Discover Aalsmeer | A Visitor's Introduction to Aalsmeer

Why is Aalsmeer Worth a Visit?

Aalsmeer is worth visiting for its fascinating floral heritage, beautiful waterways, and proximity to both Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport. While often overlooked by mainstream tourists, it’s a true gem for those wanting to explore Dutch culture beyond the canals and museums of the capital. Aalsmeer’s identity is deeply tied to the flower industry, and nowhere else in the world are flowers such a central part of daily life.

The town also offers peaceful countryside cycling routes, lakeside picnics, and boat trips through a labyrinth of water channels — all just a short train or drive from Amsterdam. Whether you're a gardener, a fan of Dutch engineering, or someone looking for tranquil natural beauty, Aalsmeer is surprisingly rich in things to discover.

Aalsmeer Highlights: Things to See and Do in Aalsmeer

Royal FloraHolland Flower Auction

The biggest draw in Aalsmeer is the Royal FloraHolland Flower Auction, the largest of its kind in the world. Every weekday morning, millions of flowers are bought and sold in a flurry of activity. Visitors can watch the auction from a special gallery, witnessing the fast-paced bidding process and the immense scale of the operation.

The auction starts early (around 7 a.m.), so it's best to arrive just after opening to catch the action. It’s a truly unique experience — a mix of high-tech logistics and age-old flower commerce, all housed in a warehouse the size of 200 football pitches.

Westeinderplassen

Aalsmeer is blessed with direct access to the Westeinderplassen, a vast and scenic lake district ideal for boating, sailing, paddleboarding, and swimming. The lake features many small islands and narrow canals that make exploring by boat especially enjoyable.

Boat rental is available from several local providers, and you don’t need a licence for smaller electric boats or sloops. It’s a great way to experience the peace of Dutch waterways while spotting waterfowl, reed beds, and quiet harbours.

Historical Garden Aalsmeer (Historische Tuin)

This charming museum garden showcases the region’s horticultural past with a collection of heritage greenhouses, flower beds, and fruit trees. Located on the banks of the Ringvaart canal, the Historische Tuin Aalsmeer offers visitors insight into how flower cultivation developed over centuries in the region.

You can also take a ride on the Museumtram, a lovingly restored horticultural freight tram that runs occasionally during the summer. It’s a family-friendly and very photogenic spot, especially in spring and summer.

Aalsmeer Flower Festival

Held annually in June, the Aalsmeer Flower Festival is a vibrant celebration of the town’s floral heritage. Locations across Aalsmeer burst into bloom with stunning installations, floral art, and themed exhibitions. It’s a colourful, festive event with workshops, food stalls, music, and lots of photo opportunities.

It’s ideal for anyone interested in flower arranging, sustainable gardening, or simply admiring the creative use of blooms on a grand scale.

The Aalsmeer Water Tower

Standing proudly along the Ringvaart canal, the Watertoren van Aalsmeer is a striking brick water tower dating from 1928. It’s one of the tallest in the Netherlands and occasionally opens for guided tours, offering panoramic views of the lakes, town, and Schiphol’s runways in the distance.

Even when it’s closed, it’s a lovely place to stroll past on a waterside walk or cycle.

Cycling Around the Ringvaart and Polder

Aalsmeer is surrounded by polders — reclaimed land protected by dykes — making it perfect for cycling. You can cycle along the Ringvaart, the circular canal that defines the Haarlemmermeer polder, or venture further to connect with routes leading to Hoofddorp, Uithoorn, or the Amsterdamse Bos.

Rent a bike locally or bring your own, and enjoy the flat, scenic countryside, often with flower fields in view during spring.

The Beach at Surf Island

Yes, Aalsmeer has a beach! Surf Island (Surfeiland) is a small recreational area on the Westeinderplassen with a sandy beach, shallow water, and grassy banks. It’s a popular spot with locals in summer for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing by the lake. There’s a play area for children, and it’s an ideal spot for a lakeside picnic.

