When the days slowly get longer and the songbirds start chirping their morning melodies, then you know that Spring is waiting at the door. And there is nothing quite like Spring in Amsterdam. Watch as the city warms up and blossoms, much like the famous Dutch tulips and other eye-catching flora that are popping up everywhere this season. Below are our picks for you to enjoy a marvelous March.
Opening of Keukenhof
Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse
It’s the moment we have all been waiting for: On March 21, the Keukenhof flower garden is opening its doors once again. Known as the ‘Garden of Europe’, Keukenhof provides the quintessential Dutch experience for international visitors, spanning 32 hectares and over 7 million flower bulbs planted here every year. Marvel at the countless colourful tulip varieties, enjoy the imaginative flower arrangements and let the stunning tulip fields serve as the backdrop for that perfect Insta-pic.
Amsterdam Coffee Festival
Westergasfabriek, Pazzanistraat 33
Looking for a different kind of buzz? Then visit the Westergasfabriek from March 13 to 15 for the Amsterdam Coffee Festival. At this yearly event, you can not only learn how different beans are roasted or sample your way to the perfect espresso – you can also root for your favourite barista during the Dutch Barista Championships.
Open Torendag
Various locations
Do you ever look up at a tall building and wonder what the view must be like from up there? With the Open Torendag – Open Tower Day – on March 21, you will have the opportunity to peer over Amsterdam from a variety of impressive perches. Towers from the previous years included the Beurs van Berlage, the Oudekerk tower, as well as many contemporary buildings and hotels. What’s lovelier than exploring Amsterdam architecture on a Spring afternoon?
Free Lunch Concerts at the Concertgebouw
Concertgebouwplein 10
In a bustling place like Amsterdam’s museum quarter, it can be difficult to find a peaceful retreat for an hour or two. If you’re in need of a refresher, try the free lunchtime concerts at the Concertgebouw every Wednesday in the month of March (and beyond). Watch and listen as musicians rehearse for upcoming performances in the Recital Hall. Although it’s free, you still need to get a ticket to attend. The box office opens at 11.30 am and the concert begins an hour later.
HISWA Boat Show at Amsterdam RAI
Europaplein 24
Find literally anything that might float your boat at the HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show, taking place at the RAI convention centre in the south of Amsterdam from March 11 – 15. Get a headstart on your aquatic adventures by taking the whole family to survey the wide selection of sloop-, speed- and sailboats. Dive headfirst into the HISWA Sport Xperience, where you can test a variety of watersports such as Stand Up-paddle-boarding or wi4ndsurfing. End the day by shopping for any new parts or water accessories you might need – maybe even a new vessel!
Image: Janus van den Eijnden
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