time of year, but spring time really is something else. Maybe it’s because everyone is so happy to be out in the sunshine after the winter. Maybe it’s because the spring flowers and blossom filled trees make everything feel like a painting. Or maybe it’s down to events like Vondelpark Open Air Theatre and regular Sunday markets. Either way, parks + spring = good times in Amsterdam.
It’s cute season at the petting zoos
As anyone familiar with Bambi knows, spring is traditionally the time of year when baby animals are born. And you don’t need to leave the city to witness this adorable spectacle; head to one of Amsterdam’s many petting zoos or farms, surrounding yourself with furry bundles of joy, including baby goats, lambs, rabbits, piglets and more.
Festival season gets going
With more than 300 festivals in and around the city every year, Amsterdam’s festival programme spans all tastes and genres. And spring is when things get going on the festival front, with a host of film, music and culinary events happening practically every weekend throughout April and May. Check out our cultural tips for spring and weekend guide to stay up-to-date on what’s on.
You can catch a rare glimpse of the city from above
Amsterdam has many monumental towers that peak over its skyline, but the public rarely ever gets to experience the special views of the city from inside them. However, that all changes during Open Tower Day in March, when you can feel like a giant climbing some of Amsterdam’s most iconic towers and viewing the city’s unique skyline from above.
You can celebrate freedom (for free) on Liberation Day
Every year on 5 May, Amsterdam and the Netherlands pause to celebrate the country’s liberation from German troops in 1945. To celebrate the country’s continuing societal freedoms, Liberation Day sees the city come alive with various festivals, concerts and special events, including public banquets known as Freedom Feasts and a vast floating concert on the River Amstel, attended by the King and Queen. Find out more about Remembrance and Liberation Day in Amsterdam.
