10 tips on must-haves when you go to see the tulips in Keukenhof this Spring

If you have been following my blog you probably have noticed that I have been banging on about the pretty flowers in Keukenhof in my recent posts, but it is totally worth it – I promise!

Here are 10 things you absolutely must have to enjoy the best day at Keukenhof (and some things I wish I knew before I went!):

 1.  Valid ticket

You might think ‘duh’ that is a given, but you will be surprised how many people are queuing to get in.  Having a valid ticket before your arrival really is essential.  You don’t have to queue to get in and you don’t risk losing out on valuable time.  We got our tickets from the Visitor Centre in Amsterdam at Amsterdam Centraal Station.  This was really convenient and we got a great deal by buying the ticket in combination with the transport tickets.

2.    Sunscreen

Yup!  I thought: “it is only spring, it won’t be that hot…” Boy, was I wrong!  It was boiling hot on the day we went.  Temperatures soared in the high twenties (to the Brits, that is melting point) and my hubby turned into a well-cooked lobster by the evening.  Oh, and whilst I’m on the subject of sunscreen: aftersun!  Works miracles!

Currently I do not leave the house without a tiny little (50ml) bottle of SPF 50 just for those one-of-a-kind-sunny-days.

3.  Blanket

I know.  You are probably going to say: “you just said bring sunscreen, why would you need a blanket?”  Well, to sit on, of course!  There are quite a few spots where you can sit on the grass and parts of it could be slightly damp due to the staff watering the garden (obviously!) so having a blanket to sit on (or a jacket in my case) will make it a little more comfortable.

4.  Jacket

More specifically: one that is waterproof.  Weather is unpredictable in the Spring and being prepared for all weathers is usually wise.

5.  Camera

I don’t have a fancy camera, but I do have a half decent phone that can take some great shots.  Don’t be shy to risk looking slightly odd just to get the perfect angle.  You will be the star on Instagram!

6.  Water

Although there is plenty of lakes – you can’t drink the water!  Take a refillable bottle with you as you can fill it up throughout the day.

7.  Umbrella

As I said earlier – the weather is very unpredictable.  An umbrella would be keeping the sun out of your face and the water off your collar!  Mine folds into a tiny little blob that I keep in my handbag for emergencies such as this.

8.  Snacks

We didn’t know that we could take some snacks in with us.  I really wish I did know this as we were starving by the end of the day!

9.  Walking shoes

You are going to be on your feet.  The whole day.  Please wear sensible shoes!  And trousers.  This way you could still cycle outside of Keukenhof through the endless tulip fields

10.  Patience

Bet you didn’t think of this one!  It is a long day.  It will be busy.  In order to get the perfect photo sometimes you have to exercise a little patience!  It will be worth it, I promise!

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Did I forget anything?  Please let me know in the comments below!

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Some more posts on Amsterdam