Going for the tulips in mid April!! After 4 nights in Amsterdam (arriving late morning first day), we are trying to plan next 2 nights. Train trip to Haarlem for a day visit... then catch a train to Delft for 2 nights? Would it be best to plan a day visit from Amsterdam to see the tulip fields or make that our priority during the following 2 nights?
Or should we stay in Leiden? We would love to rent bikes to get around. Suggestions please!!!
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
The nicest way to see the tulip fields is by bicycle. You can rent them at the Keukenhof (information here). Weather being unpredictable, have your program flexible. The Keukenhof is easiest reached from Leiden (in season a direct bus from the railway station). Leiden is also a good place when the weather is not so favourable. Itself an interesting city, it is also close to The Hague (15 mins) and Haarlem (20 mins) with several trains per hour. Delft, only 20 mins from Leiden on the same railway line, is more touristy.
Posted by
OP
Ridgefield
52 posts
Thank you Ton! So now that you have convinced me that Leiden is THE place to go - any suggestions on where to stay ...or best places for nice dinner(s), lunches..etc To keep our plans flexible... I am hoping we do not need advance reservation for bikes or for entry to Keikenhof. Would it be better to arrive first thing in morning or later in afternoon... Thx again
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
Here is a whole list of restaurants.
For convenience there is an Ibis and a Golden Tulip just across the road from the railway station. For more atmosphere you have De Doelen on the Rapenburg canal. And there are some more. Use Booking.com for an overview.
I suppose the sooner you are at the Keukenhof the better (unless everybody has the same idea, of course). You can also rent a bicycle at the railway station in Leiden. It's only 15 km to Lisse. You can continue to Haarlem, which adds another 10 or 15 kilometers, and take the train back (supplement ticket for the bicycles).
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
Weather and stamina permitting, a nice cycling route from Leiden is along the quiet mid-17th-century Haarlemmer Trekvaart, which brings you to the fields west of Lisse. After changing its name into the Leidse Vaart it continues to Haarlem. Back to Leiden can be done along the mid-19th-canal, east of Lisse, which surrounds the land reclamation of the Haarlemmermeer.
Posted by
OP
Ridgefield
52 posts
Ton, thanks for the biking suggestions - we will be ready! And will take your suggestion to look at Booking.com!
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
Have fun (and nice weather).