Which are the best programs for tourists in Amsterdam in May?

So you are planning a trip to Amsterdam in May? Which are the coolest and best activities for tourists coming to visit the city in the last month of spring? There are lots of places worth visiting, and you should be prepared for frequent occasional showers, so you better put both indoor and outdoor activities on your list. Here we will give you a few recommendations for awesome activities in Amsterdam in May.

Once again, Amsterdam has very unstable weather, and there are almost never a week passing by without rain showers a couple of times. But, the best advice is still to look at the weather forecast before you come to get an estimate about what kind of weather you can expect. And even though it is raining quite a lot, it is still fantastic to know that when it isn’t raining in May, Amsterdam is a city with temperatures between 15 and 25 Celsius, making it fantastic for those who want to be outdoor and explore the city.

Now that you have some basic information, let us give you some recommendations for great programs in Amsterdam in May!

Fantastic May activities in and around Amsterdam.

Learn more about Dutch culture at Zaanse Schans.

It is strange to think about it, but a large part of the Netherlands is below the sea-level. As a result, the country is built on piles. An important part in protecting the country against the water was building dams (thereof Amster-dam), and then to use wind-mills, or water-mills, to protect the land and to send the water back to where it came from so that the soil could be used for agriculture or building houses. If you travel to Zaanse Schans which is just outside Amsterdam you can see mills and walk around inside of them, you can see how they make the typical Dutch clogs, and you can even visit a cheese-farm. In other words, a perfect place to visit for tourists who want to learn more about the Dutch culture.

Explore the city on a bicycle (only if you have experience)!

For someone visiting Amsterdam and the Netherlands for the first time it feels extreme to see thousands of bikes parked next to one another next to the big railway stations and elsewhere in the bigger cities. The Dutch people love their bikes, and as a result, it is a biker-friendly country. That is why you will find lots of places where you can rent a bike in the city of Amsterdam, which means that you can later explore the city on your own. There are few activities nicer than a bicycle trip around the canals and through the parks of Amsterdam on a nice day in May.

But, you should also be warned… the people of Amsterdam, the tram-drivers, and the cars, are used to the fact that Dutch people know how to behave in traffic with bicycles. If you come with no experience and little practice, it can actually be dangerous to travel around Amsterdam on a bicycle, because you are way more likely to make a mistake than the experienced locals. In other words, be careful, practice a little bit before you arrive to Amsterdam, and maybe join a guided tour on bicycle in Amsterdam as the local guide will help you get a good start and get used to the traffic before you go out to explore the city on your own.

Which museums do you want to visit?

It is raining, the wind is blowing, and you are looking for an indoor program. Which museum should you visit? Amsterdam has more museums per inhabitant than any other city in Europe, so you have a lot to choose from, but which is the right place to go for you and those you are traveling with?

Do you travel with kids who want to experience and see something fun? “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” is a museum in which you can see very strange objects, some real, others totally made up. What you see will amuse you and make you stand in awe and maybe even laugh. A great place to go for families on a rainy day in May in Amsterdam.

What if you want to educate yourself on the topic of the history of Amsterdam? You have already studied and learnt about the wind-mills of the Netherlands, now it is time for some more general history. You should visit the “Amsterdam Museum“. Here you can learn about how the city evolved into the capital of the fantastic country, and also about the history of the Dutch colonies.

Would you like to learn more about the sex industry in Amsterdam? How did it all start? Why did it become legal to work as a prostitute in Amsterdam? What is life like as a prostitute in Amsterdam? You can learn much more about these and other topics in the “Sexmuseum Amsterdam” and also in the “Red Light Secrets: Museum of Prostitution.

Most people who come to Amsterdam comes with the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House in mind. Those are great places to go, but do not forget to buy your tickets in advance, because it is almost impossible to buy tickets directly, especially for the Anne Frank House.

Keukenhof is a must!

Have you read our article about what you should do in Amsterdam in April? One of the most important places to go in April is to Keukenhof, the beautiful garden with millions of flowers blooming at that time of the year. We have some more good news for you! Keukenhof is normally open in the first weeks of May as well, so if you come in the start of May, find out if Keukenhof is open and if it is, buy your tickets and join a trip to the park as soon as possible.

Keukenhof is only open for approximately 2 months in total per year, so your chances of visiting the place is limited. As a result, you should definitely visit Keukenhof if you are lucky enough to visit Amsterdam and the Netherlands during the time of the year in which it is possible to visit this area.

keukenhof day-trip from Amsterdam

If you decide to rent a car, then the travel time from Amsterdam to Keukenhof by car is about 45 minutes.

