How to Visit Best Tulip Fields in The Netherlands (Lisse) + 2025 Keukenhof Info
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Visiting the Netherlands in spring and wondering where to see the most beautiful flower gardens and tulip fields near Amsterdam? What is the best season? How to get there? And what are the best ways to explore the flower fields on your own or with a tour?
In this article, you can find all the information about visiting the best place to see tulips in the Netherlands – Lisse tulip fields and the nearby Keukenhof Gardens. Find out!
Lisse tulip fields and the Keukenhof Gardens near Amsterdam attract more than a million visitors every spring. And since the tulip bloom season is very short, it can get overwhelmingly busy.
So if you want to see the best tulip fields in the Netherlands, it pays off to do some research. That way, you know what to expect and avoid disappointment.
In this guide, you’ll find all the information about visiting Keukenhof Gardens and Lisse tulip fields in the Netherlands. The best time to visit, where exactly to go, how to get there, and all the best ways to explore the colorful tulip fields near Keukenhof. Plus, what to expect when visiting Keukenhof Park itself.
We also include our handpicked selection of the best tours of the tulip fields (guided as well as self-guided options).
We live nearby and visit Dutch tulip fields every spring. We hope that our experience-based tips will help you make the most out of your trip to Amsterdam in spring.
The Best Ways to Experience the Dutch Tulip Festival:
- Keukenhof Gardens:
- Tulip fields near Keukenhof:
- Self-drive tour in a tiny car (includes a guided GPS route).
- Bike tours (explore with a local guide).
- Helicopter tour (book asap – they always sell out!).
Where to stay: If you want to stay close to Lisse tulip fields, book accommodation as soon as you know your travel dates. There are very few hotels in this area, and in the tulip season, they always sell out. One of the best hotels near Keukenhof and close to the best flower fields is the Boutique Suites Lisse.
READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Amsterdam
When is Tulip Season in The Netherlands?
Before we continue with all the practicalities, there is one thing that you should know:
The tulip season in the Netherlands usually lasts from late March to mid-May.
You would be amazed at how often people ask me where they can visit the tulip fields near Amsterdam in December or in the summer… No, this is really not possible. If you want to see the tulip fields in full bloom, you will have to visit the Netherlands in the early spring!
Of course, you can find tulips for sale in the shops and at the markets in other seasons as well, but those flowers are grown inside greenhouses.
Good to know: How nice the tulip fields look when you visit, will really depend on the weather we get that spring. In general, mid to late April is the very best time to see all the flowers in full bloom and visit the flower fields in the Netherlands.
Good to know: The next tulip season in the Netherlands is from March 20 until May 11, 2025. This is when Keukenhof Gardens are open and when all the tulip fields tours run. The park itself is open daily from 8 am to 7.30 pm. They now work with timed-entry slots, and you really have to book your tickets in advance! If you also need a transfer from the city, opt for this bus + park ticket combo. Further below, you can find all the information about the best tours to explore the tulip fields in Lisse.
Where to find the best tulip fields near Amsterdam
The Netherlands is world-famous for tulips and many people visit Holland in spring in order to see the endless colorful bulb fields. One of the best places to see tulip fields in the Netherlands is the area around Lisse, 40 km southwest of Amsterdam.
Of course, this is not the only place in the Netherlands where you can see tulips. But this is where 99% of tourists go.
There are several reasons for this. First, Lisse is close to Amsterdam and there are transport connections (bus shuttles and tours). Second, one of the best-known flower gardens in the world – Keukenhof, aka the Gardens of Europe – is also located in the same area. And finally, this area has lots of amazing tulip fields that you can easily explore on your own.
That being said, you shouldn’t just walk anywhere you like and you should most definitely not trespass on private property! This is also the reason why you should visit the tulip fields near Lisse – this area expects tourists and so there is a whole infrastructure that enables you to get the best experience without disturbing local farmers.
Further below, you’ll find all the information about where exactly to go. Read on!
How to Get to Keukenhof & Lisse Tulip Fields?
You can either drive to Keukenhof by car or make use of one of the many shuttles or tours. There are plenty of options available from Amsterdam, from the airport, and from the other towns – they make it really easy for tourists to get there.
TIP: If you don’t have a car and prefer to explore the park on your own, the best way to get to Lisse is by taking this bus transfer from Amsterdam. It includes roundtrip transportation and fast-track admission to the park. You can also upgrade your ticket to include a canal cruise.
Alternatively, you can book a guided tour to visit Keukenhof and the flower fields. You can choose from half-day tours, day tours, private transfers, etc. Most trips are available from Amsterdam, but you can find a tour from The Hague as well.
There are also some nice combi- tickets and tours if you want to see several of the most beautiful places near Amsterdam, in combination with Keukenhof. Here are a few of the best options:
- Keukenhof + Volendam, Marken, and Zaanse Schans. This is a combi-option of two tours that you can do on two separate days. You get a small discount compared to booking the two separately.
- Keukenhof + Giethoorn. This is a guided full-day tour that visits both places in a day.
- Kuekenhof + Zaanse Schans Windmills. This is a guided tour that brings you to two of the most popular places near Amsterdam in a day.
READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
Lisse Tulip Fields
Lisse tulip fields are the best place to see tulips near Amsterdam. The most popular place to visit is Keukenhof Garden, but the entire Lisse – Noordwijkerhout area is covered by colorful flower fields.
Good to know: If you are only interested in seeing the tulip fields, you don’t necessarily have to go to Keukenhof Gardens. On the other hand, the gardens are really worth a visit too. So if you have time, try to do both.
Further below, you can find information about visiting Keukenhof, but first – the best options to explore the best tulip fields in the Netherlands.
Best Ways to Explore the Tulip Fields Near Amsterdam
Whether you are driving to Keukenhof or taking a transfer, there are many nice ways to explore the tulip fields in the area. Also, you can expect to see all kinds of different flower fields, not just tulips. There are hyacinth fields and daffodil fields in this area too.
