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Amsterdam in April 2026: Best Exhibitions, Festivals, Markets & Cultural Events

Updated: 8 hours ago

Spring is in full swing in Amsterdam. Days are longer, the air becomes warmer, and flowers are in bloom across the Netherlands. April also marks Kings Day, the world-famous birthday party and one of the most vibrant cultural seasons in the city.

If you're planning a trip to Amsterdam in April 2026, you'll find a city buzzing with art exhibitions, markets, music performances, festivals, and cultural experiences.

Whether you love fine art, coffee, food, photography, street parties or spring flowers, Amsterdam offers something memorable this month.

Tulips are blooming and in the background the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, a clear, cloudless sky
Royal Palace Dam Square | Photo: © Inbal Tur-Shalom

Keukenhof Gardens – The Most Beautiful Spring Garden in the World

One of the most spectacular seasonal attractions in the Netherlands, the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens opens its gates for just a short time every year.

Located about 40 minutes from Amsterdam, the gardens feature millions of blooming tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring flowers, along with lakes, tree-lined paths, pavilions, and stunning floral displays.

While tulip season peaks in April, visiting in late March can actually be ideal, as the gardens are less crowded and many early spring flowers are already blooming.

2026 Opening Dates:

📅 March 19 – May 10, 2026

Best Times to Visit

From years of experience guiding visitors, the best times are:

  • Early morning (right after opening)

  • Late afternoon before closing

These times help avoid the largest tour crowds.

How to Get There

By Car

If driving, I strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.

🎟️ Buy Keukenhof tickets (optional - including parking)

By Public Transport

🎟️ Buy Keukenhof entrance tickets (no transport and parking)

👉 If you're planning to explore using trains and buses, read: How to Use Public Transportation in the Netherlands

By Dedicated Shuttle (Easiest Option)

Shuttles run directly from several locations in Amsterdam and one location in Rotterdam. Seats fill quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.

Make It a Full Day Trip

Many travelers combine Keukenhof with other classic Dutch experiences such as:

• Visiting tulip farms

• A boat cruise past traditional windmills

• Exploring the historic city of Delft

The 79th Dutch Spring Celebration: The Flower Parade (Bloemencorso)

There are rare moments when nature and art merge into something extraordinary, and the annual Dutch Flower Parade is undoubtedly the pinnacle of that union. This cherished tradition, crafted by hundreds of devoted volunteers, transforms thousands of tulips, daffodils, and fragrant hyacinths into monumental floral floats. For the traveler seeking elegance, beauty, and authenticity, witnessing these breathtaking creations is a memory that lasts a lifetime.

To ensure your spring getaway is seamless and easy, I’ve curated the most comfortable ways to experience this iconic event — from reserved grandstand seating to thoughtfully designed tours that combine an authentic flower farm with the magic of the illuminated parade.

The Complete Spring Experience

Includes entrance to the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens, round-trip transportation from Amsterdam, and a reserved grandstand seat for prime parade viewing.

📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026 

An Unforgettable Evening Experience

For those seeking a truly unique perspective, enjoy an evening tour from Amsterdam to experience the illuminated Flower Parade, enhanced by artistic lighting and the intoxicating scent of hyacinths — a European spring evening at its finest. Includes entrance to Keukenhof Gardens.

📅 Friday, April 17, 2026 

Behind the Scenes of the Bloom

A charming day tour from Amsterdam including a visit to a family-owned tulip farm, participation in the Flower Parade festivities, and a reserved grandstand seat (does not include Keukenhof).

Easter 2026 in Amsterdam

Most major attractions and museums remain open during Easter, though it is wise to check opening hours in advance, as some venues may host special holiday programming.

📅 April 3–6, 2026

If you are visiting during this period, I recommend booking museum tickets and restaurant reservations ahead of time.

King’s Day 2026 (Koningsdag)

King’s Day, celebrating the birthday of the Dutch monarch, is the largest national holiday in the Netherlands. Amsterdam transforms into a sea of orange, with street markets, canal parties, and music throughout the city.

📅 April 27, 2026

Please note that many shops and attractions close on this day. Because King’s Day falls during peak tulip season — combined with Easter holidays and Keukenhof’s opening — this is one of the busiest tourism periods of the year.

