Three windmills over a field of tulips

Amsterdam in April

By Robert Heaney

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.

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Rijksmuseum reflected on calm water
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Amsterdam in August

You’d be hard pressed to find the Dutch capital thriving more than it does in August. Seeing its largest annual throughput of tourists, the city brims with life in every way, from its bustling nightlife scene to its busy squares and huge selection of events and festivals. If you can put up with busier attractions during this time, then you’re bound to find a trip to Amsterdam in August beyond rewarding. Visiting Amsterdam in August Average Temperature: 54 - 70°F • Average Rainfall: 11 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 6 hours/day There are few periods busier for Amsterdam than summer, and August truly takes the cake. At the height of peak season, you can expect the city to be packed with families and summer vacationers, resulting in busy attractions and high accommodation prices. However, that also means you’ll get to experience the Dutch capital at its best, with its veritably electric summertime atmosphere. Upholding the seasonal climate established in July, Amsterdam typically experiences bright, mild days throughout August. While you shouldn’t expect the heatwaves of more southern European destinations, you’re likely to spend some very pleasant days in August, ideal for exploring its iconic streets, squares and open spaces. That being said, it’s always smart to pack an umbrella, as rainfall is never unlikely in the Netherlands. Things to Do in August No matter the time of year, any trip to Amsterdam would be incomplete without discovering at least some of its famous cultural hubs. Taking precedence is the emblematic Rijksmuseum towering over the Museumplein, housing a vast collection of renowned artworks and historical artifacts. Where historical insight is concerned, the Anne Frank House stands as the most potent recounting of life in the Netherlands during the Second World War. As a city with more bicycles than people, there are few better ways to explore Amsterdam than on your very own pair of wheels. Over 470 miles of cycle paths make up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, making for a fantastic excuse to take a more physically active approach to exploring the capital. Many bike rental stores offer daily rates somewhere in the region of €10. There’s no better time than summer to make the most of Amsterdam’s many sprawling green spaces. The weather in August offers a perfect opportunity to take a stroll among Vondelpark’s ancient trees and stunning lakes, and grab a seat at one of its many charming park cafés. Equally, why not have a picnic in Westerpark, make the most of its live summertime events and shows, or even catch a viewing at its very own arthouse cinema? Second only to cycling, Amsterdam’s emblematic waterways offer a uniquely alternative means of seeing the city. You can choose from a large variety of tour operators offering their own canal boat excursions, often including tours of the capital’s key landmarks accompanied by local insights into their cultural and historical significance. Amsterdam’s nightlife scene is never better than in summer, when you can expect most bars and clubs to be brimming with life. Popular venues can be found throughout the city, but as a general rule of thumb, the old area of Jordaan is typically very popular with young people for its trendy bars. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are particularly popular for their club offerings, while the street of Nes often attracts more of an intellectual theater crowd. Events in August Pluk de Nacht Film Festival Mid-August is prime time for sultry evenings beneath the stars, and the Pluk de Nacht (‘Seize the Night’) film festival aims to deliver just that. This event consists of an open-air cinema premiering acclaimed independent films never before released in the Netherlands. Film lovers can grab a lazy beach chair and enjoy an evening of cinema accompanied by warm blankets and cocktails. Grachtenfestival Amsterdam’s Grachtenfestival, or Canal Festival, is considered one of the country’s most charming cultural events. The event brings together talented classical musicians from both around the country and abroad to perform in a 10-day classical music marathon on the city’s world-renowned canal belt. Throughout the event, over 150 unique stages open up across private gardens, rooftop terraces, canal houses, cruise ships, hotel suites and tube tunnels. Visitors can enjoy classical music, jazz and world music concerts from international names, with many performances offered at very affordable prices or even free of charge. Amsterdam Pride As the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, nobody knows how to celebrate Pride more than the Netherlands. Now a multi-day festival, Amsterdam’s Pride Festival typically attracts around half a million visitors each year in late July in celebration of equality, diversity and personal identity. Should you happen to visit around this time, you’ll find local bars and clubs veritably thriving with festivity. Various street parties and events bring together thousands of revelers dressed in the full color spectrum to enjoy live music performances and Amsterdam’s famous Canal Parade, during which over 80 official vessels celebrate the past, present and future of the LGBT community. Uitmarkt Late August marks the opening of the Netherlands’ cultural season, with Uitmarkt standing as its opening act. The largest cultural festival in the country, Uitmarkt draws in over half a million visitors each year to appreciate a huge selection of performances taking place throughout the city. Over 2,000 of the Netherlands’ best performers, musicians, actors, orchestras and filmmakers come together to perform across more than 30 venues. The full program of events is offered free of charge to the public and includes everything from classical music performances to dance demonstrations and everything in between in a show of the country’s vast cultural wealth. De Parade Touring the country’s five largest cities, De Parade is a traveling theater festival that transforms the open spaces of its host cities into festival venues filled with colorful carnival tents, live entertainment acts, a carousel and a variety of family activities and food stands. Beginning in Eindhoven, the event also travels to Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht before arriving at its final destination in Amsterdam. The festival typically arrives in Amsterdam in August and offers locals and visitors alike the chance to revel in fun-filled performances and the jovial carnival atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of theater and the circus or simply want to spend an evening exploring the event grounds accompanied by live music and delicious local delicacies, De Parade is well worth a visit.
Robert Heaney
Amsterdam's Munttoren behind a canal
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Amsterdam in July

