🌷 Day 10: Thursday, May 1 - OPTION DAY
Second Amsterdam Day OR Second Utrecht Day OR Tulips
Second Day in Amsterdam
Historical Context
A second day in Amsterdam allows you to explore beyond the central canal belt to discover fascinating areas that showcase different aspects of the city's character and history. From the industrial-turned-creative Noord district to the elegant canal houses of the Golden Age, this additional day provides a deeper understanding of Amsterdam's diverse neighborhoods and heritage.
Morning Start
Breakfast in Utrecht
- The Village Coffee (Voorstraat 46) - Great coffee and breakfast options
- Yoghurt Barn (Oudegracht 183) - Healthy breakfast options
- Ted's (Janskerkhof 9) - All-day breakfast with local ingredients
Train to Amsterdam
- Trains run frequently between Utrecht Centraal and Amsterdam Centraal
- Journey time: approximately 30 minutes
- Cost: around €9 each way
Morning Activities
Morning Option 1: Amsterdam Noord & NDSM Wharf
Amsterdam Noord (North Amsterdam) offers a completely different perspective on the city – less touristic and more industrial-turned-creative.
- Take the free ferry behind Amsterdam Centraal Station (ferries leave every 10-15 minutes)
- Visit NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard transformed into a cultural hotspot
- Explore street art, creative workshops, and waterfront restaurants
- Climb the A'DAM Lookout tower for panoramic views (€14.50, includes a swing over the edge for the brave)
Until the 1980s, the NDSM shipyard was one of Europe's largest shipbuilding companies. When the industry collapsed, the massive industrial complex fell into disuse before artists and creative entrepreneurs gradually reclaimed the abandoned spaces. Today, it represents Amsterdam's talent for adaptive reuse, transforming industrial heritage into vibrant new urban spaces. The contrast between the industrial structures and their new cultural functions creates a distinctive atmosphere quite different from central Amsterdam's historical charm.
Morning Option 2: Museum Van Loon & Canal House Museums
For a glimpse into the life of Amsterdam's wealthy merchant class during the Golden Age:
- Museum Van Loon (Keizersgracht 672) - Perfectly preserved 17th-century canal house
- Museum Willet-Holthuysen (Herengracht 605) - Another beautiful canal house museum
- Museum of the Canals (Het Grachtenhuis, Herengracht 386) - Interactive exhibits about canal construction
- Cat Cabinet (Kattenkabinet, Herengracht 497) - Eccentric museum dedicated to cats in art
The grand canal houses along the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht represent the pinnacle of Amsterdam's Golden Age prosperity. Built by wealthy merchants, these houses featured elegant facades with decorative gables facing the canal, but stretched far back on narrow plots due to taxation based on canal frontage. Most combined business and residential use, with goods stored in basement warehouses accessed directly from the canal. Museum Van Loon offers a rare opportunity to see not only the lavish interiors but also the coach house and gardens that typically exist behind these seemingly modest facades.
Lunch
IJ-Kantine
NDSM-Pier 5
Industrial-chic restaurant on Amsterdam Noord waterfront
De Plantage
Plantage Kerklaan 36
Beautiful café-restaurant in a historic greenhouse
Omelegg
Ferdinand Bolstraat 143
Specialty omelet restaurant in De Pijp
Additional Options
Singel 404 (Singel 404) - Beloved sandwich shop
Café de Ceuve - Sustainable restaurant
Pllek - Waterfront restaurant in NDSM with great views
Foodhallen - Food hall with multiple options
Afternoon Activities
Afternoon Option 1: Western Canal Belt & Jordaan Exploration
The Western Canal Belt and adjacent Jordaan neighborhood offer some of Amsterdam's most picturesque streets and hidden gems.
