Amsterdam in May is always a good idea. This is an excellent time of year to visit the capital of the Netherlands if you want to be out and about exploring as much as possible. This month is your last opportunity to visit before the bustling summer crowds descend on the city and things like accommodation shoot up in price.

May in Amsterdam brings pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from a chilly 8°C (46°F) to a mild 17°C (63°F) and rain falling on around eight days throughout the month. So although you’ll likely have to wrap up when you head out in the evening, you’ll get to enjoy the perfect temperature and weather for sightseeing during the day.

Whether you’re interested in world-famous museums, thought-provoking street art, ancient architecture, adorable baby animals, or something else altogether, you’ll never be stuck for what to do in Amsterdam in May. 

With so many cool activities and attractions, it can feel impossible just getting started. To give you a helping hand, we’ve put together a list of the absolute best things to do in the Dutch capital at this time of year! 

The 9 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam in May

1. Test Your Limits on Europe’s Highest Swing 

Want to push your limits and find out how brave you really are? Then head to A’DAM LOOKOUT and take a ride on the Sensational Swing. One of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam that I always recommend to people visiting, this swing is the highest in Europe and allows you to swing over the edge of the building, with nothing but air between you and the ground 100 meters (328 feet) down below.

If that sounds like it’s too much for you, there are alternatives. You can sign up for the Amsterdam VR and enjoy a high-speed roller coaster through the city without ever leaving your seat. Or head to the rooftop bar and sip a cocktail while admiring the view.

2. See a Performance at Vondelpark

May marks the beginning of the open-air theater season in Vondelpark, when all kinds of performers take to the stage to show off their skills and talents. When the weather’s warm, one of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam in May is to head to the park and see what shows are coming up. Depending on when you visit, you could see anything from stand-up comedy and live music to dance performances and kids’ theater. 

One of the best things about Vondelpark’s open-air theater is that all the performances are absolutely free! Donations are appreciated, though, and your money goes toward making sure the events can continue. Check the official website to see what’s happening during your visit. 

3. Feed Baby Goats at a Goat Farm

An absolute must for animal lovers and anyone traveling to Amsterdam in May with young kids, the Goatfarm Ridammerhoeve is almost guaranteed to have baby goats at this time of year! 

I suggest you visit first thing in the morning and ask what time the goat feeding is. If you’re one of the first people to ask, you’ll often have the chance to get hands-on and feed a baby goat yourself with a bottle. The farm is also home to pigs, sheep, chickens, cows, and horses, many of which will also have young babies you can “ooh” and “ahh” over.

Aside from petting the animals and snapping selfies, there are loads of cool things to do here. You can dig into a hearty organic farmer’s breakfast before you visit the farm or sign up for a workshop and learn how to make your very own fresh goat cheese. 

4. Seek Shelter at STRAAT

The weather in Amsterdam in May is usually ideal for being outdoors. But if you do get a little bit of rain, head for STRAAT to keep dry. The largest graffiti and street art museum in the world, this one-of-a-kind place is set inside a gigantic warehouse at NDSM wharf and boasts around 150 works of art. Every piece you see here was made on-site by remarkably talented local artists. 

If you visit on a Saturday or Sunday, you’ll have the chance to sign up for a guided tour. It’s an excellent way of learning more about the artwork, how it was created, and the thought process behind it. Adult and kids’ graffiti workshops are even available if you’d rather get hands-on and create some artwork yourself. 

5. Eat at the Food Trucks at Rollende Keukens

The second week of May in Amsterdam is the perfect time of year for foodies to visit. For just five days during this month, Rollende Keukens transforms the city’s Westerpark into a massive food truck festival with all kinds of delicious things to eat from the Netherlands and around the world. Entrance is free, so you’ve got nothing to lose! 

As well as food trucks, you’ll also find loads of pop-up bars selling beers, wines, and spirits for surprisingly affordable prices – especially considering you’re in the heart of a capital city. You’ll find plenty of things to eat for less than €10. To keep you entertained while you treat your taste buds, there’s an excellent lineup of live music performances, which are also free to enjoy. 

6. Swing Through the Air in Fun Forest

If you need a break from the city, head to the outskirts on the southern edge and spend the day at the Fun Forest. Here you’ll find 10 different climbing courses set among the trees, some of which are 18 meters (50 feet) off the ground!

If you’re visiting Amsterdam in May as a family, this adventure park is suitable for children aged 6+. It’s even better if you’re traveling with kids aged 14+ because they’ll have the chance to follow the extreme course, which includes a bungee jump and free jump at the end.

This can be a seriously exhausting day out, so I recommend you swing by the Boss Kitchen before heading back. Here you can dig into freshly prepared pizzas, sandwiches, and local cakes. 

7. See a Larger-Than-Life Light Show at Efteling Park

Efteling Park is one of the best theme parks in Europe, making it a must-visit if you’re looking for some high-speed thrills and Disney-style fun. At this time of year, the park is relatively quiet because the summer season has yet to begin and all the Easter visitors are long gone. This means you should be able to enjoy the park and all the rides without spending hours in line!

When you’re wandering around the park, be on the lookout for springtime ducklings. They’re all over the place and unbelievably cute! 

Don’t leave the park without watching the Aquanura water show. One of the biggest water, fire, and light shows in Europe, this spectacular extravaganza features more than 200 fountains and 900 lights that come together to create a sensational 12-minute show that will leave you speechless.

8. Check Out the Last of the Tulips at the Keukenhof

Tulip season begins in March and peaks in April, but if you visit Amsterdam in May, you should still be able to see some of the gorgeous flowers in bloom. The earlier you visit, the greater your chances are, so try and plan accordingly.

The best place to admire these colorful flowers is at the Keukenhof. At the beginning of the month, the flower beds will be laden with all kinds of brightly-colored tulips and there will be spectacular displays made out of the flowers. Check the activity calendar on the website because there will be shows and events, too.

It’s important to know that the Keukenhof isn’t like most parks. You need a ticket to enter and during tulip season, tickets can sell out well in advance. Play it safe and buy your tickets online as soon as you’ve booked your flights. 

9. See the View from the City’s Oldest Building

For some of the best views in the city, head to Oude Kerk. This stunning church is the oldest building in Amsterdam and is only open between April and September, making it a great place to visit in May in Amsterdam. The church is beautiful in its own right, but my favorite thing to do is to climb to the top of the tower and gaze out across the city.

Keep in mind that there’s no elevator and the viewing point is around 34 meters (110 feet) high. But if you’re feeling energetic, the effort is worth it for the chance to admire the city’s unique architecture from the top.

There you have it! The 9 best things to do in Amsterdam in May. What’s your favorite thing to do in Amsterdam in May?

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