Amsterdam in April: Tulip season, events and more (2024)
Last Updated on May 25, 2024 by Lauren Allen
Fancy visiting Amsterdam in April? I don’t blame you! After all, it’s one of the best times to visit the Dutch capital.
As the city springs to life with thousands of colourful tulips, many of these popular florals reach peak bloom. Along with the tulip season, the arrival of warmer weather brings travellers from all corners of the globe. Although that means more crowds, it’s for good reason – beauty and charm.
The vibrant atmosphere in the city at this time of year is hard to beat, so much so that I’ve visited twice in April. In fact, it’s my favourite time of year and I’m going back very soon… It’s hard to keep away!
If you’ve never been to Amsterdam, planning your trip can be overwhelming. Which attractions should you visit? What’s it really like in spring? How do you avoid the crowds? That’s where I come in.
As a frequent visitor to Amsterdam (who may as well move there at this point), I’ll share my expert advice to ensure your April getaway is everything you want (and more). From what to pack to must-see attractions and events, I’ve got you covered! Let’s jump right in…
Table of Contents
Is the Netherlands worth visiting in April?
Absolutely! With tulips galore across the country, April is one of the best times to explore the Netherlands. While Amsterdam is a must-see, there are many other spots worth visiting at this time of year.
For example, you may want to discover the serene Dutch countryside or admire unique architecture on a day trip to Rotterdam. While you won’t find tulips everywhere, many other florals bloom at this time of year.
Not interested in nature? No worries! There’s much more to do in this popular European country such as visiting castles, releasing your inner child at an amusement park or spending the day at the beach.
No matter what, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy!
Looking for tips and tricks for visiting the Netherlands? Check out my private Facebook group for personalised advice!
Is April a good time to go to Amsterdam?
April is a lovely time to visit Amsterdam, especially if you’re big into nature, museums or wine. At this time of year, the city hosts multiple events that cater to various interests (more on that later).
However, the crowds start to pick up at this time of year so if you’d prefer to visit when it’s less busy, consider booking a trip in October, November or January instead. Generally, the crowds in Amsterdam are a lot more bearable during this time.
Is Amsterdam expensive in April?
In April, visiting Amsterdam is more expensive than visiting in autumn or winter. This is typically because you’ll spend more money on accommodation. Due to the tulip season, many hostels and hotels hike their prices. Even the budget-friendly options will set you back around €50 (ish) a night.
Despite this, it’s still possible to visit the Dutch capital on a budget. With many free activities and cheap eats scattered across the city, you don’t need to spend a small fortune to have a good time.
Amsterdam weather in April
Although the weather starts to pick up in April, it can still be hit-and-miss. Generally, temperatures sit between 4°C to 13°C with regular showers and sunny spells.
At the start of April, you’ll get around 13 hours of daylight which increases to around 15 hours by the end of the month. With such temperamental weather in the Dutch capital, it’s best to come prepared by packing for weather changes.
What to pack for Amsterdam in April
Realistically, it can be hard to pack for an April trip to the Dutch capital. I know from personal experience that the weather in Amsterdam can be unpredictable at the best of times. Luckily, living in a rainy country (AKA the UK) means I typically have an umbrella on me at all times.
While you’re more likely to get sun than if you’re visiting between October and March, you need to come prepared. When it comes to clothing, you should strongly consider packing:
- Dresses and skirts (and tights for colder days)
- Trousers, culottes or jeans
- Tshirts and shirts that can be layered easily
- Lightweight jumpers and cardigans
- A light raincoat or leather jacket
- Underwear and socks (obvs)
- Comfortable shoes that you can wear all day (my go-to are from UIN)
To prepare for all types of weather, you should also bring an umbrella and sunglasses (in case you get lucky). I visited the city in April last year and although it was grey and rainy for most of my trip, the weather gods blessed me with sunshine on my birthday.
