May is a great time to visit Amsterdam, with pleasant late-spring temperatures and plenty to see and do.
Check out our insider curated guide to events and things going on in and around the city for May 2025.
Museums, Exhibitions & Attractions in Amsterdam (May 2025)
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.
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
Fabrique des Lumières – Highly recommended immersive exhibitions of classical, modern and contemporary artists using cutting-edge technology with light projections and music. Current exhibition is The Kingdom of the Pharoes which explores the Egyptian civilisation. Runs 20 Mar 2025 to 31 Jan 2026. Book Fabrique des Lumières tickets here
Nxt Museum – Dive into digital at the first “new media art” museum in the Netherlands. Still Processing, exhibition examining the evolution of image processing – both through machine algorithms and human perception. Runs 7 Feb to 5 Oct 2025. 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
Van Gogh Museum & Stedelijk – Anselm Kiefer – Sag mir wo die Blumen sind, major joint-exhibition on the German artist in the Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum. Runs 7 Mar to 9 Jun 2025. Book Van Gogh Museum tickets / Book Stedelijk tickets
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
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
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
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
H’ART Museum – The renamed former Hermitage Museum presents Rembrandt to Vermeer, Masterpieces from The Leiden Collection, an exhibition featuring 75 works from a noted private collection. Runs 9 Apr to 24 Aug 2025. Book H’ART Museum tickets here
Allard Pierson – Amsterdam Eats. A History in Dishes, exhibition about cooking and eating in Amsterdam, part of the city’s 750th anniversary. Runs 11 Apr to 7 Sep 2025. Book Allard Pierson tickets here
Stadsarchief – The Birth of the City. In Search of Medieval Amsterdam, exhibition at the City Archives on life in the Middle Ages. Runs 7 Mar to 6 Jul 2025.
Museum of the Mind (Outsider Art) – Animal Therapy: Humans and their Animal Muses, unique exhibition on how animals play a supportive role in human well-being. Runs 13 Feb to 31 Aug 2025.
Heineken Experience – Take a guided tour around the historic Heineken brewery, one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions. Book Heineken Experience tickets here
House of Bols – Stimulate your senses at the Cocktail & Genever Experience – featuring the Lucas Bols brand, which has been making liqueurs in Amsterdam since 1575. Book House of Bols tickets here
MOCO Museum – The acclaimed modern and contemporary art museum on Museumplein. Banksy: Laugh Now has a diverse selection of works from the anonymous British street artist. Andrés Reisinger, DREAMS, Amsterdam, exhibition of the Argentinian visual artist and designer. Runs 8 Oct 2024 to 7 Jul 2025. Book MOCO Museum tickets here
Rembrandt’s Amsterdam Experience – A video art experience about the life of the famous painter and reconstruction of Rembrandt’s studio on Rozengracht. Book Rembrandt’s Amsterdam Experience tickets here
Rembrandt House – Visit the house where Rembrandt lived and worked. Rembrandt & Amsterdam, collection of 50 Rembrandt etchings of Amsterdam. Runs 23 May to 7 Sep 2025. Book Rembrandt House 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
De Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) – World Press Photo Exhibition 2025, annual exhibition of the current affairs photography contest. Runs 18 Apr to 21 Sep 2025. Book World Press Photo tickets here
The Roof of Amsterdam is also the chance to climb to the top of the church renovation scaffolding for a rare view. Runs 22 Mar to 2 Nov 2025. Book Roof of Amsterdam tickets here
Oude Kerk – Kimsooja: To Breathe, large-scale installation with the theme of migration by the Korean contemporary artist. Runs 24 May to 9 Nov 2025. Book Oude Kerk tickets
FOAM Photography Museum – The Underground Camera, exhibition from Dutch photographers who captured scenes of the famine winter in 1944-45 under German occupation. Runs 2 May to 2 Oct 2025. Book FOAM tickets here
Huis Marseille – Revoir Paris, exhibition of Paris photos through the lens of the Séeberger brothers (1900-1907). Runs 15 Feb to 22 Jun 2025.
Royal Palace – Visit the grand Royal Palace on Dam Square including the impressive Citizen’s Hall. Book Royal Palace tickets here
EYE Filmmuseum – Nuri Bilge Ceylan – Inner Landscapes, the first Dutch exhibition devoted to the work of the acclaimed Turkish filmmaker and photographer. Runs 18 Jan to 1 Jun 2025. Book EYE Film exhibition tickets here
Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder – The Miracle of Amsterdam, tells the story from 1345 how a host (unrisen bread) was found intact in burning flames. Includes 3 self-guided walks around Amsterdam. Runs 13 Mar to 7 Sep 2025. Book Op Solder Museum 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 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
ARCAM – Talk of the Town Pin Board: Amsterdam Museum, exhibition around the renovation of one of Amsterdam’s principal museums. Runs 11 Apr to 29 Jun 2025.
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 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 |
| €65/€90/€108/€123/€135 | €100/€120/€146/€196 |
| 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 the Netherlands (May 2025)
Football:
Ajax home fixtures at Johan Cruyff Arena Amsterdam:
Ajax vs NEC 11 May 2025 (16:45)
Ajax vs FC Twente 18 May 2025 (14:30)
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 guided tour here
Rugby:
Amsterdam Sevens – Annual international rugby sevens tournament with over 120 teams to be played at the National Rugby Centre (Sportpark de Eendracht) in Amsterdam. 52nd edition on 31 May – 1 Jun 2025.
