Amsterdam & Holland

Thanks everyone for your responses to my Switzerland query below. When we disembark from our Rhine River Cruise in Amsterdam, we are planning on spending about 4-5 days in and around Amsterdam. Of course, we intend to see the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh museum, and the red light district. Can anyone out there recommend a couple of day trips. Does anyone have a favorable B&B that they can recommend. We'll be there the 1st week of June, so we imagine that the tulips will be in full bloom, if not a week or two past their prime.

Thanks everyone.

You left out the Anne Frank house, but I assume you will go there.. I would think the tulips may be WAY past their prime by that date. We went in April and the tulips were spectacular at that point. If you enjoy flowers and Keukenhof Garden is still open by when you go, it is amazing! Otherwise, again, if you are a flower fan, suggest Aalsmeer for the flower auction. That was fascinating to me. That goes on year round (I think). Volendam is also very close, and it a great day trip, exploring a lovely fishing village, learning about cheese, etc. It's been a long time since we were there, but Holland is a lovely country. Enjoy!!

Ditto on Anne Frank house. Puts alot of texture and perspective if you have read the diary or seen the play. If you haven’t do so. Was quite surprised at many things inside/out of the building.

Ken,

The famous tulip gardens of Keukenhof are open daily from 08:00 – 19:30 from 24 March – 15 May 2022. It is a short window, but an absolute must see. So you may have to catch it next trip.

Totally concur with the Anne Frank House, but recommend you buy your tickets before you leave the states. It can get very crowded.

If you there over a Saturday, I highly recommend going to the Botermarkt in Haarlem. A wonderful market and a beautiful town. Short ride on the train from Central (train station) in Amsterdam. It is also the location of the Corrie Ten Boom House, which is better known as the Hiding Place. You may have read the book or seen the movie. Once again get tickets before going.

Which cruise ship company are you using for your Rhine Trip?

Yes, The Anne Frank house is definitely on our list. I was in Amsterdam in college during 1968/69 and thoroughly enjoyed it. Can't wsait to gert back.,

We are cruising from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam on the Viking Cruise lines. They all seem like excellent cruises and I have a friend who was ecstatic about her experiences two years ago. We usually go through AirBNB for our lodgings, but occasionally use Rick Steve's recommendations.

Highly recommend looking in the Jordaan district for lodging. The deeper you go into the district the more real Amsterdam can be experienced.
Family restaurants, quaint shops, very very nice people.
The red light district is now mostly a tourist destination, but their are a lot of historic things to see and experience.
Definitely seek out some of the hidden churches, the Jewish District, and pull up at a outdoor restaurant/bar and watch the city go by...

Please do not leave Amsterdam with the Red Light district the most memorable experience. The city is SOOOOOO much more.

Please do buy your Ann Frank tickers ahead of time. They go on sale in blocks and are timed so go to the website and see when you need to go back to purchase. In fall of 2019 we almost did not get in and it is a not miss.