What to do in Amsterdam during tulip season
The best things to do in Amsterdam during tulip season
Every April, Amsterdam’s parks, gardens and public spaces burst into life; every spare inch of ground covered in a rainbow of colourful tulips, captivating visitors and locals alike.
There are displays and events around the city and beyond that are well worth seeing but let’s face it: sometimes you want to get away from the tourist trail, and no trip to Amsterdam is complete without sampling everything else the city has to offer. So, here’s our definitive guide to the best things to do in Amsterdam during tulip season. We’ve got flowers, yes, but we’ve also got the breweries, flea markets, cultural powerhouses and iconic rooftop bars for the times when you want something a little different.
See millions of flowers at the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens
Keukenhof Tulip Gardens in Lisse, just outside Amsterdam, is arguably the Netherlands’ most famous spot during tulip season. Every autumn more than 7 million bulbs are planted in the expansive 19th-century garden, each one coming to life in spring. You’ll see sculptural artworks dotted between more than 800 different varieties of tulips too, making this a must for art and flower lovers alike.
Where to find Keukenhof Tulip Gardens
Stationsweg 166A, 2161
Watch a live flower auction at Royal FloraHolland
Ever fancied being part of that busy, auction adrenalin rush? Well, now you can (kind of). For a look behind the scenes, get up early and see all the inner workings of the world’s largest flower auction, Royal FloraHolland. Every morning the trading floor is bursting with colourful flowers as traders hustle over around 43 million flowers and 5 million plants. Visitors can witness the action from a dedicated bridge above the floor on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7am to 9am. The most exciting stuff happens early, so we recommend getting there first thing.
Where to find Royal FloraHolland
Legmeerdijk 313, 1431 GB Aalsmeer. Bus number 357 stops right at the entrance.
Catch an international film at LAB111
It’s not just the main flower fields that are full of tulips at this time of year. Amsterdam’s parks are transformed too, each one alive with colour and bold floral displays. One such spot is Vondelpark in Amsterdam-Zuid, just west of the Museumplein (where you’ll find the Van Gogh Museum, MOCO Museum and more). Tulip displays are scattered throughout Vondelpark, so it’s worth walking through to catch a glimpse of the blooms in all their glory.
Afterwards, head to nearby LAB111 (Arie Biemondstraat 111). This former pathological anatomy lab turned cinema and cultural space regularly screens cult classics and international indie flicks from emerging filmmakers. From 12th – 21st April, LAB111 is hosting the Amsterdam Spanish Film Festival — just the thing if you fancy a change of scene from tulip spotting. Spare a bit of time before your film for sourdough pizzas and a glass of wine from the owner’s organic Italian vineyard at LAB111’s Bar Strangelove.
Where to find LAB111
Arie Biemondstraat 111, 1054
Uncover rare antiques at Waterlooplein flea market
Every day from Monday to Saturday, Waterlooplein becomes abuzz with activity. More than 300 stalls fill the canal-side street, selling vintage clothing, old records, unique artworks and knick-knacks from the early 20th century you never knew you needed. It’s a ritual that’s been happening for the past 130 years — this is the Netherlands’ oldest, and most legendary, flea market. Pop by for an original copy of an old Hemingway, a lived-in biker jacket Marlon Brando would be proud of, and a fresh snack from one of the many international food stalls.
Where to find Waterlooplein
Waterlooplein 2, 1011. Trams 9 and 14 both go to Waterloo, which is next to the market.
Enjoy sky-high dining at REM Eiland
During tulip season in Amsterdam, you’ll probably spend a lot of time looking at the ground. It’s all well and good when it’s brimming with colour but there comes a time when you want a different perspective. Enter REM Eiland. Once home to a pirate radio and TV station, this towering sea rig now enjoys life as one of the best rooftop bars and playful fine dining restaurants in the city, right in the heart of Amsterdam harbour. Wear an extra layer and enjoy those lighter nights of spring as you sip on a cocktail 22 metres above the water, or tuck into a four, five or seven course meal.
Where to find REM Eiland
Haparandadam 45-2, 1013
What’s a trip to Amsterdam without a little edgy, contemporary art? This spring, go beyond the art galleries and the street art and join us in an exploration of the tattoo. From 4th April – 19th July 2024, our very own art’otel Gallery will be hosting the exhibition Tattoo Express, curated by Amsterdam Street Art.
From traditional to avant-garde, we’ll be showing the best and boldest styles, designs and techniques from iconic artists including Peter van der Helm, Ben de Boef, Kyle Warwick and more. Learn more about the art form, see the inspiration behind the design process and get clued up on the unique culture surrounding tattooing.
Where to find art’otel Amsterdam
Prins Hendrikkade 33, 1012
Spend the day (or night) at Westergas
Just west of the Jordaan district is Westerpark: a leafy green space home to walkways and quiet spots for sitting down with a good book and a picnic on a warm day. It’s also home to Westergas: a huge cluster of 19th-century buildings that’ve been transformed from gas plant into a lively cultural hub. Here you’ll find craft beers from local favourite brewery Brouwerij Troost, late night clubbing at RadioRadio, vintage arcade games at TonTon Club and techno nights at Gashouder, a huge former storage tank turned iconic industrial venue. There are also immersive art exhibitions, creative activities for kids and an eclectic range of cafes and restaurants.
Where to find Westergas
Haarlemmerweg 4, 1014
Spring in Amsterdam is a sight to behold — and we’re not just talking about those vibrant swathes of tulips that take over the city. This tulip season, we say come for the flowers, and stay for the cultural heavyweights. Make your trip even more exciting with a stay at art’otel Amsterdam, conveniently located around the corner from the charming canal belt.
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