Here are all the best options how to visit the flower fields:
Drive Around & See Flower Fields from the Car
If you are driving to Keukenhof, you can easily explore the tulips fields in Lisse by car. In that case, make sure to stay off the major roads because otherwise, you won’t see much. Depending on the weather in the spring and the time of your visit, you can see daffodil- and hyacinth fields as well. Daffodils bloom early, then hyacinths, and then finally the tulips. If you are lucky with the timing, you can see all of them at the same time.
However, expect it to be very busy around the tulip fields in the Lisse area. Please also note that some roads are really narrow and can get quite crowded with cars, buses, and bikes… And it’s not always possible to drive or park just anywhere you’d like.
Plus, in recent years, most farmers around Keukenhof have closed any access to their tulip fields. This is because tourists step on the flowers ruining their chances to produce good-quality bulbs.
So while you will be able to see beautiful flower fields in Lisse simply by driving around, please remember that they are private property and you are not supposed to walk around on these fields. That’s why we also recommend visiting tulip farms which are specially made for tourists – see below.
Tulip Farms
With a car (or by bike or taxi), you can simply visit the big commercial tulip fields like Tulip Experience Amsterdam or The Tulip Barn. They are both located just a few minutes drive from Keukenhof Gardens, and – simply just by driving to them – you will see many flower fields in the area.
Visiting these flower farms is by far the best way to take pictures of yourself with the most beautiful tulip fields. These experiences have been made especially in order to give tourists the chance to walk around tulip fields and give them plenty of opportunities to take as many pictures as they like, without bothering local farmers or damaging tulips which are grown for bulb production.
Both experiences are similar and both are located near Keukenhof. There is a small entrance fee (you can reserve a ticket in advance), but you can walk on the tulip fields and take as many pictures as you like without having to worry about disturbing private property. They both have all kinds of ‘props’ for your photos, such as traditional Dutch clogs, and many others.
Good to know: At Tulip Experience Amsterdam, they also have a small ‘museum’ where you can learn a bit about the history of tulips, how they came to the Netherlands, and how they are grown today. They also have a café and a souvenir shop.
Self-Drive Tulip Fields Tour
If you want to drive through the most beautiful flower fields in Lisse without having to worry about where to go, consider this Tulip & Flower Fields GPS Audio Tour. This is a really nice way to explore the tulip fields near Keukenhof on your own.
This self-drive option is perfect for those who are short on time and want to see the nicest areas but have no idea where to start. You use a tiny 2-persons car which is perfect for driving around the tulip fields. Plus, you get GPS navigation with an audio guide in English, Dutch, and German, with all ins & outs about the flower bulb region and cool tulip facts.
They have prepared a few routes that take about 2 hours to complete. They are made in such a way that you avoid all the busy areas visited by tour buses, and at the same time bring you to the nicest tulip fields in the Netherlands, through the Keukenhof forest, and to a local flower bulb nursery.
The tour is designed to give you plenty of opportunities to stop at the nicest places, including a stop at a small family-owned traditional tulip bulb farm. Because the car is so small, it’s easy to navigate on the narrow roads and park it next to the road when you want to stop and see and photograph the flowers from close by.
We recently did this tour and had so much fun! Also, one thing that you can’t see in the pictures, is the incredible smell of the flowers, especially hyacinths. Driving around in this little car, you not only see the flower fields but truly experience the area.
Practical information:
- You need to be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license, with at least 3 years of driving experience.
- Make sure to book your tour in advance (they sell out really fast).
- One car is suitable for 2 people (2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child). However, the passenger sitting behind the driver has somewhat limited space, so it’s not ideal for very tall people. In that case, you may enjoy it more if you rent separate cars, one per person.
- You can pick up your car at the Renzy office, 15 minutes walking distance from the main entrance to Keukenhof Park. You can see the map here, but the actual walk will be much shorter than indicated on the map because you can walk straight through the car parking areas.
- Here you can find more information and book this self-guided tour.
Bike Tours
Another great way way to see the flower fields around Lisse is by bike. You can either bring a bike yourself, rent one at the main entrance of Keukenhof, or join a bike tour.
TIP: This highly-rated bike tour is one of the best options if you want to see the tulip fields. You don’t have to do any research or plant anything. Just show up, bring your camera, and enjoy the guided tour through some of the nicest flower fields in the Netherlands.
This tour takes about 2 hours and they have several departure times each day during the tulip season. Also here, you really should book in advance since the group size is limited and these tours book up fast.
If this tour is not available, you can find several other great options here.
Helicopter Flight Over Dutch Tulip Fields
If you are looking for a special treat and a unique way to see the nicest flower fields near Amsterdam, check out this amazing helicopter flight over the tulip fields.
Good to know: The flights depart from the Keukenhof area and take 10-15 minutes depending on the option booked. The way it works at the moment, you have to reserve a specific date, and only get all the detailed departure information about a week before your trip. This has to do with the legal regulations in the Netherlands meaning that the municipality decides where exactly they are allowed to fly on which day.
Anyway, normally, this gives you enough time to make any practical arrangements and to plan your day. For example, we were given a time slot a bit after noon, so we visited Keukenhof Gardens first thing in the morning, then did the helicopter tour, and then drove to Amsterdam Tulip Experience passing many nice tulip fields on the way, as an added bonus.
All the practicalities aside, this is a great tour and such a terrific way to see the flower fields around Lisse, Noordwijk, and Hillegom from above. We recently did this helicopter tour and it was great. In addition to seeing the flower fields, we also flew over the sea and the coastline nearby – a wonderful experience.
Good to know: If you are interested in doing a helicopter tour, don’t wait to book because it only runs for very few days every spring, and usually sells out at least a few weeks before the start of the tulip season. You can check availability and book this helicopter tour here.
Windmills Boat Trip
If you are looking for a more relaxed way to explore the area around Keukenhof, you may want to check out this windmills boat trip. It takes you for a scenic ride on the canals around Lisse.
Quite frankly, I’m not sure how many tulip fields you will see from this boat. It will likely depend on the exact dates when you visit and which flowers are in full bloom next to this particular canal. This is more of a tour to see the Dutch countryside, windmills, etc. with the possibility of seeing flower fields as an added bonus. It’s a nice experience if you have a few extra hours in the area.
