Looking for fun things to do during springtime in Amsterdam? There are plenty of enjoyable activities in our capital, both outdoors and indoors, and on chillier days (unfortunately, our spring is full of them). We did some research and compiled a list of the 21 most enjoyable things to do in spring in Amsterdam. Enjoy!
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To do during spring in Amsterdam
Culinary food walk with Le Foodwalk Amsterdam
You’ll probably have noticed by now that going on a Le Foodwalk is one of our favourite culinary activities at the moment. Every weekend, various food walks are organised per neighbourhood with different restaurants. With a map on your phone, you’ll be guided to the most enjoyable spots in Amsterdam and discover the culinary highlights of the respective neighbourhood along the way. With each Le Foodwalk, you’ll get five dishes and two drinks.
Verschillende buurten, lefoodwalk.myshopify.com
Enjoy a delicious ice cream
As soon as it gets warmer, it seems like all of Amsterdam is made up of ice cream parlours. But not all ice cream shops are created equal – so having a good overview is beneficial. Some of the tastiest soft-serve ice cream in Amsterdam can be found at places like Stach (vegan!), Tea Up, and Van der Linden. Prefer traditional gelato? Then check out this list of the 19 best ice cream parlours in Amsterdam.
© Tea Up, @teaup_original
Visit one of Amsterdam’s best museums
Few cities are blessed with as many excellent museums as Amsterdam. Even in spring, a visit to one of Amsterdam’s finest museums is a must. For those who have already explored the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum, there’s no need to despair: STRAAT and NXT Museum (both in Amsterdam-Noord) are equally surprising and inspiring.
Amsterdam’s best terraces
In spring and summer, Amsterdam is the ultimate terrace city. The list of Amsterdam’s best terraces is endless, but we do have some favourites. De Willem has been a delightful addition to the Haarlemmerbuurt for over a year now, and their terrace is pleasant and often has space. Café De Twee Prinsen has evolved over the past years into a cult and meeting place where you can endure the warmest summer days while sipping your glass of natural wine. For those who prefer to seek refreshment on hot days, Vooges aan ‘t IJ is the place to be, located where Meneer Nieges used to be. Thanks to its location, you can enjoy a gentle breeze and ample shade. And, of course, there are still plenty of classics, such as the Ysbreeker and all of the establishments at the Marie Heinekenplein.
© Café Marcella, @cafemarcella
Discover Amsterdam North
By now, the number of great eateries in Amsterdam North is countless. Just ‘hopping’ from one to another could fill a whole day. Our favourites include Proeflokaal Abraham Kef at Van der Pekplein for a drink with a cheese platter, Papa Tang by the water near Distelstraat, all the restaurants in the row of Bar Benelux, and of course, the newest coffee spots like the recently opened NO-YUSU. If you find it hard to choose, occasional food walks are also organised by Le Foodwalk, so all you have to do is follow the route and enjoy the rest.
On warm days, you can soak up summer vibes at Pllek or escape the heat at FC Hyena (complete with a cinema) or at STRAAT – a museum dedicated to street art. For nightlife, Noord is the place to be: Garage Noord, Schietclub, and Skatecafe always have something going on.
More fun things to do during spring in Amsterdam
Street art tour
From Amsterdam West to the Jordaan, there’s plenty of street art to be seen in our capital. If you’re not aware of it, you might just pass it by. But after taking a street art tour, you’ll never look at the city in the same way again. If you stick to one neighbourhood, the tour might be walkable. Otherwise, consider renting a bike and immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s traffic.
Swimming outside
We’ve already had a brief taste of warm spring weather. It was a beautiful couple of days, but we’re sure there’s more to come. On those days, you’d preferably take a dip in ice-cold water. Luckily, Amsterdam has plenty of lovely swimming spots. The Marineterrein is bustling with people on warm days, but places like Zwemsteiger het Eikenhout in the Houthavens are less well-known. And if you feel like getting out of the city for a bit, why not visit the Ouderkerkerplas? Just the bike ride along the Amstel is already a treat.
© De Westkrant, @de_westkrant
Go on a boat trip
What could be more idyllic than cruising along the canals of Amsterdam? It’s a great way to see the city from a completely different perspective. And the best part is that there are plenty of terraces where you can dock for a quick pit stop or a drink, like Café Marcella or the elegant Amstel Hotel. And if you don’t have your own boat, you can always rent one.
Kayaking or canoeing along the canals
We’ll stay on the water for a moment. For those who don’t have a boat (or friends with one) or prefer not to rent, there are other options. How about spending an afternoon canoeing or kayaking on the Amsterdam canals? It’s a sporty and fun way to explore the city from the water.
