Aalsmeer is known as the flower village on the water and there is always plenty to do there. There is so much to do that you can easily spend a day in Aalsmeer and not be bored. For you to get the most out of your trip, we are sharing our top tips for a 12-hour visit to Aalsmeer. From the flower auction and the horticultural museum to local crafts or a boat trip on the Westeinderplassen.
Please note: What you choose to do during a day out to Aalsmeer may differ depending on whether you visit at the weekend or during the week. For example, some things are open on weekends, but not during the week, and vice versa.
07:00 hrs. – 10:00 hrs.: Flower auction Aalsmeer
From Monday to Friday you can visit the largest flower auction in the world in Aalsmeer. The size of Royal FloraHolland is quite impressive! Millions of flowers and plants are traded daily, reaching the shops on the same day! Are you planning to visit the Dutch flower auction in Aalsmeer yourself? Make sure you get there early, to make sure you see as much of the whole process as possible.
10:00 hrs. – 12:00 hrs.: Historical Garden
In the Historical Garden museum, you can learn everything about the history of Aalsmeer’s horticulture from 1700 to 1940. An oasis of peace where each season holds its own particular charm. A miniature paradise and a joy to walk through. It’s also great to hear about the work of the volunteers, the various greenhouses, the flowers, plants, trees and the garden’s history. During a visit to Aalsmeer you must make sure to take a guided tour in the Historical Garden. The guided tour lasts about 75 minutes, the Historical Garden is open from Tuesday to Sunday and every last Saturday of the month it’s possible to attend an auction at 15:00 hrs. at the smallest flower auction in Aalsmeer.
12:00 hrs. – 13:30 hrs.: lunch in the Tuinhuis
In the grounds of the Historical Garden you can find the picturesque cottage, the Tuinhuis, a charming tea house where you can enjoy lunch using ingredients grown in the Historical Garden. When the weather is fine, you can sit on the terrace and enjoy the view of the passing boats and when the weather is not at its best, you can enjoy the cosy atmosphere inside. The Tuinhuis is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
13:30 hrs. – 14:30 hrs.: Westeinder Boat trip
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Westeinder moors its boat at the Tuinhuis jetty. Jump on board to take a cruise on the Westeinderplassen. You will get to sail over the Kleine Poel and the Grote Poel, between the islands, while you listen to the skipper recounting his wonderful tales. A real Aalsmeer experience!
You can buy a ticket for the Westeinder Rondvaart at the Historical Garden.
14:30 hrs. – 17:00 hrs.: Korenmolen de Leeuw, Flower Art Museum or Water Tower Aalsmeer
In Aalsmeer you may not always find everything open, as you normally expect in the big cities like Amsterdam. Aalsmeer is blessed with its own village character. We recommend that you visit Aalsmeer on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Rent a bike at Waning Tweewielers after the cruise and visit one of these beautiful sights during your day in Aalsmeer:
Tuesday and Saturday, 13:00 hrs. – 16:00 hrs.: Korenmolen de Leeuw
On Tuesday and Saturday the the corn mill in the centre of Aalsmeer is open to visitors. You can visit the mill and see the millers at work and buy craft products at the small gift shop. Would you like to work in the mill? The millers are always looking for volunteers.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 hrs. – 17:00 hrs.: Flower Art Museum
The Flower Art Museum is the first museum in the world dedicated to contemporary art inspired by flowers and nature. New exhibitions are presented on a quarterly basis introducing Dutch artists and those from further afield. It is not only the flower art theme which makes the museum unique, but also the location in the old water cellar which fits in perfectly with ‘Aalsmeer, the flower village by the water’.
Sunday, 13:00 hrs. – 17:00 hrs.: Aalsmeer Water Tower
The most beautiful water tower in the Netherlands is to be found in Aalsmeer. You can climb to the top every second and fourth Sunday of the month where you can enjoy a beautiful view over the Westeinderplassen. The interior with its art-deco style is also a work of art in itself. The Water Tower is open every Sunday afternoon during July and August but remains closed during the peregrine falcon breeding season. But even when the Water Tower is closed to visitors, it is a lovely spot to cycle past.
17:00 hrs. – 19:00 hrs.: time for dinner Joseph Aan De Poel
When in Aalsmeer you really must dine at the water’s edge. The charming and stylish restaurant Joseph Aan De Poel is the perfect place for a leisurely dinner. The staff is friendly, and the food is delicious. At Joseph Aan de Poel you can enjoy warm evenings on the terrace, but a seat inside also offers a fabulous view of the water. This restaurant in Aalsmeer is open seven days a week.
