Spring is a time when the sun emerges from its wintry slumber, flowers begin to flourish, and optimism is in the air. And what better way to celebrate the changing of the seasons than with a European city break? A trip to Amsterdam is a shining example of how shoulder-season travelling can put a spring (sorry) in your step. From catching the Amsterdam tulip fields in bloom to experiencing a variety of festivities and cultural events, here’s why you should visit Amsterdam in spring…
1. Warmer weather
2. King's Day
3. Tulip fields
4. Festivals
Warmer weather
One of the best things about spring in Amsterdam? The weather starts warming up. By no means will temperatures be scorching (this isn’t the Mediterranean), but cold winds and snowy conditions will have subsided. Contrary to the April showers experienced elsewhere, April is actually the driest month of the year in the Dutch capital. This makes it the ideal time to live like a local and hire a bike. Let your two wheels take you on an exploration of the city’s surrounding regions, including Weesp, Twiske and Amstelveen. For quaint waterfront windmill spotting and wooden houses, head to the charming village of Zaanse Schans (extra points if you’re there on the 2 May for National Windmill Day). Warmer spring weather also means that terraces start to open up, and cafes start to spill out onto the streets. It’s the perfect time for visiting Amsterdam’s markets, too, including Bloemenmarkt and Albert Cuyp Market, as well as hopping on a sunny boat ride down the canal.
King’s Day
Every year on the 27 April, orange-clad crowds line the city’s streets and canals to celebrate a royal birthday. King’s Day is an iconic event taking place during the spring in Amsterdam to mark the Dutch king Willem-Alexander’s birthday. With over 700,000 revellers descending upon the city, it’s an unmissable spectacle for party-goers. Experience the jubilant atmosphere as the Amstel River transforms into a sea of orange boats, street parties erupt on every corner, live music fills the air and street sellers transform the city into a huge fleamarket, selling second-hand wares. And if you’re wondering, why orange? Well, the tangerine-tinged masses dress in honour of the Dutch royal family of Orange-Nassau. Steer clear of King’s Day if you’re after a relaxing, affordable city break in Amsterdam; otherwise, dive headfirst into the wonderful chaos and embrace a roaring hangover the next day.
Image by YM studio - stock.adobe.com
Tulip fields
One of the biggest draws of Amsterdam in spring is undoubtedly the terrific tulip fields. The sight of flourishing tulips, cherry blossoms and glorious greenery is guaranteed to cure the stubborn winter blues. A sure sign that spring is in the air, the Amsterdam tulip fields, known as Bollenstreek (the ‘bulb region’), are easily accessible from the city centre, located around 25 miles away. Walk or cycle (the Dutch way) past the glorious swathes of vibrant pinks, purples, yellows and oranges stretching as far as the eye can see. To make sure you don’t miss them at their best, travel to Amsterdam from mid-April to early May to catch the full bloom. For an unforgettable floral experience, visit the pristinely manicured Keukenhof tulip gardens to see seven million bulbs of over 800 different varieties in bloom. You’re likely to leave with some enviable Instagram-worthy shots.
Festivals
Spring in Amsterdam marks the start of a slew of festivals in the capital. Among these include Meibockfestival, a celebration of the best beers in the region and beyond, along with Amsterdam Wine Festival, where you can practice some grape stomping, sample wines and enjoy live music. Fancy something a bit more cultural? Time your trip in March to coincide with Open Tower Day, when some of the most charming towers in the city open their doors to visitors. There’s also National Museum Week in April, which sees special events, exclusive exhibitions and reduced fees for many of the city’s most famous museums. Visit Amsterdam Art Week at the end of May for a programme dedicated to the contemporary art scene, showcasing work from over 300 artists in more than 70 locations across the city. Check out the event schedule at Vondelpark Open Air Theatre, too, which holds a host of concerts in the warmer months.
Written by Hannah Whitehall