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Spring is my favorite time to visit the Netherlands. Maybe I’m a bit biased, but I love to see the flowers blooming, feel the light warmth of new beginnings and fresh sunlight. The days are long, and the country feels like it’s waking up after a long slumber.
This itinerary is prepared to help you plan the perfect spring trip to the Netherlands. It works well for trips as short as a long weekend, and as long as a month depending on how much time you want to spend in each spot.
The most time deserves to go to Amsterdam, especially if you’re planning King’s Day there too… but every stop adds a unique touch.
The evenings start to feel endless by late April, when the sun doesn’t start to set until well after 8pm. Spring also has the speciality of being the season to head to Keukenhof and to experience King’s Day in the Netherlands. You can even do both on the same trip, which I’ll discuss in more detail below.
Tulip season runs through from the middle of March to the middle of May, and King’s Day takes over the country on April 27th. With some good planning, you can experience both in one trip, and tons more of this amazing country!
The route starts in Rotterdam, then moves through tulip season near Keukenhof, stops in Amsterdam, and (if you allot more than a long weekend) can finish in Groningen. It can work with all methods of transportation, whether you want to rent a car or take the train.
This post is here to guide your planning so you can decide what to do, without getting overwhelmed in the process.
How flexible this itinerary really is (train vs car)
While I personally experienced this trip by train, it can be done just as well (if not more personalized) by car. The Netherlands has a great train system set up, and biking/walking help to fill in any gaps. If that doesn’t sound like you, then you might prefer renting a car.
That said, train travel does take longer than driving. If you value flexibility or plan to skip Amsterdam, renting a car can make sense. I recommend Discover Cars, which compares rental prices to help you find the best deal.
Here’s a quick warning, if you are planning to rent a car: avoid bringing it into Amsterdam if possible… but if you insist, make sure you find accommodation with parking! It can be insanely difficult to find non-bike parking in this city, especially if you’re visiting around King’s Day.
Also, keep in mind that you can be flexible with your transportation if you want to do a bit of both. Many travelers do a mix of train rides and driving depending on the route. I would recommend visiting the spots outside Amsterdam by car, and then leaving the car behind to visit Amsterdam for the most relaxing experience.
Stop 1: Rotterdam
A lovely and practical place to get started
Rotterdam is the perfect place to start a spring Netherlands trip. It doesn’t draw the same crowd as Amsterdam, so it’s much easier to ease into after a long flight. If you can fly into Rotterdam Airport, you’ll probably be less stressed, and things like car rentals and sometimes flight tickets tend to be cheaper at airports like these.
The city has a modern touch, and tons of greenery around that is lovely to hang around… and of course, lots of canals like Amsterdam too. One of my favorite areas to explore is Historic Delfshaven, which shows a quieter, more historic side of the city. It is a great place for a nice long walk, and tons of photo opportunities..
Spring is also the best time to visit Arboretum Trompenburg. This is a gorgeous botanical garden which is a quiet escape from the city. I would consider it one of Rotterdam’s hidden gems.
Another great spot that used to be Luchtsingel, a bright yellow pedestrian bridge that connects different neighborhoods, are the remaining stairs. The rest of the structure was demolished because of safety concerns, but the stairs next to Bier Garten have remained, so check them out when you grab your pint.
You absolutely need to stop into Museumpark as well. It’s a really cool area to walk around, and if you have some time, then pop into one of the museums. My favorite is the Depot of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen.
You can spend a night or two here, or longer if Rotterdam interests you. It sets a nice relaxing tone for the start of the trip before you head to a busier spot that has probably been on your bucket list.
Stop 2: Tulip season and Keukenhof
Checking off a beautiful place on your bucket list
Tulip season usually runs from the middle of March through mid May. Peak blooms are usually happy around mid to late April, depending on the weather that year. Spring is by far the most special time to visit the Netherlands because of all this blooming.
For the easiest option, book a Keukenhof day trip tour from Rotterdam. It handles transportation and keeps your itinerary simple. This is ideal if you want a stress free experience. Splurge a bit more on a private guided tour experience with Keukenhof, windmills, transportation, and more included.
If you want to explore more of the area, and have a bit of extra time, then you can consider staying in Noordwijk. This town is right on the water and is a simple bus ride away from Keukenhof.
Keukenhof itself will probably be busy since it’s only open for a few months a year when the tulips are blooming, but it’s always worth the visit no matter the crowd. If you want some more information, check out my guide on Keukenhof and Tulip Seasonfor deeper planning.
