My husband and I recently booked our first river cruise. We will be traveling in October and end our cruise in Amsterdam. There are a number of museums we would like to visit there but have read about crowds in Amsterdam and attempts to limit tourism. Additionally, hotel prices are high. We wonder if staying in Delft and going to Amsterdam on day trips would be preferable. (We tend to prefer smaller cities anyway.
Posted by
Franklin, TN, USA
1044 posts
We did Amsterdam a year ago along with Keukenhof Gardens. We saw that prices were high in Amsterdam as well so we stayed in Leiden and LOVED it. Leiden was the perfect size for us, was an easy train ride from our days touring the Riksmuseum, Corrie Ten Boom’s house and sites in Amsterdam…..we also trained from Leiden to Delft to do a day there touring the factory and market square. Our hotel in Leiden was in a lovely neighborhood overlooking a tree-lined canal…..a great place to come home to every day. If you want more info let me know! We also added a trip to Brugge, Belgium……a MUST…….a delightful place to visit.
Posted by
Green Bay
23416 posts
Delft is 1 hour away from Amsterdam. Haarlem is a lot closer at 15 minutes and more frequent direct trains.
Posted by
589 posts
We stayed in Leiden last year before cruise. Loved it so much! We like Haarlem as well.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1740 posts
Have you thought about pre-booking timed tickets for the popular museums in Amsterdam? 1st thing in the morning hours is best! Amsterdam was shown on CBS Sunday Morning as so crowded that the Tourist guides are suggesting visiting sites outside of Town. Maybe Amsterdam won't be so crowded in October. Taking photos at night with lights reflecting in the canal is a cool effect. I actually stayed in a Houseboat BnB, but that was back in the day! Bon Voyage!
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all SO much! This is extremely helpful. Jane, I wonder if you would mind sharing the name of the Leiden hotel you liked so much. I saw that CBS Morning news report and that actually prompted my question. These replies make me feel much better about staying over at the end of the cruise. I do intend to purchase museum tickets in advance. Again, I am very grateful