Amsterdam is one of the best European cities to visit in the Spring. Not only is the city stunningly beautiful as the leaves and flowers begin to bloom, but the city actually tends to be less rainy in the spring – April is the city’s driest month! Still, because it’s Amsterdam, there is tons to do that doesn’t require being outside for too long if the weather isn’t cooperating. Let’s take a look at the best spring activities in Amsterdam.
Enjoy a Picnic Surrounded by Nature
What better way to soak up the springtime sights & smells than a picnic in the park? Grab a bottle of wine or a six-pack and some of the city’s famous snacks and head to Vondelpark, the massive park in the city center full of different plants and small animals. You can also check out the lovely Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Hortus Botanicus is a lush wonderland in the middle of the city, and a great place to wander around, find a picnic spot, and enjoy being surrounded by the garden’s many unique varieties of plants and trees.
Coast on the Canals with a Boat Tour
With canals running through the city like veins, Amsterdam is full of opportunities for boat tours and canal cruises. From party boats to sunset cruises with champagne, there are tons of options with a range of added features and prices, so there’s sure to be something for everyone.
*Pro Tip: Travel with Abroad Connection on our Amsterdam Weekender this spring semester, and your canal cruise is included!
Take a Tulip Trip
Looking to surround yourself with even more color and nature? Head to the town of Lisse, and hour by train, and the famous Keukenhof Gardens. Only open for 2 months, from March to May, these gardens are the place to see Amsterdam’s world-renown tulips. You’ll surely spot plenty of other spring flowers though, like daffodils and hyacinths. Whether you spend a few hours here or the whole day, make sure you rent a bike for the most Dutch experience possible!
Revel in the Fun & Chaos of Kings Day (April 27th)
Koningsdag (King’s Day) sees the city explode into an orange-tinted, all-day (and night) party. The most famous festival in The Netherlands, King’s Day celebrates the birthday of the King on April 27th. There is tons to do during King’s Day, from the famous nationwide flea market to massive concerts and special events. Hit the town on the night before to join in the revelry as it begins.
Smell the Flowers at an Open-Air Market
Among the many features Amsterdam is famous for are its flower markets. In the spring these become hubs of activity, with the colors and smells of fresh flowers filling the space. Head to Albert Cupy market or the Bloemenmarkt, which literally floats in the canals. Even if you’re not interested in buying flowers, an Amsterdam flower market is practically a rite of passage. Plus, you’ll get some stunning pictures.
& If the Weather is Rainy…
Go Museum-Hopping
Amsterdam is full of museums that will change the way you think about museums. With hundreds of museums and art galleries, there is certainly one for everyone. Some of the most famous include the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Rembrandt House and the Moco Museum. Looking for something a bit more unique? You can also experience a fluorescent museum, a houseboat filled with cats, a museum dedicated to torture, or the Red Light District sex museum.
…Or Cafe Hopping
Amsterdam is famous for having a fun, cozy cafe culture (we’re not talking about the famous “coffee shops” – but feel free to hop around and enjoy those too!). There are cafes everywhere, lined up along the canals and tucked into alleys, where you can hang out and read, study, or have a chat with friends. You can easily fill a day wandering around and exploring the different cafes, sampling third-wave coffee or snacks along the way. Stay tuned for our guide to the best cafes in Amsterdam!
Enjoy Food, Film & Culture in De Hallen
Once a run-down industrial tram depot, De Hallen has transformed into a hub of shopping, food, and culture. Located in the trendy Oud-West neighborhood, this is where people go on a rainy day, as you can spend hours exploring the different shops, trying different cuisines in the Foodhallen, and even catching an arthouse film. On the weekend, you can visit the indoor market, which has an abundance of food, drinks, and trinkets you can buy.
Ready to start checking off your Amsterdam spring to-do list? Come along with us on our Amsterdam weekend trip, where you’ll have the opportunity to have all these experiences and more.
