(My apologies to Tiny Tim – and if that doesn’t mean anything to you, you’re probably too young to appreciate my humor).
One of my bucket list items was to be in Amsterdam in spring and see the tulips. I can tell you it is a sight to behold, as the city and surrounding countryside burst into vibrant colors with the arrival of tulip season. If you’re looking for a perfect springtime getaway, visiting the Netherlands during peak bloom—typically from mid-March to mid-May—is an unforgettable experience. Here’s how to make the most of your tiptoeing tulip themed adventure. (How’s that for alliteration?) Here are a few of the hundreds of photos I took. More at the bottom of the article.
Keukenhof Park and Gardens: A Tulip Wonderland
A trip to see the tulips starts with a visit to Keukenhof Gardens, one of the world’s most famous flower parks. (Please note: you must by your tickets ahead of time and choose a time slot, and certain days will sell out weeks in advance!)
Located in Lisse, just a short trip from Amsterdam (see map below), Keukenhof states that they are “home to over seven million flowers, with countless varieties of tulips arranged in intricate displays,” and their marketing isn’t wrong. Strolling through the garden’s themed sections, you’ll encounter tulips in floral sculptures, winding paths lined with various colorful tulips, and ponds and water features that add to the peacefulness of the park (even with thousands of other visitors). Don’t forget your camera—every section of Keukenhof is another beautiful photo and like me, you’ll take hundreds.
How to Get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam Without a Car
If you’re traveling without a car, getting to Keukenhof is surprisingly easy. The most common options include:
- Keukenhof Express Bus: (I did this option, and it was perfect) When you purchase your ticket for the park, also purchase your ride on the dedicated bus service this is called a Combiticket. Or you can take Bus 858 from Schiphol Airport, which provides a direct route to the gardens. You can reach Schiphol by train or bus from Amsterdam Centraal. See map below
- Train + Bus Combination: Take a train from Amsterdam Centraal to Leiden Centraal (about 30 minutes), then transfer to Bus 854, which goes directly to Keukenhof. See map below
- Guided Tours: Several travel companies offer direct shuttle services from central Amsterdam, and many have skip-the-line tickets to Keukenhof.
- Bike Rental: For those who are more adventurous, take a train to Leiden or Haarlem, rent a bike, and cycle through the stunning tulip fields to reach the gardens. Or if you are more than a weekend rider like me, rent one in the city and ride there. Be warned, there can be a lot of traffic, and there isn’t a direct bike path to there.
Cycling Through the Tulip Fields to the North Sea Shore
To experience the tulip fields in their natural place, rent a bike and explore the countryside, you can also rent a bike like I did at Keukenhof and bike for a few hours. The area between Lisse and Noordwijk offers some of the most picturesque routes, with rows of red, pink, yellow, and purple tulips everywhere you turn. The roads aren’t too busy, and you’ll see countless other riders in the area.
If you continue your ride westward, you’ll reach the North Sea shore, where sandy dunes and the sea offer beautiful sites beyond flowers. Stop by a seaside café and have a warm drink (or a beer) while taking in the smaller villages. I stopped at Brownies and Downies in Noordwijkerhout, and couldn’t recommend it higher. The coffee, food, and the cause were all wonderful.
Exploring Amsterdam’s Tulip-Filled Parks
Even within Amsterdam, tulips are in full bloom during the season. Several parks and public spaces show off their colorful displays throughout Amsterdam.
- Vondelpark: The city’s most famous park is beautiful with tulip beds right in the heart of Amsterdam.
- Museumplein: With the Rijksmuseum as a backdrop, this area features seasonal flower installations that make for stunning photos of tulips with buildings as backgrounds.
- Hortus Botanicus: One of the world’s oldest botanical gardens, this area has a variety of tulips you’ll only find here as many are rare tulips.
- Amsterdam Tulip Museum: While not a park, this museum provides insights into the history of tulips in the Netherlands, making it a perfect way to round out your tulip tour.
Weather in Amsterdam During Tulip Season
Spring in Amsterdam is generally mild, but the weather can be unpredictable (rained a little every day for me). Expect temperatures ranging from 45°F to 60°F (7°C to 16°C), with occasional rain showers and brisk winds. Don’t leave home without an umbrella and a light rain jacket, especially if you plan to bike through the countryside or just walk for an extended time.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Amsterdam during the tulip season is a bucket list fulfiller for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of spring. Whether you’re admiring the formal displays at Keukenhof, cycling through endless tulip fields in the countryside, strolling through the city’s parks, or just seeing private homes with their displays of spring on their front porches. There really is no shortage of tulips anywhere in Amsterdam. So grab your camera, hop on a bike, and immerse yourself in the joy of tiptoeing through the tulips!
Have you visited Amsterdam during tulip season? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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