Amsterdam in March

By Robert Heaney
Published: July 18, 2024
Line of iconic Amsterdam canal houses

If you’re looking to visit the Netherlands outside of the peak season, then a trip to Amsterdam in March might be just the ticket. Offering all of the gems of the Dutch capital without quite so many crowds and with slightly better weather conditions than the preceding winter months, March is a fantastic time to see the city at one of its most authentic times.

Visiting Amsterdam in March

Image of Face, Head, Person, Selfie, Photography, Adult, Female, Woman, Happy, Laughing, Bird, Handbag,

Average Temperature: 36 - 46°F • Average Rainfall: 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 4 hours/day

Seeing in the spring season, March is about as transitional a month as you can get in Amsterdam. While the trends of winter are still largely present – cold weather, high rainfall and short days – signs of the coming change are ever present. Running parallel to the changes in weather is the larger-scale changes in tourism rates, with March very much in the trough of off-season travel.

Throughout this period, tourism rates will still very much be experiencing a lull. While Amsterdam is never truly empty, this is among one of the quietest times to visit the city. There’ll still be enough visitors to give the Dutch capital a buzz, but you’ll be able to benefit from smaller queues for top attractions and low-season accommodation rates and airfare.

While the city is clearly beginning to warm up, it’s still very much worth wrapping up for Amsterdam in March. At the same time, an umbrella and some waterproofs will likely also go a long way, as you can expect at least one day of rain per week. On the literal bright side, you can also look forward to more sunshine on average, allowing for better photo opportunities and better conditions to explore the city’s iconic streets.

Things to Do in March

Image of Bicycle, Vehicle, Machine, Spoke, Wheel, Person, Adult, Female, Woman,

A trip to Amsterdam in March is likely to be a cold and often wet one. As such, you may find yourself drawn more toward exploring the city’s inner world of history and culture, leaving its emblematic streets and canals for a warmer day.

For your fill of Dutch history, make your way to the Amsterdam Museum, where you’ll be able to explore a vast collection of art and historical artifacts chronicling the city’s history from medieval times to present. Follow that up with a visit to the Maritime Museum to discover the Netherlands’ impressive history of nautical endeavors and the part it played in the Age of Exploration.

Romanticized somewhat by its throughput of renowned artists, Amsterdam is also home to a wealth of art galleries. At the forefront is of course the Rijksmuseum, home to the Netherlands’ largest collection of artworks and historical artifacts. Following close behind is the Van Gogh Museum, where you can explore the biggest public collection of the famous Dutch painter’s works.

If there’s anything you’re likely to notice on your trip to the Netherlands, it’s the huge prominence of bicycles. With more bikes than people, one of the best ways to see Amsterdam is on your own pair of wheels. Those interested in a more active approach to their visit will find a plethora of bike rental stores scattered throughout the city, typically offering day rates in the region of €10/day.

With weather on a general upcurve from this point onward, you might find March a perfect time to take a canal boat tour to see the city from a brand new perspective. These tours are likely to be quieter now than around peak-season, so if you’re willing to brave the likely chill, you’ll be rewarded with some unique views of the Dutch capital along with expert insights into the surrounding history.

Events in March

Image of Convention Center, Handbag, Person, Airport, Coat, Plant, Walking, Urban,

Cinedans Fest

Over the course of roughly a week in March, Amsterdam hosts the world’s largest and most diverse dance-related film festival in the world. Cinedans serves as a celebration of the medium of dance, showcasing developments in the dance world and looking toward the future of such artistic expression.

The festival is spread across an impressive program of feature-length dance film screenings, short films and documentaries, expert lectures, debates and workshops for those looking to explore the world of dance theatre. Hosted within the EYE Film Museum, the festival also offers various interactive installations throughout the week.

Kaboom Animation Festival

Held in late March, the Kaboom Animation Festival is the amalgamation of two similar festivals, the KLIK Amsterdam Animation Festival and the Holland Animation Film Festival. For roughly a week, cinemas in Amsterdam and Utrecht become the home of the many unique animated feature films and shorts showcased by the festival.

