Vondel Magazine

Amsterdam Spring Travel Guide 2025: Top Events & Activities to Enjoy This Spring in Amsterdam

When spring arrives, Amsterdam bursts into life with colorful blooms, lively festivals, and endless opportunities to explore. With tulip season in full swing and April bringing some of the driest weather of the year, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the city’s outdoor spaces, cultural events, and unique experiences.

Whether you want to wander through fields of tulips, cycle along scenic routes, or soak up the festive atmosphere of King’s Day, this guide will help you make the most of your Amsterdam spring getaway. Plus, we’ve included recommendations on where to stay to ensure you’re perfectly located for your adventures.

1. Marvel at Tulips in Keukenhof Gardens & Beyond

Spring in Amsterdam is all about tulips, and Keukenhof Gardens (March 20–May 11) is the ultimate place to see them. Just outside the city, this world-famous park boasts over seven million tulips in breathtaking floral displays.

For a more immersive experience, venture to Bollenstreek, the Flower Strip near Lisse, where vast tulip fields stretch as far as the eye can see. Book a bike tour or hop on a bus from Schiphol Airport for an easy trip.

For something different, visit the Tulip Experience Amsterdam, a family-run destination where you can walk through a tulip show garden, pick your own flowers, and explore a tulip-inspired art market.

📍Stay near:

  • Hotel Pontsteiger – Perfect for travelers heading to the tulip fields in Bollenstreek and beyond.
  • Hotel MAI – Conveniently located near Central Station, making it easy to reach Keukenhof by train or tour.

     

2. Celebrate King’s Day (April 27)

King’s Day is Amsterdam’s biggest party of the year, turning the entire city into a festival of music, street markets, and celebrations. Wear something orange and join the locals as they take over the streets, parks, and even the canals with boat parties.

The free market (vrijmarkt) is a must-see, with locals selling second-hand treasures and unique finds across the city. Popular celebration spots include Vondelpark, Museumplein, and the Jordaan district.

📍Stay near:

  • Hotel MAI – Right in the city center, close to the best King’s Day events.
  • Hotel Mercier – Located in the heart of the Jordaan, where some of the liveliest celebrations take place.

3. Bike Through the Flower Strip & Beyond

Spring is the perfect time to explore Amsterdam and its surroundings on two wheels. Take a scenic bike ride through the Bollenstreek flower fields, or explore nearby countryside routes like:

  • Twiske (Amsterdam Noord) – A peaceful nature reserve ideal for cycling.
  • Weesp & Muiden – Charming historic towns with canals and pictoresque views.
  • Zaanse Schans – Famous for its windmills and traditional Dutch houses.

 

📍Stay near:

  • Hotel Pontsteiger – Next to the ferry terminal, offering easy access to scenic bike routes in Noord.
  • Hotel MAI – A great starting point for cycling adventures beyond the city.

     

4. Relax in Amsterdam’s Beautiful Parks & Gardens

As the weather warms up, Amsterdam’s parks become the perfect place to picnic, relax, and enjoy outdoor performances.

  • Vondelpark – The city’s most famous park, home to an open-air theatre and Sunday markets.
  • Amsterdamse Bos – Great for long walks, cycling, and cherry blossom viewing.
  • Frankendael Park – A hidden gem with a beautiful herb garden and a cozy café.
  • Hortus Botanicus – One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, featuring a butterfly greenhouse.

 

📍Stay near:

5. Explore Amsterdam Art Week & World Press Photo Exhibition

Art lovers will find plenty to enjoy in April, as Amsterdam Art Week (April 7-13) brings over 50 galleries, museums, and exhibitions to life.

Don’t miss:
- World Press Photo Exhibition (April 19–July 14) – A powerful showcase of award-winning photojournalism at De Nieuwe Kerk.

-NDSM in Amsterdam Noord – A creative hub featuring street art, artist residencies, and ever-changing exhibitions.

 

📍Stay near:

  • Hotel Roemer – Located near Museumplein for easy access to the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and more.
  • Hotel Pontsteiger – A short ferry ride from NDSM’s vibrant arts scene.

 

6. Cruise the Canals in Springtime

A canal cruise is a must-do in Amsterdam, and spring offers perfect weather for exploring the waterways. Choose from an open-air boat, a classic evening cruise, or even a luxury dinner cruise.

Top spots to see from the water:

  • The Amstel River & the Skinny Bridge
  • The historic Jordaan district
  • The Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s famous floating flower market

 

For more information, visit these websites: Lovers Canal Cruises, Amsterdam Canal Cruises, Amsterdam Canal Cruises 

 

📍Stay near:

  • Hotel MAI – Steps away from canal cruise departure points.

7. Wander Through the Jordaan & Nine Streets

In spring, the Jordaan district is in full bloom, with flowers decorating its streets and balconies. Stop by boutique shops, cozy cafés, and hidden courtyards like the Begijnhof, a historical oasis in the city center.

 

📍Stay near:

  • Hotel Mercier – Nestled in the Jordaan, perfect for exploring its charming streets.

     

8. Visit Amsterdam’s Lively Markets

Spring is a great time to explore Amsterdam’s vibrant markets:

  • Albert Cuypmarkt – The city’s largest street market, offering Dutch treats like stroopwafels.
  • Waterlooplein Flea Market – A treasure trove of vintage finds.
  • Bloemenmarkt – The world’s only floating flower market, full of tulips and souvenirs.

 

📍Stay near:

  • Hotel MAI – Centrally located near Amsterdam’s best markets.

 

Where to Stay in Amsterdam This Spring: Vondel Hotels

For a perfectly located stay, Vondel Hotels offers stylish accommodations across the city:

 

Book your stay today and experience Amsterdam's most magical season!