Ultimate Travel Guide to Amsterdam in March
March in Amsterdam hits that sweet spot; winter’s letting go, spring’s teasing its way in, and the city feels like it’s waking up.
This ultimate travel guide to Amsterdam in March shows you exactly how to make the most of it.
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Weather
March in Amsterdam signals that slow shift out of winter. Days get longer, and you’ll notice a little more light in the air. Expect highs around 9°C (49°F) and lows dipping to 2°C (36°F). Early March can still bring a chill, especially after dark.
As the month rolls on, it gets a bit warmer, and by the end of March, sunsets stretch out till about 8 p.m. Sometimes, you’ll get lucky with a bright, sunny day; other times, it’s back to gray skies and the odd rain shower.
March brings about 2.3 inches (roughly 58mm) of rain, usually spread over 10-14 days. There’s always a chance of a stray snow flurry early in the month—though it rarely sticks around long enough to matter.
Is Amsterdam Crowded In March?
March in Amsterdam feels peaceful compared to the summer circus. January through March see fewer tourists, so the pace is slower and the vibe’s a lot more relaxed.
Lines at big-name spots like the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum are way shorter. Getting a table at restaurants or cafés is a breeze. Hotels are more affordable, and biking around is less of a competitive sport.
Things pick up a little by late March, especially as tulip season arrives. Still, it’s nothing like the April-May rush. The city stays manageable, and you can slow down and enjoy it.
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Where To Stay
If you’re picking where to stay in Amsterdam, it’s smart to book your hotel early. Even with fewer tourists in March, prices jump as dates approach. Most central accommodations get snapped up months ahead.
Staying near Central Station puts you right in the action. Major sights are steps away, and day trips are a breeze. Park Plaza Victoria sits across from the station, offering modern comfort and a location that spares your feet.
Dam Square puts you smack in the middle of things—Royal Palace, shopping, museums, all within easy reach. Swissôtel Amsterdam gives you a central spot without the jaw-dropping price tag of the city’s ultra-high-end hotels.
The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) is quieter, full of charm, and lined with canals. It’s got a romantic, laid-back feel, but you’re still close to the action. Hotel Estheréa is a boutique favorite, surrounded by some of Amsterdam’s prettiest views.
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Best Things To Do In Amsterdam
March in Amsterdam keeps you busy without the summer squeeze. Start at the Rijksmuseum—Rembrandt, Vermeer, and centuries of Dutch stories are all under one roof.
The Van Gogh Museum is just around the corner and holds the world’s largest collection of his work. Tickets sell out fast, so book ahead if you can.
Don’t miss the Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht (tickets drop 6 weeks ahead on Tuesdays), a canal cruise through those iconic waterways, a spin or stroll through Vondelpark, and a wander around Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp for food stalls and bargains.
March signals the start of tulip season; if Keukenhof Gardens are open, it’s worth the trip. The Bloemenmarkt flower market sells bulbs all year if you’re hoping to bring a bit of Amsterdam home.
Jordaan and The Nine Streets are perfect for boutique shopping and lazy café stops. Foodhallen is your go-to for a variety of food stalls, and street vendors dish out fresh stroopwafels and poffertjes that are hard to resist.
Hop on the free ferry from Centraal Station to NDSM Wharf in Noord for a dose of street art and waterfront bars. Westerpark is another good spot for a break between museum visits.
Zaanse Schans windmills are just outside the city and are worth a look. The NEMO Science Museum is a fun, hands-on spot if you’re traveling with kids or just feeling curious.
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How To Get Around
Getting around Amsterdam is a breeze, especially in March when it’s not too hot or crowded. The city center is compact and walkable, but mixing up your transport is part of the fun.
Public transport—trams, buses, and the metro—covers the whole city. Trams are the easiest for most tourist spots, with 15 lines zigzagging everywhere you’d want to go. You can pay with a contactless card using OVpay, or grab a travel pass if you plan to use transit a lot.
Bikes are a rite of passage here and rental shops are everywhere. Stick to red bike lanes and lock up well—bike theft is a thing, unfortunately.
The I Amsterdam City Card is a solid deal if you’re hitting museums and using public transport. It covers GVB trams, metros, buses, ferries, and gives you a 24-hour bike rental. Buy it for one to five days, depending on how museum-happy you’re feeling.
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What to Pack
Amsterdam in March can really keep you guessing; one minute it’s mild, the next it’s drizzling again.
Definitely toss a windproof umbrella into your bag, and a waterproof jacket is a must. If you’re planning to hop on a bike, you’ll probably appreciate waterproof pants as well. Rain boots aren’t just for style points; they’ll keep your feet dry when puddles appear out of nowhere.
Mornings can be brisk, but sometimes the sun shows up and things get surprisingly pleasant. Bring a couple pairs of jeans or long pants, a handful of shirts (mix up short and long sleeves), a couple of sweaters or hoodies, and a light jacket you can stash in your bag.
Seven pairs of underwear and socks should do the trick, and make sure to pack a pair of comfy walking shoes. Amsterdam’s cobblestones aren’t messing around.
Passport and travel adapter (Type C or F) are obvious, and skip the bottled water; Amsterdam’s tap water is absolutely drinkable. A small crossbody bag helps keep your valuables close without weighing you down.