Other things to pack for your Dutch adventure
No matter where you’re going, there are things that you should carry on every trip abroad, such as:
- Important documents such as your passport and visa (if needed)
- Pre-booked tickets to attractions
- Electronics
- Medications and toiletries
- A towel (if you’re staying in a hostel where they’re not provided)
- PJs or something to wear for bed
You can also carry a small bag that comes in handy when you’re out all day. In that bag, make sure you store key things such as:
- Your purse, cards and money for tips
- A camera to capture memories
- A portable charger for jam-packed days
- A drink or plastic water bottle
- Snacks
April events in Amsterdam
There are many amazing events on offer during April, some of which only happen at this time of year. For example, you may want to experience:
Amsterdam Tulip Festival
As I’ve mentioned already, tulip season is one of the main reasons to visit Amsterdam in April. In fact, it’s the perfect time to explore the country’s picture-perfect fields.
Last year, I visited Keukenhof Gardens in mid-April and most of the flowers were at peak bloom. I loved wandering around taking in the serene atmosphere while admiring tulips in a range of different colours.
However, Keukenhof isn’t the only tulip garden in the area. There are many others worth adding to your itinerary. For example, The Tulip Experience, The Tulip Barn and De Tulperij are great places to visit if you want fewer crowds.
No matter where you decide to go, admiring the tulips is a must-do if you’re visiting the Netherlands in spring. The season typically runs from the end of March until mid-May, but mid-April is a fab time to see tulips near Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Coffee Festival
Big coffee fan? You’ll be pleased to know that Amsterdam holds an annual coffee festival each year. Typically held at the start of the month, you can sample lots of speciality drinks in a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.
Spanish Film Festival
The Spanish Film Festival is a popular event that brings the vibrant world of Spanish cinema to the Dutch capital each year. Held across cultural venues such as art-house cinemas and theatres, the festival highlights a selection of contemporary Spanish films in multiple genres.
The festival often includes premieres and special screenings leaving film enthusiasts in their element. No matter what kind of films you like, it’s worth checking out if you’re in the city between the 12th and 21st of April.
National Museum Week
Held across the Netherlands each year, National Museum Week celebrates the country’s rich culture. Participating museums organize special events, exhibitions and activities which typically include behind-the-scenes tours and workshops.
If you’re a museum buff, this is the perfect time to visit the Dutch capital. Keep reading for the low down of the best museums to visit in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Wine Festival
This year, the Amsterdam Wine Festival is back with a delightful celebration of wine culture and the opportunity to try lots of delicious samples. It’s the ideal spot to try renowned classics and innovative blends crafted by wine producers from across the globe.
Featuring engaging workshops led by industry professionals, you can gain valuable insights into winemaking techniques, food pairings and much more.
If you’re a wine lover like me and visiting the capital between the 18th and 21st of April, you may want to pay a visit.
King’s Day
As one of the most popular holidays in the country, King’s Day is celebrated each year on April 27th. Leading up to the King’s birthday, many stores and boutiques across the city sell orange clothing which makes it easy to get involved with the festivities.
On the day itself, you can enjoy outdoor concerts, lively parades and vibrant boat parties complete with live music, decorations and a bustling atmosphere.
Ultimately, it’s a day for celebration and pride for the Dutch and something to get involved with if you’re in town!
Things to do in Amsterdam in April
Alongside cool events, there’s lots to keep you busy on an April getaway to the Dutch capital. Here’s what you can get up to:
Spend some time at Hortus Botanicus
If you want to admire more nature after a trip to the tulip fields, head to Hortus Botanicus. As one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, it’s a must-see for plant and flower enthusiasts.
With a large selection of pretty blooms, cacti and other greenery, it offers some peace and quiet amongst the chaos of the capital. While it made my curly hair break out in a frizz, I loved admiring the towering palms and snapping photos in the butterfly house.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam during spring, make sure you add this spot to your itinerary.
Hop on a canal tour
What’s the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of when you think of Amsterdam? There’s a strong chance that it’s the world-famous canal network.
No matter when you choose to visit Amsterdam, hopping on a canal tour is one of the top activities in the city.
Not only do they give you the chance to rest your tired legs for an hour or so, but you can learn lots of interesting facts from your guide. In fact, it’s a fab activity to do on day one as you can discover more things to add to your bucket list.
