April is undoubtedly the best time to take a trip to Amsterdam, with exciting events and the world-famous tulip bloom that draws crowds from around the world. For the discerning traveler who likes to travel both prudently and stylishly, these are all the reasons you should experience the beauty of Amsterdam in April.
THE ICONIC TULIP
This humble flower is as synonymous with the Netherlands as windmills and clogs, and April is prime tulip season – you’ll find them in full bloom. If you’re wondering when to go to Amsterdam, April’s technicolored fields of gorgeous flowers may sway your opinion. People from all over the world flock to see the vistas of vibrant tulips stretching as far as the eye can see. At the heart of this marvel is Bollenstreek, the flower bulb region near Amsterdam that boasts the best displays of Tulips, as well as several more floral delights.
WHERE TO FIND TULIPS
If you’re visiting Amsterdam in April, you’ll time it just right to see the famous Tulip Festival: where the whole city is filled with beautiful tulip displays. From planters dotted around quaint neighborhoods to flowerbeds floating in the Rijksmuseum fountain, you’ll find it hard not to find tulips in the city.
Just outside Amsterdam, a must-visit will be the town of Lisse, where you’ll find the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. Here, seven million blooming flowers paint the landscape with their floral brush strokes, creating one of the most charming sights one could hope to see.
When visiting, try use the Flower Map to see which flowers are in bloom in the Bollenstreek, helping you plan scenic bicycle routes and navigate the gorgeous countryside at your own leisure.
The Flower Parade is a huge part of the Amsterdam Tulip Festival, spanning 26 miles from Noordwijk to Haarlem. This colorful spectacle of floats adorned with lovely flowers embodies Amsterdam’s aesthetic class and wholesome connection to nature.
KING’S DAY
Another fantastic event that takes place in Amsterdam in April (as well as in the rest of the country) is King’s Day: celebrating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. Mark April 27th in your calendar as one of the biggest, and possibly the best, street parties in Europe. On the evening before, the whole city flocks to the streets wearing Dutch colors of orange, filling pubs, dancing to live music, enjoying street performances, and reveling in festivities that last well into the next morning.
On King’s Day itself, you’ll find Amsterdam bustling with street markets and flea markets that are treasure troves of second-hand goods. Buzzing with energy, backdropped by the gorgeous colors of tulips in bloom, the city is one of the most vibrant and stylish places to be.
AMSTERDAM WEATHER IN APRIL
As a low-lying coastal country in Northern Europe, the Netherlands is generally quite mild and damp throughout the year. But the country, including its famed capital Amsterdam, emerges in April from its winter chill, making it the first month of when one can comfortably enjoy outdoor activities. With average highs of 12°C (54°F), you’ll feel a noticeable difference from March’s averages of 6°C (42°F). It is also the month with the least rainfall, despite the proverbial ‘April showers’ rule of thumb. Plus, you get an average of 14 hours of daylight, perfect for getting outside to explore and see the city’s most famous sights, whether you’re heading to Anne frank house, Van Gogh museum, or taking a day trip to keukenhof. You may even consider a canal cruise, which in April is at its most stunning as you’ll be able to point out all the gorgeous tulips lining the surrounding streets.
SOFTEN THE COST BY GOING GUIDED
Amsterdam in April is buzzing, busy and full of tourists thanks to that famous little flower we love so much. So with greater crowds come greater prices, particularly with accommodation. That’s why taking a guided tour with Insight Vacations is one of the best ways to visit the Netherlands in spring: your prices are fixed and don’t fluctuate with the seasons. Once you’ve paid for your tour, that’s it. All your accommodation, dining and ground transport is already booked and included, meaning you know exactly what you’re paying for. This way, you’ll experience all the sights and insights of holland in spring, without facing the prices of peak season.
