Here is our insider guide to what’s on in Amsterdam, Netherlands during April 2025.
There’s normally lots going on in the city and whilst the weather can vary there should be a few good, sunny days. The month ends with the King’s Day celebrations…
Springtime in the Netherlands
Keukenhof Gardens – The world famous tulip and flower park is a must-visit. The 2025 spring season runs 20 Mar to 11 May 2025. See Keukenhof info here
Museums, Exhibitions & Attractions in Amsterdam (April 2025)
STRAAT – A unique and colourful experience in Amsterdam! The world’s biggest street art and graffiti museum in a 8,000m² warehouse at NDSM wharf and showcasing some 180 artworks, all made on-site. Book STRAAT tickets here
Amaze Amsterdam – An immersive 1 hour audio-visual experience spanning 3,000m² with 8 separate stages. Guaranteed to stimulates the senses – from intense, interactive to relaxing and chilled. Located in an old industrial nightclub in Amsterdam’s West Port district. Book Amaze Amsterdam tickets here
Nxt Museum – Dive into digital at the first “new media art” museum in the Netherlands which holds large-scale, multi-sensory immersive exhibitions. Book Nxt Museum tickets here
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam – Get your celebrity fill by visiting the ever-popular wax work museum on Dam Square. Book Madame Tussauds Amsterdam tickets here
Amsterdam Dungeon – Interactive show featuring excellent actors and audience participation. Takes you through dark dungeon-themed rooms from Amsterdam’s murky past – scary but with a comic element. Book Amsterdam Dungeon tickets here
Rijksmuseum – The Rijksmuseum’s extensive collection (including Rembrandt’s iconic Night Watch) is a must-see in Amsterdam. American Photography, first ever major survey exhibition of American photography in the Netherlands with over 200 photographs. Runs 7 Feb to 9 Jun 2025. Book Rijksmuseum tickets here
Van Gogh Museum – Iconic museum with the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh paintings. Anselm Kiefer – Sag mir wo die Blumen sind, major exhibition on the German artist in conjunction with the Stedelijk Museum. Runs 7 Mar to 9 Jun 2025. Book Van Gogh Museum tickets here
Stedelijk – Amsterdam’s main modern and contemporary art museum. Formafantasma — Oltre Terra, exhibition exploring the history, ecology, and global dynamics of wool extraction and production. Runs 15 Feb to 13 Jul 2025. Book Stedelijk tickets here
Anne Frank House – The canal house on Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht canal where Anne Frank wrote her famous teenage wartime diary whilst hiding from German occupation.
Can’t find a ticket timeslot for the Anne Frank house? Why not instead book the Anne Frank & Jewish Quarter walking tour (2 hours) here
De Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) – World Press Photo Exhibition 2025, annual exhibition of the current affairs photography contest. Dates to be announced. Book Nieuwe Kerk tickets here
MOCO Museum – Go loco in MOCO! The acclaimed modern and contemporary art museum on Museumplein. Banksy: Laugh Now has a diverse selection of works from the anonymous British street artist. In addition MOCO Masters features the likes of Warhol, Basquiat and Koons. Book MOCO Museum tickets here
Rembrandt House – Visit the house where Rembrandt lived and worked. The illusionist, exhibition on Samuel van Hoogstraten, one of Rembrandt’s best pupils. Runs 1 Feb to 4 May 2025. Book Rembrandt House tickets here
Rembrandt’s Amsterdam Experience – A multimedia art experience about the life of the famous painter and reconstruction of Rembrandt’s studio on Rozengracht. Book Rembrandt’s Amsterdam Experience tickets here
The Upside Down Museum Amsterdam – Large interactive museum and Instagram/TikTok experience which includes optical illusions, upside-down rooms and super photogenic spaces. Book Upside Down Museum tickets here
WONDR Experience – An immersive experience in Amsterdam with 15 rooms including disco balls, a lifesize doll house and fluffy karaoke booths – lots of fun for both adults and children alike. Book WONDR tickets here
