Amsterdam is world-famous for its beautiful tulip fields and gardens. Every spring, millions of tulips burst into bloom across the Dutch countryside, painting the landscape in vivid colors. If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam to see the tulips, timing is everything. Here’s a guide on the best time to visit Amsterdam for tulips so you can experience this stunning floral display at its peak.
When is Tulip Season in Amsterdam?
Tulip season in Amsterdam and the surrounding areas of Holland runs from late March through mid-May. This is when the tulip fields are in full bloom and putting on their colorful show.
The exact timing of the season varies slightly each year depending on the weather. But generally, here are the best time to visit Amsterdam for tulips:
- Early April: Tulip season kicks off in early April. The first tulips emerge and some fields will start displaying color.
- Mid to late April: This is peak tulip season in Amsterdam. Flowers are at their height and fields are brightly colored.
- Early May: Bloom season begins winding down in early May, but many fields still have flowers.
So for the best tulip displays, plan your Amsterdam trip between mid-April and early May. Avoid visiting too early in April or late May when the flowers will be past their prime.
The Best Tulip Gardens and Fields to Visit
The most stunning tulip displays are found at the expansive tulip gardens and fields located just outside Amsterdam. Here are some of the best places to see tulips near Amsterdam:
Keukenhof Tulip Gardens
The Keukenhof gardens are the most popular place to see tulips in Holland. This 79-acre park southwest of Amsterdam comes alive in spring with over 7 million brilliantly colored tulips blooming.
You’ll find every variety of tulip imaginable at Keukenhof. Walk along paths and bridges that wind through vibrant flower beds and pavilions. The gardens also have stunning water features, art exhibits, and other plants like hyacinths and daffodils on display.
Keukenhof is only open during tulip season from mid-March to mid-May each year. Be sure to book tickets in advance online as it gets very crowded. This is a must-see during your springtime Amsterdam visit.
North Holland Tulip Fields
For gorgeous photos of vibrant stripes of color, head to the North Holland tulip fields. This area north of Amsterdam has the highest concentration of tulip fields that bloom in spring.
Some top fields to visit are around the towns of Enkhuizen, Den Helder, Schagen, and Anna Paulowna. You’ll find fields of vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, purples, and more.
Stop at places like Tulpenroute Noord-Holland to see fields up close. Or take in aerial views of the stripes of colors from windmills.
Bollenstreek Tulip Fields
Southwest of Amsterdam near Leiden and The Hague lies another major tulip region called Bollenstreek.
Here you’ll find field after field bursting with bright red, pink, and white tulip blooms. Top spots to see flowers include Teylingen and Sassenheim. The area puts on a Tulip Festival from mid-April to mid-May too.
In this region you can also tour tulip fields and growing operations. At places like Tulip Experience Fields, you’ll learn all about how tulips are cultivated in Holland.
Floriade Expo 2022
Every 10 years, Holland puts on a world horticultural expo called Floriade that showcases its flower industry. The next Floriade is happening from mid-April to mid-October 2022 in Almere, just outside Amsterdam.
This special expo edition will have over 5 million bulbs and countless varieties of tulips on display. You can see fields of flowers, special exhibits, sculptures, gardens, and more. It’s a can’t miss for tulip lovers!
Tips for Seeing the Tulips
Here are some top tips for having the best experience seeing the spring flowers in Amsterdam:
- Rent a car to drive through the tulip regions and stop at fields along the way. This provides the most flexibility.
- Go early in the morning when the flowers open up and are freshest.
- Avoid weekends if possible, when fields are most crowded.
- Check online for locations currently in bloom near Amsterdam before you go.
- For a unique experience, book a hot air balloon ride over the fields.
- Pack waterproof boots, rain gear, and extra layers. April weather can be wet and cool.
- Be respectful of tulip fields on private property and don’t step on any flowers.
- Bring your camera! Tulip season makes for stunning photos.
Other Things to See and Do in Spring
While the tulips are the highlight, Amsterdam has much more to offer in springtime. Here are some top sights and activities:
- Stroll along the picturesque canals and enjoy canal cruises.
- Visit world-famous museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.
- Wander charming neighborhoods and shop local markets like Albert Cuyp Market.
- Sample Dutch delicacies like pancakes, gouda cheese, poffertjes, and bitterballen.
- Rent a bike and ride through Vondelpark and other green spaces bursting with color.
- See historic architecture throughout the city center.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife at bars and cafes. Amsterdam has a lively social scene in spring!
- Take a day trip to quaint harbor villages along the coast like Volendam and Edam. The pastoral countryside is beautiful.
- Visit the world’s largest flower auction in Aalsmeer to see how the Dutch flower industry operates. It’s open to visitors.
Plan Your Spring Tulip Vacation to Amsterdam
A spring escape to Amsterdam to take in the magnificent tulips is an unforgettable experience. Just be sure to time your travels for April or early May when the flowers are at their peak bloom.
With tulip season only lasting 6-8 weeks each year, planning ahead is a must. Book accommodation, rental cars, and tickets for top attractions like Keukenhof gardens well in advance.
Follow the tips above for seeing the flowers and take advantage of all the fun things happening in Amsterdam during this colorful time of year. There’s no better place to welcome spring than in the lush tulip fields of Holland!