Good to know: The canal cruise takes 1.5 hours. The boats depart about 2 km from Keukenhof Garden. If you don’t have a car and don’t want to look for a taxi, it’s best to opt for this all-in tour. It includes all the transfers from Amsterdam, the windmills cruise, a local transfer between the boat and Keukenhof, and also Keukenhof Garden entry tickets.
Ok, now that we covered all the best ways to see the tulip fields in Lisse, let’s take a look at what to expect when visiting Keukenhof Gardens.
What is Keukenhof and what can you expect to see?
Keukenhof is a truly beautiful flower garden (32 hectares – 79 acres) with more than 7 million bulbs in bloom every spring.
Keukenhof is one of the largest flower gardens in the world with more than 800 different varieties of tulips and many other types of flowers blooming in the park every spring. Even the biggest skeptics will be impressed!
That being said, there are some things you should know before your visit to Keukenhof Gardens. Read on!
When is the best time to visit Keukenhof Gardens & Tulip Fields?
Keukenhof is only open in spring, from the end of March to mid-May. It’s open daily and there are always plenty of flowers blooming in the park. But the very best period to visit Keukenhof Gardens is – generally – during the second half of April.
The best time to visit Keukenhof Park is early in the morning on a weekday. If you want to have some pictures of the park without any people in them, make sure you arrive in Keukenhof at 8 AM and work fast. The areas around the pond and the windmill are the most beautiful, so pick one and head there first.
The last two weeks of April is also the best period to see tulip fields in the Netherlands. That’s when the tulips are usually in full bloom. Once they reach a certain point, the flowers are cut off so that the bulbs can continue to grow in the most optimal conditions. This usually happens in early May, at the latest around mid-May. The exact dates are a bit different every year because it really depends on the weather and how warm the spring has been.
But don’t stress about it if your trip is already planned for March, early April, or May – it’s still worth going. You never know how the weather will be and when the tulips will be in full bloom, so it’s hard to time it anyway unless you live nearby and can just plan a last-minute visit. Plus, the tulips are not the only flowers you will see. There are also hyacinths, daffodils, etc.
Good to know: Keukenhof Garden has a totally different purpose than tulip fields. Flower fields are used by farmers to grow bulbs whereas Keukenhof is a park that is meant for people to enjoy the flowers. They have hundreds of different types of flowers and there is always something in bloom, during the entire season when the park is open. So even if the flower fields are not in full bloom, the park is still well worth visiting.
Why We Don’t Recommend Visiting on Weekends
Keukenhof has become increasingly popular attracting people from all over the world. So no matter when you visit, it will be busy. But there’s a huge difference between visiting on a weekday morning or Saturday afternoon.
So I can’t stress this enough, if possible, DO NOT VISIT KEUKENHOF ON THE WEEKENDS OR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS! And if you can’t avoid that, then try to book the earliest time slot and arrive before the park even opens.
We have been to Keukenhof many times over the years. Usually, we go on weekdays, but once we went there on a Saturday. We expected it to be busy, but what we experienced was indescribable!
We knew we made a big mistake the moment we left the highway. We were stuck in traffic some 3-4 km from the park with tens of tour buses from Germany, France, Belgium, and the UK completely blocking the road. The last kilometers took us more than half an hour and we ended up parking at alternative parking on the other side of the park in order to avoid the busy parking at the main entrance.
We arrived just before 10 AM and the park was already packed with people. It got even worse after noon and you could walk over people’s heads. There was not a single path in the whole park where you didn’t have to wait and queue… The restaurants were crowded and if you wanted to use the bathroom, you had to plan it well in advance.
So whatever you do, avoid visiting Keukenhof on the weekends at all costs. It’s really no fun. You won’t see the ‘big picture’ of the park and it’s a pity because it’s really beautiful.
TIP: There is just one exception to this – that’s if you want to see the famous Flower Parade. It always takes place on a Saturday around the third week of April and Grand Stand seat tickets usually sell out long in advance. It will be very busy, but at least you get to experience something really special in return.
LEARN MORE: Tips & Tricks for Visiting Keukenhof Gardens
What can you do in Keukenhof?
Keukenhof is a beautiful park with thousands of flowers, ponds, and various trees and bushes. There are pathways everywhere so you can walk very close to the flowers and take lots of nice pictures. You will also find various exhibitions and flower-arranging demonstrations in the five pavilions of the park.
One of the main attractions of the park is the traditional Dutch windmill overlooking the tulip fields. Behind the windmill, you’ll find boats (at extra cost) that can take you on a short trip on the canals through a beautiful flower bulb landscape.
Keukenhof Gardens are very tourist-oriented and you will also find all kinds of typical Dutch artifacts in the park – like traditional wooden clogs, Dutch cheese, etc.
For children, there is a treasure hunt, a petting farm, a maze, and a playground.
Good to know: It’s not allowed to walk on the grass. Also, you cannot bring a bike or a kick scooter into the park.
Dogs are allowed in the park, but you better leave your dog at home. We saw quite some people carrying their dogs in their arms. I assume they were worried that the dogs would get trampled by the crowd.
You can only picnic in one of the designated areas.
How much does it cost to visit Keukenhof in 2025?
- Entry tickets are 20 EUR for adults (a few euros extra if bought at the entrance – that’s if you can even get in without pre-booking) and 9 EUR for children. Kids 3 and younger are free.
- Parking costs 9 EUR and the park guidebook – 7 EUR. A map is free.
- Organized tours from Amsterdam including a transfer and an entrance ticket start at around 35-40 EUR/pp.
- Renting a bike to explore the flower fields costs 10-15 EUR.
- Guided bike tours cost around 45-50 EUR.
- A boat trip (the one that starts inside Keukenhof) is not included in your park ticket and costs an additional 10 EUR for adults and 5 EUR for kids.
- Food is quite expensive in the park and not much choice; a bit like in theme parks and similar. You can also bring a picnic – it will save you lots of time and money.
Good to know: Nowadays, Keukenhof works with timed-entry tickets. They are available several months in advance (usually from early winter) and you really should book them asap.
Where to Stay Near the Tulip Fields?
First, you really don’t have to stay close to the tulip fields in order to visit them. Most people just stay in Amsterdam and visit Keukenhof/ Lisse for a day.