At the height of summer, Amsterdam in July positively oozes life and culture. Some of the largest crowds flock to the capital over the summer period to bask in the Dutch sun and explore the city’s cultural hubs, hedonistic pleasures and world-famous nightlife scene. So long as you’re prepared to put up with larger queues and busier streets, a trip in summer is sure to be a thrilling one. Visiting Amsterdam in July Average Temperature: 54 - 70°F • Average Rainfall: 12 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 6 hours/day It likely comes as little surprise that visiting Amsterdam in July – and just about anywhere else in Europe around this time – will land you amid one of the city’s most bustling periods. The Dutch capital positively brims with life throughout summer, as the waves of families and vacationers flock to see just what the country’s cultural center has to offer. Naturally, this comes at the cost of sharing the city with many more tourists than during the low season. Lines for attractions are likely to be longer, and accommodation rates will be at their highest. However, that also allows the nightlife scene to really come into its own, and the city as a whole will have a much more electric atmosphere. Your trip to Amsterdam in July will likely be complemented by overall mild to warm temperatures. While you aren’t guaranteed the same summertime heatwaves of more southern European destinations, July’s climate is prime weather for exploring the iconic streets and squares of the Dutch capital. That being said, it also wouldn’t be a terrible idea to pack an umbrella just in case. Things to Do in July No matter the time of year, any trip to Amsterdam would be incomplete without discovering at least some of its famous cultural hubs. Taking precedence is the emblematic Rijksmuseum towering over the Museumplein, housing a vast collection of renowned artworks and historical artifacts. Where historical insight is concerned, the Anne Frank House stands as the most potent recounting of life in the Netherlands during the Second World War. As a city with more bicycles than people, there are few better ways to explore Amsterdam than on your very own pair of wheels. Over 470 miles of cycle paths make up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, making for a fantastic excuse to take a more physically active approach to exploring the capital. Many bike rental stores offer daily rates somewhere in the region of €10. There’s no better time than summer to make the most of Amsterdam’s many sprawling green spaces. The weather in July offers a perfect opportunity to take a stroll among Vondelpark’s ancient trees and stunning lakes, and grab a seat at one of its many charming park cafés. Equally, why not have a picnic in Westerpark, make the most of its live summertime events and shows, or even catch a viewing at its very own arthouse cinema? Second only to cycling, Amsterdam’s emblematic waterways offer a uniquely alternative means of seeing the city. You can choose from a large variety of tour operators offering their own canal boat excursions, often including tours of the capital’s key landmarks accompanied by local insights into their cultural and historical significance. Amsterdam’s nightlife scene is never better than in summer, when you can expect most bars and clubs to be brimming with life. Popular venues can be found throughout the city, but as a general rule of thumb, the old area of Jordaan is typically very popular with young people for its trendy bars. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are particularly popular for their club offerings, while the street of Nes often attracts more of an intellectual theater crowd. Events in July Over Het IJ Festival Held on the waterfront of the River IJ in Amsterdam, the 10-day Over Het IJ Festival stands as a combined celebration of theater, art and culture. With the backdrop of Amsterdam’s iconic wharves, piers and shipping containers, the festival offers a variety of theatrical performances, visual arts and interactive installations for visitors to enjoy. The waterfront location allows for visitors to enjoy the festival’s jam-packed program of location-specific shows and activities while enjoying the best of the Dutch summertime weather. The event is publicly accessible for visitors to explore at their leisure, with a variety of delicious food stands and chill spaces scattered around the venue. Amsterdam Pride As the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, nobody knows how to celebrate Pride more than the Netherlands. Now a multi-day festival, Amsterdam’s Pride Festival typically attracts around half a million visitors each year in late July in celebration of equality, diversity and personal identity. Should you happen to visit around this time, you’ll find local bars and clubs veritably thriving with festivity. Various street parties and events bring together thousands of revelers dressed in the full color spectrum to enjoy live music performances and Amsterdam’s famous Canal Parade, during which over 80 official vessels celebrate the past, present and future of the LGBT community. Milkshake Festival Organized as a collaboration between two of Amsterdam’s most prominent clubs, Air and Paradiso, the Milkshake Festival is a multi-genre music event built around central themes of inclusion and freedom of expression. The event promotes diversity in every sense of the word, as thousands of music fans flock to enjoy the festival’s many different stages and performances in a safe, open environment. North Sea Jazz Festival The North Sea Jazz Festival is the world’s largest indoor music festival. Hosted in Rotterdam, just over an hour away from Amsterdam by train, the event takes place over three days and features performances from various music genres. Although primarily considered the world’s most important jazz festival, the festival also offers blues, funk, hip hop and world music performances from local and international names both big and small. As many as 70,000 visitors flock to Rotterdam each year to enjoy live music from over 1,000 musicians performing across 15 stages.
Robert Heaney
pancakes amsterdam
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Best Pancake Houses in Amsterdam