Wereldmuseum Amsterdam – Martial Arts, exhibition about the traditions and stories of various forms of martial art including kung fu, karate, capoeira, kickboxing, pencak silat and Nguni stick fighting. Runs 31 May 2024 to 31 Aug 2025. Book Wereldmuseum Amsterdam tickets here
Royal Palace – Visit the grand Royal Palace on Dam Square including the impressive Citizen’s Hall. Book Royal Palace tickets here
Body Worlds – Display of human body plastinate specimens at the permanent venue on Damrak. The exhibition focuses on happiness. Book Body Worlds tickets here
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo – One of the city’s premier visitor attractions – a magnificent zoo set in a large park in the picturesque Plantage area of the city. Book Artis Zoo tickets here
ARTIS Groote Museum – The fascinating new Groote Museum allows you to explore your place in the living world with beautifully presented installations and exhibits. Book Groote Museum tickets here
ARTIS Micropia – The world’s only museum dedicated to microbes and micro-organisms. Book Micropia tickets here
House of Bols – The Cocktail & Genever Experience about the Lucas Bols brand, which has been making liqueurs in Amsterdam since 1575. Book House of Bols tickets here
Rijksmuseum Schiphol – Amsterdam airport hosts a small selection of works from the Rijksmuseum collection. The museum is located on Holland Boulevard (between Lounges 2 and 3 in non-Schengen departures) and is open 24 hours a day to passengers. Free entry
Amsterdam City Passes
These all inclusive passes may save you money on a well planned Amsterdam itinerary.
| Most museums + city transport | Includes Keukenhof + other tours |
| I amsterdam City Card | GO City Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass |
 |  |
| 1/2/3/4/5 days | 1/2/3/5 days |
| 24 hours basis | calendar day basis |
| €60/€85/€100/€115/€125 | €99/€119/€144/€194 |
| 70 museums + transport + canal cruise + bike rental | Over 25 attractions/tours + canal cruise + bike rental |
| excludes Anne Frank House / Van Gogh Museum / tours | excludes Anne Frank House / Van Gogh Museum / transport |
| Book here | Book here |
| I amsterdam City Card info | GO City Amsterdam Pass info |
Sport in Amsterdam and Netherlands (April 2025)
Football:
Ajax home fixtures at Johan Cruyff Arena Amsterdam:
Ajax vs NAC Breda 6 Apr 2025 (tba)
Ajax vs Sparta Rotterdam 27 Apr 2025 (tba)
It is possible to take a classic stadium tour of the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. Book Johan Cruijff Arena Tour tickets here or book a VIP 2 hour tour here
Athletics/Running:
NN Rotterdam Marathon – This big marathon event in the Netherlands normally attracts over 20,000 competitors including a field of world-class athletes. The 44th edition is scheduled for 13 Apr 2025.
Cruijff Legacy 14K – Charitable fun run event over 5km and 14km around Amsterdam Zuidoost to raise money for the Johan Cruijff Foundation. Expected April 2025, with start and finish at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.
Darts:
Premier League – The invitational Premier League of darts event returns to the Netherlands on 17 Apr 2025 at Ahoy Rotterdam.
Korfball:
League Finals – Ball sport (kind of netball-basketball cross) invented in the Netherlands. League finals day will be on 12 Apr 2025 at Ahoy Rotterdam.
See the full annual sport calendar for Amsterdam
Festivals in Amsterdam (April 2025)
Tulp Festival – This festivals brings displays of tulips across the entire city during the month of April 2025.
Amsterdam Coffee Festival – A festival event for coffee lovers and industry professionals featuring artisan coffee, gourmet food stalls, barista demonstrations, live music and art exhibitions. Expected 3-5 Apr 2025 at Westergas, Amsterdam.
DGTL Festival – Global electronic music festival with mix of art installations and sustainability projects. Runs 18-20 Apr 2025 at NDSM wharf, Amsterdam.
Kingsland Festival – One day dance events at RAI in Amsterdam and Zuiderpark in Rotterdam. These are the largest King’s Day festival events in the Netherlands. Runs on 27 Apr 2025.
