Picture ourselves wandering through endless fields of vibrant tulips, their colors dancing in the spring sunlight, with historic windmills slowly turning in the background.

In the Netherlands, also called the Lowlands, April transforms the landscape into a living painting. As we stroll along serene canals reflecting fluffy clouds, we feel completely connected to both nature and the local culture.

Best time to visit: Mid-April for tulips in full bloom; spring and early summer for windmills when the weather is mild and pleasant. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for photography and avoiding the crowds.

Keukenhof Park: Europe’s Flower Paradise

Located between Haarlem and Leiden, Keukenhof Park is one of Europe’s largest flower gardens. Over 7 million bulbs bloom every spring, including tulips, hyacinths, and lilies. Gardeners carefully plan planting times to create seamless gradients of color, making each path and flower bed a living painting.

Ticket prices:

- Standard: $20

- Children (4–17): $9.5

- Children (under 4): Free

Opening hours & season: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM; open March 19 to May 10, 2026.

Transportation & fees:

- Shuttle bus: $16–$21 round trip from Amsterdam RAI, Schiphol, or Leiden Central

- Driving: Parking $6–$11 per day

Tips:

- Rent a bike ($10–$16 per day) to explore surrounding tulip fields at your own pace

- Bring water, sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes

- Pack a light jacket in case of spring showers

Dining near Keukenhof:

- Cafés inside the park: Sandwiches $5–$8, Coffee/Tea $3–$4

- Nearby restaurants: Main dishes $16–$26, Salads $8–$12, Desserts $4–$7

Accommodation nearby:

- Budget: B&Bs $75–$105/night

- Mid-range: Hotels $125–$170/night

- Luxury: Boutique hotels $210+/night

Zaanse Schans Windmills

Zaanse Schans is a classic Dutch village with 19 historic windmills and traditional buildings. Built in the 18th century, these windmills were used to drain swamps, grind spices, saw timber, and power small industries. Walking among them feels like stepping back in time.

Ticket prices:

- Individual windmills $3–$5

- Museum ticket covering multiple sites $16

Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (some windmills have shorter winter hours)

Transportation & fees:

- Train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans 15–20 min, $5–$6

- Walking or renting bikes on site $8–$13/day

- Boat tours along the river $13–$21

Tips:

- Combine bike rides and boat trips for the best perspective of the windmills and rivers

- Bring a camera and wear comfortable walking shoes, as some areas are cobblestoned

Dining near Zaanse Schans:

- Cafés: Sandwiches $5–$10, Fruit juices $3–$5

- Restaurants: Main dishes $16–$23, Snacks $5–$8

Accommodation nearby:

- Budget B&Bs $65–$95/night

- Mid-range hotels $115–$160/night

- Boutique hotels $190+/night

Cheese and Wooden Shoes

At Zaanse Schans, we can watch local artisans crafting Gouda and Edam cheeses and traditional wooden shoes (Klompen). Many workshops offer tasting, so we can try several types of cheese before deciding which to buy. Wooden shoes are not only traditional souvenirs but also practical for wetland environments.

Tips:

- Visit in the morning when workshops are active

- Purchase handmade wooden shoes for a unique keepsake

Planning Our Visit

Suggested itinerary:

- Morning: Keukenhof Park, 2–3 hours

- Afternoon: Zaanse Schans, 2–3 hours

- Use shuttle buses or trains to travel between locations

- Rent bikes locally to explore tulip fields and windmills

- Carry water, snacks, sunscreen, and a light jacket

Practical tips:

- Book tickets online in advance to skip lines

- Go early to avoid crowds and capture the best photos

- If staying overnight, consider splitting the trip: one night near Keukenhof, another near Zaanse Schans

Enjoy Every Moment

Riding bikes through colorful tulip fields, strolling beside calm canals, and photographing windmills against wide spring skies can make the day feel both peaceful and unforgettable. With a little planning—comfortable shoes, a light jacket, and an early start—you can enjoy the Netherlands at its most vibrant.