Spring has officially sprung, and there’s no place to be like the Netherlands right now. We’ve had so much sunshine it’s incredible, and the flowers have been sprouting everywhere.

The end of March and the first few weeks of April mark the beginning of cherry blossom season. There are a couple of spots where best to admire their tender petals in Amsterdam.

Amsterdamse Bos

The Amsterdam Forest abounds in nature and recreational and pleasurable activities. Its southern-most point is where the Bloesempark is, easily reachable by bike, car, or public transport.

It’s 20 minutes away from the city center, perfect for a half-day trip from Amsterdam. The entire forest stretches out for 1000 hectares, ensuring variety on each corner.

The Blossom Park is where you’ll see the beautiful sakura cherry trees. They were a gift from Japan’s Women’s Club, planted 22 years ago. Every tree has a name; they’re all women’s names, both in Dutch and Japanese.

Head here in the early morning to ensure some quietness. You’ll be able to soak in the full beauty of the scene. Most visitors arrive in the late morning/early afternoon hours. Even with lots of people around, you should be able to find a little spot to call your own.

A popular activity in the Bloesempark is taking pictures beneath the cherry trees. The experienced take all sorts of props and costumes while being photographed by professional cameras.

Grabbing a picnic basket and a friend or two to enjoy the cherry blossom is a resounding yes. For a more secluded setting, stop by during the week, when the crowds aren’t as large.

Craving a drink or a snack after you visited Blossom Park? There are a couple of cafes in Amsterdamse Bos, and one of them is more unusual than the rest.

The Geitenboerderij, located close by, doubles as a goat farm and a restaurant. Pay an entrance fee of 2 euros to spend some time with lots of cute goats. The restaurant will deduct this from your consumption if you choose so.

Most of the food and drinks contain goat milk, of course. You can also buy bottles of milk to feed the goats. The place is popular with families with kids but works well as a café to grab a coffee in too.

If you can’t head to Amsterdamse Bos to see the cherry blossom, don’t fret. There are plenty of opportunities in the city parks to do so. Some of the highlights are:

Erasmuspark

There are a couple of cherry trees in Erasmuspark, close to the café Terrasmus. They started blooming about ten days ago, so hurry up to catch some falling petals.

Westerpark

The biggest park in Amsterdam West has cherry trees in full bloom. Stop by for a picnic or a walk if you’re in the area; it’s well worth it.

Museumplein

Catch a glimpse of the cherry blossom around the Van Gogh Museum at the Museum Square. Culture meets nature in an unforgettable setting.

Cherry Blossom in Amsterdam Tips

• Timing is everything – Head early in the day for the best cherry blossom experience, especially if you’re planning on visiting the Amsterdamse Bos. Take note of the current climate conditions – if the winter’s been cold and rainy, spring will be pretty windy. Cherry blossom might start earlier than expected if lots of sunshine poured in.

• Dress accordingly – The weather can be fickle since this is the Netherlands. Prepare for the best but expect the worst by packing an extra layer or an umbrella. This spring has been wonderful and mild, but it could change any second, so always check the weather forecast.

• Prepare for pictures – Charge your devices and get ready to take lots of photos. Even if you’re not the type, the cherry blossom is exceptional and leaves the same effect on everyone. If you are the type you’ll want to dress up or keep an extra outfit (or shoes) close at hand.

What’s your favourite cherry blossom spot in Amsterdam? Let me know in the comments below!