If you want to spend more time in the area, you can stay in Lisse or the nearby towns. Keep in mind that accommodation options nearby are very limited and usually fully booked during the peak tulip season (so book asap!).
Here are a few nice hotels close to the tulip fields:
- Boutique Suites Lisse or B&B De Vier Seizoenen – in Lisse town center, within reasonable walking distance from Keukenhof Gardens.
- Hotel Lowietje – a very conveniently located hotel with big parking. Short walking distance to Keukenhof Park.
- Hotel Restaurant de Engel – close to the tulip fields, a 5-minute drive from Keukenhof.
TIP: If there is no availability here anymore, check out the hotels at the nearby seaside resort Noordwijk (about 15 minutes drive from Keukenhof Park). We recently stayed at Alexander Hotel in Noordwijk. The nice thing about staying here is that you can also see yet a different facet of the Netherlands – the seaside. Plus, since April is usually still a lower season, it’s usually not as busy yet and it’s easier to find a nice place to stay at the coast than in Lisse.
Keep in mind that on April 27, the Netherlands celebrates King’s Day and there are school holidays during this period too. Plus, May 1 is Labor Day and a public holiday in the neighboring countries. So if you are visiting the Dutch flower fields at the end of April – beginning of May, you really should book your accommodations well in advance.
Are Keukenhof Gardens worth it?
Keukenhof is a stunning flower park that anyone will enjoy, so yes, it’s absolutely worth it. However, as you can imagine, it’s also a very touristy place. Because the season to see the flowers is really short, no matter when you visit, it will be busy.
There are lots of tour groups and day tourists on a stopover in Amsterdam. Some people are even carrying their suitcases with them… I still don’t understand why they do it as there are lockers available at the park, but I wouldn’t be surprised that even the lockers get full on busy days…
So, are Keukenhof Gardens for you?
If you like flowers and beautifully manicured gardens and don’t mind the crowds, then yes, Keukenhof is certainly worth a visit. It’s one of the most beautiful flower parks in the world!
If you like flowers, but cannot stand the crowds, then you might want to visit Keukenhof very early in the morning or simply focus on exploring the beautiful Lisse tulip fields nearby.
TIP: You can find some more inspiration for the nicest places to see in the countryside near Amsterdam in our guide via the link below.
READ ALSO: Dutch Countryside: Top Places Near Amsterdam
Visiting Keukenhof & Lisse tulip fields – conclusion
Keukenhof is well worth seeing, just know that it will be busy. Go early in the morning on a weekday and you will love it!
Would I travel from the other side of the world to see Keukenhof Gardens and the tulip fields in the Netherlands? I don’t think I would come to the Netherlands just for the flowers, but we live nearby and have seen them so many times, so you may feel totally different about it! Plus, if you are planning a trip to Amsterdam anyway, spring is a beautiful time to visit.
TIP: Don’t visit just Keukenhof Gardens! Make a whole day trip of it and make sure to also explore the tulip fields nearby. Rent a bike, join a bike tour, stop at a tulip farm for some fun pictures, or do a self-drive trip with an electric car. The walking distances are really too big to explore the area on foot. Not to mention that it’s really handy to have a suggested route that you can follow.
I made a short video from one of our visits to Keukenhof and Lisse tulip fields nearby. Take a look!
More tips for visiting the Netherlands:
- Amsterdam:
- TOP Places to See & Things to Do in Amsterdam.
- Tips for Visiting Amsterdam – an essential read for first-time visitors.
- Amsterdam’s Best Museums (must-sees).
- Info & Tips for Amsterdam Canal Cruise.
- Tips for Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
- Itineraries:
- Seasonal guides:
- More of the Netherlands:
TIP: If you have more time in the Netherlands, consider a day trip to the windmills of Kinderdijk and visit the Alkmaar cheese market. Without a car, Zaanse Schanse windmills are much easier to get to from Amsterdam than Kinderdijk.
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We are arriving to Netherlands on May 16 and staying in Hoofddorf, near Lisse. All well known tulip gardens are closed by May 12. Are there any places ( fields) lets us see Tulips on May 16?
Hi Bobby, it’s not a matter of ‘letting you see tulips’, but the fact that most of them will long be gone by then. Regular tulip fields will be cut off by mid-May, usually even earlier – around the start of the month. All commercial fields and parks close on May 12 – they stay open longer because they do not cut their flowers the same way that bulb farmers do. Tulips have to be cut when they are in full bloom so that the growing energy goes to the bulbs under the ground. If they wait too long, the bulbs will not grow = less profit. That’s the whole point of those fields – tulip bulbs, not tulips themselves. Since the spring has been quite warm this year, many flowers are blooming earlier. So I don’t believe there will be any tulip fields that will not cut by that time.
That said, you never know how the weather will be and so it’s not completely impossible that some tulips might still bloom here or there in private gardens, especially in the north of the Netherlands where it tends to be a bit cooler.
There is a small garden an hour’s drive north of Amsterdam – Poldertuin – that is sometimes called Mini-Keukenhof. I guess there is a chance that they might still have some tulips blooming mid-May, so you could try contacting them a few days before your visit and ask. I honestly think that it’s not going to be worth the drive at that time anymore, but you never know.
Hope this helps. If I were you, I would spend your time and money on some other nice places that you can visit in the area, such as Giethoorn or Zaanse Schans – see our guide to the best day trips from Amsterdam for more info.
Have a great trip!
@Jurga
Thanks for the information.,
Hi! I´m visiting between March 22-31 and I was thinking of going to Keukenhoff on Friday 29th but as it is a public holiday I’m afraid it will be more crowded on that day. Do you think as it is the start of the season that it won’t be as crowded? Thank you for your advice!
Hi Margarida, while Good Friday is a national holiday in the Netherlands, most people don’t have a day off that day. It’s also not a day off in Belgium. So in general, it shouldn’t be too busy with the locals. Saturday and Sunday that week is another story since it’s Easter weekend, so if you can go on Friday or maybe Thursday, it will definitely be much quieter.
As for tourists – it’s always busy in Keukenhof. But indeed, since it’s rather early in the season, I would expect that it’s not nearly as busy as a few weeks later. In any case, I always recommend visiting Keukenhof as early in the morning as you can.
