Amsterdam

Amsterdam in the Spring
A Girls Trip Itinerary Worth Stealing

Going on a girls trip to Amsterdam in the spring should absolutely be on your to do list. My college girlfriends and I had been talking about doing a Europe trip together for years, and when our friend Lauren, who had been living in Naples the past few years, was getting ready to move back to the States, we knew it was kind of a now or never situation.

After debating a bunch of destinations that would be relatively easy for everyone to reach without an exhausting flight, we finally landed on Amsterdam, and honestly, it ended up being the perfect choice.

While this itinerary was built around a girls trip, the truth is that it would work just as beautifully for couples or even families with older kids too. You would just swap out some of the late night cocktail bars for slower dinners and earlier evenings.

Between the canal cruises, flower markets, tulips, cafés, and nearby windmills, Amsterdam is easily one of the most charming and visually stunning cities in Europe. It also feels incredibly manageable and easy to navigate. We walked almost everywhere, and whenever we used public transportation, it felt seamless and very easy to figure out.

Day 1

After checking in, resist the urge to over plan your first afternoon. Amsterdam is one of those cities that truly rewards wandering. We started at Albert Cuyp Market, one of Europe’s largest and most beloved street markets, where we sampled Dutch cheeses, fresh stroopwafels, and local goods. It is the perfect low key way to ease into the city without committing to a packed itinerary right away.

If you would rather start the trip with a relaxed sit down lunch, Café Georgette is a great option with outdoor seating near Vondelpark.

We decided to spend the late afternoon at the Rijksmuseum. I highly recommend booking tickets in advance and downloading the free Rijksmuseum app instead of paying for the audio guide. After your visit, take some time to wander through the museum gardens as well.

Tickets purchased directly through the museum website are typically around 40 Euros. If you prefer a smaller guided experience, this Rijksmuseum Tour is also a great option.

The Cuypers Library- If Hogwarts had an art history library, I would imagine it would look like this

Tickets purchased directly through the museum website are typically around 40 Euros. If you prefer a smaller guided experience, this Rijksmuseum Tour is also a great option.

Evening: Everyone was pretty jet lagged, so we wanted to keep the first night low key. We started with pre dinner drinks at Pulitzer's Bar before heading to dinner at Pulitzer Garden.

The restaurant is set in a stunning courtyard with a cozy and warm indoor space that works perfectly for cooler spring evenings. Pulitzer Amsterdam is honestly one of my favorite hotels in Amsterdam, and I highly recommend it, but more on that later.

We sadly ended up sitting inside since it was still pretty chilly, but during lunch or in the warmer summer months, definitely try to sit outside because the garden setting is beautiful.

Pulitzer Garden

Day 2

Start the morning at the Anne Frank House  - The audio tour is incredibly well done and honestly one of the most moving experiences we had during the trip. The entire visit feels quiet, intentional, and deeply powerful. Set an alert to Book exactly six weeks in advance. There is truly no alternative.

One very important tip: set an alert and book tickets exactly six weeks in advance when they are released. There truly is no substitute for seeing it in person, and tickets sell out very quickly.

Afterwards, we definitely needed a little time to decompress because the experience is emotional. We walked over to Pancakes Amsterdam  to try traditional Dutch pancakes. It’s one of the most popular spots in the city, with several locations throughout Amsterdam. Definitely order a few different kinds and share with the table since it’s the best way to try both the sweet and savory options.

Another great lunch option nearby is Foodhallen, a vibrant indoor food market about a 20 minute walk from the Anne Frank House. It’s a fun and easy spot if everyone in your group wants something different.

Afternoon- One of the highlights of the trip was our private canal cruise. We got incredibly lucky with perfect spring weather, and seeing Amsterdam from the water while sipping champagne and rosé was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable parts of the weekend. We booked with Pure Boats who I would highly recommend.

Afterward, we wandered through the Jordaan district and spent a couple of hours exploring De Negen Straatjes, also known as the Nine Streets. The area is filled with picturesque canals, independent boutiques, vintage shops, and the kind of cafés that make you want to sit for hours and slow down for the afternoon.

This is the version of Amsterdam you picture in postcards, and honestly, it completely lives up to it in person.

De Negen Straatjes

Evening- We enjoyed dinner at Oriole Bistro, followed by cocktails at Freddys Bar. Freddy’s is one of Amsterdam’s most iconic hotel bars and is known for its classic old world atmosphere, live piano music, and perfectly done cocktails. It feels timeless and elegant without being overly formal.

Afterward, we randomly wandered into a local dive bar across the street with a DJ and ended up staying for a fun little dancing nightcap, which honestly made the night feel even more memorable and spontaneous.

If you are looking for a more laid back and intimate vibe, I would absolutely recommend drinks at the bar at The Dylan. The space feels elegant and cozy without being stuffy, and it’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a slower evening over really great cocktails and conversation. The courtyard and candlelit atmosphere make it feel especially charming at night too.

