Planning your next trip to Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands, and ready to get inspired? Check out some of our top travel tips for where to stay, great restaurants, and more. We also share some short informative articles for your reading pleasure.

11 unique reasons to visit the Netherlands

Discover the Dutch UNESCO World Heritage sites

We may be small, but did you know that the Kingdom of the Netherlands officially has 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites? 

One of the 12 is located in Curaçao, a constituency of the Netherlands located in the beautiful Caribbean. The remaining 11 are on the Dutch mainland, and range from important nature preserves to historic towns and innovative water management systems. 

Let's dive right in, so you can discover some of the unique treasures you will find in our tiny, but incredible country! The years behind each site indicate the year they became a UNESCO heritage site.

1. Land reclamation of the Beemster (Beemster Polder) (1999)

This whole area was once the largest lake in North Holland. In the early 17th century, the people of Amsterdam needed additional agricultural space and also a way to combat flooding in this low-lying region. They came up with the idea to drain the lake and create farmland instead. A dike around the lake and 40 windmills inside were built to pump all of the water out. The reclamation of the Beemster was a major undertaking, one which required the most talented Dutch engineers and scientists. They worked together on the new land and as a result created canals, roads, and waterways in perfectly straight lines based on classical and Renaissance planning principles. Today, the reclaimed land is fertile and populated with both cows and people. If you fly into the Netherlands and the weather is clear, you can admire the precision and artwork of this engineering patchwork.

2. Dutch Water Defense Lines (1996, 2021)

Also known as the Amsterdam Defense Lines, the lines extend over 200 km or 125 miles around the city and are the only example of a fortification defense system based on the principle of controlling the waters. They were developed between 1815 and 1940. After Germany was formed, the Dutch government realized that they now had 2 very powerful neighbors and would maybe need to defend themselves. They could not rely on manpower alone, so they came up with innovative solutions for defense. An enormous series of 46 forts were built in a circle around Amsterdam.

In an attack, there is a network of forts, dikes, sluices, pumping stations, canals, and inundation polders, which could be used to temporarily flood the entire area around Amsterdam. It had to be exactly the right depth to not be able to send either warships or soldiers through it. Fortunately, the forts were never actually used. 

3. 17th century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht (2010)

The Amsterdam Canal District was designed at the end of the 16th century and constructed in the 17th century - the Golden Era of Dutch civilization. During that time the medieval town of Amsterdam was running out of space. In order to create more liveable space and attract more money, Dutch architects and engineers decided to dig big canals and reclaim more land, creating a new port city. The project involved draining the swamps by using a network of canals and filling the spaces in between. Each of these canals runs parallel in a sort of U-shape to the other, and they are connected by smaller canals radiating out from the center.

In fact, all canals were built in parallel around the city at roughly the same time, however, the houses on the canals were gradually constructed at later dates. Many of the old hydraulic systems have been rebuilt but most of the houses built in the 17th and 18th centuries are original and are protected by the heritage listing. Some things don’t change, however, and Amsterdam today is still highly sought after for living. It is overpopulated and bulging at the seams. If you visit the city anytime soon, you will also see a lot of construction happening since many of the bridges over these canals need to be repaired.

4. DF Wouda Steam Pumping Station in Lemmer (1998)

As you may know, the Netherlands in large part is below sea level, which is part of the reason we’ve had to reclaim so much land to build on! This also means we need to excel in water management. Being able to pump huge amounts of water out of an area very quickly, is crucial to survival. The pumping station of Woudagemaal is one of the keys to the strategy. The Woudagemaal, located in Lemmer in the province of Friesland, was built in 1920. It is the largest steam-powered pumping station ever built, and is also the only steam-powered pumping station still in use in the world. We take water very seriously here!

5. Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout (1997) *pictured in the header image

The picturesque Kinderdijk mill network is located around 20 km or 12 miles east of Rotterdam in the south of the country. It has been a network of mills since the Middle Ages, but most of them you will see today date from the early 18th century. The windmills are here to - you guessed it - pump water out of the farmland, as the area is well below sea level. 

The Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout is an outstanding example of the development of Dutch drainage techniques which have since been copied and adopted in many parts of the world. The mills are not actually used any more, but it is still fascinating to see how the landscape has developed.  

