visiting Amsterdam + the Tulip Festival in Holland
The Netherlands (or Holland) is known for many different things depending on who you ask. From the heart-wrenching Anne Frank museum to the colorful tulip festival to the coffee shops of Amsterdam, there’s a lot to see and do. I’ve been to Amsterdam a handful of times now and it’s become one of my favorite cities. My most recent trip took me to the Tulip Festival, a trip I had been long awaiting to take but delayed due to the pandemic.
Amsterdam
the Tulip Festival
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a vibrant, international city but still has small-town European charm in neighborhoods like Jordaan, making it a truly special and unique city. Of course, the canals are a sight to see as well, with more than Venice and Paris. A lot of people notoriously know Amsterdam for its coffee shops, which do not indeed sell coffee, but rather marijuana. The rules are relaxed, but it’s best to side with an air of caution when visiting. Check out this local’s post on where to go if you care to indulge.
Where to eat in Amsterdam
The food is great here, particularly in the markets. I’ve eaten at the Foodhallen several times, and the Albert Cuypmarket has a lot of great stalls and vendors - you must try Rudi’s Original Stroopwaffel if you go. A few other dutch classics to try while visiting are bitterballen, a potato/meat bite-sized snack, and a dutch pancake, which I recommend from the Pancake Bakery - try a savory and sweet. Other great spots to eat in Amsterdam are Flo’s Appetizing Bagels, Anne&Max for coffee and sweets, and Mr. Blou I Love You for vegan food and falafel.
Best things to do in Amsterdam
There are endless things to do in Amsterdam, whether you want to see world-renowned museums or a world-renowned street known for other things… I enjoyed strolling through Vondelpark and stopping for a coffee in the garden, going on a Flagship Boat Tour through the canals, shopping and taking photos in the Jordaan neighborhood, and visiting the moco museum. Opt to explore Amsterdam Noord city as well, a rapidly growing area that you can take the ferry to for free. Skip the Bloemenmarkt or “flower market” - even during tulip season it’s rather underwhelming.
Where to stay in Amsterdam
I most recently stayed with a friend who lives just outside of downtown and near the airport, and I can say that no matter where you stay, public transit is super quick and accessible, so as long as there is a metro stop nearby, you’ll find it easy to get around the city.
visiting The tulip festival in holland
The Tulip festival occurs from late March to early May and is the time when all the tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths bloom in the area of Lisse, about a half hour away from Amsterdam. People come from all around the world to see the colorful fields and the iconic Keukenhof Gardens. Usually, mid-April is the sweet spot for a visit when you can see the flowers in full bloom - go too early and there won’t be much to see, but too late and the farms may have cut the flowers in the fields. You can check the progress here.
For Keukenhof, you will want to buy a ticket in advance. They offer a combi-ticket where you can get round-trip bus transit from Amsterdam to the gardens. I advise you to get there right when it opens and go to the windmill first for photos to beat the crowds. By 10:30 AM it was slammed.
There are other activities in the area as well. Pass on the boat ride in the park but go for a bike ride - you can rent one outside of the park. It’s self-guided but they’ll give you a route which is usually flat and around an hour. You cannot walk through a majority of the fields, but you’ll find a few spots along the way where they’ll allow you in for photos. A few more tips:
Make sure you wear proper footwear.
Pack a lot of snacks and water.
You can buy the ticket with the bus included, as I did, or just use a city metro pass.
I highly, highly recommend making the visit during tulip season if you can. The sights and smells were one of the most incredible travel experiences I have ever had. It’s super accessible from Amsterdam, making it easy to tack on to a visit to the city.