- Visit the Anne Frank House (Prinsengracht 263) - Book tickets well in advance online
- Explore the Jordaan's hidden courtyards (hofjes) - peaceful residential gardens
- Wander the picturesque Brouwersgracht, often called Amsterdam's most beautiful canal
- Discover the Houseboat Museum (Prinsengracht 296K) to see canal life from another perspective
The Jordaan was originally built in the 17th century as a working-class neighborhood to house immigrants and laborers who supported Amsterdam's booming economy. The area's name likely comes from the French word "jardin" (garden), as many streets were named after flowers and plants. The neighborhood's narrow streets, small canals, and distinctive architecture create an intimate atmosphere quite different from the grandeur of the main canal belt. The hidden hofjes (inner courtyards) were often built by wealthy merchants as charitable housing for the elderly and women, combining philanthropy with social control.
Afternoon Option 2: Eastern Canal Belt & Plantage Area
The Eastern part of Amsterdam offers a less crowded experience with beautiful canals, interesting museums, and green spaces.
- Visit Artis Royal Zoo (Plantage Kerklaan 38-40) - One of Europe's oldest zoos with beautiful grounds
- Explore Hortus Botanicus (Plantage Middenlaan 2A) - Historic botanical garden from 1638
- The Hermitage Amsterdam (Amstel 51) - Dutch outpost of the famous Russian museum
- Micropia (Plantage Kerklaan 38-40) - Unique museum dedicated to microorganisms
The Plantage (Plantation) area developed later than the western canal belt, originally serving as a green space with gardens where wealthy Amsterdammers could escape the city center. In the 19th century, it became home to cultural and scientific institutions, including the zoo and botanical garden. The area also has strong connections to Amsterdam's Jewish history, as many Jewish families lived here before WWII, and several important Jewish cultural sites are located nearby, including the Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum.
Evening
Second Day in Utrecht
Historical Context
Utrecht offers a charming alternative to Amsterdam, with its unique two-level canal system, medieval center, and relaxed atmosphere. While Amsterdam often gets the spotlight, Utrecht experienced its own golden age during the Middle Ages when it was the most important city in the northern Netherlands. The city's central religious and commercial importance is symbolized by the Dom Tower, which at 112 meters remains the tallest church tower in the Netherlands.
Utrecht's unique feature is its wharf system along the canals - a two-level structure not found anywhere else in the world. In the Middle Ages, Utrecht diverted part of the Rhine River to create the Oudegracht (Old Canal) running through the city center. Wharves and cellars were built at water level to unload goods directly from boats, with streets running one level above. These former storage spaces now house cafés, restaurants, and shops, creating Utrecht's distinctive atmosphere.
Breakfast
Blackbird Coffee
Oudegracht 222
Excellent coffee and breakfast
Daen's
Korte Jansstraat 13
Popular bakery with great coffee and pastries
The Village Coffee
Voorstraat 46
Specialty coffee and breakfast options
Morning Activities
Morning Option 1: Utrecht Canals By Boat
Experiencing Utrecht's unique canals from water level offers a completely different perspective on the city.
- Several companies offer guided boat tours (€15-20, 1 hour)
- Alternatively, rent your own small electric boat - no license needed (€45-60 for 2 hours, up to 6 people)
- Boats allow you to see the medieval wharf cellars from water level
- Some companies: Schuttevaer Canal Cruises, Lovers Canal Cruises, or Sloep Huren Utrecht for self-drive boats
A canal tour provides the perfect vantage point to understand Utrecht's unique two-level canal system. As you cruise along the Oudegracht (Old Canal), you'll see the distinctive wharf cellars that distinguish Utrecht's waterways from those in Amsterdam. These cellars, built in the 12th and 13th centuries as storage spaces for merchants, now house cafés and restaurants at water level. From the boat, you can spot architectural details not visible from street level, including the medieval crane that was used to hoist goods from boats, ancient bridges, and ornate façades of canal-side buildings.
Morning Option 2: Historical Walking Tour
Explore Utrecht's rich history through its preserved medieval center.