6. Schokland and Surroundings (1995)

Located in the Noordoostpolder about 30 minutes from the city of Zwolle is Schokland, the first site in the Netherlands recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. What’s interesting about it, is that it was initially a peninsula sticking out into the wider sea, but due to lots of storms and flooding, it gradually became an island. In the Middle Ages, it was quite an important settlement, but the consistent storms over time drove people out to the surrounding areas. And, as you can perhaps already guess, we Dutch drained the sea around the island in 1942, so Schokland lost its island identity. Today, you can visit the remaining town, archeological sites, and museum. Notably, the population of Schokland remains tiny, and in 2014 there were only 8 registered inhabitants. Quite unique in such a densely populated country like ours!

7. Wadden Sea (2009, 2014)

The Wadden Sea is the world’s largest intertidal sand and mud flat. Its waters flow from the river deltas of three countries: The Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, as well as from the North Sea. It is an extremely important and unique ecosystem for numerous plant and animal species, including the harbor seal and gray seal. The North Sea waters bring plenty of plankton and sediment that remain during low tide. Algae and seaweed grow rapidly as the shallow water warms up quickly during the summer. These factors create an abundance of food for the inhabitants of the Wadden Sea, including many migrating birds. Between late March and the end of September, you can walk with guides on these mudflats when the Wadden Sea is at low tide (pictured right). It is a very unique experience in an already unique and dramatic place.

8. Rietveld Schröder House (2000)

The captivating Rietveld Schröder House is located in the center of the city of Utrecht on a quiet suburban street. Notable Dutch architect, Gerrit Rietveld, designed the house for Mrs. Schröder and her three kids to live in. She wanted a house that defied social conventions at the time, to promote openness and connection. While she preferred a house with no walls or divisions, she and Rietveld worked closely together to design the cutting-edge home which features moving panels and dividers to modify the rooms as one desired. The house became the pinnacle of the new modern architecture movement in Holland, known as De Stijl. When the house was finished, it was unlike anything anyone had seen before and Mrs. Schröder had the pleasure of living there until she passed away in 1985. A lot of modern architecture takes its cues from the Rietveld Schröder House, and today the house is a museum you can visit.

9. Van Nelle Factory (2014)

The Vane Nelle factory was originally built in the 1920s on the outskirts of Rotterdam to process coffee, tea, and tobacco. Designed by Leendert van der Vlugt together with J.G. Wiebenga, a civil engineer. What is important about the factory is the new architectural principles associated now with the International Style and constructivist architecture. It is one of the first buildings to use the so-called “curtain wall” technique, where the facades are made of steel and glass. The columns, rather than the walls, support the roof providing lots of daylight for workers. Although the factory ceased operating its industrial activities in the late 1990s, the building is still in use. You can find numerous graphic design, architecture companies, and startup offices inside. It is still consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful factories in the world.

10. Colonies of Benevolence (2021)

The colonies of benevolence, located then in remote locations in the Drenthe area of the Netherlands and in Belgium, represent one of the earliest philosophical and social experiments to end urban poverty. In the mid-1800s following the end of Napolean-led French occupation, and with the support of the government and the king, 7 agricultural colonies were built on uncultivated lands. The initiative sought to enable poor city dwellers to grow their own food and become more self-sufficient. The first colony was founded in Frederiksoord. The colonies were classified as ‘free’ or ‘unfree,’ with the unfree colonies comprising homeless people and orphans who required supervision. The colonies offered a high level of public services, including a health insurance fund, care for the elderly, a hospital, agricultural training, and compulsory education for boys and girls from the age of 6. In contrast, these benevolent social concepts were not introduced or regulated by law in many European countries for another 100 years. At the height of the colonies’ operation, 11,000 people lived and worked there. The colonies became ‘normal’ villages in 1918, and you can visit them and see some original structures, or visit a museum.

11. The Lower German Limes - Frontiers of the Roman Empire (2021)

This UNESCO World Heritage site is known as one of the longest archaeological sites in Europe. The Limes is the northern border of the Roman Empire extending through modern-day Netherlands and Germany. In the Netherlands, it stretches approximately from the North Sea to Leiden, Utrecht, and Nijmegen heading south into Valkenburg and Berg en Dal. The Romans secured the borders of the empire starting as early as the end of 1st BC, using the bases as a defense against Germanic tribes for more than 450 years. Archeological sites dispersed along the limes include forts, roads, towers, towns and cemeteries, an amphitheater, an aqueduct, and more. This frontier nearly 2,000km from Rome really shows just how strategic and powerful the Romans were.

Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites

Want to visit one or more of these sites?  Then it’s great to know that we visit several of these notable places during some of our existing tours. During our private Dutch Countryside tour, you can ride through De Beemster polder and see the reclaimed land with its farms and windmills. You can also appreciate the famous canals during our private walking tours in Amsterdam, or on a private canal cruise. 

We also regularly take customers on full-day or multi-day trips from Amsterdam to one of the Wadden islands, which is where you will cross the Wadden Sea. There are many options and, if you’d like to see any of these 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, why not ask if we can arrange that for you?

Looking for a fabulous hotel for your home away from home, where you can rest your weary legs and mind after a day of exploring everything Amsterdam has to offer? We’ve got you covered…

Amsterdam’s city center is full of great hotels with character, and lovely canal or city views, such as in the Jordaan. They are also close to the main attractions and action. But maybe you need a hotel that is closer to the river or sea cruise terminals?

As a true Amsterdammer, born and raised, I know which hotels stand above the rest. Some are luxurious and charming, some are modern, but all of these here are Tom-approved. Our guests have high standards and have repeatedly stayed in these centrally located hotels too.

You can check Tripadvisor too, but in our opinion, these are the best hotels and places to stay* in Amsterdam.

My picks for the 9 Best Hotels in Amsterdam Centrum are:

1. The Sofitel Legend The Grand is a 5-star hotel located on one of the oldest canals and the stunning building is an absolute gem with a very rich history. Its outstanding hospitality management and gastronomic offer at its Bridges restaurant and Oriole Garden Bistro, make it a great place to stay in Amsterdam.

2. The Pulitzer Hotel is elegant and popular among our guests. It is built out of 25 former canal houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. With 225 rooms, beautiful suites, 2 restaurants, and a classic bar, there is plenty of room to relax and recharge here. Guests can also make use of the hotel’s privately owned boat.

3. The Dylan is an exclusive 5-star hotel full of modern charm, located on the Keizersgracht in the canal ring of Amsterdam. It has 40 well-designed rooms and is home to the Michelin-starred restaurant, Vinkeles, and the tasteful Bar & Brasserie OCCO.

4. Hotel Boutique Estheréa is a 4-star hotel housed in a row of 17th-century buildings on the Singel. The 93 rooms all have rich, colorful interiors and are accessible by elevator.

5. The Andaz Hotel is part of the Hyatt hotel chain and centrally located on the pretty Prinsengracht canal in the Jordaan area. The Andaz features 122 rooms, 5 stunning suites, and a contemporary restaurant and stylish bar. The canal views here are fantastic!

6. The Waldorf is located directly behind the Royal Palace, so you can feel just as royal when staying here! It has the nicest roof terrace in Amsterdam, including a narrow but splendid swimming pool. It hosts 238 stylish guest rooms, with incredible suites.

7. The Ambassade Hotel is a smaller, but well-located hotel on the Herengracht canal, the Gentleman’s canal, in the canal ring with 55 lavishly decorated, cozy rooms. The hotel features a French brasserie and a Library bar, with over 5,000 books on display - all signed by their authors, who were also past guests!

8. Hotel The Craftsmen is a very small hotel with 14 spacious rooms and intrigues at every corner. It combines modernity and history and takes you on a historical tour from the moment you step in. Each room is themed according to a unique, historical Dutch craft - hence the name!

9. The Toren is excellent if you want to enjoy a stay that is a little out of the ordinary and perfectly located. It’s a boutique hotel with 40 rooms located in an almost 400-year-old building on the Keizersgracht.

Other great hotels that I highly recommend!

These four hotels are well-positioned if you are taking a cruise before or after your time in Amsterdam.

1. The stunning Amrath Hotel is housed in a former Shipping House, located conveniently close to Amsterdam's central station and the cruise terminals servicing river and sea cruises, including the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA). This makes it a great 5-star choice if you are coming in by sea or heading out on a cruise after your time in the city. It has 205 rooms, a spa and restaurant, and is a beautiful example of architecture and design from the Amsterdam School.

2. The 4-star Movenpick Hotel is located super close to the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) where many sea cruises, but also some river cruises, dock. It has 408 modern-styled rooms, with a tasty restaurant and lots of amenities. The hotel has fabulous views over the city and the Ij river. It is also a great choice for hosting events and conferences, and large groups!

