One of the most popular tourist (and party) destinations in all of Europe, Amsterdam is much more than wild weekends and ladies of the night. Picturesque, tree-lined canals, a plethora of world-famous museums, and historic architecture are just a few of the treasures the Dutch capital city has to offer. Wander the brick lined streets in search of stroopwafel, cruise past historic canal houses, and explore the flea markets scattered throughout the city. If you have some time to spare and the inclination to try driving on unfamiliar roads, consider visiting during the spring (from April to May) when the tulips bloom in riotous technicolor.
We chose to visit in mid-April. While we were a bit too early to catch the tulips in peak bloom, the rest of our visit more than made up for it. We devoured delicious food, saw incredible art, and fell head over heels for the Netherlands. As always, I left too little time for wandering and unscheduled exploring (I’m working on that!) but below you will a jam-packed list of what kept us occupied during our week in the Netherlands. Geniet ervan!
Know Before You Go!
Reservations – With there being so much to see in the Netherlands (especially in Amsterdam), literally everything requires a reservation made in advance (sometimes weeks or months). This makes it impossible to pop into a museum or well-known restaurant. You’ll find more details in the itinerary below under the “Book” section of “The Details”.
Weather – The weather in early April is deceptively cool with almost constant (albeit light) rain and chilly temperatures. Bring layers, waterproof shoes, raincoat, and umbrella so you’re not miserable as you explore the city.
Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam
Arrive at Schiphol Airport and grab your rental car! While Amsterdam (like other Dutch cities) has an excellent public transportation system, in order to explore the tulip growing regions spread out over the Netherlands, we opted to rent a car for the first two days of our trip. Once you have rented your car, head into the city to check into your hotel. We booked a room at the Amsterdam Canal Hotel, conveniently located at the edge of the Canal Belt. It was close enough to travel easily to the various activities we planned but far enough that we wouldn’t be disturbed by the late-night revelry that Amsterdam is known for. Once you’ve dealt with the necessary logistical items, it is time to get a taste of this pretty city!
5:15 PM – Take a cruise of Amsterdam’s canals
There is no better way to orient yourself in Amsterdam and explore the world-famous canals than to hop on a canal cruise. Kick back with a glass of wine as you float under the picturesque bridges while your guide explains the history of the city. Snap your first photos of the gorgeous architecture bathed in the late afternoon light. There are any number of companies operating canal cruises so choose the one that suits your tastes (and budget).
The Details
Opening Hours | first cruise departs at 10:30 AM, last cruise departs at 9:30 PM daily
Location | Cruises depart from Anne Frank House, Central Station, or Rijksmuseum
Cost | €32.50 per adult passenger
Book | Book your Flagship Amsterdam canal cruise here
7:30 PM – Dinner at SOJU Bar
Why go all the way to Amsterdam just to have Korean food, you might ask? A true cultural melting pot, you’ll find over 180 nationalities residing in this small city. While Amsterdam is famous for having an abundance of Indonesian food, once we saw soju on the menu (which is notoriously difficult to find in the US), we knew we had to try it. Gorge yourself on beef bulgogi kimbap, Korean fried chicken (with all the sauces!), and traditional Dutch French fries with mayo. Wash it down with a bottle of dangerously drinkable apple mango soju. If you’ve got any room left, finish your meal with a cocktail for dessert. Preferably one garnished with a fruity popsicle! An impeccable way to kick off a week of culinary adventures in Amsterdam.
The Details
Opening Hours | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM Tuesday – Sunday, closed Monday
Location | Ferdinand Bolstraat 13-15, 1072 LA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Book | For reservations, call +31 20 226 9021 between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM CET
Parking in Amsterdam
To discourage tourists from driving into the city center, Amsterdam implemented a Park and Ride (P+R) system. There are several P+R garages located on the outskirts of the city – close to both the highway and public transportation) where you can park for a discounted rate if you are heading into the city center. Just park your vehicle at one of the P+R garages, then travel into the city centre zone using your OV-chipkaart (which must be purchased within one hour of parking). When you return to pick up your vehicle, just scan your OV-chipkaart. As long as your last check-in was somewhere in the city centre zone, you are eligible for the discounted parking rate. Easy as that!
Just make sure to verify how long you are allowed to park at each garage since it varies by location. The Park and Ride (P+R) website includes more detailed information and a very helpful video that I used when planning our trip!