Check out our complete festival calendar for Amsterdam
Fairs & Expos in Amsterdam (April 2025)
IAMExpat Fair 2025 – One-day event connecting the expat community with various stands, workshops and presentations. Expected April 2025 at Westergas Amsterdam.
Comedy & Shows in Amsterdam (April 2025)
Boom Chicago – Comedy and improv shows in English playing regularly at Rozentheater on Rozengracht.
Amsterdam Magic Show – Monthly magic and comedy show with international performers. At Boom Chicago’s Rozentheater, Rozengracht in Amsterdam. Dates to be announced.
VEGAS – Spectacular dinner show featuring Dutch illusionist Hans Klok, dance acts and live musicians including a 4 course shared dining menu. Runs on 5/11/12/18/19 Apr 2025 at the Harbour Club (eastern Docklands) in Amsterdam. Book Amsterdam VEGAS dinner show tickets here
Swan Lake – Franceconcert presents the renowned ballet with music by Tchaikovsky. Runs at RAI Amsterdam on 12-13 Apr 2025.
Classical Concerts & Theatre in Amsterdam (April 2025)
Dutch National Opera – 6 performances of Strauss opera Die Frau ohne Schatten will run 23 Apr – 10 May 2025.
Dutch National Ballet – 10 performances of ballet Lady Macbeth (Helen Pickett / James Bonas) will run 5-22 Apr 2025.
Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA) – Amsterdam’s renowned theatre company performs shows in Dutch which have live English surtitles above the stage – for Thursday night shows at the Stadsschouwburg theatre.
Other Events in Amsterdam and Netherlands
Amsterdam Dinner Cruise – 120 minute evening cruise around Amsterdam’s canals with a 3 course meal and drinks. Runs every Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat (1930) in April. Check Dinner Cruise availability here
De Balie – The multimedia venue near Leidseplein in Amsterdam hosts regular events about current affairs, politics and culture.
Market Events in Amsterdam
Pure Markt – Regular market event with high quality produce, music, food stalls and other activities. At Amsterdamse Bos, Amstelpark and Park Frankendael, dates to be announced. Free entry
Sunday Market – Market events with a mix of fashion, design, arts, food and kids stuff. At Westergas and De Hallen, dates o be announced. Free entry
Museum Market – Museumplein hosts this Sunday market with arts and crafts, food and music. Dates to be announced. Free entry
IJ-Hallen – Large weekend flea market event held at NDSM-wharf in north Amsterdam with 750 outdoor stands. Dates to be announced.
The Maker Market – Weekend market features creative handmade products including jewelry, art and live music. Runs in the covered passage of De Hallen Amsterdam, dates to be announced. Free entry
Rock & Pop Concerts in Amsterdam
Usher – 22/23/25/26/28 Apr, Ziggo Dome
King’s Day (Koningsdag) in Amsterdam 2025
King’s Day 2025 – Koningsdag 2025 is the Dutch national holiday to be held on Sunday 27 April 2025. Following the abdication of Queen Beatrix in 2013 and the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander, the former Queen’s Day celebration has become King’s Day. The date was moved from 30 April, the birthday of the former Queen Juliana to the 27 April, birthday of the current King.
King’s Day is one of the world’s greatest open-air parties – an event everyone should try and experience at least once in their life! Amsterdam goes completely orange crazy with revellers on the streets, in parks and afloat the water. Up to 800,000 visitors used to cram into the centre temporarily doubling the city’s population.
Celebrations actually start the evening before on Saturday 26 April 2025 – King’s Night (Koningsnacht) – and then continue all of the next day. On King’s Day morning each year the Dutch Royal family (House of Orange-Nassau) do a walkabout visit around a chosen town in the Netherlands which is shown live on state television.
One of the main highlights of King’s Day in Amsterdam is the citywide free market (vrijmarkt). This is where people set up stalls and sell clothes, food, drinks and just about anything else – from plants, old electronics, vintage items, bric-a-brac and much old tat. Prices are negotiable which is all part of the fun.
