Private guide in Aalsmeer, guided tours in Aalsmeer, Netherlands

Many key attractions in Aalsmeer — including the flower auction and private tulip farms — are accessible only by prior arrangement or with an authorized escort. Private guides in Aalsmeer organize these exclusive visits, offering deep insights and backstage access. They also handle logistics: bike rentals, boat tours, and transfers from Amsterdam. A private guide in Aalsmeer will also share local traditions and stories easily missed during independent exploration.

The ideal period is from late March to early May, when tulips and other spring flowers are in full bloom. The town is especially photogenic during this time. However, the flower auction operates year-round, and winter offers a chance to see exotic imported plants. Summer provides pleasant weather for cycling and picnics along the canals.

The official language is Dutch, but nearly everyone speaks fluent English. The currency is the euro (EUR). Cash is accepted everywhere, though most establishments prefer card payments. There’s no need to exchange money in advance — ATMs and payment terminals are readily available in the town center.

While Aalsmeer isn’t a culinary capital, you can enjoy classic Dutch fare here: farm-fresh Edam or Gouda cheese, freshly caught canal fish (such as smoked eel), and “stuwpap” — a traditional almond cream pie. Cafés near the auction serve light snacks and coffee with homemade pastries.

Great souvenirs include certified tulip bulbs (with a phytosanitary certificate), miniature wooden clogs, ceramics, and floral-themed keepsakes. Live plants and uncertified bulbs cannot be exported — this may trigger quarantine measures in your home country. Additionally, rare minerals from private collections cannot be taken out without official permission.

The weather is changeable, so bring layered clothing and a windbreaker. Waterproof footwear is essential — even in summer, rain is common, and cobblestone paths and canal-side trails become slippery. For cycling, comfortable sneakers are ideal. Casual attire is acceptable at the auction, but open-toed shoes are not permitted.

Dutch people value quiet, order, and punctuality. Do not smoke in public areas, avoid littering, and respect private property — many homes and gardens border tourist routes. Yield to cyclists on bike paths, and keep noise to a minimum when boating in the evening. Photography inside the auction is allowed only in designated zones.

Aalsmeer is one of the safest towns in the Netherlands. Crime rates are extremely low, and trust in the police is high. Main concerns include getting lost on cycling routes or tripping on uneven paths. The town is quiet and peaceful in the evenings, but sparsely populated — carry a flashlight and keep your phone charged.

Evenings are perfect for dining at a canal-side café or enjoying a sunset boat ride. Children will enjoy interactive farm programs where they can feed animals, as well as the mineral museum’s “treasure hunt” activities. Though small, the town is welcoming — locals often invite guests to farm markets and hands-on workshops.

The nearest international airport is Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). From there, Aalsmeer is just a 20-minute taxi ride or a 30-minute bus trip (line 342). You can also rent a bicycle directly at the airport — the town is exceptionally bike-friendly. Private guides in the Netherlands often include airport transfers and Aalsmeer tours in a single-day itinerary. If you plan to visit other cities, a private guide in the Netherlands can help design an efficient, seamless route.

Aalsmeer has a population of approximately 32,000. The town is largely secular, though historically Protestant. The environmental conditions are excellent: clean air, advanced waste recycling systems, and eco-conscious flower cultivation (many farms use solar energy and closed-loop irrigation). Canals are regularly cleaned, and green spaces cover a significant portion of the area.