Easter Weekend in the Netherlands

Spring has sprung and the Easter weekend (April 6 - 8) is here! In case you are still wondering what to expect from this long weekend, take a look at the following ideas and activity suggestions.

Easter Sunday

Amsterdam has a lot to offer during this weekend break, from lovely brunch with delicious Easter specialties to egg hunts in beautiful outdoor venues.

› Breakfast and brunch Easter Brunch Cruise

Blue Boat canal-cruise operator offers a two-hour Easter Brunch Cruise through Amsterdam’s waterways with a cost ranging from 40,50 to 45 euros.

Other than that, Hard Rock Café Amsterdam offers face-painting, egg hunts and breakfast with bunnies for kids with a cost of 11,95 euros.

› Outdoor egg hunts

Pampus Fort on Pampus Island, Bijlmerweide petting zoo and Het Groot Melkhuis at the Vondelpark organises egg hunts for children and families. Artis Royal Zoo also offers a fun line-up of activities on Easter Sunday, including a special treasure hunt.

› Markets

Check out Pure Markt at the Amstelpark, where you can find not only traditional local Dutch food, but also sunny terraces, music and entertainment. Albert Cuyp market, which is open on Easter Sunday, is also another option to consider.

Easter Monday
Easter Monday is a public holiday in the Netherlands; if the weather is pleasant enough, people usually go for day trips or outdoor activities, and if not, indoor shopping could be an alternative.

› Amusement parks
The Netherlands has several exciting amusement parks worth visiting. If you haven't had the chance to visit yet, Easter Monday could be a good day to check out some of the most popular amusement parks in the country such as Efteling and Walibi World.

Photo: Easter Hat Parade at Keukenhof

› Keukenhof garden

Apart from the famous International Flower Exhibition, Keukenhof hosts the Easter Hat Parade throughout the Easter weekend. Visitors are also expected to wear an Easter bonnet and there are prizes for the prettiest and most extravagant bonnets.

› Shopping

Easter Monday is an ideal time to visit shopping malls specialised in furniture, kitchens, gardens accessories and / or plants, such as the Alexandrium shopping mall in Rotterdam. Many shops offer special deals only for this day. Click here to find your nearest furniture shopping mall. 

Notes

› Banks, post offices and many businesses are usually closed on Easter Sunday and Monday.
› Some stores are open later or close earlier than usual and some are closed all day.
› Public transport services still operate, but with less schedules.