Amsterdam: Between dunes, tulips and canals
Canal cruise.
More by chance than out of genuine enthusiasm for the Netherlands, I landed in Amsterdam for the first time. Accordingly, I traveled around without any preconceived notions or high expectations – and that was a good thing, because it was the perfect state to be pleasantly surprised. Below, I'll share my highlights from my two previous visits to Amsterdam. Besides recommendations for exploring the city and typical tourist activities like the Keukenhof Gardens, you'll also find tips for hikes.
Explore the city
Amsterdam is easily explored on foot and by public transport. Depending on the location of your accommodation, it's a good idea to first take the train, metro, or bus to Amsterdam Centraal, the main train station. Unlike in Switzerland, you don't need an app or ticket for this – your credit or debit card is sufficient. You can check in with your card when boarding, and sometimes even outside the bus/train/tram, and check out again when disembarking – the fare will be deducted immediately.
Canal cruise: Is it worth it?
Amsterdam is a city crisscrossed by numerous canals – the so-called grachten. These were once used for transporting goods and the like, but today their primary function is tourism. While it might be one of the most clichéd things you can do in Amsterdam, a canal cruise is, in my opinion, worthwhile. Besides the interesting background information about the canals, the architecture, and some of the sights, it's the unique perspective it offers on many areas that makes exploring by boat so rewarding. You can buy tickets on-site or through GetYourGuide.
City of Museums
Besides cannabis coffee shops practically on every five steps, Amsterdam has much more to offer culturally. Museums, in particular, are plentiful, including the Rijksmuseum (National Museum of Denmark), the Anne Frank House – though you usually have to book tickets weeks in advance – and, true to the city's liberal spirit, there's also a Sex Museum (entrance fee around €10-15) and a Museum of Prostitution. I visited the latter – but anyone familiar with feminist literature will likely have encountered some of the information presented in one form or another. Nevertheless, it was an interesting visit, as it features the original living quarters of a prostitute and recounts her life story. This personal touch makes the whole thing even more tangible (especially for male visitors).
Royal Theater Carré Amsterdam / Koninklijk Theater Carre
A beautifully designed theater where I saw the Hadestown musical live in 2025. Anyone who likes musicals should definitely check out what's playing – the venue and the atmosphere are absolutely worth experiencing.
Keukenhof: Tulip splendor as far as the eye can see
Over a million people flock to Lisse every year to admire the tulips at Keukenhof from March to May. The generously laid-out gardens are well-designed and constantly offer new and beautiful corners – however, you should be prepared for large crowds. During my visit, I underestimated the number of visitors and was surprised by how busy the garden was. Due to the high visitor numbers, tickets can sell out. It's definitely best to buy tickets online well in advance. This is easily done on the Keukenhof website: Welcome to Keukenhof .
Hiking: Endless beach, wild heather and inviting greenery
If, like me, you enjoy exploring not only the city but also, and especially, nature, you can surprisingly do so quite easily from the metropolis of Amsterdam. You can easily find suitable routes on the Wandelnet hiking app. The hikes are designed so that you walk from one train station to the next – naturally through nature and not along the tracks.
Hiking route: Through the nature reserve to the dunes
The route can be downloaded or in the app: Kennemerduinen (Zandvoort) - NS-wandeling | Dagje Suit | NS
Start: Sandpoort North
Final stop: Zandvoort or Overveen
The route starts from the train station and quickly leads you onto an easily walkable forest path.
This first part leads you under a green canopy in the shade of the trees towards the dunes.
Here, forest, thicket and dune grass alternate.
The trail then leaves the forest and leads you across the dunes. Sandy paths, expansive views, and a gentle breeze – thanks to the proximity to the sea – await you.
And finally you arrive at the beach. In April – when I was there – it was unfortunately still too cold to go swimming.
In summer, however, this section of the route offers a wonderful refreshment - or simply the opportunity to slip out of your shoes and let the waves caress your feet a little.
Hiking route: Through forest and meadows to the Groeneveld estate
Download the route or use the app: https://wandelnet.viewer.routemaker.nl/app/route/117
Starting point station: Baarn
Final destination: Hilversum Media Park
The 16km long route initially runs briefly along the railway tracks and then leads you deeper and deeper into a wooded area.
Birdsong is the most frequent companion - there are not many people around, apart from the occasional cyclist or hiker.
Then the route leads you out of the forest and you approach Kastel Groeneveld.
Surrounded by a moat, it was built in 1710 for wealthy Amsterdammers
The summer residence, built in the same style, has been returned to its original purpose: to offer a small oasis of relaxation amidst nature.
The moat is lined with an avenue, and the castle is surrounded by a spacious park that shows signs of regular maintenance.
On this section of the route you will encounter many walkers with their dogs, who use the park for walking their dogs.
After this busier section, the path continues between meadows and in the last part leads through a heath landscape - the wind is an ever-present companion there, so: don't forget lip balm!
Travel Itinerary
Amsterdam: One to two days
I would allocate this time for exploring the city, its various districts, and the museums. However, since there is so much to discover, you can, of course, extend this exploration time as you wish, entirely according to your own interests.
Amsterdam: Sights
Central Station
Canal cruise
Imperial Museum
Anne Frank House
Museum of Prostitution
red light district
Lisse, Keukenhof: One day
The garden is accessible by car or public transport. On a typical Tuesday in April, I arrived at the entrance at 10:00 AM and was in the garden by about 10:15 AM. I would recommend arriving early; the first hour of opening might be less crowded. In any case, be prepared not only for lots of tulips but also for lots of people.
Lisse, Keukenhof: Sights
The "Juliana" section of the garden is particularly beautiful (see picture above).
Amsterdam area: Two to three days
Hiking
Day 1: Kennemerduinen, Zandvoort (reachable from Amsterdam in about an hour by public transport)
Day 2: Landgoed Groeneveld (reachable within approximately 1.2 hours by public transport)
Arrival
Schiphol Airport is located close to the city and easily accessible by public transport. You can walk directly from the airport to the train station – but be careful: don't forget to check in with your debit or credit card. Dutch public transport works with a simple system: before boarding, you tap your card on a check-in point, travel to your desired stop, and tap your card again there. At the airport, this check-in point is clearly marked and located above the platforms – so before you take the escalator down to your platform, be sure to check in with your card while still at the airport.
Culinary
Typically Dutch
Hageslag (sugar sprinkles that go on the breakfast boat)
Cheese – the cheese culture is huge there!
fries
Stroowafel
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