Amsterdam in April (2024 Guide): What to do, Events & What’s On
Last Updated on 6th May 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.
Bright weather, tulip blooms, and the opportunity to take long and lazy walks along the canals: there are a million reasons to visit Amsterdam in April. Here’s your guide to the best of Amsterdam in the spring, as well as some of the special events taking place.
Please note that, in 2024, the 1st of April and the 27th of April are public holiday days. The 1st is Easter Monday. During these public holidays, most shops will be closed, and supermarkets which do still remain open will operate at reduced hours (think of Sunday operating hours). The 27th of April is also a public holiday as it is King’s Day, but more on that later.
If you only have a short time in Amsterdam, be sure to check out our suggestions for one perfect day in Amsterdam and this one week in the Netherlands suggested itinerary. Whenever you’re planning to visit, be sure to check out our top Amsterdam tips.
Contents
Is Amsterdam busy in April?
Due to the tulips, Amsterdam’s busiest season tends to be mid-spring, and specifically April. As such, you can expect to find higher prices, more crowds, and it just being a bit busier in general.
If you’re looking to stay a few days in Amsterdam, book your accommodation well in advance to secure the best rates and deals. Same with the popular activities.
Amsterdam weather in April
Though days are longer and the temperature may be warmer, rain showers are frequent and so don’t be caught out by one by not coming prepared. The average temperature in Amsterdam in April is around 10-12 degrees Celsius, with highs in the mid-teens and lows around 4.
The beginning of the month tends to be cooler than the last few days of the month. There are on average 12 days of rain during the month so be sure to check out our rainy day suggestions for Amsterdam to help you plan ahead accordingly. Whatever you do, just don’t forget to pack an umbrella!
What to pack for Amsterdam in April
For day trips from Amsterdam in spring, I recommend bringing a warm jacket, jeans, a skirt with tights and a couple of chic tops. In terms of shoe wear, pack a pair of warm, comfy walking shoes and a pair of chic ankle boots for going out in the evening.
Wear: I recommend a warm jacket, jeans, a skirt with tights and a couple of chic tops. In terms of shoe wear, a pair of warm, comfy walking shoes and a pair of chic ankle boots for going out in the evening.
Weather: As in much of Northern Europe, Springtime in Amsterdam can be highly unpredictable. Average high temperatures are 8-16°C, while lows can be between 2-7°C. A warm jacket, waterproof shoes.
Things to do in Amsterdam in April
Thanks to its smattering of small museums, delectable eateries, and wealth of history, there’s not really a bad time of the year to visit the Dutch capital. With this being said, Amsterdam has a plethora of seasonal activities going on in April, making it one of the best times of the year to visit.
Celebrate King’s Day
Truth be told, one of the best days in the entire year to visit Amsterdam is on King’s Day, which celebrates the birth of King Willem-Alexander.
On this National Holiday, known as Koningsdag in Dutch, no licences are required to trade so you’ll find people out in the parks and on the streets selling everything from their vintage furniture to second-hand clothing.
There’s also a number of parades and almost everyone wears the national colour of the Netherlands, orange. Those who drink can taste Orange Bitter, a bright orange liqueur which was created in the 17th-century to celebrate a victory by Prince Fredrick Henry, but was truly popularised when William of Orange became the first king.
Enjoy the tulip season
As the days grow longer, the temperature on the thermometer begins to rise and the nights grow shorter, there’s perhaps no better way to enjoy the best of Spring in the Netherlands than by going in search of blooms.
Tulip season is well and truly in full swing come the beginning of April. Some of the best places to see tulips in Amsterdam include visiting the Amsterdam tulip museum and taking a day trip to the fields of Lisse. If you love photography, then I particularly recommend visiting The Tulip Barn in Hillegom.
Take a day trip to Keukenhof
Every year, the Garden of Europe is open to the public for a blissful period of just eight weeks, including the entirety of April. Easy to reach as a day trip from Amsterdam, Keukenhof is a celebration of colour and all things floral-related.
Walk along the canals
One of the best things to do in Amsterdam, as with many a European capital city, is to simply stroll along the canals, seeing where your feet lead you.
Pretty to explore in every season, spring is especially special since you can expect to enjoy the delights of cherry blossoms. One of the most picturesque neighbourhoods to explore is Jordaan, so I would recommend beginning a walk there.
Visiting in April means better weather, meaning that you can explore more of the outdoors, including some of the more hidden gems of the Dutch capital. One of the best secret spots in Amsterdam is Hortus Botanicus. This garden can be visited and was established in the 17th-century!
Visit the Hofjes of Amsterdam
When it comes to exploring the Dutch capital, it can often feel as if no stone has been left unturned. From the dancing houses to the grand museums, the city has plenty of must-see attractions and can’t miss destinations.
However, if you’re looking for an oasis of calm in the centre of the city, you can still hide away in some of the most beautiful Hofjes in Amsterdam, many of which are best visited in the spring when the buds are in bloom. Most of the best hofjes are located in the Jordaan district.
Take a foodie tour
Some of the best outdoor activities in the Dutch capital can be found in the form of foodie experiences, including walking tours and local speciality tastings. Here’s a guide to the very best of Amsterdam food tours.
Go on a canal cruise
Another way to enjoy Amsterdam in the spring is to soak up the beautiful views and ambiance of a gentle boat ride by embarking on a canal cruise. For an extra memorable occasion, consider booking a classic boat cruise with a cheese and wine option like this one.
Take a day trip
Longer daylight hours means longer hours to spend exploring, making it easier to take a day trip. Within an hour of Amsterdam, you can easily visit the political city of The Hague, the ceramic city of Delft, the university city of Leiden, and the architectural city of Rotterdam. If you visit the Netherlands in the spring, then you’ll also have the option to enjoy the best of tulip season.
Where to stay in Amsterdam
Thanks to its popularity, you should be sure to book your accommodation as soon as you’ve locked in your travel dates so as to ensure that you get the place to stay you want! Another unique option is to look to stay on a boat.
Flying Pig Downtown is a popular city centre hostel, located right next to Amsterdam Central Station. With dorms sleeping from four to 32 people, there’s something for all budgets here! Check prices and availability here.
Eden Hotel Amsterdam is a bright, clean hotel with beautifully decorated rooms of different sizes, located in the centre of Amsterdam. Check prices and availability here.
INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam is a beautiful hotel with breathtaking views over the city centre. Rooms are spacious and modern, with comfortable beds and luxury bathrooms. There is also a fitness centre, bar and restaurant on-site. Check prices and availability here.
Enjoyed reading about the best of Amsterdam in April? Pin this article now, read it again later:
