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10-12 days in Netherlands in April -- Base in Amsterdam or elsewhere?

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Considering traveling to the Netherlands, arriving April 16-17 and leaving April 25-26.

I've never been there and want to see history, architecture, museums, tulips is possible, and in general experience the country. I love old European cities where I can just wander the streets without a plan, though I do want to visit the usual tourist attractions of Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and, if possible, tour tulip fields (on a bike?)

In addition to Amsterdam, would like to see one or more of the smaller cities, like maybe Maastricht, Utrecht and/or Harlem. Am also intrigued by the possibility of traveling to Cologne or Dusseldorf.

Do you recommend that I:
1) stay in Amsterdam the whole time and use that as a base for taking day trips?
2) stay in another city the whole time and use that as a base for day trips? If so, which city?
3) stay in two or more cities over the course of the ~9 days?

Thanks for your advice

Posted by
347 posts

This April? If so, you likely missed the window for Anne Frank House tickets. Sold out through 4/27/2025 (but may be some tickets available the week before).

I'd definitely split between 2 bases - likely Amsterdam and Leiden. I'd also be finding those bases ASAP, as your options tend to go down the close you get - especially in Amsterdam in April.

Posted by
80 posts

This April? If so, you likely missed the window for Anne Frank House tickets. Sold out through 4/27/2025 (but may be some tickets available the week before).

Good to know. Can get by without it.

Posted by
1727 posts

I’m sorry to say but you’ve left things kind of late if you want to visit Amsterdam during your dates. The Anne Frank house already being sold out is the least of your problems. Due to Easter, Kingsday and the blooming of the tulips your dates are the absolute busiest days of the year for Amsterdam and surroundings. Before you commit to booking a flight I would suggest you to first check what hotels are still available and at what price….

Posted by
80 posts

your dates are the absolute busiest days of the year for Amsterdam and surroundings

Is this even busier than during the peak summer tourist season?

Posted by
1727 posts

“ Is this even busier than during the peak summer tourist season?”

For Amsterdam, mid to end April is the peak tourist season. It’s peak season because of the tulips and Kingsday. This year, due to a late Easter, it will even be more crazy busy.

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