See the Tulips: Amsterdam In Spring

Keukenhof

Keukenhof must be the number one place to visit on my list. There is no better garden in all the world to see tulips in bloom as over seven million bulbs are planted each year. If you have ever seen the movie “The Wizard of Oz”, walking around Keukenhof felt as though I had been transported to the vibrate colors of Oz. Tulips spanning the spectrum of the rainbow in deliberate designs and patterns. It is truly an enchanting place.

While Keukenhof is roughly 22 miles outside of Amsterdam’s city center, there are plenty of ways to get there: taxi, local buses, or my personal recommendation a booked tour. Keukenhof is open from the end of March through mid-May. Reserve your admission tickets or tour as soon as you are able.

Anne Frank House

The Diary of Anne Frank personified life as a Jewish girl living and hiding in Nazi-occupied Holland during World War II. History buffs should not pass up the opportunity to visit the Anne Frank House and see the secret annex in person. This powerful and emotional experience offers an audio tour that is available in nine languages: German, English, French, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish. You must purchase your tickets online in advance.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

An Amsterdam canal cruise is an enjoyable way to take in the city sights, discover more about Amsterdam’s history and culture, and even enjoy a meal or a drink or two (the minimum drinking age is 18). There are multiple cruise tours to choose from. The tour can be booked ahead of your travels or on the spot at one of the city’s tour booking locations. The cruises generally last between 60 and 90 minutes. Have your camera ready!

Tulip Museum

If you are interested in learning more about how the tulip became so popular in Holland, stop by Amsterdam’s Tulip Museum. Tickets for admission can be purchased upon your arrival. This museum offers information on the history of tulips and modern tulip gardening.

The museum is located in the city and can take less than an hour to tour. The Tulip Museum would make a great place to visit just before or after seeing Keukenhof Gardens.

Van Gogh Museum

Yes, another museum and while Amsterdam’s spring weather is generally pleasant it can also be very unpredictable. I wanted to give some additional indoor options and if you love and/or admire art the Van Gogh Museum should be on your itinerary. See the artist’s famous works and learn more about his life and inspirations. Along with Van Gogh’s permanent collections, the museum also offers a chance to see other works of art depending on what exhibition is on display during your visit. Tickets can be purchased online via the Van Gogh Museum’s website. Visitors under the age of eighteen receive free admission.

ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo

Another location to see the beautiful tulips while admiring the zoo’s amazing animal residents. The zoo is home to lions, giraffes, gorillas, sea lions and much more. There is also a planetarium with shows, an aquarium, arboretum, the world’s only microbe museum and Groote Museum. You can request a guided tour. The grounds are open every day of the year and you need to purchase tickets online beforehand. With so much to see and do, I would plan to visit for a minimum of two or three hours.

Restaurant Dekas

Literally want to dine in a greenhouse? Restaurant Dekas offers this opportunity! This unique restaurant uses (extremely) locally grown fresh Dutch produce and ingredients. You can taste the freshness. Lunch is served in three or four courses. Dinner is comprised of five or six courses. These meals can be paired with a glass or wine, organic beer or kombucha. Picture enjoying your dinner while gazing up at the stars through the greenhouse ceiling. A very memorable experience. Lunch and dinner reservations can be arranged online via Restaurant Dekas’ website.

Amsterdam Dinner Cruise

If you were unable to book a canal cruise, consider combing the cruise with dinner. Amsterdam Canal Tours offer a four-course upscale dinner that lasts for two and half hours. Looking for something a little lighter or shorter? You also have the option of booking a cheese and wine or pizza canal tour. These dining option tours last for ninety minutes. A very fun dining experience!

Daalder Café

Looking to experience an authentic Amsterdam culinary journey in one meal? Then please plan to dine at Daalder Café. The way the food is prepared, presented, and tastes are all equally wonderful. The café offers a five-to-eight course tasting menu. The ambiance and décor are also unique. The only way I can describe would be electric-elegance. Fine dining with brightly colored wall art and lights. You will understand when you visit!

Proeflokaal De Drie Fleschjes

Feeling thirsty and wanting to visit another local historical site? De Drie Fleschjes was founded in 1619, making it the oldest tasting room in the city. Authentic casks line the wall. This establishment serves Jenever or Dutch Gin. Jenever is a juniper-flavored traditional liquor in the Netherlands, Belgium and adjoining areas in northern France and northwestern Germany. They have an assortment or other liquors and local beers. Dutch “bar snacks” are also served.

Restaurant Moon

Enjoy a meal with an unforgettable view. Restaurant Moon is located on the nineteenth floor of the A’DAM tower. The floor itself is revolving giving guests a 360’ degree view of the city sights. A full rotation takes sixty minutes. Restaurant Moon serves both lunch and dinner. Courses range from three to six depending on the reservation. Reservations can be made online via Restaurant Moon’s website.