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 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.
For tulip time, stay in the heart of Amsterdam near the Jordaan, Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes), or Museumplein. These areas give you a front-row seat to the magic.
Boutique heaven, a little quieter but still central, perfect for slow mornings and serendipitous discoveries. Tucked within Amsterdam’s Canal Belt, it’s a grid of (yes, literally) nine charming little streets that weave between the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht canals. It’s like the city’s mood board: effortlessly stylish, a little nostalgic, and full of soul.
You’ll find linen dresses in windows, strawberries at corner grocers, and poetry scrawled in chalk outside cafés. You don’t even need a plan—just wander.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
Marvel at Dutch masterpieces at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum
Stroll through vibrant tulip fields and visit Keukenhof Gardens
Explore Enkhuizen and Antwerp, with Belgian beer and chocolate tastings
Discover the canals of Amsterdam and Bruges, plus charming villages like Veere and Enkhuizen
Experience the breathtaking blooms of Keukenhof Gardens and guided cultural tours
Savor Dutch and Belgian culinary delights, from stroopwafels to artisanal cheeses
7-night Dutch Waterways cruise visiting Amsterdam, Arnhem, Middelburg, Ghent, Antwerp, and Rotterdam
All-inclusive meals, wine, and entertainment onboard
Explore scenic cities, historic sites, and tulip-filled landscapes
Visit Keukenhof Gardens, Kinderdijk windmills, and the royal city of Arnhem
Explore medieval Bruges and Amsterdam’s canals
Savor the beauty of blooming tulips and iconic Dutch windmills
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.