As the days grow longer (and hopefully warmer), it’s time to get out of the house and explore Amsterdam. There are tons of amazing things to do this April in Amsterdam. In fact, it might just be our favourite time of year. The tulips are in bloom, the parks are filled with cherry blossom and the sun is shining (sometimes).
1. Enjoy Candlelight: Coldplay Meets Imagine Dragons
On April 16, the gorgeous Felix Meritis will be illuminated by hundreds of candles as the talented Lucerna string quartet play by the flickering light. Fans of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons will be treated to a Candlelight Concert dedicated to these two amazing bands.
Expect to hear songs like ‘Fix You’ and ‘Clocks’ by Coldplay alongside ‘Bad Liar’ and ‘Believer’ by Imagine Dragons at this unmissable experience. Don’t worry if you miss the April date because there will be another concert on May 14!
2. See the cherry blossom
Amsterdam is in bloom, and we’re not just talking about the tulips! There are plenty of stunning spots to see the cherry blossom this spring, so make sure not to miss it!
Amsterdamse Bos is perhaps the most famous place to see cherry blossom, with over 400 cherry blossom trees. However, you’ll also find trees in bloom at Westerpark, Museumplein and lots of other places included in our handy cherry blossom guide.
3. Marvel at Candlelight: A Tribute To Hans Zimmer
The beautiful Rode Hoed will also be hosting a stunning Candlelight Concert on April 22, this time dedicated to the breathtaking compositions of Hans Zimmer. As the candles flicker around them, the incredible Hydra String Quartet will play his most famous tunes.
The audience will hear familiar movie soundtracks from The Dark Knight, The Lion King, Interstellar and much more. It would make for the most romantic date night for movie buffs and if you miss it, there’s another on May 20.
4. Keukenhof
Keukenhof was recently named one of the most beautiful places in Europe and it’s easy to see why. People travel from far and wide to see the fields of tulips here.
The park is open until May 14, so there is still plenty of time to visit but the tulips are looking fantastic right now. However, different tulips bloom at different times so there will still be gorgeous blooms around up until the closing date. Entrance to the garden costs €19 per person.
5. Celebrate King’s Day
On April 27, Amsterdam turns into a sea of orange-clad revellers, out to celebrate the King’s birthday. It’s a day of national pride in the Netherlands and spirits are always high, with parties everywhere and a packed city centre.
The canals will be filled with boats, which you can hire and it’s a great way to see the celebrations. Be warned though, you will be stuck behind a huge queue of people on boats doing exactly the same thing. Alternatively, you can hop in and out of bars or hang out in the street with other people celebrating.
6. Candlelight: A Tribute To Queen
We can’t get enough of the incredible Candlelight Concerts in Amsterdam and another is coming to Rode Hoed, this time dedicated to the timeless band Queen. You can catch it on April 29 and it’s going to be phenomenal.
The talented Hydra string quartet will play songs like ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘The Show Must Go On’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by candlelight and Queen fans are going to love it! As with all Candlelight Concerts, the candles and music make for an unbeatable ambiance in a stunning setting.
7. Songkran celebration
From April 13-15 people celebrate Thai New Year: Songkran. It is traditional to have a huge waterfight, splashing one another to clear away any bad luck for the new year.
This year, you can join in at George Gershwinplein on April 15 at 3 pm, where a massive waterfight will be taking place. Bring buckets, waterguns and expect to get absolutely soaked.
You can fill your tummy beforehand at Happyhappyjoyjoy, too. They’re preparing a large Thai buffet made by talented Thai chefs. It’s €36.50 per person with a welcome drink included and you can book a table on the website.
8. Latin party at Manhattan Lounge Bar
Amsterdam has a sizeable Latin American population and when you’re living on a different continent, it’s such a great feeling to hear music from home. Plus, at The Manhattan Lounge Bar on April 14 you can dance to it too.
DJ Latin Master will be playing Salsa and Bachata music from 6.30 pm until late, with delicious cocktails on offer and (we’re sure) plenty of people willing to teach you some dance moves. It’s gunna be a hoot and you can book your table on the website.