Flowers are blooming everywhere
Tulips are one of Holland’s most famous exports, and come spring time in Amsterdam you can’t move for these pretty petals. You’ll find plenty of flowers around the city, but for the full 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.
You can dress in orange and run amok for the day
Nothing can quite prepare the unsuspecting visitor for the utter bedlam that is 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 with 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 nicer, doesn’t it? 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.
You can decide whether (Nieuw) West is best
May sees the up and coming Nieuw-West neighbourhood of Amsterdam taken over for 24 hours by 24h Nieuw-West, an annual festival that forms part of the 24h Amsterdam series of events. The premise of the festival is simple; for 24 fun-packed hours, the cultural institutions and venues of one neighbourhood fling open their doors with parties, workshops, special events and unique surprises.
It’s cute season at the petting zoos
As anyone familiar with Bambi will be aware, 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; just head to one of Amsterdam’s many petting zoos or farms to surround yourself with furry bundles of joy including baby goats, lambs, rabbits, piglets and more.
Festival season gets going
With more than 300 festivals taking place in and around the city every year, Amsterdam’s festival programme spans all tastes and genres. And spring is when things really get going on the festival front with a host of film, music and culinary events taking place practically every weekend throughout April and May. Take a look at I amsterdam’s festival guide to see what’s on.
You can see a concert in the park, for free
May sees the return of the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre, hosting performances of dance, music, cabaret, comedy and children’s events every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until September. It’s totally free (although donations will not be discouraged).
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 as you climb some of Amsterdam’s most iconic towers and view 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 pauses 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 a selection of festivals, concerts and special events including public banquets known as Freedom Feasts and a huge floating concert on the River Amstel, attended by the King and Queen. Find out more about Remembrance and Liberation Day in Amsterdam.
Read more about spring in Amsterdam, or see 10 reasons to visit Amsterdam in summer!