The event serves to bring together fans and industry professionals to share in their passion for the animated arts and showcase the works of established and upcoming animators. Celebrating the Dutch animation industry in particular, the festival encourages animators to submit their work to be judged by experts for the chance to win one of a plethora of prestigious awards covering various genres, mediums and themes.

The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF)

Held in Maastricht, just a couple hours’ train ride from Amsterdam, TEFAF serves as one of Europe’s biggest art fairs and is widely considered to be the premier hub for fine art, antiques and design. The event is a platform from which to gather an international community of collectors, dealers and vendors from all areas of the art world.

Featuring over 280 prestigious dealers from around the world, the exhibition focuses largely on the classics and traditional Old Master paintings and antiques. However, the event also maintains a policy of diversity and modernity, showcasing contemporary artworks, photography exhibits and jewelry alongside many of its classic pieces.

Taking place over roughly one week, the event also offers a diverse cultural program which serves to provide insights into key aspects of the industry across various disciplines and genres. Visitors are welcome to attend lectures by industry professionals and experts and engage in debates into ongoing issues throughout the art world.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Windmill and hot hair balloons over a field of tulips
Blog

Outdoor Activities in Amsterdam

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Amsterdam on a particularly clear day, you’ll want to make the very most of the situation. As a city known for its gorgeous waterside architecture and iconic canals, no trip would be complete without giving yourself the chance to really explore its unique streets and squares. What’s more, there’s a plethora of outdoor activities in Amsterdam to help you make the most of a pleasant day. Whether you’re keen to explore some quaint Dutch markets or take a tour upon the city’s famous canals, there’s plenty to do for all types of visitors. Cycle Across the City Home to more bicycles than people, Amsterdam is a city literally built for cycling. With over 470 miles of cycle lanes making up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, cycling can often be the easiest means of getting around. What’s more, it doesn’t get much more authentically Dutch than exploring the capital on your own pair of wheels. If you’d like to make your visit a more active one, then you can pick up a bike at one of the many rental shops spread throughout the city. You can expect to pay somewhere in the region of €10/day at most shops, while some may also offer weekly or hourly packages. Once you’re up and running, why not choose one of the city’s many stunning routes to follow for the day? Cruise Along the Canals Second only to the prevalence of bikes, Amsterdam’s canals are one of the most central symbols of the Dutch capital. Having been built originally for water management, defense and trade purposes, this labyrinth of canals makes up 25% of the city’s total surface area. While they’re certainly pretty to look at and make for a fantastic (if somewhat overdone) photo op, Amsterdam’s waterways are best experienced on the water itself. Naturally, the city is home to a huge boating industry, with countless companies offering all manner of excursions through the canals. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the city, then a hop-on, hop-off boat could be the ideal transportation for you. But where the city’s boating industry arguably shines brightest is in its canal tours, offering visitors an overview of many of Amsterdam’s top attractions, complete with audio commentary to provide unique insights into their cultural and historical significance. Discover the ARTIS Royal Zoo One of the oldest zoos in Europe, the Natura Artis Magistra was established in the mid-1800s and has since continued to offer an enchanting escape from the busy streets of Amsterdam for families and nature lovers alike. Commonly known simply as ARTIS, the