Have a great trip!
We are visiting Amsterdam March 15-18, I know it is a week early for the Tulip festival, do you think it is still possible to see some tulips in the area?
Hi Amy, mid-March is too early for the tulips and generally, also too early for other flowers. If we get an exceptionally warm spring, you might be able to see some daffodil fields in bloom, but I wouldn’t count on it.
If I were you, I would spend your time and money on other attractions in and near Amsterdam. Take a look at this guide to the best things to do in Amsterdam for some ideas and also this one – best day trips from Amsterdam.
Have a great trip!
Hi Jurga, my husband and I will be staying in Amsterdam from 30/4 to 5/5. Your sharing is very useful and I am keen to try out the bike or electric car tour to the tulip fields, and a visit to the garden. To avoid crowds, do you advise to do tulip field early in morning then head to the garden or vice versa? Would there be sunsets for nice shots so as to plan the tulip fields visit in the evening instead? Also with school holidays end Apr and 1 May is public holiday, which of these dates – 30 Apr, 2 to 5 May, would you recommend? We should be taking public transport from Amsterdam. Thank you for your advice!
Hi Evelyn, if you want to avoid the biggest crowds, go to Keukenhof Gardens as soon as they open (book the first time slot of the day). You can then visit the tulip fields. And yes, sure, you can visit the tulip fields around sunset, although keep in mind that you are never guaranteed good sunny weather in this part of the world.
As for school holidays, all the regions in the Netherlands have a school break from April 27 until May 2 this year. Plus, pretty much the whole of Europe has a day off on May 1, so the whole week will be very busy. May 5 will be quieter, but it’s also getting really late for the tulips. That will, of course, depend on the weather we get this spring. Last year, the tulips were blooming rather late because it was cold so the first week of May was still very nice. But usually, most tulips are cut at the beginning of May. The commercial tulip farms normally remain open as long as Keukenhof is open, so until May 12 this year (they don’t cut off their tulips for bulbs, but keep them blooming as long as possible so that people can enjoy the flowers).
Having said all this, from the dates you listed, I think I would go on April 30. It will be busy anyway, but at least it’s a weekday and you have more chance to see the tulip fields at their best.
Hope this helps. Have a great trip!
I was searching tips and info for a week to plan my Netherland road trip, and couldn’t find anything as precise (and honnest), and especially anything that doesnt recommend other things than just Keukenhof. Thank you very much !!
Glad to help, Lily. Have a great trip!
Tip: why not stay at an airport hotel and use the Keukenhof express bus to get to the garden and back? That’s what I’m planning to do next spring.
Hi Maija, the majority of our readers don’t just travel to Amsterdam for the tulips (and if they go to see them, it’s usually not more than 3-5 hours). There’s nothing else interesting to see or do at an airport hotel whereas the city is wonderful and has so much to offer.
But if you are just passing by on a short stopover and plan to spend all your free time in Keukenhof and exploring the tulip fields, then sure, you can do that.
Happy travels!
Hi, is it possible to see tulips and flowers now? We will be in Frankfurt on 17 May and won’t mind driving over if we can still see tulips and flowers there. Your advice is greatly appreciated
Hi Jonathan, most tulips have been cut by now. Today was also the last day when Keukenhof Garden was open and all the ‘show’ farms normally close at the same time as Keukenhof. So no, there is really no point in driving to the Netherlands for the flowers at this time anymore. There are still lots of amazing things to see and do, but not the flower fields.
Hi Jurga,
Would we be able to walk to any of the Tulip fields from Keukenhof Gardens ? Could you name some routes /streets please .
Thanks ,
Saijal
Hi Saijal, if you absolutely want to walk (the distances are bigger than you think), you can see some flower fields right next to the back exit of the park. If you look at the map, it would be the area more or less west of Hotel Lowietje and north of Keukenhof Gardens.
They should still be blooming now since the weather was so cold this spring, but if it gets warm and the flowers are in full bloom, they will be cut in the next week or two. So it also depends on the type of flowers in those specific fields and the exact day when you visit.
Please note that while you can see them, you won’t be able to get very close to the flowers here.
You can see these flower fields from Keukenhof Gardens too – either from the viewing deck at the windmill, from the viewing platform between the main entrance and the windmill, or from the boat ‘cruise’ that they offer (starting next to the windmill). We did that cruise last week and found that it wasn’t really worth it – you sit too low and don’t see that much. But it will – again – depend on the weather and which flowers are already blooming or are still not cut.
Hope this helps.
Thank you for the information! Do you do private photo tour of the tulips? I am traveling to Maastricht and would love to photograph the fields. I am on a tight calendar. Would you be available April 6th?
Hi Robin, no, we do not do any tours. I am also not aware of any private photography tours specializing in tulip fields. You can just go and photograph the tulips as much as you want on your own (just be respectful of the private property).
Hi Jurga,
First of all thank you for doing a such a detailed blog post about visiting tulip fields and Keukenhof Garden. I learned a lot from you. Me and my husband are visiting Netherlands during the last week of April and was wondering if you can suggest any hotels near Lisse or Hiilegom for 3 days to stay and visit the tulip fields and the garden. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Upeksha, if you want to stay as close to the tulips and Keukenhof Gardens as possible, try Boutique Suites Lisse. You can even walk to the gardens on foot from there.
Just a bit further away, still in the ‘tulip area’, Hotel Restaurant de Engel is also a nice choice and there are a few others. But the availability can be very limited for your travel dates (it’s peak season).
Otherwise, check the hotels in Noordwijk, which is a seaside resort just nearby. In fact, I’m staying there myself soon for a visit to the area with my mom. We chose Alexander Hotel. It’s about 15 minutes drive from Keukenhof.
Hope this helps.
Hi Jurga,
Thank you so much for the great information. We weren’t able to book a room in Lisse but booked one in Sassenheim, Leiden.
Thanks again for being so helpful.
Upeksha
Hi Jurga,
I am going to be in Amsterdam on a Fri, Sat and Sun (Easter weekend). I really want to see the tulips. What do you suggest??? Planning to drive from Amsterdam to Keukenhof. I would be ok just visiting the Lisse fields, but I am a bit confused how to do that. Would love some advice
thank you
Hi Vanessa, all the info is already in the article.
