Chasing Tulips: 7 Must-Know Tips for Visiting Keukenhof Gardens

Spring in the Netherlands is synonymous with vibrant tulip fields, and there’s no better place to witness this explosion of color than Keukenhof Gardens. Often referred to as the "Garden of Europe," it is the world’s largest flower park, drawing millions of visitors each year. If you’re planning an Amsterdam tulips trip this spring, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Keukenhof during tulip season.

Why Visit Keukenhof Gardens?

The Gardens are a spectacular floral paradise, featuring over 7 million flower bulbs planted annually. From late March to mid-May, the park transforms into a  landscape of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring blooms. Whether you’re a photographer, nature enthusiast, or simply love flowers, it is an unforgettable experience. We visited Keukenhof in April 2022, and it truly felt like stepping into a floral dream. The colors were dazzling—fields of red, pink, yellow, and purple stretching as far as the eye could see. We stroll along the winding paths, stopping often to take photos and admired the incredible gardens. I'll never look at my backyard bulbs the same way after that! If you love flowers, this is an absolute must-see.

1. Best Time to Visit

The park is open for just eight weeks each year, typically from mid-March to mid-May. The peak bloom varies slightly depending on the weather, but mid-April is usually the best time to see the Amsterdam tulips at their fullest. For fewer crowds, consider visiting on a weekday early in the morning or later in the afternoon. We went in the morning, and it was a great way to experience the gardens before the biggest rush of visitors.

2. How to Get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam

The Gardens are located in Lisse, about 40 kilometers from Amsterdam. Here are your best options for getting there:

• By bus: The Express Bus (Bus 852) runs directly from Europaplein (RAI Convention Center). You can also take bus 852 from Amsterdam RAI.
• By car: We opted for a rental car from Sixt near the loop road to avoid driving through the crowded old town. It took about 20 minutes to reach Lisse, and we appreciated having the flexibility to explore at our own pace.
• By bike: For a more scenic experience, rent a bike in Haarlem or Lisse and cycle through the surrounding Amsterdam tulips fields.

What to See and Do in the Keukenhof

• 3. Themed Gardens: Each year, the gardens design new garden themes, ensuring a fresh experience for repeat visitors.
• 4. Pavilions & Flower Shows: Discover floral arrangements, orchids, and interactive displays inside the park’s pavilions.
• 5. Boat and Bike Tours: We took a boat ride through the tulip fields. Being surrounded in 360 degrees of hyacinths was a scent we’ll never forget! You can also rent a bike to explore the countryside.
• 6. Photo Hotspots: Iconic windmills, colorful flower beds, and reflecting ponds make for stunning photos.

If you're looking for an extra special experience, we also drove through the tulip fields in a Renzy. Renzy is a road-legal golf cart with a self-guided tour that played automatically as we drove. It was such a unique and fun way to see the tulips up close! You can book it here: https://www.viator.com/partner-shop/jamtravelshop

7. Essential Tips for Visiting Keukenhof

• Book tickets in advance (Official Website).
• Arrive early or late in the day to avoid peak crowds.
• Dress for the weather—spring can be unpredictable in the Netherlands.
• Check the bloom status online before your visit.
• Don’t rush—plan for at least half a day to fully enjoy the gardens.

After the Keukenhof, we also stopped at The Tulip Barn for some amazing photos. Before returning, we stopped by Tulperij for delicious apple pie and the chance to pick a tulip bulb straight from the fields. If you have time, we highly recommend adding these spots to your itinerary!

Plan Your Perfect Amsterdam Trip

Keukenhof is just one of the many incredible experiences awaiting you in Amsterdam. For a complete guide to the best attractions, hidden gems, and practical tips, grab a copy of our JAM Travel Amsterdam Guide!