We parked overnight at the P+R RAI garage (where the P+R rate is only valid for a maximum of 24 hours) for 2 consecutive nights and only had to pay 1 Euro total for parking! It’s important to note that the discounted parking rate does not apply when there are events at the P+R RAI garage, so be sure to check the calendar before you go.
There is a “Call Help” button on each machine that will connect you with a parking attendant if you have any trouble. They were incredibly understanding when none of our credit cards worked trying to pay for our second night of parking. They ended up letting us out of the garage for free, which is why we ended up paying only 1 Euro.
Day 2: The Tulip Search Begins from Amsterdam
It’s time to leave Amsterdam behind and head out into the Dutch countryside in search of tulips! If you’ve done any research prior to your Amsterdam vacation, then you probably know the Netherlands are famous for their flowers. Every year, from mid-April to early May, tulip fields all over the country erupt in color, from milky white to vibrant yellow to bright pink. By the end of May, the flowers are cut and sold all over the country while the bulbs are harvested and exported around the world.
Peak tulip bloom varies from year to year, depending on the weather. Longer, colder winters often mean peak bloom will be a bit later (early May) while a warmer, more mild winter might herald an earlier peak (mid-April). All of my pre-trip research indicated that the last two weeks of April had the highest probability of seeing most of the tulips in bloom, so we planned our visit for that time period. This ended up being too early as parts of the fields were in bloom but large swaths were not. Bummer!
Schagen & Goeree-Overflakkee
We dedicated two days to tulip hunting, hitting several parts of the country that are largely accessible by car. We visited the Schagen and Goeree-Overflakkee regions on the first day, followed by Flevoland and Noordoostpolder on the second day. Meandering through the countryside, we didn’t follow an exact route that I can share but I linked a few blog posts below from individuals who shared the routes they took, along with other helpful tips. Just remember, tulips are not planted in the same fields every year so the routes taken may not yield the same experience as others have had. But that’s part of the adventure, discovering hidden gems and having experiences that are all your own!
Schagen: Visiting the Dutch Countryside Blog Post, Velvet Escape Blog Post
Goeree-Overflakkee: Salt In Our Hair Blog Post, The Orange Backpack Blog Post
One final reminder, do not enter the tulip fields along these routes. They are private farms not open to the public. Some have specific fields that are set aside for you to walk through and take photos. But unless you see signs indicating as much, keep out.
7:00 PM – Dinner at Amsterdam’s REM Eiland
Ready for dinner with a view? Perched 80 feet over Amsterdam Harbor is REM Eiland. With a creative, hyperlocal menu and a killer view of sunset over the water, this meal is a real treat. Though it is quite far away from the city center, it was one of the most delicious and beautifully presented meals we had in Amsterdam. The 6-course menu (with a few bonus courses!) was delightful, especially with the accompanying wine pairing. The meal took longer than others we had in the city (it was very busy!) and tram service to that area is pretty limited so be prepared to splurge on an Uber back to your hotel. Bon appetit!
The Details
Opening Hours | 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday – Saturday, closed Sunday – Tuesday
Location | Haparandadam 45-2, 1013 AK Amsterdam, Netherlands
Book | Book your reservation at REM Eiland here.
Day 3: Journey East of Amsterdam
Go forth in search of tulips today in the Flevoland and Noordoostpolder regions! Located approximately one hour east of Amsterdam, both regions are bursting with color during tulip season. As two of the most productive tulip growing areas of the country, these destinations are sure not to disappoint. But if you have some time to spare on the journey to those bountiful blooms, there are two spots along the route that (in my opinion) are worthy of a stop.
Pyramid of Austerlitz
Situated in the countryside just outside of Utrecht (which is worthy of its own day trip) is the Pyramid of Austerlitz. Built by French troops in 1804, this 36-meter high earthen pyramid topped with a stone obelisk was meant to evoke memories of Napoleon’s campaigns in Egypt. To be sure, it is one of the strangest and unexpected monuments in the Netherlands but it is beautiful. Entrance to pyramid enclosure is €3 but you can see it pretty easily over (and through) the thorny hedges.