If you have a car, then yes, you can drive there. Otherwise, it’s best not to rent a car just for this (driving/parking can be a nightmare, so best to leave very early).
You can get e.g. this ‘Tulip Festival Card’ and it includes everything – the entrance to Keukenhof, the transport, and a few digital guides.
If you go by car and want to visit Keukenhof + explore the tulip fields, you can also opt for this Keukenhof ticket + bike tour option. Or try to rent a bike there yourself. There are really quite a lot of ways to explore the area – see the info in our article as well.
@Jurga, Hi thanks for getting back to me
I was wondering if there a way to drive there, park somewhere and walk around other tulip fields without entering the park at all?
thank you
Yes, of course, it is possible. However, I cannot give you an exact address beyond the two tulip ‘farms’ already mentioned in the article (Tulip Experience & The Tulip Barn). You never know where exactly the nicest fields will be and it wouldn’t be fun for the local farmers if we start sending everyone to one field…
As said in the article, avoid the main roads and you will come closer to the tulip fields. But how and where, it really depends. That’s why we recommend either going to the places that expect tourists or taking one of the bike/small car tours where you also get a map and a good overview of where to go.
Also, many roads aren’t wide and it can get very busy with bikes and pedestrians around Keukenhof so you may want to look for places that are located somewhat further away.
Hello,
First of all, thank you for writing this blog. I visit your blog for all my trips and planning. It’s awesome!
We want to visit the Keukenhof Gardens and fields coming weekend. Understand the crowd situation but we have already booked our itinerary. We know how to get to the Keukenhof Gardens. But we wanted to check if you knew which fields are within walking distance of which entrance of the gardens. We don’t cycle and hence, that’s not an option for us. We considered the boat trip but I don’t believe they stop at the fields for photographs (please let us know if this is incorrect). Is there any bus option? Most of the other options are quite expensive. We are 3 of us.
Thank you so much!
Hi Nishma, It’s not really ideal to tour the flower fields with big buses, so I don’t think that’s an option. I’m not sure if there are any mini-bus tours, but you could check once you are there.
There are usually some nice fields nearby, mostly at the northern entrance of the park, so maybe take a look there. However, those fields are usually not really accessible to tourists and so normally, you can’t walk on them – just take pictures from a distance.
As for the boat, it’s a really short tour that runs from the park itself and no, they don’t stop (but they do go very slow). They just go for a short ride next to the tulip fields close to the windmill – those are the same fields you would see close to the northern entrance.
Alternatively, you can rent the little cars as described in our guide, but those can only seat 2 people, so you’d need two of them.
Hope this helps.
Hello, I am going to visit Netherlands in late April. I am looking for a flower field with an old windmill at the back to get photo shoot. I would like to have flowers with windmills together. I googeld a lot but no useful results. I would appreciate if you can help me.
Hi Elham, most of the pictures of the windmills and tulip fields in the Netherlands are photoshopped. I’m sure there are some places where you could find a nice combination of the two, but where and whether they are accessible, no idea.
Anyway, the first picture at the top of this article is taken right next to Keukenhof Gardens. That windmill stands on the grounds of the gardens, whereas the tulip field is just outside. But I don’t know what that particular field will look like this year, or how close you can get to the windmill… Here’s the street view and map of this location – it’s just next to the northern entrance of the park, so you can always check it out to see how it looks like this year if you are going there anyway.
Also, keep in mind that some farmers aren’t thrilled to have tourists on their land, so respect private property.
Hi,
So I bought a 3pm tour on April 3rd, 2022 “Skip the line Kuekenhof from Amsterdam with transport”. When I get to the park I believe I will have 3 hours of free time to see the park. In that time can I rent a bike or some other method to take a quick look at the fields from the park? How much does it cost for renting a bike?
Thanks
Hi Amit, normally, you actually need about 2-3 hours for the park itself. It’s huge and very busy.
But yes, you can also rent a bike and tour some of the fields if you plan well, but it will be very rushed. I’m not sure how much rental costs this year, usually it’s around 10 eur if I recall well.
Another option is to first visit Keukenhof Gardens and then check out the fields that are just nearby on foot. Depending on which park entrance you take, there are some tulip fields just close by – a few minutes walk.
I would say just see how it goes when you get there and ask the guide/driver for recommendations on how to make the most of your 3 hours (also depending on where they drop you off).
Is there a frameable print available of the bulb fields with the the Keukenhof windmill in the distant background? I saw this on your website and I have a very special association with this location. Both my paternal grandfather and my maternal grandfather owned these bulb fields during the 1930’s through the 1960’s. Both men were life-long bulb growers and exporters in Lisse.
Hi Neal, you can purchase this image online (download the highest resolution available) and then order a print wherever you want to.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for this useful guide, Jurga. Can’t wait to see Lisse fields. We are going end of March. Do you think there will be lots of flowers at that time?
Hi Joe, glad that you found this useful. Yes, the end of March should be a good time to see the tulip fields. You never really know in advance how the weather will be this spring, but in general mid-March – end of April is the best time to see the tulip fields in the Netherlands.
Enjoy your trip!
I am planning to visit Keukenkof April 6 on Monday. Are Mondays less crowded? I know it’s early April but would I have a good field of tulips to see?
Hi Kuganes, yes, in general, weekdays will be much less crowded than weekends, but it will be busy nonetheless (also because of the Easter holiday in the neighboring countries). You never know in advance how the weather will be and so it’s hard to predict how the flower fields will look like. But April is a good time to go, so it will certainly be worth it.
Hi Jurga,
Hoping to travel to Keukenhof gardens in April 2020, either 15th of April (week after Easter) or 22nd April, which date would you recommend, will be flying into schipol airport at 9.30 am; will we need the full day at the gardens or do you have any suggestions for the evening, flying home again the following morning
Hi Siobhan, I personally would go for 22 April. The flowers are usually nicer towards the end of the month and the week after Easter will be much busier because many people have a vacation (school holidays, etc).