Golf:
Dutch Ladies Open – Ladies European Tour event due at Goyer Golf & Country Club, over 3 rounds on 16-18 May 2025.
Darts:
Dutch Darts Championships – European tour event featuring some of the world’s top players. Runs 23-25 May 2025 at Autotron in Rosmalen.
Inline Skating:
Friday Night Skate – 20km organised skate around the streets of Amsterdam held every Friday night (20:30, weather permitting) from Vondelpark Pavilion.
See the full annual sport calendar for Amsterdam
Festivals in Amsterdam (May 2025)
Rolling Kitchens – The Rollende Keukens food festival features dozens of mobile kitchens and food trucks offering appetising dishes plus live music. 17th edition is expected 28 May – 1 Jun 2025 (13:00-23:00) at Westerpark in Amsterdam. Free entry
Amsterdam Art Week – This event features various art exhibitions, performances, screenings, debates and gallery tours. 13th edition runs over 21-25 May 2025 at various galleries and project spaces around Amsterdam.
Fête du Champagne Festival – Wine and champagne-themed event in Rembrandtpark Amsterdam with French food and live music, expected 28 May – 1 Jun 2025.
DiscoDip Festival – Festival featuring food trucks, workshops, wine tasting and live music. At Amsterdamse Bos over 23-25 May 2025.
See our complete festival calendar for Amsterdam
Comedy & Shows in Amsterdam and Netherlands
Boom Chicago – Great night out at the popular comedy and improv theatre show in English – with bar and table service. At the Rozentheater in Amsterdam, shows playing Wed-Sun. Book a Boom Chicago show here
VEGAS – Spectacular dinner show featuring illusionists, dance acts and live musicians. Includes a 3 course shared dining menu with 12 dishes. Runs on 17/31 May 2025 at the Harbour Club (eastern Docklands) in Amsterdam. Book Amsterdam VEGAS dinner show tickets here
John Cleese – The legendary British comedian comes to the Netherlands with his Last Time to See Me Before I Die show. Playing at Theater Orpheus Apeldoorn on 14 May 2025 and the Nieuwe Luxor Theater Rotterdam on 15/18 May 2025.
Sarah Millican – The British stand-up comedian brings her Late Bloomer show twice at Theater Carré in Amsterdam on 16/17 May 2025.
Romesh Ranganathan – The British comedian of Sri Lankan descent has his Hustle tour show at Muziekgebouw Eindhoven on 21 May 2025 and at Theater Carré in Amsterdam on 22 May 2025.
Katherine Ryan – The UK-based Canadian comedian performs her Battleaxe show at Theater Carré in Amsterdam on 23 May 2025. Additional Dutch shows: Nieuwe Luxor Theater in Rotterdam on 22 May 2025 and 013 in Tilburg on 24 May 2025.
Classical Concerts & Theatre in Amsterdam
Dutch National Opera – 6 performances of Strauss opera Die Frau ohne Schatten will run 23 Apr – 10 May 2025.
Dutch National Ballet – 5 performances of opera-ballet How Anansi freed the stories of the world will run 16-25 May 2025.
Maria Karakusheva – Forget Me Not, a cinematic piano and strings concert at the Vondelkerk (Vondel Church) in Amsterdam on 22 May 2025 (20:00).
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 – An atmospheric 120 minute evening cruise around Amsterdam’s canals with a 4 course meal and drinks included. Runs every Wed to Sat (19:30) in May. Check Dinner Cruise availability here
National Remembrance Day – Ceremony commemorating the war dead, held in Dam Square on 4 May. A 2 minute silence is held nationwide at 20:00.
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson – The Canadian bestselling author, clinical psychologist and prominent public intellectual will lecture at Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on 17 May 2025 (20:00).
De Balie – The multimedia venue near Leidseplein in Amsterdam hosts regular events about current affairs, politics and culture.
Netherlands Public Holiday – Thursday 29 May 2025 (Ascension Day).
Market Events in Amsterdam
Pure Markt – Regular market event with high quality produce, music, food stalls and other activities. At Amstelpark on 11 May 2025, Amsterdamse Bos on 18 May 2025 and Park Frankendael on 25 May 2025, all 11:00-18:00. Free entry
Sunday Market – Market events with a mix of fashion, design, arts, food and kids stuff at Westergas. 4 May 2025 (12:00-18:00). Free entry
Museum Market – Museumplein hosts this Sunday market with arts and crafts, food and music. 18 May 2025 (10:00-18:00). Free entry
IJ-Hallen – Large weekend flea market event held at NDSM-wharf in north Amsterdam with 750 outdoor stands. 24-25 May 2025 (09:00-16:30).
The Maker Market – Weekend market features creative handmade products including jewelry, art and live music. Runs in the covered passage of De Hallen Amsterdam, 24-25 May 2025 (11:00-17:00). Free entry
Rock & Pop Concerts in Amsterdam (May 2025)
Billie Eilish – 4/5/7 May, Ziggo Dome
Robert Plant – 6 May, Carré
Jamie Cullum – 8 May, Paradiso
Inhaler – 10 May, Ziggo Dome
Kevin Hart – 11 May, Ziggo Dome
The Lumineers – 17 May, AFAS Live
The Amy Winehouse Band – 21 May, Melkweg
Steven Wilson – 22 May, AFAS Live
Nelly – 26 May, Ziggo Dome
Tate McRae – 28 May, Ziggo Dome
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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