Amsterdam in April

By Robert Heaney
Published: July 18, 2024
Three windmills over a field of tulips

For those that don’t mind braving the Dutch springtime weather, a trip to Amsterdam in April can be a real treat. You’ll be able to experience the capital’s wealth of culture and explore its iconic sights during its quieter shoulder season. And if that wasn’t quite enough, April offers the perfect opportunity to see the Netherlands in full bloom. Just be sure to pack for the weather!

Visiting Amsterdam in April

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Average Temperature: 39 - 54°F • Average Rainfall: 12 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 5 hours/day

Should you happen to visit Amsterdam in April, you’ll find yourself perfectly in the middle of the country’s springtime shoulder season. While the city will certainly be bustling, it should still be quiet enough for you to explore its top attractions without quite so many crowds. What’s more, you’ll have the beautiful added perk of off-season hotel rates and airfare!

With temperatures between the high-30s and low-50s, you’re looking at a mild month at best. Spring may be reaching its peak, but you’d be best advised to continue wrapping up for April. Be sure to pack an umbrella and maybe some waterproofs, too, as you can expect around a third of the month to be dominated by rain.

Things to Do in April

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Art Galleries & Museums

No guide to Amsterdam is complete without mentioning some of the city’s famous cultural hubs. Towering over much of the city center, the Rijksmuseum’s impressive Gothic-Renaissance exterior hides an even more impressive selection of artworks and historical artifacts within. Among its vast collection are renowned pieces by the likes of Vermeer and Rembrandt.

Second only to the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum is a monument to the famous Dutch painter’s life and works, housing one of the largest collections of his pieces. Just down the road, the MOCO Museum offers an exploration of modern and contemporary art, from Banksy to Hirst to upcoming independent artists.

Aside from its wealth of art, the Dutch capital is nothing without its rich and diverse history, which it makes sure to publicly chronicle. The Amsterdam Museum is your best resource if you’re looking to discover the history of the city from the middle ages, while the Anne Frank House serves as a potent documentation of life in the Netherlands during World War Two, told from the eyes of the famous Jewish diarist.

Outdoor Activities

If you find yourself in Amsterdam on a clear day or simply want to brave the springtime weather, there are few better ways to explore the city than on your own two wheels. With more bikes than residents, Amsterdam is literally built for cycling. You’ll find a wide selection of bike rental shops dotted throughout the city where you can typically rent a bike for somewhere around €10/day.

Bikes aren’t the only iconic symbols of the Dutch capital. If you’re looking for a truly alternative way to explore the city, then a canal boat tour is the way to go. Suitable for any weather, with both open- and closed-top options available, these tours offer a new way to see the city from its famous waterways. Audio commentary will often accompany the tour, providing unique insights into Amsterdam’s key sights and history.

On the topic of Dutch icons, there are few things more emblematically Dutch than the graceful tulip, and visiting Amsterdam in April lands you slap-bang in the middle of tulip season. If you’re up for a delightful day out, then make your way to Keukenhof Park, known also as the Garden of Europe, where you’ll find one of the Netherlands’ best displays of tulips and other flowers.

Events in April

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Easter

As a majority Catholic country, the Netherlands is no stranger to its share of Easter celebrations. Easter in the Netherlands looks very much like it does in many countries. The weekend is dominated by festivities for those that celebrate, with many bakeries and retailers brimming with all manner of Easter goodies, gifts and flowers.

Those visiting with children will find a wealth of local Easter activities, from egg hunts to Easter decorating. The nearby ARTIS Royal Zoo puts on a whole program of Easter-themed events, including hands-on workshops with the animals.

Be sure to note that Easter Weekend is likely to be very busy when compared with the rest of April. Hotel rates will often be higher, and many parks and markets will be more crowded. Easter Monday is also a public holiday in the Netherlands, meaning many businesses and services will be closed for the day.

Huishoudbeurs

The word gezellig is a unique Dutch term with no direct equivalent in English, though it’s often used to describe something cozy and warm. And it’s without a doubt the best word to describe Huishoudbeurs. Held over the course of roughly a week in April, this fair is one of the Netherlands’ most anticipated annual events.

Best summarized as a household and lifestyle expo, the event converts the RAI Amsterdam convention center into one giant household. Hundreds of exhibitors set up shop each year to offer their individual lifestyle products, while a selection of vendors also offer refreshments for every palate – often with an emphasis on vegan and vegetarian alternatives.

Alongside the feast of shopping potential, the event is also host to a diverse program of activities. Visitors can participate in workshops to learn about the likes of meditation and yoga, while various performances and demos from popular artists and industry experts offer insights into good housekeeping practices.

KunstRAI

The longest-running art fair in the Netherlands, KunstRAI is a love letter to modern and contemporary art forms. The event serves as a leading platform for artists and art aficionados alike to come together to discuss their shared passion and explore developments in the art world.

