Things To Do
in Aalsmeer
Aalsmeer is a compact Dutch town in North Holland located near Amsterdam, with coordinates around 52.2667, 4.75. It sits amid expansive polder landscapes and waterways that define everyday life here. The town is famed for its global flower trade and the vast Royal FloraHolland complex, which anchors its horticultural heritage.
Visitors can enjoy waterfront scenery, intimate canal views, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to explore on foot or by bike.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day early by heading to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the world's largest flower auction. Witness the vibrant spectacle as thousands of flowers are traded in a fast-paced environment, with colorful blooms filling the air with their fragrance. After the auction, take a stroll through the nearby flower fields, where you can admire the stunning displays of tulips and other seasonal flowers.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, savoring traditional Dutch dishes while soaking in the picturesque setting of Aalsmeer. Post-lunch, visit the Aalsmeer Museum to learn about the rich history and cultural significance of flower cultivation in the region. The museum's exhibits provide insights into local traditions, art, and the development of the flower industry.
As the sun sets, take a relaxing walk along the Westeinderplassen, a beautiful lake that offers stunning views and a serene atmosphere. Consider dining at a waterfront restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood and locally sourced dishes while watching the boats glide across the water. End your evening with a peaceful boat ride on the lake, allowing the gentle ripples to soothe your senses.
Begin your day with a refreshing hike in the Aalsmeer Forest, where you can immerse yourself in nature's tranquility. The lush greenery and variety of trees create a peaceful setting, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you explore the winding paths that meander through the forest.
After your hike, have a picnic lunch in one of the forest's designated areas, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Following lunch, visit the nearby Kasteel Aalsmeer, a charming castle that hosts beautiful gardens and offers insight into the area's history. Take your time to wander through the gardens and enjoy the picturesque views.
As dusk approaches, head back to the forest for a guided evening nature walk, where you can learn about the local flora and fauna as they come alive at night. This immersive experience allows you to appreciate the forest's beauty in a different light, with the sounds of nature surrounding you. Conclude your evening with a cozy dinner at a local eatery, enjoying hearty Dutch comfort food.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🧀Local cheese or snack | $5-15 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $3-6 |
| 🚆Short regional transport ticket | $4-12 |
| 🏨One-night hotel stay | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Amsterdam with easy day trips
- Strong horticultural heritage and flower culture
- Beautiful lakes and outdoor spaces
- Compact town with a welcoming, village-like vibe
- Limited nightlife within the town itself
- Some services quieter outside peak tourist seasons
- Weather can be windy and rainy with little notice
- Public transport can require planning for late-evening travel
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ik wil graag ..." - I would like ...
- "Rekening alstublieft" - The bill, please
- "Prettige dag" - Have a nice day
- "Tot ziens" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Aalsmeer
Visit one of these nice places.
A striking glass-and-steel complex on the edge of Aalsmeer; excellent for architectural photography and wide exterior shots, especially with reflected light.
Expansive water, misty mornings, and a palette of blues and pinks—perfect for tranquil landscape photography and wildlife shots.
Narrow canals, charming canal-side houses, and small bridges provide intimate, postcard-like scenes of Dutch urban life.
Food in Aalsmeer
Aalsmeer Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Raw herring often served with onions and pickles; a classic street-food staple found at markets and seaside stalls.
Must-Try!
Battered and fried chunks of white fish, typically served with garlic or tartar sauce; a popular snack at markets and fish-kiosks.
A hearty mash of potatoes and vegetables, usually served with sausage or bacon; a comforting Dutch staple especially in cooler months.
Tiny fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar, often enjoyed at markets or family-friendly cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, flowers, cheese, and ready-to-eat snacks; a great place to sample local bites.
Seasonal stalls around the Flower Auction district offering Dutch street foods and pastries, including stroopwafels and other sweet treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be punctual for meetings and social visits. A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time.
Dutch people value orderly queues and personal space; wait your turn and avoid crowding others.
cyclists have priority on bike paths; use hand signals and keep to the right. Ring bells to alert pedestrians when passing.
Safety
Tipping in Aalsmeer
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not obligatory. Round up the bill or leave about 5-10% for good service in restaurants and bars if a service charge isn’t included.
Cards (contactless), cash, and popular online payments (iDEAL, Apple Pay, etc.) are widely accepted; small vendors at markets may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Tulip season brings vibrant fields nearby; white- to pink-tinged mornings with mild temperatures. Great for flower-related photography and market visits.
Long daylight hours (late sunsets), pleasant temperatures with occasional showers. Ideal for outdoor activities on the Westeinderplassen and canal-side dining.
Cooler days with variable weather and autumnal colors along waterways and parks. Great for quiet canal walks and harvest-market visits.
Chillier, with a chance of frost or light snow. Indoor attractions, cafés, and museums become focal points; cozy, festive markets may appear around holidays.
Aalsmeer at Night
Hiking in Aalsmeer
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Lakeside footpaths and easy trails that run along the water’s edge, suitable for a relaxed hike or stroll.
Extensive parkland with forest and meadow paths ideal for easy hikes and family outings nearby in Hoofddorp.
Large woodland network near Amstelveen with diverse routes that connect to city culture and water features.
Airports
How to reach Aalsmeer by plane.
Major international hub just outside Amsterdam; excellent rail and road connections from Aalsmeer.
Regional airport offering additional travel options; reachable by road or train with some transfer time.
Smaller regional airport in Lelystad; useful for certain routes and quick access to the eastern Netherlands.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families and long-term residents who enjoy a quieter, small-town feel near a big city.
Many residents commute to Amsterdam or Haarlem; a growing number of international residents participate in the local market and greenhouse industries.
Visitors drawn by the flower auction, markets, and the lakeside recreation around Westeinderplassen.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The Netherlands’ most popular sport, widely played in clubs and schools across towns like Aalsmeer.
A national pastime; flat polder routes make for easy, scenic rides around Aalsmeer and beyond.
Sailing, canoeing, and kayaking on the Westeinderplassen when weather permits.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aalsmeer.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places offer vegetarian dishes or can adapt dishes. Look for vegetable-focused mains, salads, and dairy-based sides; ask for plant-based options and be explicit about any allergies.