Amsterdam in April
I’ve been twice this year, and I’ll talk about both trips, but let me start with my first visit in April.
April 2026 was my very first time visiting the Netherlands. I didn’t quite know what to expect, though I had seen pictures online. And I can absolutely say that if you’re visiting for the first time, go in April. It was beautiful.
You still need a light jacket at times, but the sun was out most of the time. It’s very windy as well, but the weather was great. They have tulips everywhere—on the streets and along the canals. The buildings that line the canals are picturesque. People sit outside at the restaurants and pubs along the canals for drinks and/or food.
Keukenhof: Tulips Everywhere
This is the place to go if you want to see some truly beautiful tulips! What a sight it was as the bus drove past the bright fields on the way into the gardens. I enjoy flowers, but this was something else. Tulips have been my favorite for as long as I can remember, and seeing so many different colors throughout this gorgeous garden was well worth the visit.
The pictures are stunning, but they don’t do it justice.
One thing I should point out is that Keukenhof is only open for a short time each spring, usually from late March through early May. So, be sure to plan accordingly if you decide to visit.
Back Again in August
I visited again in August, and it was a completely different experience. The temperature was nice, but there was on-and-off rain, so be sure to take a light rain jacket. Also, visit later in the month if you want a better chance of avoiding the heat waves. If you read my Paris blog, then you already know how I feel about the lack of air conditioning. Even some of the trams don’t have A/C. It can get stuffy, and let’s just say not everyone stays fresh. 😳 I’m still voting for mandatory A/C.
There aren’t any tulips in August, but they do have flowers such as petunias scattered around, adding color to the streets and façades. You don’t really need a jacket this time of year, just something light for the rain. And maybe an umbrella for the occasional downpour. I got caught in one while walking, and that little rain jacket held up as much as it possibly could, but my jeans and shoes were soaked.
Amsterdam Brunch Spots
I’ve come to love brunch almost more than lunch.
Two places I had brunch while there were Omelegg and Harmani Coffee and Brunch. At Omelegg, I had the Scramblicious, which is a croissant stuffed with cheesy scrambled eggs, and I added a side of bacon.
At Harmani, I got a Savory Croissants Golden, which is scrambled eggs, cheese, and ham on a classic croissant, along with a delicious iced vanilla latte.
Both places were delicious! Highly recommend.
Watch Out for the Bikes!
When I tell you there are more bikes than cars, I’m for real. I have never seen so many bikes in one place.
I was told by a local guide that there are more bikes than people in Amsterdam and that some people have three bikes: one for work, one for recreation, and one that doesn’t matter quite as much when you’re out for a night of fun and may lose it in the canal. 👋🚲😆
There are specific lanes for bicycles throughout the city, and many people use bikes as their main means of transportation instead of cars. No matter the weather, they are pedaling away.
But beware: when you’re walking, you have to watch for bikes AND cars before crossing the road. And do NOT walk in the bike lane. It’s a different color and usually located between the road and the sidewalk.
It’s a cool idea, and while I do know how to ride a bike, I’m not sure I’m brave enough to take on Amsterdam just yet.
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House was truly something to see. I read her diary in school, so actually being there and walking through the hidden rooms where she and seven others lived in hiding for more than two years was surreal.
The rooms were small and dark. Standing there, I couldn’t even imagine what it must have been like. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to see it in person. It’s an experience I won’t forget.
If you plan to visit, be sure to get your tickets ahead of time. They can sell out quickly, and this is one place I wouldn’t want to miss.
Wine, Gouda & a Boat Tour 🍷🧀
The Flagship boat tour of the canals was so fun, and the guide was very knowledgeable. There was a cheese platter with Gouda (so delicious), and my glass of wine never went empty. That’s my kind of boat tour.
The views were exquisite, and I learned so many new things about Amsterdam along the way. One was Singel 7, known for having the narrowest façade in Amsterdam at only about 3.3 feet (1 meter) wide. I completely missed it at first when she pointed it out. It’s that small.
This tour was so much fun, and I’d do this exact one again.
De Haar Castle: Stepping Back in Time
This beautiful castle is located just outside Utrecht. One of the things I learned while visiting is that De Haar Castle goes all the way back to medieval times, with the first mention of it in 1391. It was damaged, rebuilt, and fell into ruin again.