Keukenhof Botanical Gardens

Day 3

The tulip day! Honestly, visiting in the spring is the reason to visit Amsterdam this time of year. In April, the gardens are in full bloom with nearly seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths spread across 79 acres, and it truly is every bit as beautiful as it looks in photos. Peak bloom usually only lasts a few weeks each spring, which makes it feel even more special.

There are so many ways you can structure this day depending on your travel style. We ended up taking an Uber van from Amsterdam, which was about a 45 minute drive, and purchased timed entry tickets directly through the website in advance. We leisurely wandered through the gardens for about 2 to 3 hours. The grounds are absolutely stunning and honestly one of the prettiest places I have ever photographed. Everywhere you turn feels like another perfect backdrop.

Afternoon- After Keukenhof, we headed into Haarlem for the afternoon and lunch. Haarlem felt like a quieter, more local version of Amsterdam with beautiful historic architecture, charming cafés, and far fewer crowds. It was easily worth spending a few hours just wandering around.

We had a casual outdoor lunch at Jopenkerk, which was a great stop for drinks and lunch before taking the train back to Amsterdam. The train ride was very easy and only took about 30 minutes.

Haarlem, Netherlands

Additional options are taking the train to Haarlem and renting e bikes through the tulip fields (you cannot bike in Keukenhof). Some private tours include hotel pickup and combine additional stops too.

If you are looking into a private tour, I researched quite a few and thought these two looked the best:

• Private Keukenhof Tour
  Includes a stop at a tulip farm in addition to the gardens.

• Private Keukenhof Tour and Zaanse Schans
  Includes, the Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm, and traditional Dutch clog making. This is a great option if you want to fit a lot into one day and also experience the famous Dutch windmills.

Lisse, Netherlands

Evening

Since we ended up having a later lunch and spending more time exploring Haarlem than we originally planned, we decided to cancel our dinner reservation for the night. Honestly, it worked out perfectly because we were able to get reservations at The Flying Dutchmen, which we were excited about.

It’s ranked as being one of the best cocktail bars in Europe, and is absolutely worth making a reservation for. They operate on 1.5 hour reservation slots, which honestly felt like the perfect amount of time to relax and try a couple drinks each. I’m always a margarita person, so I loved the Picante, which is their version of a spicy margarita. But one of the fun parts is that if you simply tell them what flavors or spirits you usually like, the bartenders will create something custom for you.

They also offer cocktail making classes, which honestly would be such a fun activity for a girls trip, couples trip, or even a small group celebration.

The Flying Dutchman

We originally had plans for dinner at Gertrude, and I was honestly a little disappointed we missed it because it looks incredible. But after being out all day, buying a bottle of wine and ordering room service back at the hotel sounded just as good.

That’s honestly one of the best parts about traveling with good friends. Not every night has to be packed with plans. Sometimes the slower moments, sitting around talking and relaxing after a full day, end up being the parts you remember most. Plus, we had an early biking morning ahead of us the next day.

Day 4

Amsterdam’s culture is so centered around biking that we definitely wanted to incorporate it into the trip for at least one day. Honestly, one of my favorite parts was simply watching everyday life happen around us. Moms and dads biking their kids to school in the front baskets, people riding along the canals on their way to work, everyone somehow making biking look effortless and normal. That being said, you definitely have to be paying attention when you are walking around town because if not you can absolutely get taken out by a bike at any time.

There are so many different biking tours you can do, but we decided we wanted to get outside the city and explore more of the countryside, so we chose an E- bike tour out to Zaanse Schans. It’s a traditional Dutch village known for its historic windmills, wooden houses, and craft workshops. You can also reach it pretty quickly by train from Amsterdam in about 15 minutes, but we loved experiencing the ride there through the smaller towns and countryside.

This was actually my first time using an e bike, and now I completely understand the hype. They make covering longer distances so much easier and honestly way more enjoyable, especially if you are not a regular biker.

We booked the Zaanse Schans and Zaandam E- bike tour with Those Amsterdame’s and our guide was fantastic. They also offer tulip season tours in the spring. Along the route, we stopped at authentic working windmills and learned more about Dutch history and how the windmills were actually used.

Zaanse Schans

I will say that Zaanse Schans itself was definitely very touristy with a lot of shops and crowds, and honestly I probably would not go back. It was nice to see once, but in my opinion, you would not be missing a major Amsterdam experience if you skipped it. The biking itself through the countryside and small Dutch towns was by far the most rewarding part of the day and felt much more authentic.

A few other bike tours I researched that also looked great:

• Amsterdam Bike Tour
  A great option if you want to stay within the city and bike through Amsterdam’s main neighborhoods and canals.

• Private Bike tour
  A customizable private option where you can tailor the route based on your interests and pace.