Discover the wider regions
Fancy escaping the chaos of central Amsterdam? Then you’re in luck! You may not be aware, but you can find lots of serene gardens and majestic castles not far from the capital.
If that doesn’t sound like your thing, you may want to consider wandering the streets of Haarlem or seeing the windmills in Zaanse Schans instead. Or, you could get off the beaten path by visiting places such as Monnickendam, Volendam or Marken.
The point is, there are many amazing places to visit in the Netherlands beyond the capital city. I’ve visited places that many tourists haven’t even heard of and it’s made me fall more and more in love with this wonderful country! Why not check it out for yourself?
Take in the vibes of Dam Square
You can’t visit Amsterdam without visiting Dam Square, especially if you’re on the hunt for free activities. Located in the heart of the city, Dam Square is home to multiple attractions such as Madame Tussauds, the Royal Palace and New Church.
While these are paid attractions, you don’t need to spend a penny to take in the vibrant atmosphere of the square. As one of the busiest spots in the city, you’ll often find protests, street performers and food stands. This makes it one of the best places for people-watching in Amsterdam.
Join a unique walking tour
There are lots of unique things to do in Amsterdam that you won’t find in your average guidebook. If you fancy learning more about the city through the eyes of a local, joining a guided tour is a great idea.
With tours that cover a wide range of topics, you’re bound to find something of interest. For example, you may want to join the following tours:
- An Anne Frank Walking Tour (with entry to the museum)
- The Life of Anne Frank and World War 2 in Amsterdam
- The Historical Highlights of Amsterdam (with food tasting)
- A cultural city tour of Amsterdam (in English or German)
- A food tour in the Jordaan neighbourhood
Dine alfresco
With nicer weather comes the ability to dine outside, how lovely is that? Some of the best restaurants for outdoor dining include De Plantage, De Kas and Hemelse Modder.
Hortus Botanicus also has a nice cafe with an outdoor seating area called The Orangery. You may want to grab some lunch there after a morning of admiring nature.
Go museum hopping
If you get hit with a rainy day in Amsterdam, don’t fret! This is the perfect time to visit some of the city’s top museums. With a museum for almost anything you can think of, you could easily go museum hopping for a week and not get bored.
Despite visiting the Dutch capital many times, I have yet to visit all of the museums on my bucket list. Thankfully, I now visit several times a year which means I have plenty of opportunity to see more.
These best museums to visit will depend entirely on your interests. For example, art lovers should head straight to Museumplein. Here you’ll find the likes of the Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum and the Moco Museum. The ever-popular Rijksmuseum is also home to some fab art.
If you fancy learning more about the history of the city, visit Amsterdam Museum and the Anne Frank House instead. Or, opt for something unique and visit the Houseboat Museum or Embassy of the Free Mind. It’s totally up to you!
Many of these museums are free to visit with the Iamsterdam City Card. Check out this guide for a complete review.
Top tip: Don’t forget to take advantage of Museum Week if you’re in the city at the right time.
Check out the city’s brown cafes
Another fab way to escape the rain in Amsterdam is to hit up some brown cafes. These unique establishments are traditional pubs known for their cosy brown interiors. They typically serve a selection of local beers and Dutch foods such as fries and bitterballen (yum).
Unlike rooftop bars and trendy speakeasies, they offer an authentic look into local culture. Often dimly lit, they’re also a fab place to wind day after a jam-packed day of exploring.
After visiting several brown bars in Amsterdam, I highly recommend Cafe Chris, De Drie Fleschjes and Cafe Berkhout. However, Cafe Papeneiland is my all-time fave thanks to its service and cool decor. I recommend going early if you want a seat as this place is super popular.
Fancy another authentic experience? Then head for a drink at Brouwerij ‘t IJ – a brewery in a traditional Dutch windmill.
Explore NDSM Wharf
NDSM Wharf (AKA my favourite part of the city) is a quirky neighbourhood in Amsterdam Noord. When the sun is shining, it’s one of the coolest places to hang out and take in the unique vibes.