Formerly known as Amsterdam Art, KunstRAI consists of two major parts. On one hand, the event serves as a gallery and exhibition in which to showcase various works of modern art, from sculptures to photography to mixed media pieces. On the other side, it’s also a major forum for buying and selling new artworks from both established and upcoming artists.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Shopping in Amsterdam Guide

Vacationing in Amsterdam and have some extra cash you want to burn through? You'll need a guide to shopping in Amsterdam. But where will you find one that you can trust? Here, of course. Just scroll down and see what an authentic guide to shopping in Amsterdam really looks like! Including: De Bijenkorf Magna Plaza Nine Little Streets Haarlemmerstraat Albert Cuyp Market and more! Image courtesy of Travel-Fr/Shutterstock Where the labels lie Let's kick off our guide to shopping in Amsterdam with the big guns. If you're the sort to drip yourself in nothing but the biggest names and designer labels, spend your money more wisely! Just kidding, no judgment here. The good news is that Amsterdam more than caters to your opulent lifestyle choices thanks to De Bijenkorf, a chain of high-end department stores. They have stores all over the Netherlands, but you'll find their massive Amsterdam branch looming over Dam Square like a wealthy obelisk. Step inside its inviting revolving doors, and you'll be blown away by the number of floors on offer. Brands carve out their own territory here, defending it fiercely from neighboring competitors. Many, like Gucci, are so 'exclusive' that you'll have to wait by a rope cordon to be let in. Like a club, but no one's dancing or having fun. Still, if it's designer brands you want, it's designer brands you'll get, with countless big names calling this mausoleum to untethered consumerism home. A massive plaza Another structure that towers over Dam Square is the appropriately titled Magna Plaza, which roughly translates to Really Massive Place. Maybe. This grandiose building mirrors London's Parliament buildings, which was by design. Inside, you'll find a more rounded shopping experience, with food stores and restaurants cohabiting with fashion brands, cosmetics shops, and jewelry boutiques. And all of that sweet, sweet shopping is backed by the Magna Plaza's stunning interiors, which give every trip a sense of regality. Your bank account will feel pretty regal, too, because shopping is addictive, and you may have a problem. If you sit in Dam Square and squint hard enough, you can pretend that Magna Plaza and De Bijenkorf are facing off against one another, determined to be the best shopping complex on the block. Don't worry; they can't hurt you. Nine streets for nine treats Away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam Central, you'll comfortably find some of the best shopping in the city. And better yet, given the city's size, you can easily walk there from Centraal Station in about 15 minutes. The Negen Straatjes, or 'Nine Little Streets' are, well, nine streets that emanate from Amsterdam's canal ring - colloquially called 'the ring'. Walk along these revered streets, and you'll find a wealth of unique boutiques, smaller designer shops from all over the world, as well as cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can rest your burdened feet. The perfect answer to the busyness of the aforementioned department stores, these streets are as much residential zones and daytime hangout spots as they are shopping destinations. So, head there, shop to your heart's content, and breathe in all that space and calm. Nice. Image courtesy of Harry Beugelink/Shutterstock Sound the Haarlem! Just a stone's throw from Centraal Station to the west, you'll find a quirky, calm, and clean shopping paradise to rival Nine Little Lanes! It's called Haarlemmerstraat, and along with its brother Haarlemmerdijk, it's one of the city's often overlooked gems. With a whole host of boutique shops, salons, and an underrated bar scene, it's a great place to spend your day, do some shopping, eat some food, and then experience the nightlife. Plus, you're so close to the water you might as well have a wander to Amsterdam's shores - you'll find even more bars, cafes, and restaurants there! Image courtesy of AsiaTravel/Shutterstock On the cuysp of greatness Of course, department stores and packed high streets aren't the only places for you to flex your plastic. You forgot about markets, silly. No self-professed guide to shopping in Amsterdam would be worth a thing without mentioning the city's brilliant market scene. And arguably, the jewel in its market crown is the Albert Cuypmarkt. Located in trendy De Pijp, it's one of Europe's biggest open-air markets, offering visitors and would-be shoppers a whole host of foods, clothes, accessories, and even flowers. If you're staying in an Airbnb, it's the perfect place to buy fresh groceries to cook up your own delights. Or, if the hotel is taking care of all that for you, go try some of the freshly cooked foods on offer! You'll find many uniquely Dutch treats available, including stroopwafels - the country's best. Image courtesy of Tupungato/Shutterstock Hoof it up the street Fashion seekers, beware. Some of Amsterdam's best shopping can be found at PC Hooftstraat, a short walk from the city's museum district. Arguably Amsterdam's most affluent shopping district, you'll find a wealthy world of designer brands from across the globe. Need some Mulberry in your life? Jonesing for some Chanel? PC Hooftstraat's got you covered. Plus, its location is a massive bonus if you want to combine your shopping shenanigans with a little culture. The Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum, and the Van Gogh Museum are right around the corner. And let's be honest, after all that swiping, you might require some calm and inspiring sights. Image courtesy of Harry Beugelink/Shutterstock Kalvern Klien? Kinda Another of Amsterdam's famous shopping streets, Kalverstraat is a more modest shopping experience. You'll find its beginning at the foot of Dam Square, because of course you will. Dam Square - the hub of many shopping opportunities. This one is arguably the busiest on the list, so strap in for some shambling. Unlike some of the others on this list, Kalverstraat is a more typical high street affair, with sneaker shops, affordable clothing stores, and well-known cosmetic spots. Nike, Lush, and Zara are just some of the many global brands you'll find on this list. While you could spend the whole day here, we'd recommend you know where you're going, get in, and get out - it simply draws too big a crowd to be considered a fun day out. Waterloo, baby We'll end this list on a bit of an oddity. Unlike Albert Cuypmarkt, Waterloopleinmarkt is a bit of a free-for-all. This flea market lets anyone come and set up a stall to flog their undesirables, so expect garage sale energy. However, anyone who's dared enter the realm of the garage sale knows this is no sleight. In fact, you'll find things at Waterloopleinmarkt you may not find anywhere else. Bargain hunt for rare toys, antiques, furniture, and other unwanted (and unvalued) items, snap them up in a pinch, and then sell them on to become a multi-billionaire. Chin up - anything is possible. And that's our guide to shopping in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
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Parking in Amsterdam - Advice on Best Car Parks