To avoid disappointment, book hotels, museum tickets, private tours, and restaurant reservations well in advance.

👉 Planning your stay? Read: How to Choose the Perfect Hotel in Amsterdam

Young people on the street, celebrating, dressed in orange, wearing orange hats, with scarves in the colors of the Dutch flag: red, white and blue, one of them holding a camera, dancing and singing, in the background trees with green leaves.
Celebrating King's Day in Amsterdam | Photo: © Inbal Tur-Shalom

Best Museums and Art Exhibitions in Amsterdam (April 2026)

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s great museum cities. Here are some of the most interesting exhibitions and cultural experiences happening in April 2026.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands, is dedicated to Dutch art and history.

Located on Museum Square, it displays more than 8,000 artworks and historical objects, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer and Frans Hals.

Temporary Exhibition
Metamorphosis – Passion, Desire, Envy, and Deception

Inspired by the ancient Roman poet Ovid’s Metamorphoses, this exhibition explores one of the greatest sources of artistic inspiration in Western art.

  • Another exhibition explores photographic forgeries and manipulated images from the early days of photography.

📅 Exhibition dates: February 6 – May 25

Van Gogh Museum

Dedicated to Vincent van Gogh, this museum holds the largest collection of his paintings and drawings in the world. It also showcases works by artists who influenced him or were influenced by him.

Temporary Exhibition
Yellow – Van Gogh’s Favorite Color

This fascinating exhibition explores the importance of yellow in Van Gogh’s work and in the art of his contemporaries, as well as how the color is used in modern art today.

📅 February 13 – May 17, 2026

Stedelijk Museum

Amsterdam’s museum of modern and contemporary art and design, covering works from the late 19th century to the present. Artists featured in the permanent collection include Piet Mondrian, Kazimir Malevich and Karel Appel.

Temporary Exhibition
Erwin Olaf – Freedom

A retrospective dedicated to the celebrated Dutch photographer Erwin Olaf, who passed away in 2023.

📅 October 11, 2025 – April 6, 2026

  • Multimedia installation IN SITU #2 by FARIDA SEDOC - until 02/06/2026

  • A solo exhibition by acclaimed Vietnamese-born artist DANH VO - until 02/08/2026

H’ART Museum (Former Hermitage Amsterdam)

This museum hosts rotating international exhibitions.

Current Exhibitions
Jan Dibbets – Toward Another Photography

A monographic exhibition of the conceptual Dutch artist’s work from 1966–1976.

📅 January 23 – April 5, 2026

American Identities – Myth and Memory

Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian American Art Museum, featuring photography by David Levinthal exploring American cultural myths.

📅 February 13 – September 6, 2026

Rembrandt House Museum

Step inside the house where Rembrandt lived and worked during the height of his fame in the Dutch Golden Age.

Visitors can explore:

  • Rembrandt’s reconstructed studio

  • Etchings and drawings

  • Works by his students

Temporary Exhibition
Rembrandt’s Masterclass

An interactive exhibition exploring Rembrandt’s artistic techniques.

A large building, next to it a replica of a 17th-century ship, reflected in the water, a sunburst peeking out from behind the building, the sky slightly red
National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam | Photo: © Inbal Tur-Shalom

Foam Photography Museum

One of Europe’s leading photography museums, Foam presents four rotating exhibitions at a time, featuring both emerging and internationally known photographers.

 👉 Photography enthusiast and planning your visit? Read: my photography category posts here.

National Maritime Museum

A fascinating museum dedicated to Dutch maritime history.

Highlights include:

  • historic maps

  • ship models

  • maritime artifacts

  • a full replica of a Dutch East India Company ship

Temporary Exhibition
Oceanista – Fashion & The Sea

An exhibition connecting maritime history, contemporary fashion, and sustainability.

📅 October 10, 2025 – April 12, 2026

Royal Palace Amsterdam (Dam Square)

Still used by the Dutch Royal Family for official state events, this magnificent 17th-century palace is open to visitors when not in official use.

Nieuwe Kerk (The New Church)

Temporary Exhibitions
  • Mokum – The Story of Jewish Amsterdam

Created in cooperation with the Jewish Cultural Quarter, this exhibition explores the rich and complex history of Jewish life in Amsterdam.