Urban beaches and beach clubs in Amsterdam
Kaap, Pllek, IJburg, and the Sloterplas: these urban beaches in Amsterdam are perfect for enjoying on warmer spring days. In our opinion, there’s nothing better on such occasions than taking a dip in the water and enjoying a nice beach. You’ll definitely get into the summer vibes at one of these places with beach club vibes in Amsterdam.
© Sloterplas, @sloterplas
More fun ideas to do during spring in Amsterdam
All day brunch
Extensive brunching may have originated as a trend in The States, but we love to incorporate it into our lives. We can think of worse ways to spend a Sunday morning than having a leisurely meal with a group of friends and the necessary mimosas. So be sure to take a look at our list of the best brunch restaurants in Amsterdam.
Discover new restaurants
It seems like new restaurants are popping up like mushrooms every day. The list is almost impossible to keep up with. So, if you have a lovely spring evening ahead, why not embark on a culinary adventure and visit one of Amsterdam’s newest restaurants?
© Restaurante Testamatta
Fruittuin van West
The Fruittuin van West (fruit garden) is fun for both young and old. Because let’s face it: picking your own strawberries, tomatoes, and blackberries is a joy, isn’t it? Especially when accompanied by a lovely spring sunshine. In addition to picking your own produce, there’s a large terrace attached to the organic café. Perfect for enjoying a refreshing drink while basking in the glow of your freshly harvested fruits.
Tom Schreursweg 48, Amsterdam, fruittuinvanwest.nl
Geitenboerderij at Amsterdamse Bos
The Goat Farm (Geitenboerderij) in the Amsterdamse Bos is a well-known attraction in Amsterdam and its surroundings. Every spring, the lambs are tiny and eagerly eat from your hand. You can also cuddle with them if you’re careful. After enjoying some quality time, treat yourself and your little one to a delicious soft-serve ice cream made from goat’s milk.
Nieuwe Meerlaan 4, Amstelveen, geitenboerderij.nl
© Geitenboerderij, @geitenboerderij
More fun things to do during spring in Amsterdam
Cycle to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel
When the weather is truly nice and the wind isn’t too strong, you can fully enjoy a pleasant bike ride along the Amstel – all the way to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. Once there, you can reward yourself with an extensive lunch at one of the nicest hotspots that Ouderkerk has to offer.
Visit a Sunday Market
The Pure Markt and the Amsterdam Sunday Market are an absolute hit with young and old alike. The Pure Markt is a travelling market in and around Amsterdam, offering fresh products and Sunday snacks, often setting up in the cosy Park Frankendael. While you’re there, also consider visiting Merckelbach or trying to secure a table at De Kas.
The Sunday Market is also a travelling market. It lands in Westerpark every first Sunday of the month, in De Hallen every second Sunday of the month, and on Rokin every last Sunday of the month. At the Sunday Market, you’ll find creations by designers and artists.
Blossoming trees in Amsterdamse Bos
Few places are as breathtaking as the blossoming cherry blossoms in the Amsterdamse Bos. Every year, in March and April, the trees are in full bloom, and all of Amsterdam gathers at this spot to enjoy this special time. If you have the freedom, try going on a weekday morning. Then you can quietly appreciate the beautiful surroundings.
Barbecue at the park
Not every park allows you to barbecue, but in the places where it’s permitted, it’s always a lively atmosphere. Before stocking up on meat, it’s a good idea to check out our list of parks for barbecuing in Amsterdam. Personally, we often find ourselves in Westerpark, Darwinplantsoen, and at the Sloterplas.
More fun things to do in Amsterdam during spring
Spotting tulips
In addition to blossoms, tulips also bloom in spring! Thanks to the Tulip Festival, you can spot bins full of colorful tulips throughout the city. It’s a picturesque sight and a fun route for a bike ride through the center of Amsterdam.
Picking flowers in an Amsterdam picking garden
Amsterdam has various picking gardens where you can assemble your own bouquet of flowers for a small fee or pick the freshest fruit straight from the tree. The aforementioned Fruittuin van West is a cosy option, but there are also picking gardens in the vicinity of Amsterdam where you can pick your own apples. A fun activity for young and old – perhaps even one of the most enjoyable spring activities in Amsterdam.
Food festivals
Spring and summer guarantee a wide array of food festivals in Amsterdam! We traditionally kick off the season with Rollende Keukens, but soon after, it’s followed by Bacchus Wine Festival, TREK Amsterdam, and Kwaku Festival. Each of them is the ultimate spot to enjoy the spring and summer sun.
more Amsterdam tips
© Rollende keukens, @rollendekeukens
Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙
⋙
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Youseum
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-!
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour
| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>
Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
