For those who remember, this link is for my 2024 Trip Report. I'll try not to be repetitive
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/2024-trip-report-belgium-the-netherlands-completed-finally
Who Two 70-ish gals, best friends for 30 years, who had never taken a 2- week trip together. We returned as friends, so that was a success, altho she admittedly has more quirks that I do. I can write this as she doesn't read The Forum. We both did carry-on only, plus a backpack. I directly observed how much harder it was to roll her 4-wheeled suitcase over the cobblestones, than it was for my two-wheeled Patagonia. I did the planning, as I enjoy the process. I wanted to return so soon after the previous visit, as there was more I wanted to see, the weather wasn't the best, and I found the Dutch people to be so friendly and welcoming, all ages.
Itinerary
Haarlem - 5 nights : ( included Keukenhof, Amsterdam )
Bruges - 3 nights
Rotterdam -2 nights ( includes Kinderdijk)
Leiden - 3 nights, ( included King's Day)
AMS
No issues incoming with the new EES and Passport Control. The process took under 30minutes.
No issues departing. We had a SLOT reservation for the security line, available 3-days in advance, free.
bus #300 to Haarlem This is direct, so is preferable to the train, which requires a connection. Tap Pay.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/netherlands/finding-300-haarlem-bus-stand
Weather spectacular for the entire 2 weeks! I really could have used sun screen. Seems like when the sun comes out, the Dutch people spend all their time outside at cafes drinking, soaking up the rays. This is my personal observation. ; ) We might have joined them...
VAT Hotel Tax in NL increased for 2026, from 9% to 21% - OUCH!!
Hotel Malts
RS recommendation, booked directly, steep steps, modern bathroom, great breakfast, but weak hot water & pressure. There were 50 steps to our room 11, which wasEuropean large, very comfortable, but not fancy. The hotel is a short walk from the #300 bus, and the location is great. It's close to Grote Market, but far enough away so that the Fun Zone noise isn't an issue. Businesses on the street below are all quiet by 10:00pm. The owners are a delight, present daily in the small breakfast room, very helpful. Would definitely return to this property.
We actually ran into some RS folks in the breakfast room, who had read my earlier TR, and used the info. This just showcases beauty of this Forum, and the folks here.
Haarlem Canal Tours, "Cornelia", is a small open boat, €20. The owner/skipper is friendly and knowledgeable about all aspects of Dutch life. He has lived in Haarlem for years, and we were told he's a drummer in a band during the winter.
Corrie Ten Boom House , Haarlem, free tickets, but reserve right after you book your flights. The tours are about 15 people, and are all reserved about 6- 8 months in advance. They do not allow English speakers on the Dutch tours. The tour guide did an excellent job telling the story of this Dutch resistance fighter, and the home is furnished as it would have been. I actually felt more emotion after this tour than I did at the Anne Frank Museum, which is not furnished, and is more of a museum.
Keukenhof Combi tickets €38, includes bus transportation & entrance, timed tickets, but not too strict. The buses are at the local train stations, see the website. Take any return bus.
Is there anything better than blue skies, warm temps, &7 million flower bulbs? The gardens are as spectacular as the pix online. Without my husband this time, I could stay as long as my feet held out, and we even ordered bulbs to be shipped in November. Be careful of bulbs sold elsewhere, as you may not be able to bring them back. The lines for food were long, so it's best to bring your own lunch & drinks. To avoid the crowds, start at the back & work towards the front.