Amsterdam in March: Weather, festivals & top things to do

Keukenhof

Keukenhof, popularly known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world’s largest flower gardens. Here, you can see over 7 million flower bulbs spread across 32 hectares, with tulips being the star of the show.
Special events: Head to Keukenhof to enjoy the annual Amsterdam Tulip Festival from March 20 to May 11.
Recommended experiences:

• From Amsterdam: Day Trip to Keukenhof & Tulip Farm
• From Amsterdam: Keukenhof & Zaanse Schans Windmills Guided Tour

Insider tip: Since tulips are weather-dependent, the outdoor tulip farms may not be in full bloom. Instead, check out the indoor exhibitions and glasshouses to see tulips and other flower arrangements.

Tulip Experience

Explore over 700 varieties of tulips, and learn about the history of tulip cultivation in Amsterdam at the family-run Tulip Experience. 
Special events: Don’t miss the Farmers’ Market, art exhibitions, and more, specially curated for the Amsterdam Tulip Festival, from March 20 to May 11. Your kids will also enjoy the special scavenger hunt happening during the Easter weekend.
Recommended experience:

• Tulip Experience Amsterdam Tickets

Insider tip: The Tulip Experience also lets guests pick their own tulips from the indoor picking garden, so don’t forget to go flower-picking.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, and home to over 800 works of art from the Dutch Golden Age. Here, you can spot masterpieces by the likes of Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Vermeer.
Special events: The Rijksmuseum hosts the following exhibitions throughout March: Frans Hals, Express Yourself, and Slavery: 10 True Stories of Dutch Colonial Slavery.
Recommended experiences:

• Small Group Rijksmuseum Guided Tour
• Rijksmuseum Entrance Tickets + 60-Min LOVERS Canal Cruise

Insider tip: When visiting, explore the less popular galleries like the Asia Pavillion and Special Collections. You can explore the more popular galleries in the early morning or in the evening.

Van Gogh Museum

This art museum is dedicated to Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. See the largest collection of his paintings, including The Potato Eaters, drawings, and personal letters.
Special events: Catch the Power of Pigments and the Anselm Kiefer - Sag mir wo die Blumen sind exhibitions in March.
Recommended experiences:

• Van Gogh Museum Guided Tour
• Moco Museum Amsterdam + Van Gogh Museum Tickets

Insider tip: Do not miss the Sunflower Room, which houses Sunflowers; the Timeline Room, which maps out the key events in Van Gogh’s life and work; and the Phone Call Room, to get a deeper understanding of Van Gogh’s relationship with his brother, Theo.

H’ART Museum

The H’ART Museum, formerly associated with the Hermitage Museum of Saint Petersburg, is known for its temporary exhibitions, often showcasing some of the most famous works of art, borrowed from other museums worldwide.
Special events: Explore the Happy Birthday Amsterdam, Amsterdam Museum, and Animal Therapy exhibitions at H’ART Museum.
Recommended experience:

• Small-Group Amsterdam Hidden Gems Walking Tour

Insider tip: Ask for a museum map or a run-through of the museum’s layout and key galleries as soon as you arrive. This way, you won’t miss out on any important highlights!

ARTIS Royal Zoo

The ARTIS Royal Zoo is the Netherlands’ first public zoo and one of the five oldest zoos in the world. Explore the Zoological Garden, and see reptiles, lions, jaguars, elephants, and more.
Special events: Check out the late Lizan Freijsen’s hand-tufted wool carpets at the special Pillars of Life exhibition.
Recommended experience:

• Small-Group Amsterdam Hidden Gems Walking Tour

Insider tip: ARTIS is part of a complex that includes a zoological garden, a museum, as well as Micropia, the world’s first and only museum dedicated to microorganisms.

Moco Amsterdam

Enjoy modern, contemporary, and street art at Moco Amsterdam, where you can see works by modern artists like Banksy, Dali, and Hirst.
Special events: Check out the Planet Positive Disruption and DREAMS exhibitions at Moco Amsterdam in March.
Recommended experiences:

• Fabrique des Lumières + Moco Museum Amsterdam Tickets
• Moco Museum Amsterdam + Van Gogh Museum Tickets

Insider tip: Download the Moco PLAY app to see artworks like Let Her Be Free come alive through augmented reality.

