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2017 Tulips, Amsterdam, Time(as in three days)

2017 Tulips, Amsterdam, Time(as in three days)

Old Mar 25th, 2017, 02:29 PM
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2017 Tulips, Amsterdam, Time(as in three days)

We will be in Amsterdam of for three days the week of April 19. We will focus those three days on tulips (I think?). I think that we can manage the parade on the 19th. We have been to Amsterdam and may miss some of the our favorites, we'll see. Surely we can squeeze in a lunch concert at The Concertgebouwm, never done that! What about the IamART exhibit? and then of course the Rijksmuseum and its special exhibits, the World Press Photo exhibit, oh my. Start with tulips, we would love to work some kind of bike route with the tulips (understanding it's flat and doable even for the not young. We must see Keukenhof, reading says 1/2 day is okay, a day is better. I've read that there are special tulip displays in Amsterdam as well. On first blush, my thoughts would be a day in Keukenhof , a day in the tulip field areas (I read but can't remember the names), and maybe a day in Amsterdam itself. Is it advisable to plan the tulip days on our own, which is the kind of thing that we would usually do, or go with some kind of tour? How do we maximize tulip time in Amsterdam? What is your advice for these three days in Amsterdam in April 2017?
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Old Mar 25th, 2017, 08:49 PM
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2017 Tulips, Amsterdam, Time(as in three days)
Posted by: milestogoneedadvice on Mar 25, 17 at 6:29pm


My suggestion is to bicycle from Haarlem to Keukenhof. Route N206 takes you through the tulip fields to de Zilk where you'll see local signs to Keukenhof. Here is a photolog of one of my trips, http://www.enjoy-europe.com/travelog/Keukenhof2008.htm.

To save time pedaling through Haarlem you might take another train from Haarlem to Heemstede-Aerdenhout, but make sure it stops at that station. Then go west a half mile to catch the N206 south. There is a red brick bike path along the side of the road. If you get lost ask anybody. Everybody speaks English.

You can rent bikes from several companies in Amsterdam, e.g. http://www.mikesbiketoursamsterdam.c...ike-amsterdam/, and bring the bike on a train. See the NL train site for details on that, http://www.ns.nl/en/travel-informati...the-train.html. The Dutch version says that you cannot use an Intercity train but there are plenty of others. The €6.10 bike ticket is valid until midnight.

Weather is always problematic in Holland so be prepared for a shower. Tulips close up overnight and then open as the day gets going. Mid afternoon is the best time to visit. A few hours is good enough. You won't need to see the tulip fields again.

You can pedal back to Haarlem and enjoy the Grote Markt. Cafe Brinkmann has good food but slow service. The cafes at the Boter Markt are more local and laid back. And there is a herring wagon there.

For Amsterdam the tulips you are probably thinking of are at the glass houses/shops/floats on the Single canal. That will take a half an hour. If you buy bulbs make sure they have a current hologram certificate.

My favorite part of Amsterdam is around the Spui. I have been a fan of the Cafe Hoppe for 40 years. It is one of the oldest brown bars in Amsterdam, over 300 years old. There is also the Cafe Luxembourg and several good restaurants on Spui Straat. I don't recommend riding a bike in Amsterdam, and never walk in a bike path.
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Old Mar 26th, 2017, 07:29 PM
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I cannot thank you enough for your reply. I usually have time to investigate, research much more. But we have had a lot of life that has limited my time. I love reading and learning as I plan. Fodor's Community is the best support I have found. Your information is priceless and it will set me in the right direction for information. We have been to Amsterdam, oh my, has it been 10 years?? And yes, I learned about bicycles and bike paths then We realize that rain and wind can be a factor. But regardless of where you are in the world there is weather. We can deal with it, and it seems to always end up in some kind of discovery you had not planned! I am going to review your information, look into those things and I will get back online with a followup and probably questions. I had to peek at the photos, breathtaking! I will get back to your website as well. Thank you for sharing your time, information and travels!
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Old Mar 26th, 2017, 10:47 PM
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Just noting that if there are tulips on the field, they'll be harvested within the week. There's a window of opportunity if you want to see tulip fields. Mid april is an excellent time, but this week will be warm, so bulb flowers will bloom sooner, so you might find that "peak tulip" is just before your visit.

you can only bring bikes after 9:00 and before 16.30 and then after 18:30. These time windows are strictly enforced. There's bikes for rent at Heemstede Aerdenhout station.

