Hi all!
I will be in the Netherlands, staying in Haarlem this week. I realize that I will be there on King's Day. I planned on going to Keukenhoff on that day and Delft on the 28th (which is a Sunday). My question is: Will everything be open in Delft on Sunday? And is it smart to go to Keukenhoff on King's Day? Thanks for your advice!
You can visit Keukenhoff on King's day. Just go early to avoid large crowds. Wear orange to honor the dutch colors. For Delft , what do you wish to visit that Sunday?
We wanted to see the town and pick up some Delftware. See Vermeer sight. (I know there aren't any works of art there). Not a big agenda, but didn't know if shops would be open on Sundays.
Shops are open every first Sunday of the month, museums are open every Sunday. Bars, cafes, restaurants will also be open.
Also, be aware that sometimes the train schedules can alter somewhat on Sundays (fewer trains, more wait time), but that's probably not too much of an issue between Delft and Amsterdam.
Pam - I would think that maybe King's Day would be a good day for Keukenhoff. People will be partying hard in Amsterdam. From looking at google maps and clicking on businesses it appears that many businesses and museums in Delft are open on Sundays although some don't open until 11, noon, or even 1:00. There is even a vegan restaurant just down Schoolstraat (by the Prinsenhof museum) on Oude Kerkstraat next to the Oude Kerk. It is called Wildgroei Vegetarian and Vegan lunchroom which is open 12-5:00 on Sundays. Even the VVV is open but it is way down past City Hall near the Nieuwe Kerk. It is on the historic square so you will probably be in that area. I only see one grocery open on my map that appears to be open where you might be roaming- an Albert Heijn way down Choorstraat. You might want to carry some snacks with you. Several coffee shops (the kind that sell coffee) show open. I'll check back to see if you have any more specific questions I might be able to look up more easily than you.
Pam,
I stayed in Haarlem in April 2018 and toured Keukenhof on the 24th of April, took the bus from Haarlem and arrived fairly early, before 10 am I think. We toured, ate lunch there and left by 1 or 2 pm. Wonderful time there! You will love the gorgeous colors and designs of the displays.
On King's Day, I wandered Haarlem throughout the day and enjoyed the festivities, talked to people, listened to the bands, took pictures. it was a hoot, everyone was dressed in orange and just had wholesome fun. An interesting thing is, people bring household items they want to sell in a giant flea market! Very fun though, I just talked to people and looked over their wares. A great people watching day.
If you go to Keukenhof in the morning of King's Day, the 27th, you will be able to enjoy Haarlem in the afternoon. Lots of local color, orange that is!
Thanks everyone! Great advice!
