Watch mother nature spring into action. This is your guide to March - May in & around Amsterdam

Keukenhof Gardens Opening Dates: March 20 – May 11, 2025
Bollenstreek Flower Parade: April 12, 2025

As winter fades and spring stirs to life, the Netherlands bursts into a breathtaking tapestry of color. Millions of tulips unfurl their petals to the sun, painting the countryside in vivid hues of red, yellow, pink, and violet.

Now is the best time to create a dreamy itinerary with a travel advisor to string together experiences like in the city center like the Van Gogh Museum with day trips to the countryside to see endless fields of tulip blooms.

This is a season of renewal – a time when nature reveals its most vibrant colors, drawing travelers from around the world. In the spirit of what's new for spring, we are sharing some of the season's top travel experience so you too can witness the tulip festival. 

Tulip season is more like a way of life –an invitation to travel the world as a celebration of its natural beauty. Start planning your trip with an MVT advisor today.  

Tulip season in the Netherlands runs from mid-March to mid-May, but the best time to see the tulips at their peak is mid-to-late April. That’s when the fields explode in vibrant color, offering the perfect backdrop for stunning photos.

Where to stay in Amsterdam when the city is in full bloom

Dylan Amsterdam – It’s intimate, sophisticated, and effortlessly cool—perfect if you want to be in the heart of Amsterdam but away from the tourist chaos. Tucked along the Keizersgracht, one of the most beautiful canals, it’s a five-star boutique hotel that blends understated luxury with historic charm. 

The most spectacular way to see the tulip fields ? – By Helicopter!

🌷 Jordaan

Romantic, charming, and filled with hidden courtyards and cafés where you can sip coffee and journal about fate & flowers. Unlike the louder parts of the city, Jordaan is quieter, more intimate. Tucked behind unassuming doorways are hofjes, centuries-old courtyards that once housed elderly women. Some are still residential, some open during the day—and all feel like secrets. 

Jordaan is springtime is wisteria – tulips bloom in window boxes, the canals are calm, and everything feels soft and new.

Pulitzer Hotel Amsterdam  & the flower collectors suite – it's history told through 25 interconnected canal houses that weave history, art, and quirk into a luxurious labyrinth. It's like a living museum.

Book with MVT to receive exclusive perks like $100 resort credit, complimentary room upgrades at the Pulitzer Amsterdam & more. 

🌷 Museumplein

Immerse yourself in art & history. This is where you find with ease: Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. This is the cathedral of art, intellect, and timeless beauty. This is where beauty becomes quiet power. It doesn’t beg for your attention—it draws it in.

Conservatorium Hotel – Vondelpark and Amsterdam's most indulgent shopping – are literally at your doorstep. It's an architectural masterpiece – built inside a former music conservatory – that combines a landmark heritage building with graceful, contemporary design. 

Book with MVT to receive exclusive perks like $100 resort credit, complimentary room upgrades at the Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam & more. 

Keukenhof Gardens – The World’s Most Famous Tulip Garden

Nicknamed the "Garden of Europe," Keukenhof is the crown jewel of tulip season. Nestled in the heart of Lisse, this enchanting garden spans 32 hectares, with over 7 million hand-planted flower bulbs. As you wander through its meticulously designed pathways, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking floral displays, themed gardens, and pavilions overflowing with vibrant tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.

Location: Lisse, Netherlands (40 minutes from Amsterdam)

Pro tip: Buy tickets in advance and visit early in the morning for fewer crowds. 

• A visit will take roughly 2,5 hours.
• Tickets are priced at €20.00 per person.

 The Dutch Flower Parade – Holland’s Most Colorful Festival

One of the highlights of tulip season is the annual Bloemencorso Bollenstreek (Dutch Flower Parade) on April 12, 2025. Spectacular floats adorned with thousands of tulips travel from Noordwijk to Haarlem, making this a can’t-miss event.

Pro tip: Stay in Haarlem for a front-row seat to the parade’s grand finale and fewer crowds than Amsterdam.

Dutch Tulip Fields – Where to See Endless Blooms

The Dutch countryside explodes with color during tulip season. The best way to see the iconic tulip fields is by bike, car, or guided tour. Top locations include:

Bollenstreek (The Flower Strip) – This region near Keukenhof offers some of the most famous tulip fields in Holland.
Noordoostpolder – One of the largest tulip-growing areas, offering beautiful self-drive routes.
Tulip Farms & Show Gardens – Visit working farms where you can walk among the tulips and learn about flower cultivation.

The Best Way to Experience Tulip Season in the Netherlands

The most relaxing and luxurious way to experience tulip season in the Netherlands is with a river cruise or guided tour. These curated journeys combine the beauty of the tulip fields with the rich culture and history of the Netherlands, offering exclusive access to must-see attractions.

On a river cruise, the destination and the journey are one. Often the view from your stateroom is the passing countryside along the river. You are traveling the world and only unpacking once. River cruising is a unique way to wander all things tulips! 

Why book with a travel advisor?

Booking your tulip season adventure through a travel advisor ensures you experience the beauty of the Netherlands to the fullest. With their expert knowledge, they can guide you to the best tulip fields, gardens, and hidden gems, curating a personalized journey that captures the magic of spring in full bloom.

They’ll handle all the details, from finding exclusive experiences to securing the best times to visit key locations, allowing you to focus on immersing yourself in the vibrant colors and breathtaking landscapes. A travel advisor brings you closer to the heart of the tulip season, ensuring an unforgettable, stress-free experience.