Keukenhof is right in the middle of tulip fields, so, as spaarne points out, cycling to Keukenhof will take you through them (but please read my caveat on tulips being actually there)

If you really want to focus on tulips, you'd be better placed in Haarlem or Leiden.
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Old Mar 27th, 2017, 08:13 AM
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Thank you for this update on tulips and thank you to both of you for responding and helping us with this special time in Amsterdam. We knew that as predictable as the blooming is, it is equally unpredictable. I was so hopeful to see peak bloom. It’s okay, surely we will still see tulips. It sounds like we will know when we get there. And yes we do want to focus on tulips. April 20 or maybe 21 will be the first day that we can start “tuliping”. If we need to direct our attention to Harlem and Leiden, what would be your advice. We can take the train to Harlem. From there what would be the best way/route to see the tulips in that area and Leiden. You mentioned harvesting. I think that you are saying that it’s possible that when we get there the fields will be totally bare, harvested. That makes me sad. Hopefully one little tulip will still be in the field. As for Keukenhof, I suppose a visit there depends on timing as well. They have pavilions with flower displays but don’t change from tulips until the last 10 or 12 days of their season.

If best viewing is mid afternoon: Would this work? Train to Harlem in the morning and have some time to explore Harlem. Perhaps, rent your bike in Harlem, after lunch bike to the tulips. Return bikes to Harlem at the end of the day and train back to Amsterdam. Please advise. Maybe an early morning ride to Harlem from Amsterdam would be an even better start.

All of your details on trains and times and personal notes are invaluable! Thank you...........so ready to see Amsterdam and the area!
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Old Mar 27th, 2017, 08:40 AM
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I meant, stay in Leiden or Haarlem.

Keukenhof always has multiple displays, also tulips, throughout the season.

I'd rent bikes in Heemstede Aerdenhout.

How much biking do you do normally?


BTW, the entire areas, tulip fields on the old ridges of sand dunes, is beautiful. Roughly that's the area between Noordwijk, Zandvoort, Haarlem, Lisse and Voorhout, roughly. Great for biking also when there are no tulips in sight. And when it's really "peak tulip", nothing can beat the stretch of train ride between Haarlem and Leiden.
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Old Mar 30th, 2017, 03:56 PM
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HI, OK I don't see your age or if you've been too Amsterdam before. I am older so this might not apply to you. The Keukenhof is a must, but I would get out there asap and not bike, as you will see every color and type of Spring bulb you can imagine, all colors of tulips and all varieties for miles. If you have not been to Amsterdam before there is soooo much to see. You seem interested in Art i.e. Van Gogh museum next to the Rijks, Ann Frank House, Resistance Museum, canal trips, Reistaffel dinners etc. etc. I'd spend the one day at the Keukenhof and then 2 days in Amsterdam. Sue
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Old Mar 30th, 2017, 03:57 PM
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HI, OK I don't see your age or if you've been too Amsterdam before. I am older so this might not apply to you. The Keukenhof is a must, but I would get out there asap and not bike, as you will see every color and type of Spring bulb you can imagine, all colors of tulips and all varieties for miles. If you have not been to Amsterdam before there is soooo much to see. You seem interested in Art i.e. Van Gogh museum next to the Rijks, Ann Frank House, Resistance Museum, canal trips, Reistaffel dinners etc. etc. I'd spend the one day at the Keukenhof and then 2 days in Amsterdam. Sue
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Old Apr 3rd, 2017, 04:23 PM
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Hello fellow travelers.......thank you for all of your helpful responses,
I would really appreciate some fine tuning and advice on our Amsterdam agenda. Time is drawing near, life is certainly making it hard to plan like I always do. I just need to remember that we will be there and that’s what it’s all about, refill our cup! If we have to figure it out on the fly, so be it. In the meantime#8232;
Keukenhof: Would like to buy skip the line tickets but that would lock us in to a specific day. We have two days to choose from, I would rather buy the ticket there and choose the best weather day. I did find a recommended weather site that I can get a forecast 14 days out. From what I have read about Amsterdam weather in April, it’s pretty unpredictable! I’m thinking our best bet is to buy the combo ticket at the train station and just go as early as possible. Am I on the right track? Advice?