Check out our calendar to find out about concerts, exhibitions, or other temporary programs in Amsterdam!

There are lots of concerts in Amsterdam all year around. It is hard to feature those in an article with general information and advice about what to do in Amsterdam in May. So, instead of trying to write about those here, we’d rather recommend that you look at our article about “what’s happening in Amsterdam” to find out more about upcoming temporary programs such as concerts, running competitions, exhibitions, sports events, and other things going on.


These are some thoughts and ideas for awesome programs in Amsterdam in May. But, do not forget that we could have written about lots of other programs as well. No matter when you come to Amsterdam, it is recommended to buy tickets for a canal cruise of some sort. Maybe you should go on a normal sightseeing trip, or you can buy tickets for a cheese and wine tasting trip on the canals of Amsterdam, or maybe a pizza trip?

The fantastic museums of Amsterdam are worth visiting all year around, and the most famous of them all is Rijksmuseum. Here you have the biggest collection of Dutch painters, but also lots of international artists featured. If you want a smaller museums, then the Rembrandt House is a gem you will be happy to take a closer look at.

All in all, Amsterdam is a fantastic city and you have a lot to look forward to.

If you have further comments, questions, or ideas, write them in the comment field below!

Amsterdam in April: What to do? What will the weather be like?

As the daffodils bloom and the sun gently warms the canals in Amsterdam in April, visitors come to the Netherlands and Amsterdam in big numbers. The country and its capital Amsterdam offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. From relaxing bike rides through the city’s charming streets to vibrant tulip fields at Keukenhof, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this magical time of year.

The weather in Amsterdam in April.

April in Amsterdam marks the transition from the cool, damp days of winter to the milder temperatures of spring. While it’s wise to pack layers to accommodate the occasional chilly breeze, temperatures typically range from 7°C to 13°C. Those are average numbers, which means you can be lucky and enjoy much warmer temperatures, but you might also experience even colder weather.

As you visit the Netherlands it is crucial to know that rainweather is very common. As a result, you should always bring an umbrella and a rain coat to be prepared. However, don’t let the possibility of rain discourage you – Amsterdam’s beauty shines even in rainy weather.

Recommended activities in Amsterdam in April.

Explore the City by Bicycle:

With its flat terrain and extensive network of bike paths, Amsterdam is a cyclist’s paradise. Renting a bicycle is not only an eco-friendly way to explore the city but it also allows you to navigate the narrow streets and picturesque bridges with ease. Pedal along the iconic canals, past historic landmarks like the Anne Frank House and the Westerkerk, and through vibrant neighborhoods such as Jordaan and De Pijp.

If you haven’t used a bicycle in a long time, be very careful and wear a helmet (even though the locals seldom do). You should be especially careful as you cross the different roads and tram lines.

biking in amsterdam

Walk in the different parks of Amsterdam.

The parks of Amsterdam comes to life in April, and they are wonderful places to relax and to see what spring is like to locals. The most famous park is Vondelpark, the city’s largest green space. It is heaven for cyclists, joggers, and picnickers alike. Take a stroll through its winding paths, rent a paddleboat on the lake, or simply relax on a bench and enjoy the atmosphere of the park.

Would you like to relax in an even more quiet park? You should visit either the Westerpark or Sarphatipark, both fantastic for having a peaceful moment amidst nature’s beauty.

Canal Cruise.

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without experiencing its iconic canals. Hop aboard a canal cruise and explore the city without moving your legs as you pass by elegant canal houses, historic bridges, and charming houseboats. If you want to learn even more, join a canal cruise with a live guide or an audio guide. On such cruises you can learn more about the different buildings you see, giving you even more value.

Don’t you want to listen to a guide? Buy tickets for a canal cruise where you eat cheese, drink wine, or taste pizza! There are lots of relaxing and enjoyable cruises where it is all about pleasure, and not at all about learning.

canal cruise in amsterdam

No trip to Amsterdam in April is complete without a day-trip to Keukenhof.

April is synonymous with tulips in the Netherlands, and a visit to Keukenhof is an absolute must during this time of year. Just a short drive or train ride from Amsterdam, Keukenhof is the world’s largest flower garden, boasting over seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in full bloom. As you visit the park you can walk through themed gardens, marvel at intricately designed flower displays, and capture Instagram-worthy photos amid a sea of blossoms.