You don’t need the entire day for the gardens, but it takes some time to get there and if you also visit the flower fields, you’ll probably spend a good part of your day there. Especially because you are planning to visit right after you arrive. It’ll probably be at least 11am or even noon by the time you’ll even get to Keukenhof. So if I were you, I’d take it easy and not plan too many other things for that same day.
Hi!
A lovely,informative post.Your photos of beautiful tulips are awesome.Can you tell me where you took the first photo.I want to know the exact spot.It looks like the fields are outside the Keukenhof gardens.How can I get to that spot to take such photos of the tulip fields with the windmill in the background?
We will be there in second week of April .
Hi Sarah, on this map you can see where the mill is (it’s inside the Keukenhof park). If I recall it well, the picture was taken from one of the streets outisde the gardens. I think it was from Loosterweg Noord walking in the direction of Zwartelaan.
P.S. please be respectful to the property of the farmers and don’t walk between the tulips if there are any signs asking you not to do it. I took this picture from the road.
Hi!
Thank you so much for the very helpful reply.Now only hoping that mother nature let us see blooming tulips during our stay.We have no intentions of damaging someone’s hard work just to take few photos.We will follow the signs.It’s good to know that this photo was taken from the road.I am also looking for a farm who allow to visit.
Can you tell me that fields around Lisse can be explored on foot or bike is the only option.I read that roads are narrow and very busy to drive around.Do we need a map to see these fields by walk.
A big thanks for your kindness.
Hi Sarah, as mentioned in my article, the distances are quite big and there are just very few tulip fields immediately next to Keukenhof. The rest is just a little bit further and walking will take you a lot of time and you won’t see much. It’s something I really wouldn’t advise. If you rent a bike or a little car (see our suggestions above), you’ll also get a map or an app with indications where to go. The roads are ok and there are separate bicycle roads, but yes, it’s always busy.
Great post. So the recommendations would be Keukenhof Gardens in the morning and the nearby tulip fields in the afternoon? Or any other reccomendation for do that in one day?
Hi Miguel, yes, normally I would recommend the Keukenhof Flower Fields as early in the morning as possible. You’ll probably spend at least 3-4 hours there. Then the flower fields in the afternoon.
You can make your visit somewhat faster and maybe visit something else in the late afternoon/evening, that’s definitely possible. It’s all about how much time you will choose to spend looking at flowers 🙂
There are many organized tours that combine Keukenhof with other places (e.g. with Zaanse Schans), so it’s something that can be done if you plan well (and have transportation).
I found your article informative and helpful as we have a planned trip for next year. I am keen to try the little cars as well 🙂
Glad to hear that, Larry. Enjoy your trip!
Hi Jurga, you have nicely articulated your Keukenhof trip and it is very much informative. I was looking for Tulip fields and your article helped me to decide where to go for a beautiful Tulip fields. Thanks a lot for a lovely article.
Glad to hear that, Sameer. Hope you didn’t visit this Easter weekend though? Even on the news here in Belgium, they were asking people to please not come to Keukenhof this weekend as they expected huge crowds.
I cannot stress this enough – if you can, try to avoid weekends and public holidays.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi,
Whats the best way to see some tulip fields near Keukenhof if I cannot bike ? Is there any small tour for 2 people we can take to see the tulip fields ? I plan to visit on 5th or 6th of May. Will the tulips be still around? Is there a way to find out as I will then plan accordingly.
Hi Amy, I found a tour that explicitly states that they visit a tulip farm, but from what I see the last tour they run is on the 1st of May.
The reason is usually simple – tulips are usually cut off in the beginning of May. They grow them for the bulbs and I guess that’s just when the bulbs are as they expect them to be. It’s probably not easy to find tulip fields later in the month. There might be still some, but it depends on the farmers, so there is no way I can tell you how it will be or where to go. You can still visit Keukenhof gardens at that time.
Here is another (small group and quite expensive) tour that I found that visits more places and also goes to the tulip fields (or so they say). They seem to be running until the 18th of May. So maybe they know where to go and have better insider information for the fields that are still not cut off…
Hope this helps.
Thank you for your response
I’m planning to ride around the farm in Lisse, but just wanted to know can we speak to landlord ahead or request them for permission to walk midst the farm ? any tips or suggestion. I want to avoid the crowded botanical garden and spend some time with my wife and friends on the field with a bike along.
Thanks for the advise/tips
Hi Sam, it’s a bit tricky indeed. But no, normally you don’t have to call anyone. Just drive around, see the fields, and make sure you act responsibly and obey any signs if the local farmers put any… Make sure to stay on the paths and don’t pick any flowers. Just common sense and respect goes a long way.
We’re visiting Amsterdam on the 28th of April I have walking difficulties (waiting knee replacement) I’m not sure I could manage a bike would love to see the farmers bulb fields is it possible to get a coach tour?
Hi Lorraine, there are many tours to Keukenhof from Amsterdam (see suggestions in the article) and the park is quite accessible to all (but it’s quite big and requires lots of walking). However, most tours I know will not drive you around the flower fields. And luckily so, or the whole area would be ruined by your busses…
So I really don’t know what to tell you.
There is a big field that you can see from inside the park by taking a short boat tour that starts near a windmill, so maybe it’s a good option for you…
Visiting Sunday 12th May Will we see much. Are the fields open outside on those dates
Hi Arun, Keukenhof Gardens are open till 19/5 this year, so yes, you’ll see the beautiful flowers there. As for the fields, it depends a bit on the weather every year, but normally the tulips are cut off in the beginning of May, so you’ll likely be too late for the colourful tulip fields.
I searched for an app but am not sure which app would be the best. Do you have any rec?
Hi Mini, unfortunately, I don’t. There are just so many apps and they change all the time and I have no time to research them at the moment. Hope you find something useful.
Hello
I think we made a big mistake
I visit keukenhof on April 13th .. I am amateur photographer .. I am scared why I read
Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. At least you know what to expect and can prepare for it. Best tip I can give you is to try to go early in the morning and make sure to visit the tulip fields as well. It’s a beautiful place and, just as so many others, is extremely popular… For a good reason.
Make the best of it!
Hi,
I am visiting Amsterdam during Easter, alone.. Would you recommend a package trip from Amsterdam or should I plan on my own ?? I am not very fond of crowded places and I’m dead sure the garden would be heavily crowded.. If I skip the visit there and visit the farms instead, what would i miss ??
