How to See Tulips from Amsterdam: Amsterdam Tulip Trip
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A bucket list day trip for a Spring visit to the Netherlands.
Tulip Fields Day Trip From Amsterdam: (Jump To)
If it’s Springtime in The Netherlands you should set aside at least a half day to visit the tulip fields.
History of Tulips in Holland
Tulips arrived in the Netherlands in the 1500s and kicked off a full-blown economic bubble known as Tulip Mania by the 1630s. Today, the flower is a national symbol and a major draw for spring visitors planning a tulip trip Amsterdam style.
Despite the country’s love for tulips, the flowers did not originate in the Netherlands. In the 16th century, Dutch traders brought home tulip bulbs from the Ottoman Empire. The word tulip comes from the Turkish word for turban: tülbent.
In 1952 Princess De Chimay hired Carolus Clusius to come to the new and prestigious Leiden University in the Netherlands to create a garden for the study of plants. Clusius became one of the world’s first botanists. He is often credited as the man who brought tulips to Holland.
Soon tulip fever spread across the country with prized tulip bulbs selling at higher prices than gold. These days 77% of all flower bulbs are imported from the Netherlands.
Where to See Tulips From Amsterdam
The best tulip viewing spots are in Lisse, around Keukenhof Gardens, and in the nearby flower fields—this is your answer to where to see tulips in Amsterdam without staying in the city. For more rural options, head to a working tulip farm Amsterdam area near Hillegom or Noordwijkerhout.
Keukenhof Gardens is the best place in The Netherlands to celebrate the Tulip. Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens. The gardens are located in South Holland near the municipality of Lisse. Seven million flowers (including more than just tulips) are planted in the gardens annually.
When is The Best Time To See Tulips in The Netherlands?
Tulip season usually runs from mid-March through early May, with peak bloom hitting in mid to late April. If you're wondering when is tulip season in Amsterdam or the best time to go to Amsterdam for tulips, late April is the safest bet.
Spring is tulip season in The Netherlands. The best time to see the flowers is mid-April with flower season running from late March to early May.
Tulip culture runs strong through the entire year so even if your travel plans don’t line up with the peak bloom season you can find ways to celebrate tulip culture in the area. Flower markets are common in Amsterdam and other cities.
Many have tulip bulbs for sale that are approved for foreign travel imports, allowing you the unique opportunity to bring back a beautiful tulip from your trip. Be sure to check the import rules of your country and always declare your imported plants upon arrival even if they are approved for entry.
How to See Tulips From Amsterdam
Trains and buses from Amsterdam to Lisse run regularly during spring, or you can book an Amsterdam tulips tour that handles everything for you. DIY travelers can also rent a bike and follow one of the marked trips to tulip fields from Amsterdam routes.
Visiting Keukenhof Gardens is very easy via public transportation.
From Amsterdam Central Station take the Blue Subway 52 line toward Station Zuid.
Exit at the fourth stop, Europaplein.
Inside the Europaplein station follow the signs toward the busses.
Upon exiting the station you will find the 852 bus to Keukenhof.
Exit the bus at Keukenhof.
The Keukenhof bus ride takes about 40 minutes after departing the Europaplein station. This is a very popular route. The buses come frequently but plan to wait in line for up to an hour to board a bus.
The best way to pay for the bus is to include the round-trip bus fare when purchasing Keukenhof entrance tickets. You can typically enter the queued bus line 2-3 hours before the entrance time on your ticket.
How To Get Tickets for Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof tickets are available online and often bundled with bus transfers from Amsterdam, which makes the trip smoother. Book early during peak bloom—this is the most popular stop for any tulip trip Amsterdam has to offer.
It’s best to buy tickets online in advance to visit the gardens, especially if you plan to visit on the weekend. There are usually same-day tickets available on weekdays. When you purchase your ticket you will be asked to select an entry time for your visit.
How Much Does it Cost To Visit Keukenhof Gardens?
Entry to Keukenhof is affordable, with combo transport tickets available. Booking in advance is advisable especially if your travel plans are not flexible. Amsterdam tulip tours are also a great option for a stress-free day.
Entrance to the Gardens is currently €19.00 for adults and €9.00 for children. The combination ticket that includes the round trip Keukenhof express bus (mentioned above) is €36.00 (€17.50 for children). Parking on-site is €6.
What To See in Keukenhof Gardens
Inside Keukenhof, you'll find themed gardens, greenhouses, flower art, and walking paths that change each year. If you're trying to plan when tulips bloom in Amsterdam, this is the most curated way to experience it—no weather guessing required.
Keukenhof Gardens is quite large. You can easily spend 3-4 hours walking around the gardens.
Inside the park, you will find numerous beautiful themed floral displays. There is plenty for the kids too, with play areas and even a hedge maze.
There are five buildings on site that house impressive indoor flower exhibitions.
A highlight is the site’s windmill where you can snap a perfect tulip selfie for your social media.
The gardens have numerous options for indoor and outdoor dining, plus gift shops selling souvenirs and tulip bulbs to take home with you.
The gardens are surrounded on both sides by tulip fields. Be sure to make time to walk up the street a little to see the fields of blooming flowers as far as the eye can see.
You can also rent a bike from the kiosk in the center of the parking lot and take a nice ride along the bike trail that follows the adjacent tulip fields.
