Spring in the Netherlands, The Tulip Season!
Keukenhof Gardens, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024, is a stunning flower garden where tulips bloom in full glory, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Symbolizing spring in the Netherlands, Keukenhof draws more than 1 million visitors each year in just under two months.
With seven million tulips planted across a vast 32-hectare site, Keukenhof truly feels like a land of flowers. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of blossoms, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant colors and soothing scents of tulips.
Date: 30th March to 11th May
Hours: 8:00-19:00
Entrance: from €20
Parking: €9
Ticket >>
MAP：Stationsweg 166a Lisse
URL：Keukenhof Gardens
* There is also a combination ticket that includes a round-trip bus ticket from Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, Leiden Central Station, and Haarlem Station.
*Check the schedule of events such as shows on the website.
When is the Best Time to See Tulips?
The best time to see tulips varies each year depending on the weather, so please use this as a general guideline.
From March to Mid-April
During this period, the weather is still chilly, so be sure to bring a jacket. The temperature tends to be low, with plenty of rainy days. However, this is when you’ll find many tulips in bloom at Keukenhof Garden and the surrounding tulip fields.
You can also enjoy the stunning Flower Stripes—a striped landscape of colorful flowers stretching across vast tulip fields—from late March to early April.
A great way to experience the tulips is to visit Keukenhof Garden in the morning, then rent a bike to explore the Flower Stripes in the afternoon.
Mid-April to May
From mid-April to May, you can expect warmer days, making it a perfect time for a picnic in Keukenhof Garden while enjoying the sight of blooming tulips.
In May, although some tulips may have withered, many are still in full bloom, offering beautiful views.
However, by May, the Flower Stripes may no longer be visible, as the tulips in the fields might have already been harvested and shipped out.
Check the Flowering Status Online
No matter when you visit during the tulip season, you’ll be able to see plenty of tulips in bloom.
If you’re concerned about the current flowering status, you can check Keukenhof’s Facebook page, where photos are posted daily to show the garden’s latest condition.
Keukenhof tends to be crowded between 10 AM and 4 PM, even on weekdays, and it’s busy all day on weekends.
Personally, I think the weather is the most important factor. Even if it’s crowded, a sunny day is the best for capturing stunning photos of the flowers.
Getting to Keukenhof Garden
Keukenhof Garden can be easily reached by bus or car, but keep in mind that heavy traffic jams are common during the tulip season. Although it’s only about a 30-minute drive from Amsterdam, traffic can cause travel times to stretch to 1-2 hours.
To avoid the traffic, it’s best to visit either in the early morning or after 3 PM.
If you’re traveling by bus, there are direct buses to Keukenhof from the following locations:
- Amsterdam RAI
- Schiphol Airport
- Leiden Central Station
- Haarlem Station
Ticket Information
Since 2022, a time slot system has been introduced at Keukenhof. It is mandatory to purchase tickets online in advance, selecting the specific date and time. (It appears that date changes are allowed up to one day before the visit.)
If you are visiting by car, make sure to purchase a parking ticket along with your entrance ticket.
For those traveling by public transportation, there is a combination ticket that includes both the entrance fee and a round-trip bus ride, which offers a great value. Since same-day tickets are often sold out, it’s highly recommended to buy your tickets online in advance.
Facilities at Keukenhof Garden
Keukenhof Garden covers an expansive 32 hectares, and in addition to its stunning tulip displays, it offers various facilities for visitors to enjoy.
Pavilion
In the pavilion, you can explore a wide range of flower exhibits, showcasing different types of flowers beyond just tulips.
Windmill
A large windmill is located in the garden, providing a great photo opportunity with tulips and the iconic Dutch windmill. From the top of the windmill, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the Flower Stripes in the tulip fields.
Food
There are several cafes, restaurants, and food stalls throughout the garden. However, these can get quite crowded around lunchtime. If you’re very hungry, you can quickly grab a burger from one of the food trucks. There are no benches or tables, so it’s a good idea to bring your own picnic blanket if you want to relax while eating.
Souvenir shop
The souvenir shop at the main entrance and smaller shops in the garden offer a range of items, including tulip bulbs and exclusive Keukenhof products. A popular spot is the Dutch rabbit Miffy shop. Don’t forget to check out the exclusive Keukenhof tulip-pattern products and the Keukenhof Miffy statue!
Toilet
Keukenhof provides free and very clean toilets for visitors.
wi-fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Keukenhof for your convenience.
Lockers
Free lockers are available at the entrance to store your belongings.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed in Keukenhof, but each visitor may only bring one dog, and it must be kept on a leash at all times. Please note that some facilities, like pavilions and restaurants, do not allow dogs.
Keukenhof Garden, the world’s largest tulip garden, is a must-visit tulip spot for any flower lover. Enjoy your visit!