"Planning a trip to Amsterdam? April is when the best weather begins — perfect for long walks and exploring without the crowds. Get ready for vibrant nights and busy streets."
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
Why Visit Amsterdam?
Amsterdam enchants with its UNESCO-listed canal ring, where 17th-century gabled houses lean picturesquely over tree-lined waterways and over 1,500 bridges connect vibrant neighborhoods in a Golden Age cityscape largely unchanged since Rembrandt's era. This liberal Dutch capital balances rich artistic heritage with progressive modern values—from pioneering cannabis coffeeshop culture (openly tolerated since the 1970s under the Netherlands' gedoogbeleid policy) to early marriage equality—creating a unique atmosphere of tolerance and creativity that defines Dutch society. Cycle alongside locals on dedicated bike paths (Amsterdam has more bikes than people) along Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals where houseboats serve as homes and cafés glow with warm light, or glide past canal houses on boat tours revealing hidden gardens and narrow facades built to minimize historic width taxes.
Art lovers make pilgrimages to the Van Gogh Museum's 200+ paintings tracking his evolution from dark potato eaters to vibrant sunflowers and swirling starry nights, and the Rijksmuseum's masterpiece gallery housing Rembrandt's Night Watch, Vermeer's intimate scenes, and Golden Age treasures, while the Anne Frank House preserves the secret annex where she hid during Nazi occupation, her diary offering universal lessons that transcend time. The Jordaan district charms with indie boutiques, brown cafés serving bitterballen and jenever gin in cozy rooms unchanged for centuries, and Saturday Noordermarkt selling vintage treasures and stroopwafels. Spring transforms Amsterdam into a tulip wonderland—Vondelpark blooms with colorful bulbs, Keukenhof gardens (late March-early May) explode with 7 million bulbs, and King's Day (April 27) paints the nation orange for street parties and canal festivities.
Summer brings outdoor terraces, free Vondelpark concerts, Pride Amsterdam's spectacular Canal Parade, and twilight lingering until 10pm. Amsterdam's culinary scene surprises—Indonesian rijsttafel reflects colonial history with 20+ dishes from satay to rendang, herring stands offer fresh fish eaten Dutch-style, poffertjes mini pancakes satisfy sweet cravings, and Michelin-starred restaurants push boundaries with New Dutch cooking. The Albert Cuyp Market stretches for blocks with international foods, while the Bloemenmarkt floating flower market on Singel has sold tulip bulbs since 1862.
The Red Light District balances notorious window prostitution (legal and regulated) with historic architecture around Oude Kerk church. Beyond central canals, Amsterdam Noord across the IJ River (free ferry) offers industrial-cool NDSM wharf art spaces. The compact canal ring means you can combine world-class museums, gezellig café culture, flower markets, and Leidseplein nightlife in a single day while biking or riding efficient trams.
Day trips reach Zaanse Schans's windmills, Haarlem's Frans Hals museum, and Zandvoort beaches. With flat bike-friendly layout, walkable center, mild maritime climate (April-September best; December brings Christmas markets), English spoken universally, and welcoming gezellig atmosphere, Amsterdam delivers culture, history, progressive values, and Dutch charm in equal measure.
What to Do
World-Class Museums
Van Gogh Museum
Timed entry is mandatory—book online at least a few days ahead (tickets are $26; under-18s free). First slot (9am) or after 3pm is usually calmer. Don't miss the self-portraits and Sunflowers on the upper floors. Skip paid third-party add-ons and use the free official app instead of renting an audio guide.
Rijksmuseum
Pre-book tickets (around $24) with a time slot to avoid queuing. Head straight to the Gallery of Honour for Rembrandt's Night Watch at 9am before tour groups arrive. The formal gardens outside are free and make a great coffee break between galleries.
Anne Frank House
Tickets are only sold on the official website. Every Tuesday at 10am CET, most tickets for dates six weeks later go on sale, and a smaller batch is released on the day itself—walk-ins are not possible. Slots sell out in minutes, so set a reminder. The visit is intense and emotional; allow 75–90 minutes and consider an evening slot (after 6pm) for a slightly quieter experience.
Canals & Neighborhoods
Canal Ring Cruise
Skip the big mass-tourism boats on Damrak and book a smaller operator instead—think a 75–90 minute cruise with Blue Boat or an open-boat company like Those Dam Boat Guys. Expect to pay roughly $19–$27 for a standard cruise. Evening departures (after 7pm) are special, with the bridges and canal houses lit up; self-drive electric boats are fun if you're confident on the water.
Jordaan District
Amsterdam's most charming canal district, with indie boutiques and classic brown cafés. Come on Saturday morning for Lindengracht Market, a long local street market with food, flowers, and everyday goods. Try apple pie at Winkel 43 on Noordermarkt and wander the 9 Streets (De Negen Straatjes) for unique shops.