This castle has been through some things.
Then, between 1892 and 1912, it got quite the makeover, becoming the grand neo-Gothic fairy-tale castle you see today.
It was absolutely stunning. The rooms, the ceilings, the extravagant details everywhere you looked. I took it all in and thought, why couldn’t I have been born into a family with a castle?
I was clearly robbed of my rightful castle inheritance.
I’m only adding a few pictures here, but you really should see this place in person. The outside is extraordinary, and the inside is so special and gives so much insight into the past. Walking around the grounds and seeing the castle up close really does feel like stepping into a fairy tale.
Where I Ate in Amsterdam
As always, restaurants can be hit or miss. But I found a few that really hit the spot and some places I was pleasantly surprised by.
Le Petit Chef
First, I have to mention Le Petit Chef. This was such a fun experience, even though my flight arrived two hours late and my luggage decided to stay behind in Atlanta. So, I didn’t exactly have the nice clothes I’d planned to wear, but I pushed on with what I had. 😉
Le Petit Chef was so cute. It was a four-course meal, and in between each course, little 3D figures appeared on the table to “prepare” your meal and tell a little story before you were served.
I’ll be honest. The experience was fun, but the food was subpar. The dessert was my favorite part, and if you know me, then you know I rarely eat dessert unless there’s crème brûlée on the menu. Then I’m always in.
Downtown
Another night, the restaurant originally chosen was booked, but no worries. A walk down the street in the Rembrandtplein area led to a steakhouse named Downtown that looked good. It had cozy tables and gas fireplaces that gave it a nice ambiance.
I know it’s good to try other cuisines when you’re out of the country, but this American-type place just hit the spot. I got the BBQ chicken filet with a jacket potato—which is just a baked potato. It only came with sour cream, but after asking for butter, which cost an extra two euros, I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was garlic butter. It elevated the potato.
The meal was delicious and by far one of my favorites if you’re craving American-type food. It only got 3.9 stars on Google, but I give it a 5 all day long. Don’t always trust those ratings.
I also tried Affligem Blond and Affligem Dubbel, two Belgian beers, and both were so good, though I preferred the darker Dubbel.
Verona
This little Italian restaurant is located in central Amsterdam. If you want delicious pasta and great service, then definitely stop in. The evening was nice, so sitting outside was perfect as I enjoyed a glass of wine and the Salmone e Spinaci Tagliatelle with smoked salmon, spinach, and red onion in a creamy sauce. 🤌
Stamppot Amsterdam
This restaurant serves authentic Dutch cuisine and is the perfect place to try some local comfort food. Stamppot is usually made with mashed potatoes mixed with sauerkraut, kale, carrots, or onions and served with meat. I got the one with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut, served with smoked sausage. If you visit Amsterdam, I think this is a must-try.
Stroopwafel
Another popular Dutch classic is the stroopwafel. They’re basically everywhere, and the smell coming from the shops as you walk down the street is delightful! I got one from Hans Egstorf in the heart of the city. They make it right in front of you, and you can choose your toppings.
Another must-try.
Though, I have to admit, I prefer the ones already made in the packages. 🫣😂
Leaving a Little Piece of Me in Amsterdam
I also left a signed copy of my new release, Dreaming Without Heartache, in a book exchange box for a new reader. I was happily surprised to see it was taken the same day I left it.
Happy reading to whoever took it.
This last book is so special to me. I went through a lot in my personal life and still picked the writing back up and finished it. And honestly, I’m super proud of it and everything it took to bring this one to life.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam is one of those places that’s hard to compare to anywhere else. It’s busy, full of tourists, and can definitely get crowded, but then you find a place to sit outside along a street or canal with a drink or something to eat, and suddenly you don’t mind the crowds quite as much.
And coming from Alabama, I definitely welcomed the break from the heat and humidity.
If you’ve been to Amsterdam, I’d love to know what you loved most—or what I should add to my list for next time. And if you’re planning your first trip and have any questions, ask away!
Now, if I could only talk my cats into traveling with me, it would be perfect. They could sit next to me on the plane, look out the window, and we could see the world together. I miss them every single day I’m away.
Of course, I’m pretty sure they’d rather stay home and just have me come back sooner. 🐾❤️
Leave a Reply