📅 October 25, 2025 – April 6, 2026

  • World Press Photo Exhibition 2026

Each year, Nieuwe Kerk hosts the prestigious World Press Photo Exhibition, showcasing the most powerful and thought-provoking images in contemporary photojournalism. This is a must-see event for lovers of photography, history, and global affairs.

📅 April 24 – September 27, 2026

Museum of the Canals

An interactive museum located inside a 17th-century canal house, telling the story of how Amsterdam’s iconic canal ring was built.

Temporary Exhibition
Mirrored Floor Installation

In addition to the main exhibition, visitors can experience Mirrored Floor, a temporary transformation of the Andriessen Room, where the floor is covered entirely in mirrors — creating a dramatic and surreal optical illusion.

📅 Through June 28, 2026

Eye Filmmuseum

Amsterdam’s stunning museum of film and cinema.

Temporary Exhibition

Alongside its permanent exhibition, the Eye Filmmuseum presents Eye(s) Open, where eleven contemporary artists respond with original works to the museum’s archive of approximately 2,000 colonial-era films from Indonesia and Suriname. A thoughtful and intellectually engaging exhibition for culturally curious travelers.

📅 April 3 - September 6, 2026

The Jewish Cultural Quarter of Amsterdam

In the heart of historic Amsterdam, the Jewish Cultural Quarter brings centuries of resilience, faith, and cultural brilliance to life. This moving collection of sites offers an intimate look at Jewish history in the Netherlands — from the grandeur of the Portuguese Synagogue to powerful stories of survival and heritage.

For a truly meaningful visit, I strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance and arranging a private guided tour to fully understand the depth, historical context, and personal stories behind these remarkable landmarks.

Jewish Museum

Located in a former synagogue complex, the Jewish Museum explores Jewish history and culture in the Netherlands through multimedia presentations, art, and photography.

Temporary Exhibition: Judy Chicago – Revelations 

The first major solo retrospective of the iconic feminist artist Judy Chicago.

📅 Through August 23, 2026 

Unique Attractions to Visit in Amsterdam

If you’re looking for something beyond traditional museums:

Body Worlds Amsterdam

A fascinating exhibition exploring the human body using preserved anatomical specimens.

STRAAT Museum – Street Art

The largest street art museum in the world, located in a former shipyard warehouse.

A man wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses stands at the window of a small trailer covered in graffiti.
During a guided street art tour in Amsterdam | Photo: © Inbal Tur-Shalom

Moco Museum

A popular museum showcasing works by artists such as:

  • Banksy

  • Andy Warhol

  • Jean-Michel Basquiat

  • Yayoi Kusama

Banksy Museum Amsterdam

A newer museum dedicated to the mysterious British street artist Banksy, featuring over 160 artworks and recreated murals.

Family-Friendly Attractions in Amsterdam

(Great for Visiting with kids or Grandkids especially on a rainy day)

Fabrique des Lumières – Immersive Digital Art

Fabrique des Lumières presents three stunning immersive exhibitions blending classical, modern, and contemporary art with advanced projection technology, light, and music.

A visually spectacular experience for art lovers of all ages.

📅 Ongoing exhibition

Rembrandt Immersive Experience

Located not far from Leidseplein, this multimedia exhibition explores the life and artistic world of Rembrandt van Rijn, one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age.

The experience includes an immersive video installation and a reconstruction of Rembrandt’s studio on the Rozengracht, offering visitors a glimpse into his creative process.

📅 Ongoing exhibition

Nxt Museum – Digital & Media Art

The Nxt Museum is the Netherlands’ first museum dedicated entirely to new media art.

This innovative museum blends art, technology, light installations, and digital storytelling, creating a fascinating experience that appeals to both art lovers and younger visitors.

Expect immersive video installations, light projections, and interactive exhibits that explore the intersection between creativity and technology.

Amaze Amsterdam

Located in a former industrial nightclub in Amsterdam’s western harbor district, Amaze Amsterdam is a fully immersive audio-visual experience.

The attraction spans 3,000 square meters and eight different stages, combining music, light, visual art, and interactive environments designed to stimulate the senses.

The experience lasts about an hour and moves visitors through a series of unique sensory environments — from energetic and playful to calming and atmospheric.