Who doesn't love a tasty pancake? Not you, that's for sure, or you wouldn't be here reading these words. Those fluffy, sweet, tasty treats are championed in lands far and wide, including the Netherlands. So, if you're vacationing in Amsterdam, you'll want to know which are the best pancake houses in the city? Right you are, and read on to find out our picks! Including: Pancakes Amsterdam The Pancake Bakery Moak Pancakes The Breakfast Club Coffee & Coconuts and more!   Pancakes Amsterdam If you're looking for the best pancake houses in Amsterdam, why not first try one that's literally named after the city? That would be Pancakes Amsterdam, and their selection of tasty battered treats will nd easily sort your fix. Rather than sticking to the tried and tested Dutch style of pancakes, they take influences from pancake styles across the globe. That's just as true for their kitchen too, which is opened up to visitors. That way, you can see your delicious sweet treats being created in real-time, just how the gods intended. Oh, and why not indulge in a free pancake tasting session - on us, of course. You're free to choose anything from their massive selection. And, if one's simply not enough, go grab a table and tuck into many, many more.   The Pancake Bakery After nearly 50 years in the egg, flour, and butter business, it's no wonder that The Pancake Bakery has made quite the name for itself in Amsterdam. Offering a selection of international pancakes from the likes of America, Chile, Norway, and Mexico, in a variety of sweet and savory varieties, you're certainly not spoiled for choice. Couple that with a massive omelet menu, starters, desserts, and even a kid's menu, and you've got yourself one handy pancake paradise. Oh, and if none of the menu options take your fancy, you can even create your own masterpiece. Ham, mushrooms, and cherries? Why not, you absolute grot monster.   Moak Pancakes Moak started out in Oud-West, but has now made its way to multiple locations across Amsterdam. Its humble facade may betray its awesomeness, but the inevitable queue outside should put those fears to rest. Over two floors, you'll find packed tables full of guzzling pancake fanatics. A relatively new joint, having only popped up in 2016, they still smash it left, right, and center. The focus here is on the classic American pancake, with an entire subsection of the menu dedicated to various sweet and savory American delights. If you're feeling fruity, you can also partake in a glass of Champagne, or mix it up with a Mimosa. Their piece de resistance is unarguably The Gold Digger - a huge stack of pancakes topped with three 22-carat gold leaves, Champagne on the side, and served with Versace cutlery. This testament to American extravagance will set you back €100, mind. Definitely one of the best pancake houses in Amsterdam!   The Breakfast Club Cheekily named after the classic 80s hit, The Breakfast Club is a worldwide brand at this point. You'll find them in cities all over the world, so it's hardly surprising they've made their way to Amsterdam's shores. With a massive offering of breakfast treats, from full English breakfasts to eggs of all shapes and sizes, you can really take your pick. But we're talking about pancakes here, so focus, guys. They have a pretty solid offering of American-style pancakes, with a bevy of toppings to get your sweet tooth truly tweaked. However, it's worth mentioning that pancakes is hardly The Breakfast Club's specialty, so you won't have the limitless options you do at the other places on this list. Having said that, if you're with a group and they're not looking to dip their toe in the pancake game. The Breakfast Club will likely serve their needs too.   