Aqueduct Veluwemeer
Full disclosure, the Aqueduct Veluwemeer appears most impressive from the sky. It is a remarkable feat of design and engineering. In place of a drawbridge or a tunnel, the concrete passageway holds a 10-foot canal that allows boats to pass freely over the highway (read more about it here). If you brought a drone with you on your travels, this is a great opportunity to use it (make sure to do your own research, check the airspace maps beforehand, and register your drone). We launched from a parking lot nearby that was free from any airspace restrictions. If you’re not keen to make a stop, this aqueduct connects Gelderland to Flevoland so you might drive right through it as you go. If not, it is worth a small detour.
Flevoland & Noordoostpolder
Now that you’ve arrived in Flevoland, it is time to begin the hunt for tulips. Get off the main thoroughfares and cruise the side roads. If you are eager to follow a certain route, consider the Flevoland Tulip Route. This is a paid car route (there are separate bike routes too!) with several farms that allow you to walk into the fields for photos as well as opportunities to pick your own tulips. I thought we might have better luck in this region than we had in Schagen and Goeree-Overflakee but the conditions were largely the same.
After spending a few hours driving in the rain trying to find the Flevoland Tulip route and spotting only a few blooming fields, we decided to head back towards Amsterdam. We made a quick stop in a town called Urk (we totally stopped here because of the name) to pick up a few pastries and stretch our legs. Even though our tulip expedition was largely a bust, we got to explore regions of the Dutch countryside we would not have seen otherwise. Just another reason to return to the Netherlands!
Day 4: Explore Amsterdam
After spending two days searching for tulip fields in the Dutch countryside, it is finally time to explore Amsterdam! While small compared to most national capitals, there is so much to see and do (and eat!) that it is a bit overwhelming. There is no way you could see all that the museums have to offer in a single day, let alone the entire city, so why rush? Today is the day to check a few of the most well-known sites off your bucket list. Maybe that includes exploring one of Amsterdam’s well-known museums, picking up fresh meat and cheese from Albert Cuyp Market for a picnic in Vondelpark, or perusing the chic boutiques of De 9 Straatjes. We spent our day hopping between the Museumplein, De Plantage, Oud-West, and Canal Belt districts as our reservations required, check out my detailed itinerary below!
A Note on Public Transportation in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a truly impressive public transportation system. Given that cars are such an ineffective mode of transport here, and biking is not recommended unless you understand the rules of the road, public transit is your best option. Comprised of trams, metros, buses, trains, and ferries, you’ll be hard pressed to find an unreachable spot in the city. GVB operates the extensive network and it is totally cashless.
You can purchase tickets at kiosks around the city (usually located at a stop or station), through the app, or onboard. Options range from 1-day to 4-day tickets that allow you unlimited usage. The I Amsterdam City card includes access to the transit system plus discounts at certain museums and attractions. The GVB app contains a transit map, though Google Maps does a great job of navigating to transit stops too.
Once you board, make sure to scan your card when you board and when you disembark. Be aware that the doors on the trams, buses, and metros do not open on their own. You have to push a button on the door to get them to open. Don’t be surprised if someone reaches around you to press the button if you’re blocking the door at a stop. Locals are used to tourists not knowing this.
9 AM – Visit the Van Gogh Museum
The most visited museum in the Netherlands, the Van Gogh Museum does an outstanding job of chronicling Vincent Van Gogh’s life and career (which you can also view on the museum website, linked here). Of course, you’ll get to see several of his most famous works like The Potato Eaters, Self-Portrait as a Painter, and Sunflowers (to name a few). The exhibition charts the evolution of his artistic style from the dark, earth tones of a peasant painter to the bright, colorful landscapes and portraits he is known for today. I was particularly moved by the collection of letters between Vincent, his beloved brother and patron Theo, and Theo’s wife Jo. Viewing some of the most famous paintings in the world was incredibly cool (of course) but learning who Van Gogh was outside of his struggles with mental illness was the real treat.
The Details
Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Location | Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cost | €20 per person, free admission under 18 years old
Book | Book your Van Gogh Museum tickets here. Tickets are available up to 6 months in advance, booking early is highly recommended.
12 PM – Experience cutting-edge art at the MOCO Museum
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Van Gogh Museum is the MOCO Museum. This private museum is full of vibrant contemporary art that is a welcome contrast to the more classic offerings of other establishments on Museumplein. Set in the gorgeous Villa Alsberg, designed by the nephew of Rijksmuseum architect Pierre Cuypers (of Cuypers Library fame), this pint-sized museum packs quite a punch.
