Spring in Amsterdam

A guide to Amsterdam in the springtime

Amsterdam is such an exciting city with so much to do and see, that there is really no bad time to go. However, if you like to party and enjoy being outdoors, an Amsterdam spring break is the perfect getaway.

The weather in Amsterdam in the spring is still a little unpredictable, but at the first rays of sunshine the café terraces start filling up, window boxes become a riot of colours and the locals head outdoors.

Everything starts to move outside from the end of March when the Amsterdam Tulip Festival kicks off. On 27 April the whole town turns orange to celebrate King's Day in Amsterdam, with a boat parade and parties everywhere.

Things to do in Amsterdam in the spring

Enjoy the beauty of the Tulip Festival

From the end of March to mid-May, you will see blooming colourful tulips all over Amsterdam at the Tulip Festival (opens in a new tab). They are everywhere across the city, from museum gardens and hotels to public areas around the city centre.

The best place to really experience the magic of spring in the Netherlands is Keukenhof Tulip Garden (opens in a new tab) which is just 30 minutes away from Amsterdam. It’s the world’s largest and most beautiful flower garden with over seven million flower bulbs of 800 different kinds of tulips across 79 manicured acres.

This beautiful spring spectacle is open only between mid-March and mid-May every year. The park also offers family-friendly activities like treasure hunts and hedge mazes.

Make the most of King’s day

From boat parades and street markets to all-night raves and beachside festivals, King’s Day in Amsterdam is the biggest party of the year. On 27 April, to celebrate King Willem-Alexander’s birthday, crowds head to the streets all dressed in orange.

King’s Day boat parties are a great way to experience the celebration – cruising along the canals, sipping a drink and soaking up the amazing party vibes.

Or if flea markets are your thing, the whole city turns into one giant open-air flea market, with residents selling everything from furniture and books to home-baked treats.

Explore Amsterdam on two wheels

Spring is the perfect time to hop on your bike and explore Amsterdam. From hybrids and road bikes to cargo and family-friendly tandems, you can hire a bike that suits your needs at one of the many bike hire shops across the city.

With Amsterdam’s flat terrain and well-kept cycle lanes, it makes it ideal for all levels of cyclists. Find out more about how to stay safe cycling in Amsterdam (opens in a new tab) and some easy cycle routes, taking you from the boutique-lined Nine Streets to the tranquil surrounds of Amstelpark.

Discover the best galleries and museums

As the weather in spring can be a bit unpredictable, you might want to get inside for a bit. With Amsterdam’s 81 museums – the world's highest concentration of culture per capital – you will be spoilt for choice of where to get your culture fix.

Head to the museum quarter (Museumplein) where you will find Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and the contemporary Stedelijk Museum.

Find out more about Amsterdam's best museums and galleries.