location comprises both a botanical garden and zoological garden. Home to over 200 unique species of trees – many on the brink of extinction – alongside over 900 animals from all manner of habitats around the world, the zoo serves to educate visitors as to the vital role that every living creature plays in nature. The site is also home to an aquarium, a planetarium and an impressive art and sculpture collection. Spare a Moment in Nature For a brief escape from the bustling streets of the Dutch capital, Amsterdam is home to a wide selection of beautifully serene green spaces. Most popular among these is the Vondelpark, whose 120-acre footprint houses ancient trees, scenic lakes, charming gardens and a variety of delightful bars and cafés. Westerpark is another popular choice as, connecting to the Westergasfabriek complex, it serves as a home to some of the city’s most hip bars and restaurants, along with an arthouse cinema. Visitors can hire a boat to cruise along the Haarlemmerweg canal into the city, or attend some of the great food and music festivals hosted in the park throughout the year. If you happen to visit Amsterdam during the spring, then you should definitely consider a trip to the nearby town of Lisse. Only an hour’s train ride from Amsterdam, Lisse is home to Keukenhof Park, sometimes known as the Garden of Europe, where you’ll find the Netherlands’ best display of tulips and other flowers punctuated by the ever so iconic Dutch windmills. Grab Yourself a Bargain Those with a penchant for finding a bargain can rejoice at the fact that Amsterdam is home to over 20 regularly occurring markets. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, antiques or simple bric-a-brac, chances are one of these markets should scratch that shopping itch. For all things food, the Albert Cuyp Market takes place every weekday, as does the Marqt Farmer’s Market (excluding Fridays), while the Nieuwmarkt and Noordermarkt Farmers’ Markets take over on Saturdays with their selection of organic goods. Also popular is the Flower Market, which runs Monday to Saturday and offers a wide selection of rare flowers, seeds, bulbs and gardening equipment. Held each Wednesday and Saturday, the Postzegelmarkt is one for the history buffs, stocking all manner of old coins, medals, stamps and postcards. The Waterlooplein Flea Market is the best stop for antiques and second-hand clothes, open Monday to Saturday and very much open to bartering. For a unique gift, be sure to visit the Boekenmarkt op het Spui, stocking various books, maps, cards and engravings. Explore Another City If you find yourself with a spare day or two and want to see a little more than just Amsterdam, then there are plenty of nearby cities to explore. With most destinations throughout the Netherlands easily reachable within a couple hours by train, it’s perfectly doable to slot some excursions into your itinerary. The fourth-largest city in the Netherlands, Utrecht is often considered Europe’s most beautiful canal city – even overtaking Amsterdam! Known for mixing big city amenities with a provincial atmosphere, the city is home to both medieval architecture and one of the Netherlands’ largest shopping malls, Hoog Catherijne. Utrecht also serves as the embodiment of European café culture, with a vast selection of quirky bars and terraces. Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ chief port town and second-largest city, serving as the country’s main departure and arrival destination for international cruises and cargo ships. Having been heavily bombed during the Second World War, the city is now famous for its wealth of modern architecture, from its cube-shaped houses to its spaceship-like market hall. Particularly popular with younger groups is the city’s thriving nightlife scene, complete with many quirky nightclubs and bars. Home to both the Netherlands’ monarchy, the parliament and many major Dutch companies such as Royal Dutch Shell, The Hague is truly the seat of Dutch business and politics. The city is home to a wealth of royal architecture and palaces, alongside art galleries showcasing the works of Vermeer, Rembdrandt and Andy Warhol.
Robert Heaney
View of the Rijksmuseum from across a canal
Blog