Generally I have found that four hours is the recommended time for Keukenhof, realizing it is a personal interest. I think the best choice for us in terms of bicycles is to rent at Keukenhof, rent a bike Van Dam. We could enjoy the grounds of Keukenhof and then decide how much we want to cycle the area. Hoping for sunshine, rain would not be good for cycling! If I understand correctly they will have maps of bike routes with advice to where the best blooms are at the time. Any tips here, or experience or advice for what I am missing!?

The second full day in Amsterdam, I need help. We have been to Amsterdam only once, which means we can revisit the wonderful places or venture where we have not been. I’’m inclined to venture. If we can go to Keukenhoff on Friday, this is a possibility for Thursday. Van Gogh museum when it opens for the morning (yes, we have done it, but what an opportunity), five minutes away according to Googlemaps, we can catch the lunch concert at Concertgebouw, that would be so special. The afternoon and evening we could spend exploring the Jordan, which we have never done. Probably need advice on that! I’ve read some and it looks like a you could spend an afternoon exploring. If anyone has a favorite there, please share OR if you think the afternoon would be better spent in another part of Amsterdam, give your opinion. I value you passion and experience.

We will also have some time on Saturday in Amsterdam. It looks like the markets are interesting for the morning. Not much time that day, Markets or the Rijks????????? Or maybe there is another way to spend a long Saturday morning in Amsterdam? Tulip Museum???

I just read about the OVchipkaart. Is this something we should consider? I confess I read about it but thought it was a bit confusing!

Found this for transportation to Keukenhof#8232;When you are located close to the Amsterdam Central Station the easiest way is to travel by train to Schiphol Airport. Within 15 min. of travel you arrive from the Central Station at the train station of Schiphol Airport. Follow the signs to the bus platform outside and locate the colorful Keukenhof Express Buses. The bus takes you in 20 -30 min. to the Keukenhof and stops right outside the main entrance of Keukenhof. When you have visited Keukenhof you travel with the bus back to the Airport and take the train to Amsterdam Central Station.
Price combination ticket for option A is €27,- (*price 2017) – includes:
• Return bus 858 Schiphol – Keukenhof
• Entrance ticket to Keukenhof
• (You have to buy your own train ticket! a € 9,- if you are traveling by train from Amsterdam central station)

One last question, I promise! I’ve had a lot of time to think, just not enough time to do! What are your favorite dining experiences, from street vendor, local digs, just fun, to what we shouldn’t miss in Amsterdam. I read some Rick Steves’ discussion of the Rijsttafel. Please share you thoughts here! Beer is good here! If we wanted to buy a bottle of wine, is there something special to look for here in Amsterdam? What about local liqueurs? Hmm, that wasn’t really one question!

Thank you for your patience. We are getting close and I am counting on your help as always! Thank you for sharing your experiences and giving me a much needed boost!
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Old Apr 4th, 2017, 01:27 AM
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Sounds good to me. For Keukenhof, you're right, go as early as possible. Don't worry of the queue, it might look big, but it'll move forward very quick. I arrived at Keukenhof after opening time and I queued for like only 10 mins.

4h at Keukenhof is average time, if you're really interested in it, you can spend more time, especially if you want to take good pictures. The garden is large and every corner deserves to be explored. The greenhouse inside the garden is pretty itself. They can do some flower carpet painting and it's amazing, you'll have to stop to admire.

Tip: don't need to go on the boat tour inside Keukenhof. It's expensive, time-costing, and the bike tour is much better.

I also went to Keukenhof from the airport, it was convenient.

For bike tour, yes you can rent at Keukenhof. I rented mine outside of Keukenhof's gate, I don't know if they are the same, but they did give maps of bike routes with advice to where the best blooms are at the time. You can choose a bike path of 1h, 2h or 3h. I went for the 1h path and saw plenty of tulip fields just around Keukenhof, but you might choose another one.

For your Saturday you can go to Rijkmuseum in the morning, then go to the flower market at 15h. The flower market is open until 17h30.

And yes Amsterdam's weather can be unpredictable.
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Old Apr 4th, 2017, 01:36 AM
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The second full day in Amsterdam, I need help. (...) The afternoon and evening we could spend exploring the Jordan, which we have never done. Probably need advice on that! I’ve read some and it looks like a you could spend an afternoon exploring. If anyone has a favorite there, please share OR if you think the afternoon would be better spent in another part of Amsterdam, give your opinion. I value you passion and experience.