3. The Hilton Doubletree hotel is also very close to the central train station, and a great choice if you want to be close to either the sea or river cruise terminals in the central-east part of Amsterdam. Its 557 rooms are modern and feature floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel is also home to the trendy SkyLounge rooftop bar with excellent views across the city. This is also a great choice for larger groups.

4. The Room Mate Aitana Hotel is a 4-star boutique and modern hotel with 284 rooms, located on the Western side of the central station in the Westerdok area. It is conveniently positioned close to where many river cruises dock, and offers lovely city and river views, as well as a great bar & lounge (and more) that you may need during your stay in Amsterdam.

Some things to keep in mind when searching for and booking a hotel in Amsterdam

• Staying closer to the Amsterdam city center, which is within the canal ring, makes it easier to not only take a break between seeing major attractions but also to get back to your hotel room after a long day of exploring the city.

• There are also a lot of steep stairs in Amsterdam buildings, but if you have mobility issues, don't worry. There are plenty of hotels with elevators available.

• Everything is smaller here in the tiny Netherlands, even the rooms in these luxury hotels in Amsterdam (and the rest of the country). Be sure to ask about these things when booking your room, or read the descriptions carefully in the links above.

  *Note: This page contains Kayak.com affiliate links, but the recommendations are 100% genuine from Tom!

Tom’s Top 10 Recommendations for Amsterdam Restaurants

Amsterdam is the most international city in the world and when it comes to food, it is all about diversity. There are superb restaurants where fusion is the magic word. These are our top picks for restaurants in Amsterdam!

If you like fish, Cafe Restaurant Amsterdam is a great option. It's located near the large and lively Westerpark.

Located in a set of greenhouses, restaurant & nursery De Kas believes that food tastes best when it is prepared with the freshest, local ingredients. So they grow their own herbs and vegetables in the greenhouses and gardens at the restaurant and on their farm in The Beemster. An absolute must.

Next to the main University buildings, in a narrow street named Gebed Zonder End (Prayer Without End) lays the music cafe restaurant Kapitein Zeppos. A hidden gem in the city center with a Mediterranean kitchen.

Why not take the free ferry to the NDSM? Here you will find the coolest cafes and restaurants with the best views over the water. The IJ Kantine is a family-friendly restaurant with good food in an awesome location in Amsterdam Noord.

Indonesia was the colony that brought the most diverse and interesting flavors to Holland. You should not leave Amsterdam without trying one of the delicious rice tables at Blauw! Other places we can recommend for great Indonesian food are: Blue Pepper, Restaurant Max and Cafe Kadijk for a less formal dining experience where no reservations are needed.

For a romantic spot, we recommend the restaurant Belhamel, as a great place to go.

Recommended food adventure

Hungry Birds is a small, young, and personable travel company in Amsterdam. Think of them as your local friends with whom you eat, drink and explore the beautiful city. They are passionate about creating opportunities for travelers to connect and learn about the culture through street food, conversations, and stories behind the family-owned and small, local businesses that they support. They have created an interactive food and drink adventure where travelers are encouraged to share stories, ask questions and connect with others.

*Gratitude tip: A tip of 10% is the standard throughout the country.

Did you know? The Netherlands has more bikes than people. 84% of the population owns a bike and together we cycle 15 billion kilometers every year. When you visit us, you can join in on the fun too. We organize private bike tours in the city and surroundings.

To get ready, we share our top 9 tips for safely riding a bike in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam has a reputation for being one of the most bike-friendly cities out there - we have the best bike lanes in all of Europe, if not the world. That being said, we locals are hectic cyclists. We cycle fast, don't wear helmets, and sometimes avoid normal traffic behavior (cycling through red lights, on sidewalks, not stopping for pedestrians at crosswalks, etc.). So how can you stay safe and have fun? Follow our 9 tips, of course!

1. Only cycle if you are experienced: Before you even consider getting on a bike in Amsterdam, you need to know how to cycle very well. This is not the place to learn, and you cycle at your own risk.

2. Find a bike rental shop: There are many places where you can rent a bike in Amsterdam. Our personal favorite bike rental shop is called Star Bikes. It's located in a quiet street just behind the Central Station and the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, the perfect place to practice before taking off! Be aware that our beloved Omafiets have a different braking system, where you pedal backward to stop. Check that everything (brakes, wheels, etc.) works on your bike before you leave.