Zaandam, Netherlands

Evening -

We definitely saved the best restaurant for our last night, which honestly felt very deserved after biking 26 miles earlier that day. Restaurant De Kas  is a Michelin starred farm to table restaurant set inside a stunning 1926 greenhouse, with a prix fixe menu built entirely around what is growing in the onsite gardens that day.

It is one of those dining experiences that feels genuinely special from the moment you walk in. The greenhouse setting is beautiful, the service is incredible, and every course somehow feels both elevated and simple at the same time. This was probably my favorite meal of the year. Definitely book this one as early as possible because reservations go quickly.

The Farm at De Kas

We also did the wine pairings, which I highly recommend if you enjoy wine. It ended up being the perfect way to end the trip and one of those long dinners where nobody wants to leave the table.

Dinner lasted close to three hours, and since we all had early flights the next morning, we ended up calling it a night afterward. But another cocktail bar we really wanted to check out and just did not have time for was Tales and Spirits, which is said to be one of Amsterdam’s best kept cocktail secrets.

They open at 5:30 PM and do not take reservations, so I would either arrive early or head straight there after dinner if you want a spot.

---

The Hoxton Llyod

Where to stay

One thing to know about Amsterdam hotels is that many of them are set inside historic canal houses, which means rooms can run very small, especially if you are traveling with friends or family and trying to fit 3 to 4 people comfortably in one room. Another thing to keep in mind is that a lot of these properties have very narrow staircases and no lifts, which honestly is part of the charm of staying in Amsterdam. But something to keep in mind.

We stayed at The Hoxton Lloyd, which worked really well for our trip because they offered larger room types at a very reasonable price point. In the room we had, there was an extra queen bed in a little nook (see below). They also had rooms with bunk beds, so a great hotel option with families or larger groups.

The downside is that it is a little removed from the main canals and central areas of the city. In some ways that was actually nice because it felt more local and less touristy, but we did end up taking the metro most of the time. Thankfully, Amsterdam’s public transportation system was incredibly easy to navigate.

Hoxton Llyod

Now that I know the city a little better, I would personally choose to stay closer to the De Negen Straatjes or “ Nine Streets” area next time. The Hoxton Amsterdam is in a more ideal location for walking to restaurants, canals, shopping, and cocktail bars.

Photo c/o the Dylan Hotel

My two favorite boutique hotels that I visited during the trip were Pulitzer Amsterdam and The Dylan Amsterdam. Both feel classic, romantic, and quintessentially Amsterdam, spread across beautifully restored canal houses with incredible atmosphere. They both also have fantastic cocktail bars and are located in perfect central areas of the city. I would confidently recommend either of these to my clients.

The newest luxury hotel in Amsterdam, and one I am sure is absolutely stunning, is the Rosewood Amsterdam. It sadly was not open yet when I visited, but it is in a fantastic location and I have only heard amazing things so far. This would definitely be the most elevated luxury option in the city.

Photo c/o The Pulitzer Amsterdam

I’m also able to offer complimentary VIP perks at all these Amsterdam properties through my Fora advisor network, so please feel free to reach out if you are planning a trip. I’m always happy to help make your stay feel even more seamless and special.

Other Recommendations:

• If we had one more day, I definitely would have loved spending more time in Vondelpark. It is Amsterdam’s most famous park and feels like the heart of local life on a nice day, filled with bikers, picnics, runners, families, and people relaxing along the paths and canals. You could easily incorporate a slower local biking day through Vondelpark and some of the surrounding neighborhoods.

• I also would have loved to visit the Van Gogh Museum, especially if you enjoy art museums.

• The De Pijp neighborhood is wonderful for a slower wander as well. It has boutique shops, great coffee spots, local restaurants, and a neighborhood energy that feels much more residential and local than some of the busier tourist areas.

• A great day trip is taking the train to Delft, a charming historic Dutch town known for its canals, blue and white Delft pottery, and quieter small town atmosphere. It feels a little more traditional and relaxed compared to Amsterdam.

Honestly though, I felt like four days was the perfect amount of time to get a great feel for Amsterdam and experience most of what we wanted to see without feeling rushed.

A lot of people also incorporate Amsterdam as a stopover city while flying elsewhere in Europe, which honestly is a great idea too. The city is compact, very easy to navigate, and you can comfortably experience a lot in just two days if needed.

"Amsterdam is one of those cities that looks exactly like you imagined it would — and then somehow still surprises you."

Whether you do it as a girls trip, a romantic getaway, or an adventure with older kids, Amsterdam in the spring is one of those rare destinations that truly lives up to the picture you have in your head before you go. The tulips are stunning, the canals are beautiful, the Dutch pancakes are delicious, and somehow even the frites with Joppie sauce end up becoming part of the memories.

If you can, try to visit in April when the tulips are in bloom, and definitely book the bigger attractions and restaurants in advance. Also, leave time in your afternoons to simply wander through the Nine Streets area because some of our favorite moments from the trip happened when we had no real plans at all.

If you have questions about planning your own Amsterdam trip, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to share more recommendations and insider tips!