The major draw is the permanent Banksy display, featuring internationally recognizable works like Girl with Balloon, Flower Thrower, and Battle of the Beanfield as well as rarely seen indoor drawings and paintings. Stick around to admire the works of contemporary legends like Warhol and Basquiat, get acquainted with the rising stars of modern and digital art, then immerse yourself in the interactive exhibits. You can be in and out in under two hours (even if you read every placard like we did). A great option if you’re short on time.
The Details
Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Location | Honthorststraat 20, 1071 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cost | €21.95 per adult
Book | Book your MOCO Museum tickets here. Tickets are available up to 6 months in advance.
3 PM – Explore Amsterdam’s Hortus Botanicus
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, Hortus Botanicus originally served as an herb garden for the doctors and pharmacists of Amsterdam when it was established in 1638. It still contains many rare and endangered plant species and is an oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city. We spent a few hours exploring the greenhouses in an attempt to escape the rain after wandering around the nearby Waterlooplein flea market.
Looking back, this is one of the things I wish we had prioritized. We completely missed the Butterfly Greenhouse (a breeding area for tropical butterflies), the Ginkgo tree (a living fossil and the only species left of this plant family that existed 270 million years ago, for those of you at home, that’s when dinosaurs roamed the earth!), and the incredibly rare Wollemi pine (endemic to Australia and thought to be extinct until 1994). This is definitely at the top of my list for my next trip to Amsterdam. It is a bit removed from the city center but is close enough to Waterlooplein Market, Albert Cuyp Market, and Brouwerij’t IJ to keep you busy in this area for an entire day.
The Details
Opening Hours | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday and Sunday
Location | Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cost | €12.50 per adult
Book | Book your Hortus Botanicus tickets here. Tickets can also be purchased at the entrance. Advance reservations are not necessary.
6 PM – Dinner at Foodhallen
In any city we visit, we always try to find the food hall if there is one. Like others we’ve been to, Foodhallen did not disappoint. Housed in a former train depot, visiting this hub of activity is a must! While the Dutch fare was more limited than I expected (we tried the bitterballen sampler from De Ballenbar), there was no shortage of variety. All of the offerings were top-notch, stalls serving everything from Mumbai streetfood to mouthwatering burgers to healthy Mexican. Be forewarned though, this venue is packed at all hours of the day so guard your table closely if you manage to find one. Crowds aside, it was an ideal stop to wind down with a drink (the Rose Gin & Tonic from Gin & Tonic Bar, to be exact) after a long day of exploring.
The Details
Opening Hours | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday to Thursday, 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday & Saturday
Location | Bellamyplein 51, 1053 AT Amsterdam, Netherlands
9 PM – Indulge in a craft cocktail at Door 74
Wind down the evening with a cocktail (or two!) at Door 74, a speakeasy hidden in plain sight just off one of Amsterdam’s busiest streets. This Prohibition-themed bar boasts an assortment of craft cocktails and knowledgeable bartenders who can whip up anything your heart desires (like a yummy cocktail flight!). You’ll want to make a reservation online, and be sure to eat before as they don’t offer food. If you’re looking for a unique (albeit pricey) bar experience in Amsterdam, look no further!
The Details
Opening Hours | 8:00 PM – 3:00 AM Sunday to Thursday, 6:00 PM – 4:00 AM Friday & Saturday
Location | Reguliersdwarsstraat 74, 1017 BN Amsterdam, Netherlands
Book | Book your table at Door74 here. This is a popular bar and reservations can be hard to come by, booking in advance is recommended.
Day 5: Check out Amsterdam Centrum
9 AM – Visit the Anne Frank House
Aside from the Van Gogh Museum, every Amsterdam travel guide routinely recommends the Anne Frank House. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site after all! There is nothing remarkable about the building itself. If not for the line snaking around the block, you’d likely walk right by it. Though non-descript in appearance, this canal house sheltered one of the most recognized writers in history and her family during World War II. It is a sobering experience to be sure but the emotional exhibits are worth braving the crowds for.
The Details
Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Location | Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cost | €16.00 per adult + €1.00 booking fee
Book | Book your Anne Frank House tickets here. Entry is permitted only by making a reservation online for a designated time slot. Tickets are released six weeks in advance on every Tuesday at 10 AM CEST. I booked our tickets exactly 6 weeks in advance and didn’t have a problem securing a time slot but like all reservations in Amsterdam, fortune favors those who plan far, far in advance.