- Start at Domplein square, site of Utrecht's ancient center
- Visit the Dom Church (St. Martin's Cathedral) - free entry, €5 donation suggested
- See the remaining cloisters and beautiful garden
- Explore DOMunder (€11) - archaeological site beneath Domplein square showcasing 2,000 years of history
- Walk to the Oudegracht and explore the unique wharf-level structures
Domplein (Cathedral Square) has been the heart of Utrecht for nearly 2,000 years. Romans built a fortress here around 50 CE, followed by the first Christian churches in the 7th century. The impressive Gothic cathedral was built between 1254 and 1517, but a 1674 tornado destroyed the nave, leaving the tower and choir separated by the square we see today. This unusual layout is unique in Europe. DOMunder, an archaeological experience beneath the square, reveals Roman foundations, medieval structures, and tells the story of Utrecht's development through interactive exhibits.
Lunch
Olivier
Achter Clarenburg 6A
Belgian beer café in a former church with good food
KEEK
Twijnstraat 23
Organic café with excellent lunch options
De Rechtbank
Korte Nieuwstraat 14
Beautiful courtyard restaurant in former courthouse
Dogma Hotdogbar
Voorstraat 96
Creative gourmet hotdogs
Afternoon Activities
Afternoon Option 1: Museum Speelklok
Museum of self-playing musical instruments
- Fascinating demonstrations of music boxes, street organs, and orchestrions
- Open daily 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Entrance fee: €14
- Tours with demonstrations every hour
Museum Speelklok houses a unique collection of self-playing musical instruments from the 16th century to the present. The museum's centerpiece collection of street organs reflects the Netherlands' distinctive street music tradition. Unlike in other countries, Dutch street organs were large, elaborate instruments on wheels that played entire orchestral arrangements using punched books rather than simple barrel organs. These "orchestrions" were a defining element of Dutch street life from the late 19th through mid-20th centuries. The museum brings these mechanical marvels to life with regular demonstrations and tours, providing a musical journey through Dutch cultural history.
Afternoon Option 2: Explore Lesser-Known Utrecht
Venture beyond the medieval center to discover Utrecht's diverse neighborhoods.
- Explore the Utrecht University Botanical Gardens - beautiful gardens with diverse plant collections
- Walk through Wilhelminapark - elegant 19th-century park in the eastern part of the city
- Visit the Railway Museum (Spoorwegmuseum) - housed in a beautiful 19th-century station building
- Discover the street art in Utrecht's western districts
Evening
Tulips Experience
Historical Context - Dutch Tulip Culture
While most people associate tulips with the Netherlands, these flowers actually originated in Turkey and Central Asia. Dutch tulip cultivation began in the late 16th century, and by the 1630s, "Tulip Mania" had gripped the nation, with single bulbs sometimes selling for the price of a house! Today, the Netherlands produces approximately 4.3 billion tulip bulbs annually, with around 1.7 billion exported to markets worldwide.
The Dutch landscape transforms dramatically during tulip season, with vast fields blossoming into ribbons of vibrant colors. The commercial tulip fields you'll see are actually grown for the bulbs rather than the flowers—farmers often cut off the blooms to strengthen the bulbs. This agricultural tradition has become one of the country's most significant tourist attractions.
Dutch Tulip Experience
Overview
The Netherlands in spring offers one of the world's most spectacular floral displays. This option allows you to experience the famous Dutch tulips in various ways, whether you're in Amsterdam, Utrecht, or want to take a day trip to the iconic flower fields.
When to See Tulips
Tulip season in the Netherlands typically runs from late March to mid-May, with peak blooming usually occurring in mid-April, though this varies based on weather conditions. The 2025 season at Keukenhof Gardens runs from March 20 to May 11, making May 1 a perfect time to visit as most tulips should be in full bloom.
Option 1: Keukenhof Gardens
The World's Largest Flower Garden
Keukenhof in Lisse is the world's largest flower garden and the centerpiece of Dutch tulip tourism.
Getting There
- From Amsterdam: Direct buses (Keukenhof Express) run from Amsterdam RAI, Schiphol Airport, and Amsterdam city center. Travel time is approximately 30-40 minutes from Schiphol, and tickets cost around €30-40 for a combined transport and entrance ticket.