The easiest way to visit Keukenhof is on an organized tour from Amsterdam. If you have a car, or want to use public transportation that is also possible, but it is a little bit more complicated than joining an organized tour.

It will most likely rain a little bit during your April trip to Amsterdam… what to do then?

If the weather takes a turn for the worse, fear not – Amsterdam offers a wealth of indoor attractions to explore. Seek refuge from the rain in world-class museums such as the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, or the Van Gogh Museum, where you can admire the works of the Dutch master himself. Feel the joy and inspiration as you watch some of the most famous masterpieces from human history and learn about art, history, and culture as you wander through these hallowed halls, taking shelter from April showers while immersing yourself in the beauty of Amsterdam’s artistic heritage.

van gogh museum in amsterdam

In other words, you should almost hope for some rain, because it will give you an excuse to visit these and many other fantastic museums in Amsterdam. And do not forget, Amsterdam is the city in Europe with most museums per inhabitant, so no matter what you are interested in, you will find a museum suitable for you in Amsterdam.

Let us sum it all up – Amsterdam in April!

In conclusion, April in Amsterdam is a time of renewal and discovery, where the city awakens from its winter slumber to embrace the vibrant spirit of spring. Whether you’re cruising along the canals, exploring the fantastic parks, or marveling at the beauty of blooming tulips, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the magic of Amsterdam during this enchanting time of year.

So pack your bags, grab your umbrella, and prepare to fall in love with this captivating city in the heart of the Netherlands.

Would you like to read more about concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and other temporary programs in Amsterdam? Look at our Amsterdam calendar to find out more about what’s going on in Amsterdam in the coming weeks and months!

Time to visit Keukenhof 2015

Keukenhof
Keukenhof

If it is spring then it is time to visit Keukenhof which is one of the most beautiful parks in Holland. Keukenhof has over 7 millions flower bulbs and 800 varieties of tulips just about to bloom. Beside the beautiful flowers visitors can enjoy particular and breathtaking flower shows, art works and several other events as well.

2015 is the year of Van Gogh so on this special and unique occasion visitors can check the spectacular flower bulb mosaic of a self portrait of Van Gogh which is made out of thousands of tulips. Apart from all the interesting flower shows the Keukenhof is an excellent program for children and families as well. Keukenhof gives home to several children’s activities such as the treasure hunt, the petting farm, the maze and the playground.

The admission price for adults cost € 16, for children under 3 is for free, ticket for children from 4 to 11 year cost € 8.
In 2015 Keukenhof is open from 20th March to 17th May every day from 8 in the morning until 7.30 in the evening.

If you want more inforation about tours to the park, visit the following page.

The National Tulip Day in Amsterdam 2015

This year the National Tulip Day will be held again in Amsterdam. The tulip season officially starts in January when the National Tulip Day is back in town.

National Tulip Day 2015

This year won’t be any different from the previous years and the National Tulip Day will return to Amsterdam on Saturday 17th January in 2015. Everyone is welcome to join to this special and unique event in Amsterdam and everyone is invited to pick tulips for free. Each year the National Tulip Day takes place in the heart of the city just right at the Dam Square which turns into a big tulip garden on this day with countless various tulips.

The National Tulip Day became one of the most popular events in Amsterdam and every year over 1.7 billion Dutch attend the event. On this day the Dutch tulip growers transform Dam Square into a giant temporary garden where over 200.000 tulips are waiting for to be picked. The National Tulip Day will be held this year on Saturday 17th January 2015 at the Dam Square in Amsterdam. Picking flowers are free for every visitors.

Dam Square
1012 JS AMSTERDAM

If you would rather go to Keukenhof to see the tulips there, read more about excursion opportunities here.

Now is the time to visit Keukenhof 2014

Spring in Holland means time to visit Keukenhof. In 2014 the beautiful and amazing park will be open from March 20th until May 18th. If you come to Holland and to Amsterdam in this period, make sure to visit this incredible park.

Keukenhof Holland

Tulips are beautiful, but when you see them in beautiful order and millions of them together, then you will be simply amazed, and that is what will happen if you visit Keukenhof in this period. To visit the park you could join an organised trip to the park every single day in this period. If that sounds interesting, you can read more about such trips on our Keukenhof day trip page.

Enjoy your trip, and do not forget to bring your camera, because you are about to make some amazing pictures and to bring home memories for life!