Everything You Need To Know For An Unforgettable Visit To Keukenhof Gardens (2025 Tips)

I’ve always had a thing for tulips. There’s just something about their perfectly shaped blooms, the wide variety of colors, and how even a simple bunch can instantly brighten up a room. They’re also the ultimate symbol of the beginning of spring – fresh starts, renewal, and most importantly, the promise of warmer weather in the near future.

So, when I was planning a trip to Amsterdam last April, a visit to the famous tulip areas was a non-negotiable. After all, The Netherlands is the tulip capital of the world, producing and exporting more tulip bulbs than anywhere else on the planet. It’s basically tulip heaven!

Here’s a fun fact: despite being one of the most iconic symbols of Dutch culture, tulips aren’t originally from The Netherlands. They actually trace back to Kazakhstan and made their way to Europe via the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey) in the 15th century. But once they arrived in Dutch soil, they took on a whole new life. The rest is history.

If you’re visiting The Netherlands during tulip season, seeing the fields in full bloom is a must. There are plenty of spots to choose from, ranging from lesser-known local gems to popular tourist favorites. For my trip – and for the sake of this post – I’m focusing on Keukenhof, arguably the most famous tulip garden in the world, located in the municipality of Lisse.

Keep reading for tips on the best time to visit, how to get there, and what to know before you go!

Quick Facts About The Netherlands

Official Language: Dutch is the official language of the country, but you’ll find that English is pretty widely spoken, especially in major cities. In fact, The Netherlands consistently ranks among the top countries for English proficiency, so getting around is pretty easy even if you don’t know a word of Dutch.

Name Game: Many people make the common mistake of treating The Netherlands and Holland as interchangeable. But Holland actually just refers to two of the country’s 12 provinces: North Holland and South Holland. The official name is the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but locals will often casually refer to it as Holland, which adds to the confusion.

Currency: Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always helpful to have some cash handy for smaller purchases, especially outside big cities.

Closest Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is about a 30-minute drive from Keukenhof, making it an easy day trip if you’re basing yourself in Amsterdam.

Best Time to Visit

Tulip season in The Netherlands typically runs from late March to mid-May, but the sweet spot is usually halfway through April when the flowers are in full bloom. That said, the exact timing can shift from year to year depending on the weather (warmed springs mean earlier blooms, while colder temperatures can delay things a bit).

To stay on top of it, check out the Flowering Forecast from the Tulip Festival Amsterdam. Starting in early March, they post weekly updates with photos showing the progress of tulip fields (plus other spring flowers), so you’ll know exactly what to expect. If you’re planning ahead you can even look at their annual report from past seasons to get a sense of how the timing might line up.  

Getting Around The Netherlands

The Netherlands has an excellent public transportation system, making it super easy to get around regardless of if you’re hopping between cities or heading out to the countryside. Trains and buses are your best bet, especially if you’re traveling from Amsterdam. They’re fast, reliable, and affordable. 

If you’re planning to explore beyond just Amsterdam and Keukenhof, renting a car can be a good option too. The roads are well-maintained, and the country’s compact size means nothing is ever too far away. 

For my trip to Keukenhof, I did a simple day trip from Amsterdam, and it couldn’t have been easier. Keukenhof is about 40 minutes from the city, and public transportation gets you there without any hassle. I’d recommend buying a combo ticket, which covers both your entrance to Keukenhof and a round-trip bus ticket. As of now, tickets are around $38 for adults and $17 for kids departing from Amsterdam RAI. [Find more info here.] 

Prefer a guided experience? You can also visit Keukenhof with a tour operator if you’d rather skip the logistics. [Check out the options here.]

What Exactly is Keukenhof?

Located in Lisse, Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is the place to be during tulip season in The Netherlands. It’s one of the world’s largest flower gardens, spanning 79 acres and showcasing around 7 million flower bulbs planted each year. And while tulips are the star of the show, you’ll also find vibrant displays of hyacinths, daffodils, lilies, roses, carnations, irises, and more.

Though the grounds are technically open year-round for private events and festivals, Keukenhof is only open to the public for its famous eight-week tulip display, running from mid-March to mid-May. In 2025, the garden will be open March 20 to May 11, rain or shine, from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. 