3. Take it easy, but stay alert: By taking it easy, we mean take your time. Start by practicing in the area near the bike shop to get familiar with your bike. Once you feel comfortable and confident, head out to a nearby landmark. Don’t rush. Sure, the true Amsterdammers will get annoyed if you’re going too slow, but you need to get used to the paths and way of cycling here. Always stay far to the right on a path. Be sure to look both ways regularly, and over your left shoulder behind you if you’re going to pass someone because there may be fast cyclists coming on the left, especially those on electric bikes who will whizz right by. Try to blend in among other cyclists and traffic. Don’t run red lights and slow down when a light turns yellow. Bike lanes have traffic signals that help regulate flow. If you’re on a road with cars, you must follow the traffic signals for the vehicles too. If you need to check your GPS, pull off and onto the sidewalk.

4. Stay in bike lanes: Amsterdam has many bike lanes usually indicated by a red/light red color. Sometimes, though, you may need to cycle on the road with vehicle traffic. On these roads, there is often a portion on the right marked for cyclists. Stay in these lanes and avoid cycling side-by-side with your friend or partner. You also need to avoid cycling on the sidewalks or in busy pedestrian areas. If you’re unsure of yourself, don’t hesitate to step off the bike on a sidewalk and walk the bike for a bit if it’s too busy. Don’t stop in the middle of the road or cycling path, though, as there is likely someone behind you.

5. Give signals: Use hand signals when turning, or chime your bell if you are getting too close to someone. If you use hand directions, avoid putting your arm out too far, otherwise you risk getting hit by a passing cyclist! Amsterdammers do not always give hand signals, but since you’re new to the roads, it’s advisable to show others what you’re intending to do. Another great way to signal is by making eye contact with drivers and other cyclists, particularly at intersections, to non-verbally confirm you see each other.

6. Watch out for tram tracks: Amsterdam has many tram tracks, and it's easy for bike tires to get caught in them. Be careful when crossing them, and try to cross them at a right (perpendicular) angle, i.e. not in line with the track. If you see a tram coming shortly, just wait! Trams have priority over cyclists.

7. Use lights: At dusk and at night, it is highly recommended to turn on your bike lights. When it’s very dark, it’s even the rule to do so. Play it safe and use your lights. If your bike lights are not working (although they should be on a rental!), you can buy some for a low price from most grocery stores like Albert Heijn or other shops like Etos and Kruidvat. Check if your lights are working before you leave the rental shop.

8. Lock your bike: Amsterdam is a safe city, but bike theft is still a common problem. Make sure to lock your bike securely in a bike rack or to a pole, whenever you leave it unattended. Lookout for signs that discourage parking (such as in front of entrances, people’s homes, busy walkways, etc.) as your bike could be towed.

9. Enjoy the ride: Last but not least, riding a bike in Amsterdam (and other parts of the Netherlands) is a fun and unique experience! Stay safe and take your time while enjoying the Dutch scenery, and exploring all that the city and country have to offer on two wheels.

So, are you ready to join us??

A tulip is a tulip…

A tulip is a bulbous plant in the lily family, growing here in the Netherlands in the early spring (usually between mid-April and early May). Tulips grow best in cool, wet climates where they can be watered often (also why Holland is perfect for growing them!). Tulips come in a variety of colors and sizes, but perhaps the most well-known variety is the red tulip, which has been used as a symbol of love and affection for centuries. There’s no doubt, the bright tulip colors are a welcome sight in the springtime here in the Netherlands.

Hundreds of years ago, the Dutch believed that tulips were good for the complexion or eyesight, and believed that they could cure headaches. Some also believed that people who ate tulips made their stomachs strong and healthy!  If you go on a tulip tour with us, you can try it for yourself at the bio tulip farm, for instance.

Dutch tulip history (and tulip mania!)

The tulip trade began in 1620 when a Dutch florist introduced a variety of tulips to the public. Over time, more and more varieties of tulips were introduced and the Dutch population became more interested in the new tulips causing tulip prices to rise. In 1636, Queen Christina of Sweden became the first person to pay the tulip price of one thousand florins, which was equivalent to £50,000 in 2017. People from wealthy aristocratic Dutch families, as well as poor market gardeners and tradesmen, bought and sold the new varieties that were introduced. It was a time of great change in the Netherlands…

In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the tulip was the most valuable commodity in the world. The tulip bulb was a very desirable flower that was carefully selected and grown from a small number of specimens and then marketed as a luxury product. The bulb was highly valued because of its beautiful appearance and distinctive tulip shape. 

