Spring is when the Netherlands bursts into color, making it one of the most beautiful times of the year.
Parks and gardens come to life with blooming flowers, and you can even spot vibrant blossoms around your neighborhood. But if you’re in the Netherlands during spring, tulip viewing is an absolute must!
From breathtaking tulip gardens to vast striped fields, here are the best places and tours to experience the magic of tulip season.
Keukenhof: The Most Beautiful Tulip Garden
Keukenhof Gardens, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024, is a world-famous flower garden where tulips bloom in full splendor, attracting visitors from all over the globe.
As a symbol of spring in the Netherlands, Keukenhof welcomes over one million visitors each year during its short two-month opening period.
Spanning 32 hectares, the garden is home to an astonishing seven million tulips, creating a breathtaking sea of flowers. The air is filled with their sweet fragrance, making it a truly sensory experience—a feast for both the eyes and the nose.
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.
Flower Stripes: The Stunning Striped Tulip Fields
The Netherlands is one of the world’s leading flower producers, with countless flower farmers across the country. As spring arrives, the fields burst into color as flowers bloom in unison.
One of the most famous sights for tulip viewing is the “Flower Stripe,” a stunning striped pattern of flowers stretching across vast fields.
The best time to visit the Flower Stripe is from mid-March to early April, before the tulips are harvested and shipped.
In Lisse, the heart of tulip country, you can rent bicycles from the local tourist information office and explore the flower stripe sightseeing route.
Lisse tourist office official website >>
The 35km Flower Stripe from Haarlem to Leiden is popular.
A bicycle is the best way to visit Flower Stripes!
The Tulip Barn: A Beginner-Friendly Tulip Field
The beautiful tulip fields of the Netherlands offer a stunning view that should not be missed. However, for those new to tulip field sightseeing, it can be tricky. Entering tulip fields without permission is illegal, and trespassing can result in a fine.
But did you know that The Tulip Barn offers a tulip field experience that even beginners can enjoy?
The Tulip Barn is a show garden, a type of tourist facility. While there is a fee, it provides a safe and easy way to enjoy the beauty of tulips, even if it’s your first time visiting.
At The Tulip Barn, you can experience 400,000 blooming colorful tulips and enjoy taking photos in this breathtaking setting.
Tulip Field Tours: Exploring the Fields in Style
Around the Keukenhof Gardens, you’ll find many stunning flower fields, and there are several tours available to visit the famous Flower Stripes.
The Flower Stripe is located on a flower farmer’s field. Since the tulips are grown for shipping, entering the field without permission is considered trespassing and is punishable by a fine.
Best Time to See Tulips in the Netherlands
Tulips bloom from mid-March to mid-May, and you can always enjoy beautiful tulips at both Keukenhof and The Tulip Barn.
When visiting the Flower Stripe, I recommend going from mid-March to early April, before the tulips are shipped.
Personally, I think the most beautiful time to see the tulips is around mid-April. However, May can also be a great time to visit, as the weather is usually very pleasant!
*Please note that the best time to see tulips may vary depending on the weather conditions each year.
For up-to-date tulip photos, check out Keukenhof’s Facebook page!
Keep in mind, March and April can still be quite cold and rainy, so it’s important to check the weather before your visit.
By May, the weather will typically be warm and sunny!
