Dutch Learning Community and Resources

In Amsterdam 

1. Cherry Blossom Park 
In the South of the Amsterdam forest (i.e., Amsterdamse Bos) you will find a dreamy paradise of lush pink cherry blossom trees. Each year visitors come from far and wide to take in the beauty of the pinks clouds that hang above the trees. You will find many visitors on their pick nick blankets underneath the trees.  

 
Source: pexels.com

2. The Flower Market 
We’re keeping it flower-themed with this next one on the list with the famous Amsterdam flower market. You can find the market in the city centre along one of the canals. At this market you will find fresh tulips, but mostly you will find heaps of flower bulb to take home. With the huge variety of tulips on offer – from simple white ones to extravagantly colourful ones – there is something to be found in everyone’s taste.   

 
Source: pexels.com

3. Boat Tour on the Canals 
The canals are probably what the city of Amsterdam is most known for. And it is a truly memorable experience to see Amsterdam from the waterways looking up at the city, especially if the city is sunlit in spring. From the canals you will see the city in a whole new light: you can find secret terraces up on the water, take a peek into local homes, and more.  

Bonus tip: if you have some extra time, try to book an evening boat ride as well – it is a flurry of lights and it is a truly magical experience. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 
4. A Bike Ride Through the City & the Parks 
I just said that Amsterdam is most known for its canals, but maybe it’s the bikes? Anyway, if you’re looking for a true Amsterdam experience, renting a bike is the way to go. Cruising through the cobble-stone streets will give you the experience of the Amsterdam that locals experience daily. Do keep in mind though to pay attention to cycling rules like not biking next to each other so no one can pass.  

Bonus tip: if you’re looking for a more peaceful bike ride go to the ‘Vondelpark’. With its wide lanes, unrushed people and gorgeous nature it makes a very relaxing experience.  

Source: pexels.com

5. The Spring Event: Kings day 
Every year on the 27th of April the city turns into a sea of orange, music and people. As the name alludes to; this is the yearly celebration of the King Willem-Alexander’s birthday and the largest event of the year. The festivities go from old Dutch games like ‘koekhappen’ (i.e., trying to bite into a piece of cake that dangles on a string), to kids selling toys on blankets throughout the city, to a good old-fashioned party with music and dancing.  

Source: Wikimedia Commons

2. De Keukenhof (Lisse) 
Flowers, flowers and even more flowers: the Keukenhof is a sort of tulip ‘theme-park’ also known as the ‘Garden of Europe’. It is the largest flower park in the world with over 32 hectares of land and 7 million flower bulbs blooming. The main attraction are the numerous types of tulips, but there are also other flower species like daffodils, lilies, roses, and irises.  

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 3. Dancing Cows 
Spring is also the time of year that the cows leave their stables and are finally released into the meadows to graze. The cows absolutely love this transition; they literally dance when they get to breathe in the fresh air and feel their paws on the grass. Farmers around the Amsterdam area (and other areas of the country) open their doors for the audience to look at the dancing cows and revel in the happy spring vibes.  

Source: pexels.com