De Pijp & Albert Cuyp Market
Vibrant local neighborhood south of center. Albert Cuyp street market (Mon–Sat) sells everything—try fresh stroopwafels, herring, and Dutch cheese. Sarphatipark is perfect for picnics. Locals hang out at Café Berkhout or Bar Fisk.
Local Amsterdam
Rent a Bike
Essential Amsterdam experience—cycle like a local. Rent from Black Bikes or Rent a Bike Amsterdam ($11–$16/day). Rules: stay in bike lanes (red pavement), ring bell for pedestrians, lock everywhere. Cycle to Vondelpark or along Amstel River for scenic routes.
Brown Cafés & Jenever
Traditional Dutch pubs with dark wood and cozy vibes. Try Café 't Smalle in Jordaan or Café Hoppe on Spui. Order jenever (Dutch gin) neat with a beer chaser, plus bitterballen (fried meatballs). Locals drink standing at the bar, not sitting.
Bloemenmarkt & Tulips
The floating flower market on Singel is open year-round but is now mostly souvenir stalls and bulb shops—buy export-certified bulbs if you plan to take them home. For real flower fields, visit Keukenhof in spring (late March–May); online tickets are around $22–$24 and shuttle+entry packages from Amsterdam take about 40 minutes each way.
Amsterdam Noord
Take the free ferry from Central Station to Amsterdam Noord. Explore NDSM Wharf for street art and cafés, then visit the EYE Film Museum. For big views, head up to A'DAM Lookout (tickets from about $18 online) for a 360° skyline panorama and, if you dare, the Over the Edge swing over the river.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: AMS
- From :
Best Time to Visit
April, May, June, July, August, September
Climate: Moderate
Visa Requirements
Schengen Area
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C | 4°C | 11 | Good |
| February | 9°C | 5°C | 19 | Wet |
| March | 10°C | 3°C | 10 | Good |
| April | 15°C | 5°C | 4 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 17°C | 8°C | 4 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 21°C | 13°C | 17 | Excellent (best) |
| July | 20°C | 13°C | 19 | Excellent (best) |
| August | 24°C | 16°C | 17 | Excellent (best) |
| September | 19°C | 11°C | 12 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 14°C | 9°C | 21 | Wet |
| November | 12°C | 6°C | 14 | Wet |
| December | 8°C | 3°C | 18 | Wet |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2025) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2025
Travel Costs
Per person per day, based on double occupancy. 'Budget' reflects hostels or shared accommodation in high-cost cities.
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (January 2026): Best time to visit: April, May, June, July, August, September.
Practical Information
Getting There
Schiphol → Amsterdam Centraal by train in ~17 min (from $6). Eurostar runs direct AMS↔LON (~4 h).
Getting Around
OVpay lets you tap in/out with your bank card/phone across transit. GVB day tickets from $10 The I amsterdam City Card (24–120 h) includes many museums + GVB.
Money & Payments
Euro (EUR). Cards accepted nearly everywhere, including Albert Cuyp Market vendors. Many places are cashless. ATMs widespread—avoid Euronet machines. Check current exchange rates in your banking app or XE.com. Tipping: Service included, but round up or add 5-10% for exceptional service. Coffee shops and brown cafés appreciate small tips.
Language
Dutch is official, but Amsterdam has among Europe's highest English proficiency—nearly everyone speaks excellent English, especially younger generations. Learning 'Dank je wel' (thanks) and 'Alstublieft' (please) is appreciated but optional. Museum labels and menus typically include English.
Cultural Tips
Don't walk in bike lanes. No public cannabis smoking in parts of the center (including the Red Light District). Anne Frank House tickets: online only, released Tuesdays for visits 6 weeks later.
Get an eSIM
Stay connected without expensive roaming. Get a local eSIM for this trip starting from just a few dollars.
Claim Flight Compensation
Flight delayed or cancelled? You might be entitled to up to $648 in compensation. Check your claim here at no upfront cost.
Perfect 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
Day 1: Canals & Museums
Day 2: History & Markets
Day 3: Parks & Neighborhoods
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Jordaan
Best for: Cozy cafés, antique shops, local atmosphere, weekend markets
De Pijp
Best for: Multicultural dining, Albert Cuyp Market, Heineken Experience
Museum Quarter
Best for: Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, upscale hotels
De Wallen (Red Light District)
Best for: Nightlife, coffee shops, Old Church, historic intrigue
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Amsterdam
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- Official tourism boards and visitor guides
- GetYourGuide and Viator activity data
- Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
- Google Maps reviews and ratings
This guide combines personal travel experience with comprehensive data analysis to provide accurate recommendations.
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