Top things to do in Amsterdam in May

It’s arguably the perfect month to be in Amsterdam in May… The long winter is over, the weather is warm and sunny but the city is not too crowded with the tourists that descend on the city during the summer months. There is always plenty to see and do in the Amsterdam, but with the warmer weather of May and the variety of events in the city during this month there is no finer time to visit! Check out our top things to do in Amsterdam in May below! 

Activities to enjoy during Spring in Amsterdam 

Make the most of the great weather and take a boat trip!

With the good weather that usually comes in May, this month is arguably one of the best to get out on the water! Without the throngs of tourists that fill the city from July onwards, May is the perfect month to enjoy the relatively calm waters of Amsterdam’s canals. With unlimited drinks, a luxury boat to sit back and relax on and a professional skipper and host to do the hard work, this amsterdam boat rental  is the perfect way to kick off the summer in style with a group of friends or family! 

Rent a scooter and head off to see the Dutch countryside in Bloom! 

Renting a scooter from We Are Amsterdam in spring and heading off the beaten track to see the Dutch countryside in full bloom is a great opportunity to get some fresh air and see the beauty of rural Holland. Jumping on a scooter and seeing the iconic polder landscape whilst enjoying the calmer pace of life outside the big city is a great way to make the most of the sunshine outside of the capital.

Head out to the tulip fields or hit the beach – who knows, the weather might be warm enough to take a dip! 

There’s a great selection of free festivals and events in Amsterdam. Check out the following brilliant if you’re thinking of visiting Amsterdam in May. 

Festivals and Events in Amsterdam in May 

Rolling Kitchens 

The ever-popular Rolling Kitchens (Rollende Keukens) festival takes place each year in West Amsterdam’s beautiful Westerpark. This festival is free to enter and has great music, brilliant food and drinks and a wonderful, laidback atmosphere! The location is beautiful and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the crowds of locals that come to enjoy this great festival every year from the 29th May until the 2nd June. With a large variety of food trucks, this street food-type festival is sure to tickle your taste buds and is an absolute must-see if you’re in Amsterdam in May. 

Vondelpark Open Air Theatre 

From the 5th May onwards, the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre shows a number of one-day music festivals. KinderBevrijdingsfestival (Children’s Liberation Festival), Kwaku Summer Festival Down Town, Summer Breeze Latin Festival are all scattered throughout May and offer a diverse range of fantastic music. These one-day events are always a great success and are well-worth checking out. 

London Calling – Paradiso 

London Calling is a brilliant two-day festival that showcases the best of British indie bands on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th at the renowned venue Paradiso in Leidseplein. If you’re interested in seeing some British bands in a classic Amsterdam venue, then this is one of the most popular music events in Amsterdam in spring. 

With the summer well on the way, Amsterdam in May is sure to be a brilliant month in the Dutch capital! Check out these fantastic events and festivals and hop on a boat or scooter to make the most of the city in spring!