The walls are plastered with funky street art, murals and impressive designs making it a must-see for creative souls (like me). As an artist myself, I’m obsessed with the different styles I find around each corner – it makes me want to whip out my sketchbook!
Aside from admiring the art, it’s a great spot to snap some photos for Instagram. As you can imagine, the murals make a fab backdrop.
When it comes to other activities in the area, the Straat Musem is well worth visiting. While you can see the art outside without spending a penny, this is one of the best galleries in Amsterdam (in my personal opinion). Boasting an impressive selection of large and very colourful murals, you’ll love it if you’re into art.
Exploring Amsterdam on a budget? Then you may want to visit NDSM Loods instead. Located next door, it’s an old warehouse full of artist studios that’s completely free to visit.
Top tip: If you happen to be in the city while the IJ-Hallen flea market is on, you’re in luck! It’s the biggest flea market in the whole of Europe. Boasting around 750 stalls, you can find some true gems here – especially if you like vintage clothes.
Relax with a beer at Pllek
Also situated in NDSM Wharf, Pllek is a fab place to relax with a beer or two. While I wouldn’t recommend eating there (I wasn’t a fan), it has a cool vibe that’s hard to beat – especially on a warm day.
Everything you need for your trip to Amsterdam:
Do you need travel insurance to visit Amsterdam?
Absolutely! Travel insurance is important when you go overseas as you never know what could happen. Insurance allows you to enjoy your adventure with the knowledge that you’ll be covered if anything goes wrong.
In Amsterdam, pickpocketing and petty scams are rife. This is especially true in the main tourist areas. Plus, what if you fell off your rental bike and needed patching up? You’d wish you had insurance.
From just a few pounds a day, SafetyWing has you covered with their medical health insurance. They also offer add-ons for theft coverage, adventure sports and US travel.
What’s the best place to book accommodation in Amsterdam?
I’ve been an avid user of booking.com for YEARS and they have some amazing options in Amsterdam. Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, unique stays or cheap accommodation, you’ll find the perfect fit.
How can you book the best activities in Amsterdam?
When it comes to activities, Get Your Guide has lots of fab options no matter where you are.
In Amsterdam, there’s a whole host of attractions to keep you busy. From renowned museums to informative walking tours, you can find just what you’re looking for!
FAQs about April in Amsterdam
Honestly, Amsterdam is busy for most of the year. However, it gets busier in April due to the tulip season. In fact, it’s a super popular time of year to visit the Dutch capital.
Amsterdam is more expensive in April due to demand. Hotels, hostels and holiday rentals typically increase their rates because of popularity. Despite that, you can visit on a budget if you really need to.
Even in April, the weather in Amsterdam can be unpredictable. One minute there’s glorious sunshine and the next you’re hiding from the rain.
So yes, it can be quite rainy at this time of year. Luckily, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you occupied.
Again, it depends. You may get lucky with some sun, but it’s not guaranteed. Make sure you come prepared for all types of weather as you never know what might happen!
Conclusion
April is without a doubt one of the best times to visit Amsterdam. While the city has a lot to offer at any time of year, there are many amazing events on offer during April. Alongside the ever-popular tulip season, events such as Museum Week and King’s Day are great reasons to visit the capital.
On the other hand, there are many attractions to keep you busy rain or shine. No matter what the weather, you’re sure to have a fab time!
Have you visited Amsterdam at this time of year? What was your favourite experience?
Saskia
lovely blog, I really enjoy your adventures.
I was wondering if you are going to visit other cities in the Netherlands? Cause Amsterdam doesn’t represent the Netherlands very well.
Utrecht, Zwolle, Kampen, Nijmegen, Maastricht are all better in giving you a bit more of a Dutch taste.
Cheers 🙂
Lauren Allen
SaskiaHi Saskia, I’m glad you enjoy my blog 🙂 I have actually been to other places in the Netherlands, I just haven’t written about them all yet. I’ve got a few posts about Rotterdam and Zaanse Schans. Eventually, I will write about the other spots I’ve been to. Thanks for the heads up though, I have’t been to any of the places you’ve listed and will now add them to my list!