Hi, I am planning a week in the Netherlands either last week of March or first week of April 2026. I have been to Amsterdam previously so would very much like to base myself somewhere else for the week and do day trips or perhaps split the week to do 2 specific areas. I don't want this to be a hectic trip and would like to just stroll, drink coffee and people watch with a little bit of history/sightseeing thrown in. Please advise on areas although I do understand picturesque is subjective, that is what I am looking for. Thank you.
Posted by
USA
56 posts
We spent a week in Leiden and think it would fulfill your wishes.
Posted by
Surrey, UK
570 posts
We had four days in Utrecht which was great. Art, canals, gardens, a historic railway museum plus great coffee shops, bars and restaurants. Totally walkable.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you. I will have a look at both areas.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35716 posts
am I right that you plan to skip the Keukenhof this trip?
Posted by
OP
6 posts
I would love to see the tulip gardens but I need to identify a good base first then the day trips.
Posted by
San Diego, California
6674 posts
We loved Haarlem and Leiden, and both have seasonal express busses to Keikenhof, and are a quick train into Amsterdam.
I'd caution you to avoid the week before and after Easter, if you can.
I have attached our 2024 Trip Report. We had a wonderful time.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2478 posts
I'm planning a trip in April 2026 and have decided on, first, Utrecht for four nights and then Haarlem for three nights. I'll get the combi ticket for Keukenhof with bus transport from Haarlem.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you. I will avoid Easter time.
Posted by
Canada
36 posts
Hello,
I'll second the suggestion for Utrecht. We actually spent a week in the town of Maarssen, just outside of Utrecht last year, rented bikes, and had a great time. Utrecht itself was a really fun city, with easy train access to other areas to visit, but we really liked being in a small Netherlands town, with easy access to the larger city.
We enjoyed our time there so much that we've honestly thought about going back to the Netherlands, just to stay at the same place, and just exist for a couple weeks with odd day trip.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you! Really helpful.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
I have now booked for week of 5.05.26 and deciding between Delft or Utrecht.