Nightlife

Amsterdam is known for its nightlife, especially its dance clubs and live music. Whether you’re a fan of techno, house, trance, hip-hop, funk, or even jazz, there’s something for everyone in the city’s nightlife.
Special events: The Jungle Weekender from March 7 to 10, Let’s Party Like It’s 1999 on March 28 at Ijland, and White Moon - 10 Year Anniversary on March 29 at H7 Warehouse are go-to events.
Recommended experience:

• Tickets to Leidseplein Pub Crawl in Amsterdam

Insider tip: Don’t forget to check out live music venues like Bourbon Street Music Club. You can also visit traditional pubs like Proeflokaal Arendsnest to sample a variety of Dutch beers.

Rembrandt House Museum

Rembrandt House Museum, the former residence of Rembrandt between 1639 and 1658, is dedicated to the life and works of the Dutch painter. Step back in time to the 17th century and see his prints as well as learn about his personal life and influences.
Special events: Enjoy The Illusionist exhibition on your visit to the Rembrandt House Museum in March.
Recommended experiences:

• Rembrandt House Museum + Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience Tickets
• Rembrandt House Museum + Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tickets

Insider tip: Take advantage of the temporary exhibitions, workshops, and lectures that complement the permanent collection. You can also get an audio guide or download the museum app to gain deeper insights into Rembrandt's life and work.

Families with kids

Must-experience: Efteling is a fantastic choice for families due to its unique blend of fairytale atmosphere, rides, and engaging shows. Hop on a wide range of rides and attractions, from gentle boat rides through the Fairytale Forest to roller coasters like Python. You can also enjoy shows throughout the day, including the Aquanura, Europe’s biggest water show. 
Better in March: While Efteling is enjoyable year-round, March provides a sweet spot with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and the beauty of spring, further enhancing the fairytale ambiance. The park comes alive with colors as spring flowers start to bloom on the grounds, and you can feed ducklings or enjoy the spring warmth on special benches and terraces.

Couples

Must-experience: Glide through the canals on an Amsterdam canal cruise, with charming houses lining the waterways, creating a truly romantic setting. Seeing the city from the water offers a unique perspective, revealing hidden corners and architectural details that might be missed on foot. Many cruises offer wine and cheese platters, perfect for couples seeking a more intimate experience. 
Better in March: March is the peak of tulip season in the Netherlands. As you cruise along the canals, you'll witness vibrant tulips in full bloom, adding romance to the scenery. While still cool, March offers milder temperatures than the winter months. This makes for a comfortable and enjoyable cruise on open-air decks or even flower boats.

Art and culture lovers

Must-experience: Moco Amsterdam boasts a collection of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by artists like Banksy, Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Hirst. The museum regularly hosts new exhibitions, showcasing both established and emerging artists. Moco also incorporates interactive elements into its exhibits, making the experience more engaging and memorable.
Better in March: March often sees the opening of new exhibitions at Moco Amsterdam. While still a popular attraction, March generally sees fewer visitors than peak summer months so you might experience shorter queues at the entrance and for popular exhibits like Andres Reisinger’s DREAMS or Frankey’s Planet Positive Disruption.

Solo travelers or friend groups

Must-experience: The panoramic views from the A’DAM Lookout observation deck provide a perfect setting to enjoy the scenery, including Central Station and the Amsterdam canals, or simply unwind. Strike up a conversation with fellow travelers, or enjoy Europe’s highest "Over the Edge" swing.
Better in March: March offers longer daylight hours compared to winter, allowing you to enjoy the panoramic views for a longer period. You can witness the city come alive as the sun sets, creating a magical atmosphere. While you’re up there, witness blooming trees and flowers, adding a touch of seasonal beauty to the cityscape.

Shopping enthusiasts

Must-experience: Amsterdam offers a vibrant shopping scene with options for every taste. While Jordaan is known for its vintage shops, antique stores, and trendy boutiques, Kalverstraat offers a mix of international chains and Dutch brands. Leidsestraat offers a more upscale shopping experience with designer boutiques and PC Hooftstraat features high-end luxury brands.
Better in March: Check out Bloemenmarkt, the world-famous floating flower market, offering a colorful array of tulips, bulbs, and other flowers. Apart from this, some stores might offer spring sales or promotions. Don't hesitate to bargain at the markets, especially at the Albert Cuyp Market.

Nature lovers

Must-experience: Keukenhof, renowned as the "Garden of Europe," boasts a display of over 7 million flower bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and more. Keukenhof showcases the pinnacle of Dutch horticultural expertise through intricate flower arrangements and gardens. The park features walking paths, ponds, and charming windmills too.
Better in March: March marks the peak of tulip season in the Netherlands, making it the ideal time to experience the full glory of Keukenhof. Most of the tulips will be in full bloom during March, along with mild temperatures and longer days, making it comfortable for exploring the gardens. March also typically sees fewer crowds than April, allowing for a more relaxed visit.