Amsterdam in February

Those harboring some winter wanderlust may find Amsterdam in February to be the ideal trip to scratch that itch. Offering all of the city’s best gems without the summertime or festive season crowds, February serves as a fantastic time to experience the Dutch capital at its most genuine. Just be prepared to dress for the weather! Visiting Amsterdam in February Average Temperature: 31 – 45°F • Average Rainfall: 11 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 2 hours/day If you’re looking to visit Amsterdam in its true low season, this is the time for it. Amsterdam in February sees some of its lowest tourism rates of the year, owing to the natural absence of peak-season travelers and the European winter chill. That can be a huge boon for those looking to get their fill of Dutch delights. Amsterdam’s core attractions are evergreen – think picturesque canals, cultural hubs and nightlife – which means the city is never truly without its crowds. However, the off-season lull means you’ll get to experience many of its top sights at one of their quietest times. Add to that low-season accommodation prices and airfare, and you’ve got a pretty solid, budget-friendly trip on your hands. Seeing out the winter season, February makes sure to keep things cool right up to the end. With averages ranging between sub-zero and pretty cold, you’ll want to wrap up just as much as for the rest of the winter period. Be sure to pack an umbrella and some waterproofs too, as you’re almost guaranteed at least a couple days of rain per week. Things to Do in February Amsterdam’s cooler and wetter weather in February may put somewhat of a dampener on many plans of spending your trip exploring the iconic canals and squares of the city, but that also makes it a perfect time to explore the inner world of the Dutch capital. Known particularly for its cultural hubs, Amsterdam has a wealth of art galleries to offer. Taking pride of place is the famous Rijksmuseum, where you can explore the Netherlands’ largest collection of art and historical artifacts, including many pieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No exploration of Amsterdam’s artistic fortune would be complete without visiting the Van Gogh Museum, housing the largest public collection of the renowned Dutch artist’s works. Fans of contemporary art should also spend some time at the MOCO Museum, where you’ll find the works of such visionaries as Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons and many other modern artists. On the other side of the culture coin sits Amsterdam’s impressive collection of historical hubs. Among some of the most popular destinations are the Amsterdam Museum and the Maritime Museum, offering insights into the respective histories of the city and of Dutch nautical endeavors. Anybody with a keen interest in local and continental history will also be well aware of the famous Anne Frank House. Once the home where the famous Jewish wartime diarist managed to evade capture, the site now serves as both a museum to her life and writings and a monument to the endurance of discriminated groups throughout the darkest time in recent European history. Events in February Carnival The one exception to the Netherlands’ tranquility in February is Carnival. Originally a pagan celebration held in the lead-up to Lent, the modern-day festival began in Italy and spread to the likes of Spain, Portugal, France and, of course, the Netherlands. While primarily only recognized in the majority-Catholic provinces of North Brabant and Limburg, smaller events can be found dotted around the country. For all its religious symbolism, Carnival is anything but a modest celebration. Over the course of several days in mid- to late-February, a number of major Dutch cities engage in all-out city-wide street parties. The event is usually kicked off with some form of ceremony, often involving the burning of an effigy and a speech by the so-called Prince of Carnival and other local authorities. The largest celebration is held in Maastricht, which sees thousands of visitors flock from around the country and even the continent for up to a week of day drinking and partying. Other major events take place in Den Bosch, Breda, Tilburg, Eindhoven, Venlo and Enschede, though the exact dates of celebrations may differ between locations. Although Amsterdam itself doesn’t typically engage in Carnival celebrations, you’re still likely to find some localized parties and events throughout the city. But for the true Carnival experience, make your way to a participating city in your choice of fancy dress and prepare for the street party of the year. All of the above cities are reachable within a few hours by train – though be aware that public transport will be jam-packed on festival days. Chocoa Chocolade Festival This indulgence-focused event is a must for visitors with a particularly sweet tooth. Held over two day in the heart of Amsterdam, the Chocoa Festival brings together renowned chocolate makers, industry experts and chocoholics to celebrate their shared passion for our favorite sweet treat. With over 85 unique stalls piled high with free samples, the festival encourages visitors to try out new chocolate flavors. Various types of wine, coffee and craft beer are often also on offer to help you discover the perfect indulgent pairing. Expert-led lectures and presentations are also mixed into the program to provide insights into the history of chocolate, how it’s made and the state of the industry in the modern day. Those with a keen interest can also engage in debates surrounding the ethics and practises of the industry, while also learning about developments in sustainable practises throughout various aspects of production.
Robert Heaney
Amsterdam canals by night
Blog

Things to do in Amsterdam at Night

Sure, Amsterdam comes with a slightly, shall we say, seedy reputation, but there’s so much more to this city’s vibrant nightlife than just red lights and cannabis cafés. Join us on our journey through all the best things to do in Amsterdam at night.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.