‘Tulip mania’ lasted many years and the tulip trade is considered to be one of the most famous examples of speculative investment (i.e. where commodity prices were used to speculate on an asset without collateral). It illustrates some of the major aspects of this type of behavior in the context of a financial crisis.  

See for yourself

With Toms Travel Tours, you can see the beautiful blooming fields of tulips and some windmills, of course, not far from Amsterdam, or even visit the flower auction, where you can get an insight into today’s lively tulip and flower market. Want more information on our tulip tours, or wish to book directly, get in touch!

Windmills in the Netherlands

The Dutch word for windmills, ‘windmolen’, is a direct translation of the English word; the term was coined by the first European to visit the Netherlands in the year 1200. Next to tulips, The Netherlands is also well-known for its windmills, which are an iconic symbol of the country. The first windmills in the Netherlands were built in the province of Groningen. They were used for water drainage and irrigation of the fields and as a source of power for grinding grains. And, over time, they were used to power mills and other machinery. Windmills were later used to generate electricity, and today these old windmills are used primarily for aesthetic purposes (such as for visitors like you, to enjoy and visit!)

There are around 1,200 old windmills remaining in the Netherlands, and they are scattered throughout the country, including in Amsterdam, and in the Dutch countryside not far from the capital city, such as the Zaanse Schans, De Beemster, Kinderdijk, and beyond.

Zaanse Schans

The Zaanse Schans is a 19th-century windmill district in North Holland, Netherlands. The old windmills of the Zaan district are a popular stop for tourists who want to get a close-up look at old-world engineering. The windmills were originally used to drain water from the polders, which are coastal areas of land that are generally flat and low-lying. The Zaan district is home to some of the oldest windmills in the world, which date back to the 13th century. The area is a popular destination for tourists and inhabitants alike, with its picturesque windmills, canals, and other historic buildings. During tulip season (between mid-April and early May), it’s easy to combine visiting these windmills with the tulips!

De Beemster

The Beemster is a region in the Netherlands renowned for its windmills. The area became the world’s first ‘polder’ in 1235. The polder landscape is characterized by a network of canals and embankments, and the Beemster is home to the largest network of canals in the Netherlands. The polder system refers to when the water was drained and land reclaimed from the sea. Today, the region is home to some of the country’s most iconic windmills, which have been repurposed as museums and hotels. The most famous of these is the Zuiderzee Museum, which is housed in the world’s largest working tide mill.

Kinderdijk

The Kinderdijk windmills of the Netherlands are among the oldest windmills in existence. Built mostly in the Netherlands, they are a testament to the skill and ingenuity of medieval farmers, and they remain a work of art and a major tourist attraction more than 400 years later. 

Wind energy today

The history of the iconic windmills continues to this day, but more in the form of wind turbines. The Netherlands is a leading developer of wind power generation, with about 40,000 wind turbines generating power for more than 4 million households. 

In the Toms Travel Tours Amsterdam countryside tours, we take you to visit some of the oldest, still operating windmills nearby, or we can take you farther south to Kinderdijk for instance. Along the way, you will see many of the modern wind turbines and be able to observe their evolution yourself!

For more information on our countryside tours, seeing the windmills, windmills and tulips, or booking directly, please click on the button below!

Enjoy tulips every season with Tom’s Tulip Tea.

Why not purchase some to take home with you?

As the owner of Toms Travel Tours, Tom van der Leij, takes his guests to see and soak up the best tulip fields in the Netherlands every tulip season. He knows the places to go, including the largest biological tulip farm in the country. With his passion for natural products and entrepreneurial spirit, Tom thought - why not make tea out of these beautiful tulip flowers?! The colorful flowers are usually disposed of since it’s the bulb that’s sold and used.

Tom is also an avid photojournalist writing for hiking and travel magazines. On assignment in Val Poschiavo, Switzerland, he met an organic tea producer. Tulips from Holland meet herbs from Switzerland - voila, the birth of Tom’s Tulip Tea.

100% certified organic handpicked tulip flowers combined with 100% certified organic handpicked verveine, thyme and lemon herbs. Fragrant, tasty, colorful and refreshing!

The tea bags come in a stylish handmade bag made by a Dutch female designer which you can reuse when the tea is finished.

Available for purchase. Take the taste of the Netherlands home with you!