WONDR Experience

A colorful and playful immersive attraction featuring 15 themed rooms designed for fun and creativity.

Visitors can explore rooms filled with disco balls, oversized installations, a life-size dollhouse, and playful karaoke booths.

It’s an especially enjoyable stop for families traveling with children or teenagers, and it’s one of Amsterdam’s most entertaining interactive experiences.

The Upside Down Museum Amsterdam

One of Amsterdam’s largest interactive museums, designed around optical illusions and surreal environments.

The museum features upside-down rooms, playful installations, and visually striking spaces that invite visitors to explore and take memorable photos.

It’s a lighthearted and entertaining experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.

The Museum Square pond in Amsterdam, with tulip pots, at dawn, with the street lights creating stars
Rijksmuseum | Photo: © Inbal Tur-Shalom

Festivals, Performances & Art Fairs – April 2026

Amsterdam Tulip Festival

Throughout the month of April, the city of Amsterdam plants and displays tulips across public spaces — along canals, bridges, parks, shopping areas, and neighborhood gardens.

📅 All of April

A beautiful complement to your visit to Keukenhof and the Flower Parade.

Vegas Show & Dinner Experience

A spectacular dinner show featuring Dutch illusionist Hans Klok, live music, and dance performances.

📅 Weekends (tickets sell out quickly)

Supperclub Night Experience

Supperclub offers immersive dining and live performances in an energetic, theatrical setting for guests 21+. A unique evening experience blending music, art, and fine dining.

📅 Thursdays–Saturdays 

Kunst RAI 2026

An international modern and contemporary art fair featuring approximately 100 galleries from the Netherlands and around the world. Held at the RAI Convention Center, it showcases contemporary painting, photography, vintage design, post-war art, and rare art books.

📅 April 22–26, 2026

National  Restaurant Week

During the period of the festival, hundreds of top restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments, offer exclusive three-course menus for a reduced price of €29.95. It's a great opportunity to dine at a premium location for an affordable price.

📅 March 1–April 12, 2026

💡 Insider Tip: The most sought-after restaurants book out quickly. Reserve early to secure your preferred dining experience.

Amsterdam Coffee Festival

A celebration of coffee culture featuring gourmet food stands, tastings with some of Europe’s top baristas, live music, art, and industry showcases. Held at NDSM Wharf.

📅 April 16–18, 2026 🎟️ Paid entry

DGTL Festival

An international electronic music festival held at the former shipyard in Amsterdam North, combining music, art installations, and sustainability initiatives.

📅 April 3–5, 2026 🎟️ Paid entry

Kingsland Festival

The largest King’s Day music festival in the Netherlands, held at the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam. Expect house, techno, urban music, and an electrifying atmosphere.

📅 April 27, 2026 🎟️ Paid entry

Best Weekend Markets in Amsterdam – March 2026

Pure Markt

A high-quality food market featuring some of the best artisanal food producers in the Netherlands.

📍Amstelpark 📅 April 12, 2026  

📍Frankendael Park 📅 April 26, 2026

🕚 11:00–18:00

IJ-Hallen Flea Market

One of the largest flea markets in Europe, with hundreds of stalls selling vintage items, antiques, clothing, and collectibles.

📍 Amsterdam Noord

📅 April 11-12, 2026 and April 27, 2026

🕚 09:00–16:30

Sunday Market

A lively market selling fashion, jewelry, design, art, and food.

📍Westergas 📅 April 5, 2026

📍Rokin 📅 April 26, 2026

🕚 12:00–18:00

Museumplein Market

A charming Sunday market offering art, handmade goods, food, and live music.

📅 April 19, 2026

🕚 10:00–18:00

Planning a Trip to Amsterdam?

If you're visiting Amsterdam in April and want to experience the Netherlands beyond the typical tourist itinerary, I offer:

✔️ Private guided tours in Amsterdam

✔️ Museum tours led by a licensed guide

✔️ Custom travel itinerary planning

✔️ Private countryside day trips

These experiences are especially popular during tulip season.

While writing the post, I am checking the information, but dates may change and events may be canceled at short notice.

A quick note: bookings made through the link may earn me a small commission. Thank you for the support 🫶🏼

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