As the days grow longer and the city comes alive with color, May in Amsterdam is the perfect time to embrace everything this vibrant city has to offer. From lively festivals and unforgettable museum exhibits to outdoor adventures and cozy rooftop bars, there’s no shortage of ways to soak in the spring energy. Get ready to make the most of May—your adventure starts here!
Things To Do In May 2025 In Amsterdam
Celebrate Liberation Day
On May 5, Amsterdam celebrates Liberation Day in full swing at Het Vrije Westen in Westerpark—a lively, free festival running from 12:00 to 23:00. Expect a packed program with live music, DJ sets, kids’ activities, great food, and a special performance by Freedom Ambassador S10. Come celebrate freedom with the whole city—just don’t forget, it’s pin-only! Check out the website for more information!
📍Location: Westerpark
📆Date: May 5, from 12 to 11pm
Take a canal cruise
There’s no better way to see Amsterdam than from aboard a boat on one of its many beautiful canals. There are so many different tours to choose from and you can even hire a boat to drive yourself. Some tours offer dining experiences complete with wine and beer and you can even bring your own booze to others. There’s even a company offering the opportunity to hire an actual submarine! What are you waiting for?
Stuff your face at The Weekend Of Rolling Kitchens
From May 28 to June 1, Westerpark transforms into a giant open-air restaurant for the seventeenth edition of the Weekend of the Rolling Kitchens. Over 80 food trucks from around the world serve up everything from juicy burgers and steaming paella to Dutch bites and Asian street food, alongside live music, wine, and craft beers. It’s free to enter, open daily from 1 pm to 11 pm, so come hungry—rain or shine!
📍Location: Westerpark
📆Date: From May 28 to June 1
Explore beautiful flower fields
The Netherlands may be known for tulips, but spring fields here burst with poppies, purple heather, alliums, and so much more. From late spring into summer, there’s always something in bloom! And many of these colorful spots are just a bike ride away. It’s the perfect excuse to grab your camera and head out for a dreamy spring day trip!
Escape to the FENIX Museum of Migration in Rotterdam
Looking for something unique to do this May? Take a trip to Rotterdam’s FENIX Museum of Migration, opening on May 16. Just an hour from Amsterdam, this striking new museum offers a powerful experience, blending art and personal stories about migration. Explore thought-provoking exhibits, discover stunning architecture, and enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop—it’s the perfect escape for a cultural day trip this month!
📍 Location: Paul Nijghkade 5, 3072 AT Rotterdam
📆 Dates: Opens May 16
Express your creativity in Amsterdam’s Art Week
From May 20 to 25, Amsterdam Art Week 2025 transforms the city into a vibrant canvas. It will featurw over 220 events across 70+ locations. Explore cutting-edge exhibitions, join guided gallery bike tours, and experience live performances and artist talks. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s dynamic contemporary art scene.
📍 Locations: Various locations around Amsterdam
📆 Dates: From May 20 to 25 2025
Formula 1® Exhibition: Race Into Amsterdam
Now open at De Kromhouthal, the Formula 1® Exhibition invites fans to experience the adrenaline-fueled world of F1® like never before. After a blockbuster debut in London, this immersive showcase brings together iconic race cars, rare memorabilia, original parts, and behind-the-scenes stories in a series of interactive, themed rooms. Blending cutting-edge design with the sport’s rich history, it’s a must-see for motorsport lovers, tech enthusiasts, and curious newcomers alike.
📍 Location : Gedempt Hamerkanaal 231, 1021 KP Amsterdam
📆 Dates : Started on April 17th
Check out the World Press Photo Exhibition 2025
The World Press Photo Exhibition kicks off its global tour right here in Amsterdam at De Nieuwe Kerk, giving locals the first look at this year’s most powerful photojournalism. From hard-hitting news moments to intimate human stories, it’s a gripping, must-see showcase of the world through a lens.
📍Location: De Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam
📆Date: From 18 April to 21 September 2025
Soak up spring at a rooftop bar
As May brings brighter skies (most of the time), it’s the perfect excuse to head up to one of Amsterdam’s stunning rooftop bars. Sip cocktails with panoramic views of the city, enjoy bites under the sun—or stay cozy under cover if the rain decides to crash the party. Dry or not, the vibe is always worth the climb!