1 PM – Take a guided tour of the STRAAT Museum
Housed inside a colossal warehouse in the trendy NDSM district, the STRAAT Museum is the world’s largest museum dedicated to street art. Boasting a collection of more than 150 works by 130+ artists from all over the globe and an outdoor public space for artists to use as their canvas, this museum is a doozy. If you choose to visit on a weekend, I highly recommend taking a guided tour. Having someone to point out the highlights and provide insights into the street art subculture was invaluable. Our guide engaged in some really interesting discussion about the rise of graffiti, how it is used as a form of political protest by marginalized groups, and the consequences of commercialization. Viewing the pieces through a new lens during a second walk around the museum was powerful, my perspective totally transformed. And perspective is everything, right?
The Details
Opening Hours | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Monday
Location | NDSM-Plein 1, 1033 WC Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cost | Entrance fee = €18.50 per adult, entrance fee + guided tour = €28.50 per adult
Book | Book your STRAAT Museum tickets and guided tour here. Please note that guided tours are only available on Saturday and Sunday. Tours starts at 1 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4 PM.
6:30 PM – Shake Things Up at Amsterdam’s famous House of Bols
While planning our itinerary for Amsterdam, I came across the House of Bols Cocktail Workshop and knew we had to do it! It includes a 60-minute House of Bols Tour diving into the history of genever (similar to a Dutch gin) followed by a 30-minute cocktail workshop. Unfortunately, we read the ticket wrong and actually missed the tour. We did participate in the cocktail workshop and it was amazing. We learned how to mix two super easy cocktails in 30 minutes, which we threw back without delay. Seriously such a fun way to spend 90 minutes! We grabbed a couple of to-go cocktails from the gift shop before heading to dinner. Next time we’ll actually make it to the tour.
The Details
Opening Hours | 1:00 PM – 6:30 PM Sunday through Thursday, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM Saturday & Sunday
Location | Paulus Potterstraat 12 14 16, 1071 CZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cost | €32.50 per person
Book | Book your House of Bols Tour & Cocktail Workshop here. Note that the House of Bols tour is an hour before the 6:30 PM Cocktail Workshop (so 5:30 PM)
8:30 PM – Dinner at Yerba
Located in a cozy corner just off Museumplein, this plant-forward restaurant has something for everyone. Choose from four-, five-, or six-course menus of creative dishes made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Not wanting to miss a morsel, we chose the six-course menu paired with selections from the extensive list of natural wines. Between the delicious food and the warm atmosphere, this was the perfect place to wind down after another rainy day.
The Details
Opening Hours | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Sunday, 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM Thursday – Monday, closed Tuesday & Wednesday
Location | Ruysdaelstraat 48, 1071 XE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Book | Book your reservation at Yerba here.
Day 6: Rotterdam
7:30 AM – Board the train from Amsterdam
Wake up bright and early to start your journey to Rotterdam! Head to Amsterdam Central to catch your train, Rotterdam awaits!
A Note on Trains in the Netherlands
Like much of Europe, the Netherlands has an impressive rail network. The Dutch national railway company known as NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) operates the majority of trains. There are also a limited number of Thalys trains, which are better suited to international travel given the fares are more expensive, there are fewer trains, and tickets are not flexible. Several Dutch people told us to stick with the NS system, so that’s what I’ve detailed below.
To get to Rotterdam, you’ll want to take the Intercity Train – the same train you can take from Schiphol Airport into Amsterdam. The Intercity trains are domestic trains that make limited stops between major city centers and are almost always the quickest, easiest option. You can book online or at the yellow NS ticket kiosks in Amsterdam Central. I recommend purchasing them in advance/online since the kiosks are occasionally out of order. It’s best to arrive 10 – 15 minutes before your departure time to secure your seat. Certain trains tend to fill up quickly.
Be sure to sit in the train car that corresponds with the fare class you purchased. If you bought a second-class fare, sit in the train cars with the number 2 on them. You can be fined for sitting in first-class with a second-class ticket. Make sure you also have valid identification (bring your passport!). And don’t forget to check in or out, just like you would on other means of public transit in Amsterdam. Now sit back and enjoy the ride!