Coffee & Coconuts One of the fancier joints on this list, Coffee & Coconuts is one of De Pijp's trendy hotspots. The setting - an old 20s theater. The cuisine - divine. Like The Breakfast Club, Coffee & Coconuts caters to feeders of all sorts, and their pancake offerings may amount to a single choice. However, this choice is one of the best on this list. The appropriately named Coconut Pancakes mix almond and buckwheat flour for the base, then dollop on some banana, berry compote, coconut chips, coconut cream, and top it all off with lashes of maple syrup. Sign us up. Plus, with three pages of menus dedicated to coffee, teas, wines, beer, and anything else worth drinking, you can be sure to pair your pancake with the perfect beverage.   Photo courtesy of StudioPortoSabbia/Shutterstock The Pancake Boat Yes, you read that right. They didn't just pick that name out of a hat. It's called The Pancake Boat because it's located on a freaking boat. But wait, there's more! Not only will you sail the seven seas (or canals in this case) while you eat, you'll be eating whatever you can, because this bad boy is an all-you-can-eat cruise. Set your phone's stopwatch to 75 minutes, start your engines, and then eat, eat, eat. Just make sure you're belly is seaworthy - the last thing anyone wants is for you to bring all the fluffy, syrupy goodness back up. What a disappointment you'd be. Easily one of the best pancake houses in Amsterdam, if you can call a boat a house. Well, houseboats exist...so, yes?   Bakers and Roasters With locations near the Rijksmuseum and in De Pijp, Bakers and Roasters are just getting started. The brainchild of a New Zealander and a Brazilian, the franchise's great food and commitment to hospitality will surely see them reach all corners of the city and beyond before long. But enough flirting, what about the pancakes? Well, they only have room on the menu for one choice, but it's a choice you won't soon forget. American-style blueberry pancakes cooked to perfection, glazed with syrup, and topped with blueberries and chopped bananas. Feeling fancy? Add an unusual side to go with it. Sure, you can lean on the ol' reliable bacon. But why not try chorizo, jalapenos, and cottage cheese? Or don't, you know, you do you.   Carousel Pancake House Located on a former fairground carousel, and a stone's throw from the Heineken Experience, you'll find the appropriately named Carousel Pancake House. A unique setting, for sure, but what about the pancakes? Well, they have a delicious menu full of the beauties, including a whole section dedicated to Nutella variants. Delightful. Couple that with a burgeoning menu of waffles, baguettes, burgers, and beers, and you've got yourself a top place. And that's our list of the best pancake houses in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley

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