Pink Line — Daytime Average Temperature
Blue Line — Nighttime Average Temperature
Average temperature is for reference, actual temperature at a specific hour may vary significantly from the average, both higher and lowerJan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
🌿 For instance, on the day we decided our waffles would be ours, it was freezing cold. Unfortunately, our uncooperative taste buds didn't want to press that little button on the camera, not even to hold the card with the appetizing waffle. At the same time, as we were posing, a hailstorm hit, covering us in a sprinkle of mini ice pellets. It was essential to balance the deliciousness of the waffle while trying to keep our phones dry; so there I was, trying to snap the perfect photo that would encapsulate this moment.
🌿 The results you see are all from that day. And the waffle was indeed delightful, even if I was in total bliss over this specific waffle. Amsterdam is simply amazing! »
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All week long, the Dutch capital was soaked in vibrant sunshine. It almost seems like spring is just around the corner. 😌 And even though it's only early February – the coldest month here, with night temperatures dropping to freezing and daytime being just slightly above zero – today they've even promised snow. ❄️
This is all irrelevant, I must say.
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On the street corners and in parks, the first flowers start to bloom, while lovely dresses displayed in shop windows just can’t help but tease – SPRING is just around the corner. 🌸 »
Honestly, it leaves an impression, and quite a strong one!
However, after just half an hour, everything starts to feel quite similar. Yes, it's beautiful... but you quickly become accustomed to it and perceive it as just ordinary.
I'm sure if you lived in such a gorgeous place, you'd be in constant bliss. But that bliss only comes with the first impression. It's all about emotions! Every day can feel quite complicated to experience, if at all...
It's like people living by the ocean. Many take it for granted. Some just laze on the beach for a bit during the season. Meanwhile, those visiting for a weekend pay a good amount just for accommodation, food, and all that jazz, just to soak in the seaside atmosphere, enjoy the scenery, and indulge in swimming in the salty water. And it really brings joy!
Because of this, I don't even consider leaving my favorite spot! And traveling can happen anywhere as long as there are opportunities, which we definitely have in Amsterdam with plenty to see. We enjoyed our time there! »
Today, I want to share my experience about where to best stay overnight during the Keukenhof park season (end of March to end of May) when the whole world comes to visit. The Netherlands is no fool, and prices for hotels definitely rise during this time. The closer you get to the date, the higher the price. If you're looking for more affordable options, many places will be fully booked well in advance. This really applies to any pricing category of hotels.
Amsterdam is the most famous city in the Netherlands, which is why, due to demand and not enough information, people try to book hotels there, but many end up in a tight spot where they struggle to find something suitable. However, the area around the park is quite small (comparable to a region around a capital city), meaning you’ll miss out on a lot if you don’t stay in Amsterdam. Moreover, during this time of year, it's quite challenging to navigate even on foot due to the tourist crowds.
I’ve picked out some towns and directions that are not far from the Keukenhof park, Amsterdam, the flower fields, and other important attractions:
🌷 My dear Edam and lovely fishing village Volendam, Monnickendam (25-20-15 minutes by direct bus from Amsterdam's center).
🌷 Quaint Haarlem (direct bus to Keukenhof and 15 minutes by train to central Amsterdam).
🌷 Grand Utrecht (25 minutes by train to central Amsterdam).
🌷 Charming Lisse right by the Keukenhof park and among the flower fields (30 minutes by bus from Schiphol airport, 15 minutes by train to Amsterdam).
🌷 Picturesque Zaandam (photo of the Inntel Hotel Amsterdam), just 15 minutes by train to Amsterdam, reachable on foot to the famous Peter house and the Zaans Schans park.
🌷 You can also stay right next to the airport, as everything is very quick to get to, including the Keukenhof park. I’ll write about the park in the next post. »
Our layover was in Amsterdam, just a quick 20-minute train ride to the city center. We couldn’t have planned better, as we didn’t waste any time and even went out to explore, despite the slightly chilly weather. The rain didn’t stop us from enjoying a nice stroll through the city. It was a charming experience, my first visit there.
We flew to Barcelona the next morning, and by 11 AM, we were already at the airport. The sun was shining! 🌞 Here’s a crucial tip: immediately purchase your metro ticket for €10 at the vending machine; it'll save you a lot of hassle later! We got to our accommodation in about 40 minutes, which was perfect.
Speaking of our accommodation, we booked a lovely apartment through a friend, and it was just a 2-minute walk from the main street of Barcelona, La Rambla! Everything was convenient, with a fantastic location, and we paid around $850 for 6 days plus a small service fee from the site.
Staying in an apartment rather than a hotel is, in my opinion, far more interesting—it feels more like living in the city than just visiting. I highly recommend this experience! 🏡 »
All the streets of Amsterdam are stunningly vibrant. Before the doors, there are bushes, figures, and flowers, and sometimes you’ll find small sculptures on the walls (you might spot a cat in the fourth photo). While I was wandering, I could smell the burning wood. Surprisingly, Amsterdam doesn’t use curtains much, so many open spaces reveal interesting aspects of life in the Netherlands.
There are a lot of masterclasses (definitely, they're available in every field) and art galleries. In one of the windows, I saw a girl learning to play the ukulele. It was lovely to get acquainted with Amsterdam.
29.01.2023 »
Amsterdam truly stands out with its particular charm. The combination of different cultures and influences is tangible. In the heart of the city, you can see the famed "coffeeshops,” where light drugs like cannabis are legally available for consumption. However, traditional cigarettes are not allowed inside these establishments, even if the pack simply sits on the table. Here, you will also find numerous special venues dedicated to cannabis culture.
Interestingly, the streets of Amsterdam are filled with cyclists. There are approximately 8000 bike parking spots in the city center alone, and it's not uncommon to see people riding bikes everywhere. 🚲 In this area, you might encounter around 1000 cyclists each day 🚲. The city also boasts historic bridges dating back a couple of centuries, which adds to its charm.
The weather can be quite unpredictable; one moment it can be sunny, and the next, you might find yourself caught in the rain, as we experienced while visiting a cafe. It's all part of the Amsterdam experience! »
I've always dreamed of riding cool bikes in my life, and there, it's as simple as hopping on one. Even the local cats seem to glide around on bikes! 😄 It’s a universal vibe, any season you visit! People don’t care about the weather; they rock their coats and hit the roads on their bikes. It's just perfect!
I'm seriously considering making biking my go-to transport. What do you think?
Amsterdam, don’t forget me! I’ll be back in no time! 🌍❤️ »
So far, one thing that caught my attention at the airport: there are many more tall people here. And it’s really windy, with a biting chill... 🌬️ »