Car parks are a simple fact of life in today's vehicular society. So, if you're renting a vehicle or simply a car-owning resident, you may want some advice about the best car parks in Amsterdam? Well, never fear, we're here with our guide to parking in Amsterdam. Our aim? To answer one simple question - which are the city's best car parks? And that's our advice on the best car parks in Amsterdam. Parking might not be fun, but it is necessary! But what is fun is Amsterdam and all the things to do there! See them all with an Amsterdam pass, and find things to do between every park space!
Dom Bewley
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A Guide to King’s Day | Amsterdam Pass

Guide to King's Day in Amstedam A Kings Day Amsterdam experience should be on everyone’s bucket list and here’s why Visiting Amsterdam during Kings Day (Koningsdag) will be a time to remember, guaranteed. Join in the national celebrations as locals and tourists alike gather for the biggest street party of the year and carry on the festivities in local pubs and bars when the sun goes down. The best bit – you’ll never have seen so much orange in your life! Amsterdammers are known for their partying, and any stay in the city will offer you countless opportunities for a night out, but the best party of the year is the annual Kings Day which falls on the 27 th April in 2019. For a glimpse of the King and Queen on Kings Day Netherlands locals will also be awaiting the arrival of the royal family at the appointed city. A yearly tradition, the royals take it in turns to visit a different location around the country each birthday. You might catch a glimpse of their appearance on TV. History of Kings Day To set the scene, Kings Day, named after the current head of the royal family King Willem-Alexander, is a celebration of the King’s birthday in 1967. While this date has only been in place since 2014, the tradition dates back over a century when the first Koningsdag (only called Koninginnedag – Queen’s Day) was celebrated in 1885 in honour of Queen Wilhelmina. The exact day it is celebrated may have changed over the years, as well as the royals, but the exuberance and joviality has stayed consistent – if not grown more fervent! As a tribute to the House of Orange-Nassau it’s an unspoken rule that on this day you should dress up in orange - only. Head to toe is encouraged. It’s no small matter, this orange theme. From bright orange attire, to dyed hair and face paint, people sipping on orange-coloured drinks and wearing orange inflatable crowns, with some even dressing up as the king and queen themselves, it really is an occasion to let go of any inhibitions and join in the mass – in orange. Kings Day Celebrations The day’s activities start out civilised and you’ll find the streets bustling in a never-ending jumble sale with residents selling second-hand items called locally, the vrijmark, or free market. If you’re visiting this vibrant capital with your kids, there’s plenty to keep them entertained, too, with street games, face painting and the free family-friendly Bredeweg Festival in the Oost District, which has fairground rides and performances taking place over the weekend. The streets will be packed full of nationals and tourists alike joining in on the festivities and it doesn’t stop there. Head to the canals for a big daytime dance party and to witness thousands of boats, decorated for the event. If you can’t manage to get onto a boat (usually its VIP only) try and squeeze onto the bridges for the best view. If big crowds aren’t your thing – and it’s no exaggeration, these crowds are big; thousands come in from towns and cities around the country to the capital – use this time to visit the handful of museums that aren’t closed on this historic day. It’s actually one of the best times to visit Anne Frank Huis , usually one of the sights with the longest queues, as well as the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum in the Museumplein. You can still show solidarity by turning up in orange, though. To fully make the most of your Kings Day Amsterdam experience, there will be plenty of opportunities to party from day and well into the night. While most of the street parties and activities kick off around midday, head to Westerstraat, Prinsengracht or Reguliersdwarsstraat once things wind down. This national holiday is a great time to see big name DJs headlining at the clubs, or just enjoy the high spirits with some Dutch craft beer, well into the early hours, with your new local friends. If all of that seems a bit overwhelming and you’re not quite sure what you’ll end up doing when the time comes, download the Kings Day App when you get there, where you’ll find all the up-to-date information on the day. It’s no small feat, this fun-filled event feels more like a festival than a national holiday! Tip: accommodation will book up fast during this weekend, so it is advised to book well in advance to ensure you get a room. Also, note that most businesses and services around the city will be closed on the 27 th April as it is a public holiday. Public transport is also affected and routes may be altered.
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