April is a great time to visit Amsterdam. The tulips are starting to bloom, the weather is (hopefully!) starting to get better and there’s all sorts going on in the city. We’ve picked out some of the top things to do over Easter in Amsterdam. If you’re planning a visit, read on to find out what fun things you can get up to.
Amsterdam’s main attractions and most shops are open over the Easter weekend. However, they may close a little earlier – just make sure to check the relevant website or call ahead when planning your visit.
There will be lots of people heading to Amsterdam over the Easter break so it will feel quite busy in the city. Try to visit museums or galleries early in the day and make reservations where possible if you’re planning to eat out.
1. See Amsterdam in Bloom
In April, thousands of tulips bloom all across the city. Seeing the colourful displays has to be one of the top things to do over Easter in Amsterdam.
The Amsterdam Tulip Festival takes place from the 1st until the 30th April. With the second half of April promising the brightest and most beautiful blooms, Easter in Amsterdam is the perfect time to see tulips at their best.
Over 80 locations throughout the city are participating in the festival. You can see a lot of displays for free by simply wandering the streets of Amsterdam. Some, however, are in museums or private residences where normal ticket prices will apply. Visit the Amsterdam Tulip Festival website to see all the participating venues.
If you fancy a trip out of the city, why not pay a visit to the world famous Keukenhof gardens or the many tulip fields just outside of Amsterdam?
Image courtesy: Iamexpat.nl
Visiting as a group? Book your dorm room in Amsterdam!
2. Go to a Gig
There are some great gigs scheduled around Easter in Amsterdam. Why not go check out an artist you’ve never seen live before?
Amsterdam may be known more as a hotspot for dance music. However, you can also catch some great live music in the city.
We’ve got our eye on tickets for Birdy in Royal Theater Carré on April 11th. The artist who won The Female Artist of the Year Award at the Pop Awards last year is touring Europe this spring, and it would be a shame to miss her!
Royal Theater Carré
Amstel 115 /125
1018 EM
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
When:
11th April 8.00pm
Admission:
Tickets: from €37.55
Image courtesy: Tunefind.com
3. Treat Yourself to Easter Brunch
If you’ve had a big night out in the city, why not treat yourself to a tasty Easter brunch in Amsterdam?
If you’ve hit the town over the long weekend, then you’ll no doubt want to aid your recovery the following morning with a hearty and delicious Easter brunch in Amsterdam (and maybe a Bloody Mary if you’re feeling extra fragile … !)
There’s plenty of fantastic brunch-serving establishments to choose from in Amsterdam but to cure a hangover we always return to Bakers & Roasters.
Their eclectic menu offers up breakfast classics with a Kiwi / Brazilian twist (its founders hail from these two countries). From Navajo Eggs with Chorizo to Kumara Hash and Eggs Florentine, your only real problem will be deciding what to choose.
Both locations (one in Central Amsterdam and one in De Pijp) are both extremely popular so if you’re planning to go, try and get yourself out of bed and beat the queues … If the weather is nice, head to their Kadijksplein branch as it’s got a large, sunny terrace.
Bakers & Roasters
Kadijksplein 16
1018 AC
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm
4. Have a Picnic in the Park
Take an afternoon to kick back and relax in one of Amsterdam’s many green spaces.
Sometimes, the best thing to do over a long weekend is just about nothing at all. That’s why one of our favourite things to do over the Easter weekend in Amsterdam is to grab some treats from a local deli (Renzo’s is one our go-to spots), head along to one of the city’s many parks or forests and enjoy a lazy afternoon picnicking under the trees.
Amsterdam’s most well-known green space is probably Vondelpark, but you’ll also find Oosterpark, Flevopark and Sarphatipark all within easy reach of central Amsterdam.
If you’re looking for something a bit wilder, then why not head along to Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) a huge woodland three times the size of New York’s Central Park. You’ll find beautiful foliage and fauna, and lots of great spots to enjoy a picnic.
Amsterdam’s parks and green spaces are free to enjoy and most are open 24 hours a day.
Image courtesy: Lastminutesamsterdam.com
Too wet for a picnic? Check out our guide to the best places to eat in Amsterdam
5. Wander Around an Outdoor Market
Amsterdam’s outdoor markets come to life in the spring and there’s plenty of treats to be found if you pay a visit over the Easter weekend…
One of the top things to do in Amsterdam over Easter has to be a stroll around one of city’s weekly outdoor markets.
As the weather starts to improve, the markets are bustling with life and full of delicious smells. Vendors offer up everything from street food to flowers, artisan meats and cheeses to traditional Dutch Easter treats like paasstol (bread with dried fruit and almond paste). Coloured Easter eggs abound and make the perfect gift to take home to your friends and family.
Albert Cuypmarkt, Dappermarkt and Ten Katemarkt are all open on Fridays and Saturdays whilst the organic markets at the Noordermarkt and Nieuwmarkt are just open on Saturdays.
6. Dance the Weekend Away at DGTL Festival
If you’re the kind of city-breaker who sees any long weekend as an opportunity to party for an extra two days, then we’ve just got the event for you.
Taking place at NDSM-werf, DGTL Festival has a stellar line up of electronica artists including Mura Masa, The Blessed Madonna, Bambounou and Benny Rodrigues.
With day, night and all-access tickets available, you can party as much (or as little) as you like. ClinkNOORD isn’t far away from the festival site, so if you’re looking for a place to rest your head after a night of partying, then make sure to book your bed quickly.
NDSM-werf
NDSM-plein 15
1033 WB
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
When:
April 7th – 9th April
Admission:
Tickets from €38
Image courtesy: Residentadvisor.net
7. Take a Canal Cruise
Amsterdam is best explored by boat, and canal cruises are a great way to discover the city and spend Easter. Enjoy the gorgeous views of Amsterdam and its many attractions while cruising down the canals.
There are several cruise options available, starting at about £15 per person.
Image courtesy: Getyourguide.co.uk
8. Take a Bike Tour
If you want an authentic Dutch experience, we recommend you cycle the streets of Amsterdam! There are hundreds of miles of cycling paths in the city and you will for sure find the cycling route for you. From easy routes to a beach tour, there are several options in our cycling in Amsterdam guide. There we also listed the best bike rental companies and cycling routes outside the city. Enjoy!
Image courtesy: Toeuropeandbeyond.com
9. Discover the Works of Vincent Van Gogh
Explore the largest collection of the artist’s works at the Van Gogh Museum and delve into the fascinating world of his art. “Choosing Vincent: From Family Inheritance to World-Famous Collection” runs until April 10th, so this is your last chance!
Museumplein 6
1071 DJ
When:
Until 10th April
Admission:
Tickets: €20
Image courtesy: Passport2amsterdam.com
10. Sample the Best Chocolate in Amsterdam
There is no better time than Easter to be trying all the chocolate the Dutch capital has to offer! Follow us, we have put together a chocolate tour of Amsterdam with the best chocolate locations of the city. You’re welcome!
Image courtesy: Dutchnews.nl
Ready to book your Easter trip to Amsterdam? Book your stay at ClinkNOORD now or get in touch with one of our friendly team via live chat.
