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How to Visit Best Tulip Fields in The Netherlands (Lisse) + 2023 Keukenhof Info

How to Visit Best Tulip Fields in The Netherlands (Lisse) + 2023 Keukenhof Info

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 so that you know when to visit, where exactly to go, or which tickets or tours to prebook.

In this guide, you’ll find all the information about visiting Keukenhof gardens and Lisse tulip fields in the Netherlands. Where 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. So we hope that our experience-based tips will help you make the most out of your trip to Amsterdam in spring. Find out!

How to visit Keukenhof and Lisse tulip fields
Photo Andrew Mayovskyy /Shutterstock.com
 

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 wouldn’t be surprised how many times I had people ask me where they can visit the tulip fields near Amsterdam in December or in July… But no, that is really not possible. If you want to see the tulip fields in full bloom, you will have to visit the Netherlands in the 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.

Tulip bloom season in the Netherlands
You can see many flowers in the Netherlands in the spring, not just tulips.
 

Where to find the best tulip fields near Amsterdam

The Netherlands are 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!

Good to know: This year, the tulip season is from March 23 until May 14, 2023. 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.

Tulip field in the Netherlands near Lisse
Lisse tulip fields.
 

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:

Colorful flower field near Amsterdam in the Netherlands
Colorful flower field in the spring.
 

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.

Colorful tulip fields in Lisse, the Netherlands
Colorful tulip fields in Lisse.
 

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 to visit the flower fields:

Tulip Farms

If you are driving to Keukenhof, you can also explore the tulips fields in Lisse by car. However, expect it to be very busy and it’s not always possible to drive just anywhere you’d like. Also, make sure to stay off the major roads because otherwise, you won’t see much. Please also note that some roads are really narrow and can get quite crowded…

With a car, you can simply visit the big commercial tulip fields like Tulip Experience Amsterdam or The Tulip Barn.

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.

Amazing way to see Lisse tulip fields in the Netherlands on your own
The tiny cars are perfect for exploring the tulip fields! – Photo courtesy Renzy.
 

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 22 km route that takes about 2 hours to complete. It is made in such a way that it avoids all the busy areas visited by tour buses, and at the same time brings you to the nicest tulip fields in the Netherlands, through the Keukenhof forest, and to a 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. 

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).
  • 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.
Electric car is a fun way to see Lisse tulip fields near Keukenhof on your own
Such a great way to explore the tulip fields on your own! – Photo courtesy Renzy
 

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.

Bike tour through flower fields in the Netherlands (Lisse)
A bike tour is a great way to explore the flower fields in the area.
 

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 a few days before your trip. This has to do with some legal regulations in the Netherlands meaning that the municipality decides where exactly they are allowed to fly at that moment.

Anyway, all the practicalities aside, this is a great tour. If you want to do it, don’t wait to book because it only runs on certain days and always sells out. I am taking this tour myself this spring, so I’ll add some pictures later on. For now, you can see customer reviews, pictures, and book the 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’s more of a tour to see the Dutch countryside, windmills, etc. It’s a nice experience, but don’t expect to see many flowers.

Good to know: The canal cruise takes 1.5 hours. The boats depart about 2km from Keukenhof Garden. If you don’t have a car, it’s best to opt for this all-in tour that 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!

Blue carpet of grape hyacinths in Keukenhof
Blue carpet of grape hyacinths in Keukenhof
 

When is the best time to visit Keukenhof Gardens?

Keukenhof is only open in spring, from end-March to mid-May. It’s open daily, but – if possible – DO NOT VISIT KEUKENHOF ON THE WEEKENDS OR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS!

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 as the flowers are usually cut off by mid-May.  It might be a bit different every year as so much depends on the weather. Nevertheless, the gardens always have a lot to offer, so if Keukenhof is open, it’s always worth a trip.

Colorful tulips in Keukenhof gardens in the Netherlands
The area around the pond is almost impossible to photograph without people
 

We have been to Keukenhof several 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.

Traditional Dutch windmill overlooking the flower fields in Keukenhof
The windmill was crowded on a Saturday and you had to queue for a long time in order to get to the observation deck
 

What can you do in Keukenhof?