11 AM – Take in the views from the Euromast Tower
Looking for an exciting introduction to the Netherlands second largest city? Just a quick tram ride from Rotterdam Central station, the 185-meter Euromast offers sweeping panoramic views of Rotterdam. Ride the elevator to the top and enjoy the bird’s eye view from the observation deck. If you’re feeling particularly daring, you can abseil back to earth rather than using the lift! And for those looking to rest their weary bones for a few hours (or a night), the Euromast is home to a restaurant and several splurge-worthy hotel rooms. Can you imagine waking up to a view like that?
The Details
Opening Hours | 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Location | Parkhaven 20, 3016 GM Rotterdam, Netherlands
Cost | €12.50 per adult
Book | Book your Euromast tickets/activities here. Ticket prices do not include reservations to the restaurant and must be booked separately. Abseiling is only available on weekends from May until September.
12:30 PM – Visit the famous Cube Houses
Probably one of the most recognizable architectural attractions in Rotterdam are the yellow Cube Houses, also known as Kijk-Kubus. Tilted at a 45-degree angle and perched on a hexagonal column, the architect Piet Blom imagined each house as a tree. Wander through this architectural forest and admire the odd angles and skewed walls. If you’d like to see what the interior looks like, there is a model house open to the public for a small fee. Just remember that people do actually live here so please be respectful as you explore the area.
The Details
Opening Hours | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM to tour the model house, otherwise you can walk freely around the area
Location | Overblaak 70, 3011 MH Rotterdam, Netherlands
Cost | Free, €3.00 per person to tour the model house
1:15 PM – Grab a bite to eat at Markthal
After admiring the Cube Houses, walk across the way to visit Markthal. It is the perfect place to grab lunch before heading out on your next adventure. Stop to admire the mesmerizing artwork on the ceiling before diving in to the various culinary delights. With over 100 stalls, choose from Spanish pintxos, Venezuelan arepas, or Indian biryani, to name a few. They even have a Dunkin’ Donuts! If you haven’t had a chance to sample any Dutch food until now, do it here. Try the pickled herring from Andalus fish, the frites (with all the sauces!) from Bram Ladage, and bitterballen from Het Kroket Loket. Before hitting the road, grab a few freshly made stroopwafels from Goudstroop, our favorite of the entire trip.
If you’re looking for a quintessentially Dutch souvenir to bring home, there are several cheese shops with impressive selections of Gouda (pronounced ghow-duh), a delicious cheese originating from the Netherlands. Grab a wheel (or three) and some cheese tools to spice up your charcuterie board. Oh, and don’t worry about your cheese getting seized at customs on your way back into the US. It’s perfectly fine as long as it’s vacuumed sealed and pasteurized. Just make sure to declare it!
The Details
Opening Hours | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Monday to Thursday & Saturday, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Sunday
Location | Verlengde Nieuwstraat, 3011 GM Rotterdam, Netherlands
3 PM – Take the waterbus to Kinderdijk
If you’re looking to be charmed by Dutch windmills but Zaanse Schans is a bit touristy for your taste, consider visiting the windmills at Kinderdijk instead. Located approximately 20 km from Rotterdam, Kinderdijk (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) boasts nineteen windmills perched along picturesque canals. This network of windmills has been functioning since the 18th century and serves an important purpose. By pumping out water from what was once a bog, farming becomes possible in the flat, sea-level areas of the Netherlands that are easily flooded. Not only will you get to immerse yourself in the beautiful countryside, you’ll get to learn a bit of Dutch history too. Consider that time well spent!
The Details
Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily
Location | Nederwaard 1, 2961 AS Kinderdijk, Netherlands
Cost | Free, €16.00 (weekday)/ €19.00 (weekend) per person
Book | Book your Kinderdijk tickets here. While the area is free to visit, purchasing a ticket will grant you entry into the two museum windmills, boat rides along the canals, as well as free audio tours.
How to Get There
Figuring out how to get to Kinderdijk can be intimidating, I know it was for me. Without access to a car, your best option is the water bus. Even if you have a bicycle, you’ll still need to cross the river at some point. There are two lines that will get you from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk, both leave from the Erasmusbrug terminal. Line 21 travels directly from Rotterdam Erasmusbrug to Kinderdijk, while Line 20 requires a transfer. Be sure to check the latest timetable, available on the Waterbus website since routes are subject to change. If you have questions, the waterbus staff are extremely helpful. One final note, the last waterbus from Kinderdijk leaves around 5 PM. If you want to see the sunset here you’ll need to arrange alternate transportation back to Rotterdam.