Now, if you’re imagining endless fields of neatly lined tulips stretching to the horizon, that’s not Keukenhof. It’s more of an immersive, curated, manicured experience (think a theme park for tulips). Is it touristy? Yes. Crowded? Absolutely. But is it breathtaking and a once-in-a-lifetime kind of visit? 100% yes. My honest take: it’s worth it. The floral displays are unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and as long as you go in with the right expectations, you’ll have an amazing time.

If you’re after those classic, wide-open tulip fields, don’t worry! You’ll find plenty just outside Keukenhof’s grounds and in other parts of the country (more on that below).

Bonus: Keukenhof is super family-friendly, featuring paved pathways throughout the grounds, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs alike. 

What to Know Before You Go

Buying Tickets: 

Keukenhof tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance. Your tickets will be valid for a specific date and time slot, so plan accordingly.

Best Time to Visit: 

Set your alarm bright and early – arriving right when the gardens open gives you the best chance to explore in peace and snap photos without crowds in the background. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, so if you have flexibility, aim for an early to mid week visit. 

How Much Time to Spend: 

eukenhof is huge. Like, way bigger than you’re imagining right now. I recommend spending at least 2-3 hours, though 3-5 hours will give you ample time to stroll, take pictures, and fully enjoy the gardens. 

Food & Drink: 

One of the perks of visiting Keukenhof is that you can bring in your own snacks and drinks. There are picnic tables and benches throughout the grounds, but note that outside food isn’t allowed in the on-site restaurants or on their terraces. 

Prefer to buy food there? You’ll find restaurants and food trucks on site that serve everything from meat and fish to vegetarian and vegan options, including a new all-vegetarian spot called Jacoba’s Kitchen in the Oranje Nassau Pavilion. Pro tip: Lines can get long during peak meal times, so try to grab food before or after the rush.

On-Site Activities:

• Whisper Boat: Take a 45-minute boat ride through the scenic grounds on an electric whisper boat, complete with an audio guide. (Requires an additional fee.)
• Cycling: While you can’t bike inside Keukenhof, you can rent a bike and explore the surrounding area.
• Guided Tour: Enjoy a free 60-minute guided tour covering Keukenhof’s history, planting techniques, and flower shows. (Book in advance; available in multiple languages for up to 25 people.)
• Windmill: Climb the historic 1892 windmill for beautiful views of the park and nearby flower fields. (Free to enter.)

Souvenirs: 

The gift shop is packed with tulip-themed souvenirs, including bulbs to bring home. However, before purchasing, check your country’s customs regulations. For example, bulbs brought to the U.S. or Canada must be soil-free, cleaned, and inspected to be approved for travel.

Where Else to See Tulips

If you’re looking to experience traditional tulip fields away from the crowds of Keukenhof, here are some beautiful spots to explore:

Amsterdam: 

While you won’t find sprawling tulip fields here, tulips are everywhere in the spring! Stroll through the city’s streets, visit local flower markets like the Bloemenmarkt, and spot colorful displays in parks and along canals.

Bollenstreek: 

Located between Amsterdam and The Hague, this region is famous for its endless rows of tulip fields (and it’s also home to Keukenhof). Keep in mind that many of the fields here are protected by fences to prevent damage, so while you’ll get stunning views, you might not be able to walk through the fields or snap close-up shots.

Beemster: 

Head north of Amsterdam to Beemster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its picturesque tulip fields and historic Dutch landscapes. It’s an easy train ride from the city, offering vibrant blooms with fewer tourists.

North Holland: 

This province is dotted with traditional windmills surrounded by tulip fields, creating postcard-perfect views. It’s easily accessible by public transport. Some great villages to start your tulip adventure include:

• Schagen – A charming town with colorful tulip farms.
• Anna Paulowna – Known for its vibrant flower fields stretching as far as the eye can see.
• Julianadorp – Coastal beauty meets tulip fields, with the added bonus of seaside views.

For the best experience, consider renting a bike to explore the fields at your own pace. Just remember to be respectful—don’t walk into the fields unless it’s clearly allowed, as it can damage the flowers.

Whether you’re wandering through the vibrant displays at Keukenhof or cycling past endless tulip fields in the Dutch countryside, tulip season in the Netherlands is truly a magical experience. With a little planning, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking blooms, charming landscapes, and unforgettable memories. Happy tulip hunting!