What to see & do in Amsterdam in April

Are you considering visiting Amsterdam in April and unsure whether it is the right time to go? Great news- you’ve come to the right place, as I recently spent our spring break in Amsterdam in early April.

Follow along as I guide you through what makes April a fantastic time to visit this northern region of Europe. My family and I had an amazing vacation and I eagerly recommend traveling to the Netherlands in the spring over the busy summer months. Let’s get going!

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Tips for Visiting the Netherlands in April

Amsterdam in the spring is lovely. If you are short on time and want a quick summary, read below-

Fewer crowds
Enjoy tulip season
Weather is milder
Hotels are more affordable than high-season
Have Apple Pay set up as many vendors take it

April views of Amsterdam, photo credit: R. Schwartz

What to Pack

Since Spring weather fluctuates, you will want many layers and a good rain jacket. Here are my suggestions for a great trip-

Shoulder Season

The shoulder season is my favorite time to travel. As I get older and travel with my three kids, I detest large crowds paired with heat. My kids are very active, and waiting a long time to see attractions or walking through historical sites/museums with large crowds is a no-go for our family.

April is an ideal time to travel, especially in Europe. You avoid the mad dash of international visitors and European vacationers in August. Crowds are lower, prices are better, restaurants aren’t as crowded, and the weather is mild. Fall is another great time to visit too.

Amsterdam’s canals during a spring sunset, photo credit: R. Schwartz

Spring Weather in Amsterdam

Weather in the spring is always unpredictable whether you are in Europe or the US. As the season transitions from the cold winter months, you start to see milder temperatures. The tricky part of spring, especially early spring, is that sometimes you still experience the cold. However, the temperatures are generally milder and not hot yet.

Amsterdam Average Temps in April

Average highs- mid 50’s
Average lows- low 40’s

Best Things to do in Amsterdam in April

You can’t visit Amsterdam without stopping by some of these sites or miss out on an authentic Dutch experience.

1. Anne Frank House

Entrance to the Anne Frank House, photo credit: R. Schwartz

A visit to Amsterdam isn’t complete without a stop at the Anne Frank House. Here you will learn the brave story of two families who hid in the attic from the Nazis arresting Jews across Western Europe. This is a somber but impactful experience that I highly recommend.

Tips:

Buy your tickets ASAP. The window opens 6 weeks in advance- set an alarm as these tickets go fast, and if you wait, they will be gone.
The house is open for all ages, but if you decide to take your young kids, read my guide on tips and insight as we took our 6,9, and 11-year-olds.

2. Canal Tour

Pure Boats Canal Tour, photo credit: R. Schwartz

Cruising through the city on a canal tour is one of the best ways to see this magnificent city. I highly recommend Pure Boats for their top-notch service and excellent and informative guides. Our tour highlighted the history of Amsterdam with fun quirks and facts about the city.

Since the weather in April can be fickle, Pure Boats is the way to go as the boats are comfortable, heated, and cozy. Our guide provided blankets, delicious apple pie, complimentary drinks, and chocolates to enjoy as we slowly cruised through town.

Book your canal cruise NOW by clicking HERE!

3. Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof Gardens, photo credit: R. Schwartz

Ok, this is one of the highlights of my April vacation. From mid-March to mid-May, tulips cover the fields outside Amsterdam for a stunning visual. If you are overwhelmed on the best way to see this majestic, then book a ticket to Keukenhof Gardens.

At the Gardens, guests explore almost 80 acres of meticulously painted tulips in stunning displays and patterns. There are restaurants, a playground, bike rentals or boat rides, and plenty of photo opportunities.

Pro tip: Due to the popularity of the botanical gardens during tulip season, I highly suggest booking tickets early, avoiding weekends and/or holidays, or going early in the morning on those days.

Book your ticket to Keukenhof Gardens NOW by clicking HERE!

4. Ajax Stadium Tour

Stadium Tour of Ajax, photo credit: R. Schwartz

If you want to see a professional football club up close, I recommend the Ajax stadium tour. You can walk through the locker room, sit in the stands, and see the field. They offer several different tour options. If you have sports fans in your traveling group, I highly recommend it.

Book your Ajax Stadium Tour NOW by clicking HERE!

5. Try a Stroopwafel

Van Wonderen Stroopwaffel, photo credit: R. Schwartz

You can’t visit the Netherlands without trying an authentic stroopwafel- trust me, it’s much better than anything you will buy in America that is store-bought. You must experience a fresh, sweet treat to enhance your Dutch visit.

Queens, Van Wonderen Stroopwaffel, or FA Stroop are popular places to try. Social Media videos have brought lots of attention to these shops so anticipate lines, especially if visiting during a busy season or a holiday.

Learning how to make a stroopwafel would be an incredible experience too. Click HERE to book your authentic stroopwafel workshop.

6. Heineken Experience

Amsterdam is home to one of the most iconic beers, Heineken. Guests can engage in a self-guided tour of the facility, learn the company’s history, and partake in a small tasting. Visitors rave about the experience.

Book your Heineken Tour NOW by clicking HERE!

7. Van Gogh Museum

A visit to the Van Gogh Museum must be on your to-do list. You will see firsthand hundreds of original Van Gogh pieces and his personal letters. Every year, the museum rotates out temporary exhibits as well.

Van Gogh Museum, photo credit: Allison Green

Tip: Book early! We waited too late, and our dates were sold out. Once you have your dates arranged, go ahead and book your tickets. Click HERE to book your ticket!

8. King’s Day

King’s Day, photo credit: Lauren Green

The Dutch celebrate a national holiday in late April, King’s Day. Residents deck out head to toe in orange to celebrate the royal family. Guests of all ages partake in the festivities. Walk by the canals and see all the partygoers having a good time on the boats.

Are you looking to pair Amsterdam with another city for an April trip? Check out my guide on Paris in April.

9. Jordaan District

Jordaan is a trendy neighborhood in Amsterdam. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll notice beautiful homes, picturesque canals, delicious restaurants, and fun shops. We enjoyed a tasty dinner at the Pancake Bakery.

More than likely, you will naturally spend time here as the Anne Frank House is here, and many canal tours can be toured through this neighborhood. If, for some reason, you don’t have plans to visit Jordaan, then carve out some time to walk through it.

10. Foodhallen

Foodhallen, photo credit: R. Schwartz

Foodhallen is a contemporary market bustling with stalls offering the latest and greatest food trends and traditional items. For instance, visitors can enjoy a meal of pizza, pita, Indian food, BBQ, meatballs, Vietnamese, French, etc. Everyone will find something to satisfy their palette.

Tip: Due to its popularity, the market can get crowded quickly. We went on a Friday night after work hours and waited long to order food as residents congregated after work. Aim for early, or just be patient if busy!!

11. Market

Noordermarkt,, photo credit: R. Schwartz

If you are in town on a Monday or Saturday, check out Noordermarkt, a fun and lively market in Jordaan District. You can try and purchase fresh bread, dessert, fruit, and meats. We enjoyed a lovely lunch pieced together by market purchases.

12. Day Trips

If you have several days in Amsterdam, consider hopping on a train to see more. For instance, you could visit Rotterdam, Giethoorn, Brussels, or Bruges.

In Conclusion: What to see & do in Amsterdam in April

I hope my guide on the best things to do in Amsterdam in April help you plan your next great adventure.

🇳🇱Netherlands Resources🇳🇱
Fall in Amsterdam
Amsterdam in April
Best Canal Tours in Amsterdam
Review of the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam
Best Time to see Tulips in Amsterdam
Guide to Bike Rentals in Keukenhof Gardens
Should you take kids to the Anne Frank House?