Jordaan is nice to wander through, and is better north of Rozengracht. Surprisingly to many, there are some very un-picturesque stretches, like dismal Westerstraat and Lindengracht. I used to live on 2e Lindendwarsstraat, which is the Jordaan heartland, so to speak.

here are a number of walks:

http://www.jordaanweb.nl/startamster...deltochten.htm

the almshouses are really nice to explore.

http://www.jordaanweb.nl/HTMLengels/...aarthofjes.htm

Do have coffee at

De Kat in de Wijngaard on Lindengracht

Do try the appeltaart at Winkel, on Noordermarkt

Consider lunch at Thijssen on the corner of Brouwersgracht and Lindengracht

And try to book a table at Toscanini for dinner, or at Koevoet on Lindenstraat, or at Capri (an ancient neighbourhood favourite) on Lindengracht.

However, I want to point out something further afield and that is the old NDSM shipyard. Easily reached by ferry from Central Station (takes about 20 minutes and covers a nice stretch of the IJ). There are numerous restaurants there with a cool view of Amsterdam from across the water. Explore its Art City and wander around the old dry-docks.

Noorderlicht is always nice, and so is Pllek, while it's also possible to have dinner on board a former navy training vessel, Pollux. Right off the ferry stop you'll find IJ Kantine.

http://www.ndsm.nl/en/thema/horeca-shoppen/
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Old Apr 8th, 2017, 11:49 AM
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Great ideas for Jordaan! I will be trying to learn more from your advice.

Detail question: We would like to take the train from Central Station and then the bus to Keukenhoff. I think the combo ticket (transportation and entrance) makes sense. Can we buy the combo ticket at the airport or train station on the day of travel? I know it can be purchased online but I think you have to designate a day, which we don't want to do.

I've been reading about public transportation in Amsterdam. Can someone discuss or recommend the best way to manage tickets i.e. buy single tickets, Amsterdam Travel Ticket, ???. Walking in Amsterdam is always good. Since time is a premium on this stop, transportation may be the best. The only time we will use a train is probably to and from the airport and the first leg of the trip to Keukenhoff and back.

When we arrive at the airport we will need to buy a ticket for the train to central station. Although I just read that the advice is to buy that ticket online, to avoid the complicated process at the airport.

Oh my, seems to be another case of the more you read the more you don't know. I think the ticket machines only take a chip and pin credit card our Euro coins.

I'm hoping someone can advise and simplify for us. Thank you for your patience and time.
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Old Apr 8th, 2017, 12:16 PM
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You can buy the combo ticket (bus + Keukenhof entrance) at the airport on the day of travel. That's what I did. Once you arrive at the airport, look for the Keukenhof sign (it'll be imminent), it'll lead you to the bus stop. Right next to the bus stop is a van that sells combo ticket for the day.

I don't know about train station.

For transportation within Amsterdam, you can buy 24h ticket for 7.5 euros. It's valid for tram/metro.
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Old Apr 8th, 2017, 01:41 PM
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milestogoneedadvice, there are counters at Schiphol train station. They're inside the big plaza, opposite the red and white checkered Meeting Point.
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Old Apr 9th, 2017, 02:04 PM
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Thanks for starting this thread milestogo....

I'm leaving for Amsterdam in about 3 weeks and am hoping I won't be too late for tulips. Am I correct in understanding that the Netherlands has had early warm weather and the bloom may be over soon? I was planning to visit Keukenhof May 7. If the tulips are done, there are other bulb flowers to enjoy? If walking within the gardens, it sounds like it can be a very long walk if you want to see a lot!
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Old Apr 10th, 2017, 05:51 AM
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Dayle, Keukenhof will have lots of beautiful displays for you to see, but I fear seeing fields in bloom may be impossible because of the beautiful weather we're having now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgdtoEfQfZA
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Old Apr 10th, 2017, 10:00 AM
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Im glad you are having nice weather but I will be disappointed to miss the tulips.
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Old Apr 10th, 2017, 04:44 PM
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Menachem,

Thank you for the video. The gardens are SO beautiful. I'm sure I will enjoy them even without tulips!
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Old Apr 12th, 2017, 08:13 AM
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Today on the 6PM news: tulip fields in bloom.
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Old Apr 12th, 2017, 06:36 PM
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Oh my, so for those of us arriving in Amsterdam next week.....What are the odds that we will see tulips in the fields??? I know that Keukenhoff will still be beautiful, but so hoping to see the beautiful fields of tulips. I've looked at the extended forecast of next week. It looks like the 50's, chilly and windy. Hoping that we will get some sunny days.
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