Amsterdam’s coveted Tulip Season is just around the corner, and with it comes the highly anticipated events you can only catch once per year. It’s a view like no other. The unprecedented volume of flowers bathes the city in vivid colours you truly have to see to believe. But it doesn’t last for long. Understandably, this draws substantial numbers of locals and tourists alike, resulting in plenty of on-theme entertainment options from installations to parades. So, how to choose? These are the most picturesque spots to celebrate spring, the Dutch way.

When is tulip season in the Netherlands? 

Tulip season begins in mid-March and ends in mid-May, although the best blooms start in the latter half of April. 

Where to see tulips 

Keukenhof Gardens 

For a serene escape from the city centre, make Keukenhof your first stop. With over 800 varieties and 7 million bulbs planted by hand each year, it’s the largest tulip garden in the world and an unforgettable experience to see in person. It only opens for a limited time, from 19 March to 10 May 2026, so do plan your Amsterdam holiday dates with this in mind. 

Located in Lisse, about 40 kilometres from Amsterdam, the garden is easily accessible by car and takes about 35 minutes. Alternatively, the KeukenhofBuzz line 852 from Amsterdam RAI Europaplein is available as a handy combi ticket that includes return bus travel and park entry. 

The Bollenstreek (Bulb Region) 

Best explored by bike or car, these working tulip fields can be viewed from the edges only. That doesn’t mean you won’t get a spectacular view though.  

Driving through the bulb region, you’ll see field after field of bright-coloured tulips that make a picture-perfect moment. There are also numerous stalls with bulbs and fresh flowers.  

Museum de Zwarte Tulp 

Journey through 500 years of the Flower Bulb Region’s history and culture at the Museum de Zwarte Tulp (Museum of the Black Tulip). It’s a comprehensive space for the curious minded to enrich their knowledge of the science and technology that goes into tulip development alongside a rotation of unique art exhibitions. Plus, it’s only a short cycle from Keukenhof Gardens. 

Amsterdam Tulip Festival 

Across April, tulips bloom at dozens of public locations around Amsterdam, including parks, streets, and museum gardens. This year, the festival runs from 1 to 30 April 2026. 

Tulip Festival Noordoostpolder 

Head to the country’s largest tulip-growing area for scenic routes by car or bike, plus special activities. In 2026, Tulip Festival Noordoostpolder takes place from 17 April to 3 May. Look out for experiences including everything from helicopter flights over the fields to coffee and tulip-picking workshops. 

The Flower Route 

You’ll find plenty of spectacular photos of the iconic flower strip online, but they’ll never do justice to the tranquillity of biking through the fields yourself. Like the gardens, it’s one of the most popular attractions during this special season (and for good reason). Stretching for about 40 kilometres, from Haarlem to Leiden, the flower strip is bike-friendly with flat paths along the entire route. 

Flower Parade 

The Flower Parade is back for the 79th time this year on Saturday, 18 April. Brighten up your day with an alternative and creative way to see spring flowers. Floats covered in hyacinths, tulips and daffodils travel the 42‑kilometre route from Noordwijk to Haarlem, passing near Keukenhof in the afternoon, with additional festivities across the week and a static display in Haarlem on Sunday 19 April. 

Rolling Kitchens Food Festival 

Diversify your spring celebrations at the annual Rolling Kitchens Food Festival, or Rollende Keukens, open from 13 to 17 May. Food trucks with rich flavours from around the world will unite in a massive open-air food fair with a handful of bars serving cocktails, beer, and wine. Live music and dancers bring everyone together, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere at Het Weekend van de Rollende Keukens, just a 30-minute walk from Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam. 

What are the best ways to visit the tulips?

By Bike: (Best overall experience)

• Ideal for: scenery lovers, photographers, locals, slow travel

By Car: (Most flexible for large areas)

• Ideal for: families, photographers with gear, Noordoostpolder visits

Guided Tour: (Easiest & stress‑free)

• Ideal for: short stays, first-time visitors, no planning

Keukenhof Gardens: (Most reliable blooms)

• Ideal for: guaranteed flowers, families, bad weather days

In the city: Amsterdam Tulip Festival

• Ideal for: casual visitors, free option, no travel

Golden tips for tulip visitors

Plan your trip in advance. The tulips are a wonderful attraction that bring visitors from across the globe. Avoid disappointment and secure your spot while you still can.

Choose freedom over crowds. By going early in the morning, you can typically avoid large crowds.

And lastly, be mindful of the fields. Most tulip fields are working farms, not attractions, so stay on paths or road edges. Stepping on flowers damages both blooms and bulbs.

Make the most of your stay

Stay over in the Netherlands. Book your room at Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam, Park Plaza Vondelpark, or Park Plaza Utrecht for direct access to public transport that takes you straight to the fields.

Enjoy a blooming good meal at Carstens Steakhouse or TOZI Amsterdam after a long day taking in the tulips.