- From Utrecht: Take a train to Schiphol Airport (30 minutes) or Leiden (40 minutes), then connect to the Keukenhof Express bus.
What to Expect
- 32 hectares featuring more than 7 million bulbs and 800 varieties of tulips
- Spectacular flower displays in both outdoor gardens and indoor pavilions
- Themed gardens, including the historical garden with 16th and 17th-century tulip varieties
- Special flower shows featuring freesias, chrysanthemums, orchids, and more
- Family-friendly amenities including a maze, playground, and petting farm
- Multiple restaurant options for meals and refreshments
Option 2: Tulip Fields Around Keukenhof
Exploring the Bollenstreek
The area surrounding Keukenhof, known as the "Bollenstreek" (Bulb Region), contains many of the most picturesque tulip fields in the Netherlands.
Getting There
- The Bollenstreek is easily accessible as a combination with your Keukenhof visit
- Fields are located around the towns of Lisse, Noordwijkerhout, and Noordwijk
What to Experience
- Take a guided bike tour from Keukenhof to see the surrounding fields (€25-30 for bike rental and map)
- Join a small group tour (8 people max) with a local guide for a more personalized experience (€70-100)
- Experience the Tulip Experience Amsterdam in Noordwijkerhout, where you can walk among the tulips and take photos without restrictions (€12 for adults)
- Wander through beautiful Dutch villages surrounded by colorful fields
Option 3: Noordoostpolder Tulip Fields
Off the Beaten Path
For fewer tourists and more authentic experiences, consider visiting the Noordoostpolder region, which boasts the largest concentration of tulip fields in the Netherlands.
Getting There
- By car: Approximately 1.5 hours from Amsterdam or Utrecht
- Guided tour: Several companies offer day trips from Amsterdam (€80-120)
What to Experience
The Tulip Festival Noordoostpolder (April 13 to May 5, 2025) offers:
- A 114-kilometer car route through spectacular tulip fields (the longest continuous tulip route in the Netherlands)
- A 24-kilometer cycling route through the fields
- The Tulip Experience Field in Creil, where you can walk through fields and take photos (free entry)
- The Tulip Picking Garden in Marknesse, where you can create your own bouquet
- Combined trip opportunity with the picturesque village of Giethoorn ("Dutch Venice")
Option 4: Tulip Experiences in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Tulip Festival
You can absolutely enjoy tulips without leaving Amsterdam, especially during your late April visit when flowers will be at their peak.
- Runs throughout April 2025, celebrating Amsterdam's 750th birthday
- Approximately 100,000 tulips displayed at 75 locations throughout the city
- Colorful displays in public spaces, streets, bridges, squares, flower beds, parks, shopping centers and neighborhood gardens
- Free to visit and accessible by walking or cycling
Notable locations include:
- The Rijksmuseum gardens
- Vondelpark (highly recommended as one of the best places in the city for tulips)
- Rembrandtplein
- EYE Filmmuseum
Option 5: Tulip Experiences in Utrecht
Utrecht Tulip Spots
While Utrecht doesn't have a dedicated tulip festival like Amsterdam, you can still enjoy tulips within and near the city.
Utrecht Botanical Gardens
- Beautiful spring flower displays including tulips
- Part of Utrecht University
- Entry fee: €8.50
- Open daily 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Utrecht Parks and Gardens
- Wilhelminapark likely features spring tulip displays
- The Pandhof garden next to Dom Cathedral often has spring flower plantings
- City center planters and municipal gardens should have tulips in bloom during late April
- Utrecht's canals are often lined with spring flowers, creating beautiful photo opportunities
Day Trips from Utrecht
- Utrecht is well-positioned for viewing tulips, with the Noordoostpolder tulip fields just over an hour's drive away
- Rent a bicycle and explore the countryside around Utrecht
- Several smaller tulip fields can be found in the Utrecht province, particularly near Houten and Wijk bij Duurstede
- Late April (your visit time) is perfect timing for seeing tulips at their peak