7 PM – Return to Amsterdam
After a thrilling day exploring Rotterdam, it is time to wave goodbye. Head to the train station for your return trip to Amsterdam. But hopefully with plans to return and discover more of this vibrant port city!
Day 7: Last Day in Amsterdam
9 AM – Rijksmuseum
The national museum of the Netherlands! Covering several floors and over 800 years of Dutch history, if your goal is to admire the Dutch masters, this is the place to do it. Admire the crown jewel of the Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, before taking in the works of the other greats displayed in the Gallery of Honour like Vermeer’s The Milkmaid and Asselijn’s The Threatened Swan.
If you don’t have the time or desire to take a guided tour, the museum provides detailed information cards for some of its most famous works, which really enhanced our experience. Be sure to stop and admire the Cuypers Library, if you can find it! It has been described as one of the most beautiful in the world. We only meant to spend a few hours at the Rijksmuseum but ended up staying for over 6 hours. We didn’t even make it through half of the museum!
A stroke of luck in Amsterdam
We happened to be visiting while the Vermeer exhibition was open in 2023, which I was not able to get tickets to before our trip, despite my repeated attempts. Miraculously, someone we met in line that day informed us that 70 tickets to the exhibit were being released at 1 PM. We ran down to get in line and somehow scored two of them. Talk about timing!
Despite knowing almost nothing about Vermeer or his work going into it, the exhibition blew me away. This collection was the largest ever displayed, flown in from museums all over the world (28 out of 37 of his known pieces). Prior to my visit, I never had much of an appreciation for the Dutch masters. Visiting the Rijksmuseum absolutely changed that!
The Details
Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Location | Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cost | €22.50 per adult
Book | Book your tickets to the Rijksmuseum here. Tickets sell out quickly so be sure to reserve in advance.
3:30 PM – Search for souvenirs in Amsterdam
If you haven’t purchased your souvenirs by now, consider using this time to do that. Carre d’Artistes is a great place to buy local art, if that’s your jam. I found an artisanal chocolate shop that I was dying to visit called Chocolátl, which ended up being permanently closed. Thanks Apple Maps!. As the rain started to fall, we decided to take shelter in Motti Amsterdam, a Korean store we passed on our way. We spent over an hour sampling delicious homemade food and chatting with the shop owner while we waited for the weather to clear.
6:30 PM – Experience a one-in-a lifetime meal at Amsterdam’s Vuurtoneiland
When I say once in a lifetime, I mean once in a lifetime! This decadent experience was my favorite of the entire trip. Vuurtoneiland (also known as Lighthouse Island) is located on a small, craggy island in the IJmeer River. Accessible only by boat, it is home to a lighthouse, an abandoned fort (which houses the “Winterrestaurant”), and a glass greenhouse dining room (their “Zomerrestaurant”). From the moment you set sail until the moment you disembark in Amsterdam at the end of the night, the atmosphere is inviting and the service exceptional.
Indulge in a glass of sparkling wine over a charcuterie board as you cruise out of the city. Amble the well-worn dirt path past the lighthouse as the sun sets and swallows swoop between the earthen mounds. As you would expect, the pinnacle of the experience is the five-course tasting menu (be sure to splurge on the wine pairing) lovingly prepared over an open flame using only the freshest regional produce. Full and happy, take the opportunity to consume one last cappuccino on the journey back to the city (and reality). It’s a dining experience like no other and one that is in high demand. As we went in mid-April, we got to dine in the Winterrestaurant. We look forward to dining at the Zomerrestaurant on our next trip to Amsterdam!
The Details
Hours | The boat leaves from the Lloyd Hotel dock at 6:30 PM and returns at 11:30 PM
Book | Book your reservation at Vuurtoneiland here. Reservations are available online up to two months in advance at 1 PM CET – or 7 AM EST for you East Coast folks. Securing a spot is a matter of patience and perseverance. Gone were the reservations within ten minutes of opening. It was the most difficult booking to get, by far, and it took me days to finally snag an opening!
Day 8: Depart from Amsterdam
Wrap up your Amsterdam vacation by checking any remaining must-dos off your list. We planned to check out the Red-Light District and finish off our souvenir shopping. Unfortunately, our flight out of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport was cancelled and we had to fly out of Brussels instead. As a result, we had to scrap our plans for a half-day of exploring and hightail it across the border to Belgium. Head to the airport and don’t despair the impending end of your Dutch holiday – you’ll be back!
