Amsterdam/Keukenhof
A short rambling, a sort of guide to Keukenhof and Amsterdam.
It’s been a month since I made the floral pilgrimage to Keukenhof and visited the surrounding Amsterdam area. I can’t stop thinking about it and so I decided to write a little post about it. It was one of those trips that will stay engrained in my memory. I had a similar experience when I was in Japan during cherry blossom season in 2019.
For those who aren’t familiar with Keukenhof, it is also known as the Garden of Europe. It is the place to go to see the infamous Dutch tulips - in fact 7 million bulbs are planted there annually (yes annually). A little more about Keukenhof later - what I wanted to say is that this is just a short rambling, a sort of guide, and break-down of my trip to Keukenhof and Amsterdam. I spend a lot of time doing research before travelling and I love to share my knowledge.
Hope you enjoy it.
Open from end of March to mid May, Keukenhof is a showcase of the Dutch floricultural sector. Essentially, its a way for bulb suppliers to exhibit their offerings, but for most, its simply Europe’s most beautiful spring garden and an opportunity to spend the day in nature.
For those who are thinking of planning a trip next year, the 2023 season is from 23rd of March - 14th of May. I’ve jotted down a few handy tips and suggestions below for you.
Top Tips:
Arrive early, leave early. I only anticipated to stay 3-4 hours but ended up spending the entire day there. The grounds are massive, with loads of indoor conservatories, outdoor activities and food options. Getting a taxi back to Amsterdam at 5PM was a bit of a nightmare. Either try to book a car in advance or take a public bus back to Amsterdam. But keep in mind that the queues for the bus at the end of the day can be a bit daunting - this is why I say arrive early and leave early.
Book tickets in advance. I booked mine nearly at the same time I booked my Eurostar from London. Especially during peak season in April, slots fill up quickly.
Bring a picnic. There are various street food vendors dotted around the park so you won’t go hungry but I would really recommend planning your own food. Then you avoid the lunch time queues and can eat in peace whenever you get hungry.
Go mid to end of April. This was purely first timers luck, but I managed to catch both the peak tulip and cherry blossom season. This experience of colour, impermanence and calmness is hard to describe until you see it for yourself.
Try the Dutch strawberries (with whipped cream obviously). There are a few vendors dotted around the park. They were incredibly sweet and satisfying.
Pastries, pastries, and more pastries. This bakery is top on my list for Amsterdam. FYI they are only open Wednesday - Saturday and make sure you try the pistachio escargot. They only serve filter coffee so either take your pastry to the one of the canals or pop into coffeecompany for a sit down, a short walk away.
Some other yummy pastry places I frequented:
For those who fancy contemporary art (Malevich, Hito Steyerl, Wolfgang Tillmans, Pablo Picasso etc) this museum is a must. I’m also a sucker for a good museum bookshop and this place is top notch.
Nature, beer garden and sunshine - the trifecta. Located in Vondelpark, this place is perfect for a quick afternoon drink with your friends.
One of the world’s oldest botanical gardens deserves a visit (since 1638). Even though it’s smaller in scale than most, it’s packed with a punch. It’s beautiful, serene and welcome respite in the bustling, cycling city.
If you’re looking for a bit to eat before or after, would recommend Box Sociaal - best eggs benedict I’ve ever had.
It’s a design studio, it’s a canteen, it’s everything I thought I needed. The interior is so beautifully designed that I would happily live in it. Their menu is constantly evolving and changes with the seasons. Would recommend the sparkling matcha and whatever daily cookie is on the menu.
The perfect cookie does exist and you can find it here. Van Stapele only sells one flavour - it’s crispy edged, filled with a gooey white chocolate centre and enveloped in a dark chocolate dough. Don’t get one, get a tin.
Might be an obvious choice but who doesn’t love Van Gogh. They have wonderful temporary exhibitions in the basement gallery that is constantly changing. Currently on view is Van Gogh’s “Olive Groves.”
A teeny cafe in the Negen Straatjes neighbourhood that has the most mouthwatering sandwiches. Get the Rib Eye Bulgogi. Flavourful, juicy rib eye topped with sriracha mayo and a hardboiled egg, sandwiched in between sweet and squishy milk bread. Have I convinced you yet? They also have lovely coffee, matcha and bubble tea if you’re just looking for a nice beverage.
A low key, old-world pub, serving only Dutch beer on draft. If you’ve ever frequented the Marksman in London, this place has a similar feel. I personally love their selection of witbier, but everything on their blackboard is delicious.
