Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and a popular travel destination with interesting features. The city is known for its art culture, unique architecture, ample museums, and countless attractions. Although it is not considered one of the cheapest cities to visit, it has many accommodation options. Amsterdam is a fascinating city to stay in with picturesque views and historic charm but there is an ideal time to appreciate the destination. Spring is the best time to visit Amsterdam due to many reasons. These are the top reasons for travelers to consider a spring trip to Amsterdam, one of the world’s most famous cities. 

Average Temperature This Time of Year

  • 45-70 Degrees F

Weather 

The weather in Amsterdam is the most mild and pleasant during spring. Enjoy the rising temperatures and blooming nature that surrounds you. While the temperatures are not very warm, it’s easy to appreciate the mild weather conditions. Once April begins, the days are sunnier and there’s usually less rainfall. Rain does come and go though, so travelers should research the weather conditions before planning their trip. Overall, spring brings beautiful blooms and longer days. 

The weather of Amsterdam is nice in spring.
Pictured: Amsterdam
Photo credit: Adrien Olichon / Pexels 

Travel Tip: The best time to visit Amsterdam during spring is either the end of April or the beginning of May for the prettiest views. It is recommended that travelers wear layers and come prepared with an umbrella, hat, or scarf in case it rains. 

Biking 

As is true in many European cities, Amsterdam is considered a pretty walkable travel destination. Since the capital city is known for being easily commutable, there are many ways that locals and travelers get around. The most popular ways for travelers to get around Amsterdam are via bus, on foot, tram, boat, train, or bike. Bikes are the most common type of transportation since renting a bike in the city is quite easy. Travelers can even take a self-guided bike tour around the city to see the most popular attractions and get a feel for the community. 

Travelers should bike while in Amsterdam. 
Pictured: bikes in Amsterdam
Photo credit: Gaurav Jain / Unsplash

Travel Tip: Biking is a normal part of Dutch daily life so people will not find travelers biking around the city strange. There are different cycling rules in Amsterdam though, so travelers should learn more about the bike lane and biking symbols they will need to know.  

Dutch Cuisine 

Amsterdam is famous for many different types of food and is a great destination for foodies. While the city offers travelers a plethora of dining options, visitors should try to taste an assortment of Dutch foods while they visit. Some of the best local dishes from Amsterdam include raw herring, Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken), kibbeling, and Dutch cheese (Kaas). But there are also delectable desserts to try in Amsterdam. Travelers should try tompouce, poffertjes, appeltaart and stroopwafel for a sweet treat. 

The food in Amsterdam is a great way to get to know the city. 
Pictured: Dutch pastries
Photo credit: Tamara Gore / Unsplash

Travel Tip: The National Restaurant Week held in spring is usually during March and offers an immersive food showcase. The dates of the culinary event can vary so travelers should check the exact dates before planning a trip around the experience. 

Tulip Festival 

Travelers visiting during spring will realize that it is the best time to visit Amsterdam due to its flourishing nature. Nature and flower lovers can appreciate the magnificence of the tulip. Tulips are the most famous flowers of the Netherlands and they have a notable significance in Dutch culture. To see the stunning flowers during a spring visit, plan your travels around the Tulip Festival which happens throughout the entire month of April. Festivalgoers can view and experience firsthand the vivid flower fields of Amsterdam. 

Tulips are exceptional in Amsterdam during spring. 
Pictured: Tulips in Amsterdam
Photo credit: Ana Gómez / Unsplash

Travel Tip: A visit to a tulip garden is worth it during the spring. It’s also a good idea to make sure devices are charged and comfortable shoes are worn since some flower routes can be extensive. Biking may be preferable.  

Nightlife 

Amsterdam has a thriving nightlife scene in the central areas of the city. There are many nightclubs, bars, and even jazz clubs that await for a fun night out. While travelers should always stay respectful of Dutch locals and not be rowdy, there is plenty of fun to be had. Amsterdam even has legendary clubs that are landmarks of the local party scene. Some of the most underrated places include Melkweg, Club NYX, and Shelter. The most popular nightlife places in Amsterdam are Club Prime, Escape, and The Waterhole. 

The nightlife in Amsterdam is thriving.
Pictured: Amsterdam at night
Photo credit: Mathilda Khoo / Unsplash

Travel Tip: The nightlife spots in Amsterdam stay open very late and are typically open every day of the week so travelers are not likely to miss out on the party scene.

Art Culture 

Amsterdam is known for its thriving art culture so it is a great place for art connoisseurs to travel to. This means that there is no shortage of art fairs, exhibits, and landmarks in the city. This is especially true during Amsterdam Art Week, a time when the city transforms into a hub for all types of people interested in the complex nature of art. This five-day celebration in May gathers artists, art enthusiasts, and collectors to connect while discovering museums, galleries, art spaces, and more as they explore the city.

The art culture of Amsterdam is quite popular. 
Pictured: art in Amsterdam
Photo credit:  Fons Heijnsbroek / Unsplash

Travel Tip: Some of the most popular art museums to visit in Amsterdam during the spring include the Eye Film Museum, STRAAT Museum, Museum Van Loon, and the Van Gogh Museum. 

Boat Tours Of The Canals 

The canals of Amsterdam are a famous feature that travelers should explore. As the city starts to get warmer temperatures, one can’t help but appreciate the lighter crowds of spring. While exploring the canals is popular, it should not be an overcrowded activity for travelers. The semi-open canal boats provide great views of the waterfront and a relaxing excursion. Canal cruises are a great way to enjoy the outdoors during the spring and tour the city.

Boat tours can be enjoyed in spring. 
Pictured: Amsterdam canal
Photo credit: Piotr Chrobot / Unsplash

Travel Tip: Travelers taking canal cruises should bring sunscreen since semi-open boat cruises can occur on quite sunny days. 

Beer Tasting

Travelers who want to experience the best of Amsterdam’s culture should try some hearty Dutch beer. There are beer tastings of some of the freshest brews all across the city during the spring. Beer tastings are also a great chance to discover local spots and breweries too. Travelers can book the Heineken Experience, bus brewery tours, wine and beer experiences, and craft beer tastings. Heineken is the world’s second-largest brewer of pale lagers so travelers are in for an exciting experience if they like beer. 

Travelers should try the beer in Amsterdam. 
Pictured: bar in Amsterdam
Photo credit: Davide Colella / Unsplash 

Travel Tip: Travelers should remember that drinking alcohol in public spaces is illegal in Amsterdam, so while they can enjoy a drink at a brewery or bar, it is important to respect the law. 

Adult Tourism Stops 

There are many spaces in Amsterdam that only adults can explore. For instance, the Red Light District of Amsterdam is one of the most popular areas that visitors enjoy. This area shows a more mature side of Amsterdam. Take a tour of the district through a guided walking experience that highlights landmarks of the Dutch sex industry. Visitors can also stop at Amsterdam’s sex museums or learn more about the cafe culture where people can partake in cannabis legally.

The Red Light District is a unique area of Amsterdam. 
Pictured: Red Light District sign
Photo credit: Jordan Merrick / Unsplash

Travel Tip: Amsterdam’s Red Light District is not an attraction but a neighborhood that travelers should be respectful of should they visit. Travelers should be over 18 if they choose to partake in any entertainment in the area. 

Amsterdam is an exciting and interesting place to visit with unique cultural offerings. Travelers should note that the best time to visit Amsterdam is during spring when the city is the most pleasant. The city is a great place to take a trip for many different types of travelers. Those interested in history, art, nature, cultural cuisine, and more will enjoy a trip to Amsterdam during the spring.