Boat Excursions and Island Hopping

In addition to renting boats yourself, you can also join a guided boat tour through the Westeinderplassen. Some tours include stops on private islands, traditional greenhouses, or picnic breaks. A few excursions even include a drink or snack on board, making for a leisurely afternoon with a strong local flavour.

Flower Art Installations and Public Sculptures

Aalsmeer celebrates its identity through public art, including floral-themed sculptures, mosaics, and murals. Around the town centre and near the water tower or town hall, keep your eyes open for quirky and colourful displays that reflect Aalsmeer’s love for horticulture.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Aalsmeer is very accessible. It’s just 20–30 minutes by car from central Amsterdam and 10 minutes from Schiphol Airport. If you’re using public transport, take a train to Schiphol Airport, then catch a bus (line 340, 171, or 357) to Aalsmeer town centre.

For those cycling from Amsterdam, the route through the Amsterdamse Bos and along the Ringvaart is a scenic and pleasant ride of about 20 km.

Parking

Parking in Aalsmeer is generally easy and affordable. There are several free and paid car parks near the town centre, flower auction, and lake area. Street parking is often available, but check local signs for any time restrictions.

During major events like the Flower Festival, additional parking areas are usually designated with clear signage.

Dining

Aalsmeer has a good range of cafés, restaurants, and lakeside eateries. For a relaxed waterside meal, Brasserie Nieuwe Meer and Restaurant On the Rock offer stunning lake views and fresh, seasonal menus.

In the town centre, you’ll find casual bistros, pancake houses, and international options, such as Pasta Vino for Italian or The Beach for BBQ and relaxed dining. For something sweet, try a traditional Dutch appeltaart or stroopwafel at a local bakery.

Shopping

Aalsmeer isn’t a major shopping hub, but you’ll find charming flower shops, garden centres, and local boutiques. If you’re after floral-themed gifts or gardening supplies, Bloemenlust and Green Inspiration are worth a visit.

Every Wednesday and Saturday morning there’s a small market in the town centre with stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, cheese, and household goods — ideal for picking up picnic supplies or Dutch treats.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Aalsmeer is in spring (April–May) when the tulips and flower fields are in full bloom and the flower auction is at its most vibrant. June, when the Flower Festival takes place, is also excellent for experiencing the town at its most festive and floral.

Summer is perfect for boating and enjoying the Westeinderplassen, while autumn offers beautiful light and fewer crowds. Winters are quiet but still pleasant, especially for indoor attractions like the auction or a peaceful lakeside walk.

Local Events

• Aalsmeer Flower Festival (June) – A weekend of floral installations, exhibitions, and events across town.

• Pramenrace Aalsmeer (early September) – A quirky, local boat race where teams dress in costumes and decorate their boats in creative themes.

• Flower Parade (Bloemencorso Bollenstreek) – Though not held in Aalsmeer itself, this famous spring parade often draws attention to the region’s flower-growing prowess and occasionally features floats built in Aalsmeer.

Exploring Beyond Aalsmeer

If you have more time, there are several places nearby that make great day trips:

• Amsterdamse Bos – A huge forested park between Aalsmeer and Amsterdam, perfect for walking, canoeing, and picnicking.

• Keukenhof – The world-famous tulip gardens are about 30 minutes by car, open from March to May.

• Schiphol Airport Panorama Terrace – For aviation fans, this free terrace offers a close-up view of planes taking off and landing.

• Haarlem – A historic city just 35 minutes away by car, full of canals, museums, and great shopping.

• Uithoorn – A peaceful riverside town perfect for cycling and café stops along the Amstel River.

Summary

Aalsmeer may be small, but it packs a colourful punch with its unique blend of horticultural heritage, natural beauty, and easy-going Dutch charm. Whether you're marvelling at the world's largest flower auction, gliding across tranquil lakes, or cycling through polder landscapes, Aalsmeer offers a relaxed yet fascinating alternative to the typical city break.

Its proximity to Amsterdam and Schiphol makes it an easy day trip — but with so much quiet beauty and local character, you might just want to stay a bit longer.