If you don’t like the crowds, then Keukenhof at Easter is probably not the best idea. What you’ll miss is the beautiful garden… If you’ve never seen a place like this before, I’d still recommend going even if just to see the tulip fields, or you’ll regret it afterwards, I think.
How this is very useful, the tulip field and Keukenhof are the same?
No, Vanessa, it’s not the same, but there are lots of tulip fields in the close vicinity of Keukenhof.
Keukenhof is a park, a bit like a botanical garden if you like, with beautifully laid out flower expositions. It has opening times and an entrance fee. Whereas tulip fields belong to the farmers who grow tulip bulbs. There are tulip fields all over the area and you can see them the same way you’d be able to see a cornfield 🙂 Just please be respectful to private property when you visit.
Hope this helps.
Thank you for the answer! Do you have a recommendation to where can I go specifically to a tulip field?
No, not really. We usually just drive around and stop at the places that attract our attention (and where it’s easy enough to park if coming by car). If you rent a bike, you can ask for a map. I think there are also all kinds of apps available with routes, etc., but you’d have to google it yourself.
So it’s really close by to the park? It’s bicycle distance?
All this information is already in my blog post – pretty much in the first part of the article, under the section ‘The best place to see colourful tulip fields in the Netherlands’.
Hi, is it possible not to bike but walk from Keukenhof entrance to the tulips fields around? And any estimate about the walking time?
Hi Shan, you can probably walk to some places. It’s not just one tulip field somewhere – the whole area is full of them and while some of them are very close to Keukenhof, the others are kilometers further. I’m sure you’ll be able to see some fields nearby, but you should indeed be prepared to walk a bit. I can’t tell you how long as there are several entrances and many tulip fields. Just see when you get there.
Hi, is the tulip fields near Keukenhof?
Yes, there are many tulip fields just near Keukenhof.
Hello,
Love your blog
We plan to visit on the easter weekend this year but I am guessing its going to be very crowded. Is there an alternate place we can drive to, to see the Tulips?
Thanks
Hi Kanika, yes, Easter weekend will definitely be very crowded in Keukenhof, but if you just want to see the tulip fields and go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, I think you’ll be fine. Lisse is the best area that I know of to see the tulips in the Netherlands. I talked to the people from the Netherlands tourism office last week and asked this same question and they also said that it’s the best region by far.
I’m planning a trip to The Netherlands especially for the tulip fields and I am trying to find the best option to Keukenhof, but there is so much info and I’m afraid not to mess it up. Where would you suggest to go coming from Belgium by train?
Hi Ingrid, you can’t really get to Keukenhof by train. Public transportationin general is tough there.
If you don’t have a car and don’t want to take organised tour or transportation from Amsterdam, then your best bet is to go to Schiphol airport. From there you can take a shuttle bus to Keukenhof. You can find more info about this bus here.
Thank you very much for the reply! But if I choose to skip Keukenhof and try seing the fields on my own? Where would you suggest going?
If you don’t have a car, I still suggest going to Keukenhof. There are plenty of tulip fields around Lisse area and you can rent a bike at the main entrance of the park (without going inside). Biking is the best way to see the tulip fields as distances can be quite big. And I believe they have maps and apps available to guide you a bit.
It’s obviously not the only place to see the tulip fields, but it’s the only one I know that is relatively easy to visit without a car.
Great! Thank you for the tips!
As a resident of Lisse i enjoyed reading your post about Keukenhof and the tulip fields. The part about the walking on the grass was funny and very recognisable :-). I think you managed to capture how it really is and seeing tulips (and other flowers) in the fields outside Keukenhof is good advice. Enjoy your travels !!
Thank you, Bert. It’s always good to hear a local point of view.
Happy travels!
Just beautiful!
I am looking to visit on May 8th– will the tulips still be there??
Hi Cate, Keukenhof will still be open at that time, yes. As for the tulip fields, I really don’t know. Normally they cut them off in the first week of May, but I guess it might depend on how the spring is this year weather-wise. So I’d say definitely plan a trip to Keukenhof and once you are there you’ll see how the fields look and if it’s still worth exploring them…
Lovely! I somehow always visit the Netherlands in the winter, it does have such a lovely country side but I need to make my way soon in the spring!
Spring is really the best season for the Netherlands, Arianne. The tulip fields are truly incredible, especially if you hadn’t seen anything like it before!
These tulip fields look so fantastic. I have visited the Netherlands before but only Amsterdam. Thanks for this guide. I definitely want to come back and have this experience.
You’re not the only one, Mike! I have quite some Dutch friends who have never seen the tulip fields either… I’d say it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area in spring.
Hello Jurga, what an exemplary blog you have written re The Tulips! (I have seen photos of the grape hyacinth path and love that vista: exciting to now know where it is!) I will be looking at/for your other topics.
re The Tulips: what sort of weather delays the cutting farther into May AND is there a way to find out out when the cutting will/has begun from a distance?
(My wife has a job in Paris through the end of April, after which we will travel some, so I wonder what chances there are to see the fields in the first week of May. On the other hand, she is not enthusiastic about a trip to see “just” tulips (!), so perhaps I should go on my own in April while she is still chained to a desk in Paris 🙂
Hi Stephan, while nobody can control the weather, it’s usually unlikely to see many tulip fields in May. I have no idea when exactly each farmer will decide to cut the tulips, so I cannot really say for sure, though.
That being said, Keukenhof is still open at the beginning of May (till 10 May this year), there are also plenty of tulips there and it’s really beautiful (and the hyacinth picture is from there).
It’s also hard for me to say whether it’s worth the trip ‘just to see the tulips’. To some people, it’s worth the trip from the other side of the world, while others live nearby and never bother to go see the flower fields. I also want to stress the fact that there is so much more to see and do in the Netherlands than just see the tulip fields. Amsterdam is amazing (although extremely busy), but there are also so many smaller places that are not as busy and also worth seeing.
On our blog, you can find a few more articles. As a minimum, check out our guide to 1 day in Amsterdam and also best day trips from Amsterdam.
Hope this helps you decide.