Keukenhof is a park, but it has a lot of rules and regulations. Basically, you can walk around, look at the flowers and take pictures. You are not allowed to walk on the grass, although we didn’t know this and it looks like the other half a million visitors were not aware of the rule either.

You cannot bring a bike or a kick scooter into the park and you can only picnic at one designated area, close to the windmill.

There is a treasure hunt for the children, a petting farm, a maze, and a playground. There are various exhibitions and flower-arranging demonstrations in the five pavilions of the park as well.

One of the main attractions of the park is the traditional Dutch windmill overlooking the tulip fields from where you can also take a boat trip through the beautiful flower bulb landscape.

Kids at Keukenhof gardens in the Netherlands
Kids will love walking on water and getting lost in the maze in Keukenhof
 

Keukenhof Gardens are very tourist-oriented and you will find all kinds of typical Dutch ‘details’ in the park – like the traditional wooden clogs or this cow with Dutch cheese.

BUT – you will not be able to see and do much in the park if you are visiting on a busy day. The queues at the windmill are immense, and so are the queues at the ticket office selling tickets for the boat trips.

Luckily, we had bought the tickets for the park online and so at least we didn’t have to queue at the entrance. All the five pavilions with flower exhibitions were so crowded with people that you could hardly see any flowers at all…

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.

Keukenhof is about all things Dutch - not only the tulips, but also the cheese, etc.
Keukenhof is really tourist-oriented and is about all things Dutch, like this cow with Dutch cheese
 

How much does it cost to visit Keukenhof in 2023?

  • The tickets to the park are +-19 EUR for adults and 9 EUR for children. Kids 3 and younger are free.
  • Parking costs 6 EUR and the park guide – 5 EUR. A map is free.
  • Organized tours from Amsterdam including a transfer and an entrance ticket start at around 40 EUR/pp.
  • Renting a bike to explore the flower fields costs 10-15 EUR.
  • A guided bike tour costs around 45 EUR.
  • A boat trip (that starts inside Keukenhof) is not included in your park ticket and costs an additional 9 EUR/ adult and 4.50 EUR/ child.
  • Food is really expensive in the park, just as in most theme parks and similar. TIP: Bring a picnic – it will save you lots of time, but also money.

Good to know: Nowadays, Keukenhof works with timed-entry tickets. They are available several months in advance and you really should book them asap.

LEARN MORE: Tips & Tricks for Visiting Keukenhof Gardens

 

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:

If there is no availability here anymore, check out the hotels at the nearby seaside resort Noordwijk (about 15 minutes drive from Keukenhof park). One of the best-rated places to stay here is Alexander Hotel. If you are looking for a hotel with a sea view, check out Two Brothers Noordwijk. The nice thing about staying in Noordwijk is that you can also see yet a different facet of the Netherlands – the seaside.

 

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 beautiful gardens and don’t mind the crowds, then yes, Keukenhof is absolutely worth it.

If you like flowers, but cannot stand the crowds, then you might want to visit Keukenhof very early in the morning or skip it altogether and just focus on exploring the beautiful Lisse tulip fields nearby.

Dutch flower fields are best explored by bike
You can explore the flower fields by bike
 

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 if you are planning a trip to Amsterdam anyway, spring is as good a time to visit as any other.

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, or do a self-drive trip with an electric car – walking distances are really too big to explore 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:

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.

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

How to visit the best Dutch tulip fields near Amsterdam (Lisse, The Netherlands)
How to see tulip fields in the Netherlands
 
Best day trip from Amsterdam in Spring

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Robin

Tuesday 14th of March 2023

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?

Jurga

Wednesday 15th of March 2023

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).

Upeksha

Tuesday 14th of February 2023

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.

Upeksha

Wednesday 22nd of February 2023

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

Jurga

Friday 17th of February 2023

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.

Vanessa

Thursday 26th of January 2023

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

Vanessa

Friday 27th of January 2023

@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

Jurga

Friday 27th of January 2023

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.

Nishma

Tuesday 26th of April 2022

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!

Jurga

Thursday 28th of April 2022

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.

Elham

Saturday 23rd of April 2022

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.

Jurga

Sunday 24th of April 2022

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.

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