Stop 3: Amsterdam
The anchor of the entire trip
Amsterdam is where you should plan to spend the most time, especially if you’ve never visited. On a seven day trip, I would recommend three nights for the most enjoyment that doesn’t feel too rushed.
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Spring is a beautiful time to be in Amsterdam. Between the flowers that line the canals, café terraces starting to reopen, and the warmth that starts to fill the city, you’ll fall in love with it. Plus, one of the most popular events of the year happens at this time.
If you haven’t heard of King’s Day, don’t worry, I have a detailed post all about the holiday with details on what to expect. The main thing that you need to know here is that it’s a big party that takes place on April 27th every year to celebrate the King.
This is also a place where a car can be a bit of an inconvenience, particularly if you don’t have accommodation with parking. Driving can be a bit scary with the small streets surrounding the canals, so if you decide to drive you need to be confident in your abilities. If not, walking and biking are super easy, and public transit is accessible too.
Getting the best value out of your visit saving money
Biking is my favorite way to see Amsterdam like a local. Even super short rides help replace transit trips, and there is tons of bike parking around the city. This is a great way to see more without rushing.
The Go City Amsterdam Pass is the best investment I’ve made when it comes to exploring Amsterdam. It bundles attractions so you can save, and also gives you a ton of ideas and tips for places to visit. Plus, it includes bike rentals and canal cruises, which are great ways to see the city, especially in the spring. I always save a ton by getting this pass.
If you decide to rent bikes independently, there are a bunch of shops near Central Station, which makes for easy pickup. Riding through Amsterdam in spring is one of my personal trip highlights.
Planning help for Amsterdam
Spring is super popular, so it’s important to book ahead before things fill up. The best value and best located hotels and apartments in particular sell out quickly. Reserving accommodation early gives you better options and prices.
Groningen is a lovely surprise of a city, one that is not well known by tourists in the Netherlands. It is a lively town filled with lots of students and a strong local feel. You probably won’t see many tourists, which will be a refreshing change after Amsterdam, making it the best place to end your trip.
You’re going to want to stay central in this city. I recommend booking a hotel, but there are a few decent hostels in the area if you are on a low budget. The convenience to stay downtown is definitely the most important component.
Groningen is another city where biking is the best way to get around, but public transit is also available here too. Biking is especially great in Noorderplantsoen, which is this city’s version of Central Park. It’s especially nice to enjoy a bike ride around there on a nice day.
One more spot you shouldn’t miss while you’re there is Het Concerthuis. It is an incredible cocktail bar, and they have some great food there too. Plus the ambiance is very nice, and it’s centrally located.
If you want more details on where to stay and what to do in Groningen, check out my Groningen travel guide for more info.
How long you need for this itinerary
This route works great in as little as seven days, or even a long weekend if you don’t want to head out to Groningen for the final leg. I recommend spending more time, but if you just want the highlights, King’s Day and Keukenhof should definitely be the non-negotiables on your list.
If you have more time, I’d highly recommend taking your time and spending longer in each place. Add extra nights in Amsterdam or extend your time in Groningen. The Netherlands is an incredible place to do some slow travel.
Travel days are pretty nonexistent in this itinerary since locations are so close together. Spending time in the Netherlands means you have more time to explore and less time moving from place to place.
Best time in Spring to do this trip
Late April and early May are ideal for this itinerary, unless you want to avoid King’s Day, then I’d suggest early April so there are less tourists. During these months, the tulips are blooming, days are getting longer, and the temperatures tend to be pretty mild. Plus, when it rains, it is rarely for long.
Summer brings warmer weather to this area, but more people visit during that time, especially in Amsterdam. Winter is much quieter but it’s a lot less colorful without the flowers or the long evenings of sunshine. Spring provides all of the best circumstances for visiting the Netherlands.
Make sure you plan early and stay flexible, and you’ll have an incredible trip.
Final thoughts
I’d recommend this itinerary since it offers a great blend of cultural immersion with different types of places in the Netherlands. In the spring, these cities are at their best. Plus, these are easy places to navigate with tons of options for getting around.
I’d recommend this itinerary since it offers a great blend of cultural immersion with different types of places in the Netherlands. In the spring, these cities are at their best. Plus, these are easy places to navigate with tons of options for getting around.
While Amsterdam certainly deserves the most time, the other stops add more layers to your trip. Rotterdam sets the tone, Keukenhof delivers awe-worthy colors and photo ops, and Groningen adds more depth. You can move at whatever pace works best for you.
If you are planning a spring trip to the Netherlands and want to enjoy it with help from a frequent visitor, this route is the perfect place to start.
Do you have any questions? Drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram at @LizsGreatPerhaps.
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