Many Amsterdam residents set up shop directly outside their own houses – days before they mark their territory with tape (“bezet” meaning “occupied”). There are also professional traders and opportunists who take advantage of the tax-free trading.
The free market in Amsterdam officially starts from 0600 on King’s Day and goes on all day until 2000. Bargain hunters should get there early.
Note that the city of Utrecht (30 minutes south of Amsterdam by train) starts its free market on King’s Night (26 April) from 1800 – with an authentic and friendly atmosphere, it’s well worth a visit.
For fun and games, children’s clothes, toys and young performers head to the main children’s King’s Day market at Vondelpark (Amsterdam’s main park) which opens at 0900. Other children’s markets can be found (amongst others) at NDSM-wharf, Artisplein, Amstelveld, Bellamyplein, Frederiksplein, Leliegracht, Rembrandtplein, Sarphatipark and Westerpark.
On King’s Day the festivities continue throughout Amsterdam with the free market, food/drink stalls, concert stages, impromptu street entertainers, party boats and all sorts of weird and wonderful fun.
There are large dance parties planned which are held outside of the centre. These are: Kingsland Festival (RAI Amsterdam), Cartel Kingsday (Westerunie), Loveland van Oranje (Meerpark) and Oranjebloesem (Olympic Stadium). Entry is only for ticket holders, no at-the-door sales.
The best way of getting around Amsterdam on King’s Day is on foot – temporary signposts can guide you to areas of interest.
GVB public transport – Ferries, metro and some buses will operate on King’s day with a standard Saturday timetable. You do require a ticket as normal! Trams run a Saturday timetable with some lines running alternative routes and avoiding the inner centre. Metro station RAI will be closed.
Train services run on a special King’s Day timetable so double check with NS Dutch Railways if planning travel or going to the airport.
If coming to Amsterdam from other parts of the Netherlands by train it is preferable to arrive at Amsterdam Zuid or Amsterdam Amstel and walk in.
Expect Amsterdam stations to be extremely busy with up to a quarter of a million people arriving by train. Amsterdam RAI and Science Park will be closed.
Supermarkets do open on King’s Day though hours can be restricted in some branches. Most shops in the city centre will remain closed.
Museums which are open on King’s Day include the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, STRAAT, MOCO Museum and Van Gogh Museum. Note that most other museums including FOAM, Maritime Museum, NEMO, Rembrandt House and Wereldmuseum Amsterdam are closed.
Be aware that the city centre can get extremely crowded in some places – expect large crowds to gather on Dam Square and Museumplein. Watch out for pickpockets and be vigilant to new perceived security threats.
King’s Day events are observed all over the Netherlands including Arnhem, Den Haag, Eindhoven, Groningen, Haarlem, Rotterdam and Utrecht.
Amsterdam Transport Passes
The following multi-day transport tickets can help you get to the various events in and around Amsterdam:
| Best Value & Validity | Best for AMS airport | Best for Excursions |
 |  |  |
| GVB Day/Multi-Day tickets | Amsterdam Travel Ticket | Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket |
| 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 days | 1/2/3 days | 1/2/3 days |
| €9-€41 | €18/€24/€30 | €21/€31.50/€40.50 |
| Valid on all GVB transport (trams/metro/buses) in Amsterdam | Valid on all GVB transport (trams/metro/buses) in Amsterdam | Valid on all GVB transport (trams/metro/buses) in Amsterdam |
| – | Valid on Schiphol airport train + 397 airport bus | Valid on Schiphol airport train + 397 airport bus |
| – | – | Valid on regional NS trains + EBS/Connexxion/Arriva buses in region |
| 24 hours basis | Calendar day basis | Calendar day basis |
| Digital + Card versions | Card only | Card only |
| Order here | Order here | Order here |
| more info | more info | more info |
The AmsterdamTips.com What’s On in Amsterdam has been running monthly since 2008. Disclaimer: While we make every effort to keep this listing up-to-date, events can always be cancelled or re-scheduled at short notice. Please double-check with the event organisers.
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