Tulips in Amsterdam: Your guide to these magnificent blooms

Bollywood’s superstars Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan romancing in the midst of yellow tulips in Amsterdam, while lip synching to the song Dekha Ek Khwab in the film Silsila. This is an iconic scene that’s appealed to the fancy of cinegoers for generations. And travellers too. It is said the film, after it was released in 1981, bombed at the box office, but travel companies saw a huge surge in bookings to witness tulips in full bloom in Amsterdam.

Few sights in the world are as iconic and mesmerizing as Amsterdam in full bloom. The vivid tulip fields, charming canals and historical windmills paint a dreamlike picture that attracts millions of visitors every spring.

Tulips have long been entwined with Dutch history and identity, symbolizing both economic triumphs and natural beauty. From the famous Tulip Mania of the 17th century to modern-day flower parades, tulips remain a beloved aspect of Dutch culture. If you’re thinking about witnessing the world-renowned Amsterdam tulips, this guide will help you time your trip, explore top attractions and make the most of this blooming experience.

You want to know all the details on tulips in Amsterdam? Jump to the sections:

Best time to visit Amsterdam for tulips
Can you see tulips in September in Amsterdam?
Where to see tulips in Amsterdam?
Best tulip tours in Amsterdam
Must-do steps before booking Amsterdam tulip tour
Experience the floral paradise
FAQs

Best time to visit Amsterdam for tulips

Tulips in Amsterdam: Your guide to these magnificent blooms

The best time to visit Amsterdam for tulips is undoubtedly April. By this time, the flowers are in full bloom, the Keukenhof Gardens are at their most vibrant and the weather is generally mild and pleasant. Moreover, events like the Flower Parade and King’s Day add an extra layer of festivity to the tulip-viewing experience.

Keep in mind that tulip blooming is dependent on the weather. A warmer or colder spring could cause the flowers to bloom earlier or later. To avoid disappointment, monitor bloom forecasts and consider booking flexible travel arrangements.

The tulip season in Amsterdam typically runs from mid-March to early May, with peak blooms usually occurring in mid to late April. These months see the Netherlands burst into a riot of colors, making it one of the most beautiful springtime destinations in Europe.

Can you see tulips in September in Amsterdam?

A common question from off-season travelers is: Can you see tulips in September in Amsterdam? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Tulips are spring flowers and are not in bloom during the autumn months. By September, fields have long been harvested and prepped for the next planting season.

However, that doesn’t mean your trip to Amsterdam in September will lack floral charm. While outdoor tulips won’t be visible, you can still enjoy indoor floral displays and greenhouses, or visit the Tulip Museum in Amsterdam to learn about the fascinating history and cultivation of these iconic flowers.

Where to see tulips in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers several fantastic spots to view, learn about, and interact with tulips. Whether you’re in the city or willing to venture into the countryside, here are the top tulip experiences not to miss.

Tulip Museum in Amsterdam

Nestled in the Jordaan district, the Tulip Museum in Amsterdam is a hidden gem. It offers an insightful look into the flower that shaped Dutch history and global horticulture. Visitors can explore exhibits on tulip mania, the cultivation process, and the cultural significance of tulips in the Netherlands.

In the 17th Century Netherlands tulips stood for wealth and elegance so there was a huge demand for the beautiful bulbs among the wealthy. In the early part of the 16th century these were considered a collector’s item but gradually trade in tulips started flourishing and this period came to be famously known as Tulip Mania. This was considered the Dutch Golden Age and people became rich overnight. This was also the time when Dutch tulip farmers started experimenting and created new varieties that still exist. You can witness this amazing history at the Tulip Museum at Amsterdam.

This museum is a great year-round option, especially if you’re visiting Amsterdam outside of the blooming season. It’s also compact and conveniently located, making it easy to add to your itinerary.

Tulip fields near Amsterdam

For the most breathtaking displays of tulips, you need to head outside the city. The tulip fields near Amsterdam are famous worldwide for their endless rows of vibrant blooms.

Lisse: The heart of Dutch tulip culture

Keukenhof Gardens, known as the “Garden of Europe,” is a 32-hectare park and is one of the world’s largest flower gardens. Keukenhof is the most photographed place in the Netherlands during spring.

What to expect:

Over 7 million bulbs, including tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and orchids.
Themed garden areas, art installations, and historic pavilions (e.g., the Oranje Nassau Pavilion).
Family activities: playgrounds, petting zoos, and boat tours through the fields.

Activities: You can rent bikes or take electric boats to explore the tulip fields.

Noordoostpolder: The longest tulip route in the Netherlands

Located in the Flevoland province, around 90 minutes from Amsterdam by car it is home to the longest mapped tulip route, typically spanning 100 km or more. The Tulip Festival is held here every spring, usually mid-April to early May, showcasing the vast fields and offering farm tours, art installations and local food events.

What to expect:

Endless rows of vibrant tulips across flat polder land (land reclaimed from the sea).
Quieter and more rural than tourist-heavy areas like Lisse.
Chance to meet local growers and support family-run tulip farms.

Activities: Tulip routes are self-guided so ideal for driving, biking, or walking.

Hillegom and Noordwijkerhout: Gems of the Bulb Region

These towns are nestled between Lisse and the Dutch coastline, about 30–40 minutes from Amsterdam. Bollenstreek, the “Bulb Region” is a floral corridor that includes the towns of Lisse, Hillegom, Noordwijkerhout and Voorhout and offers a local, authentic Dutch tulip field experience.

What to expect:
Tulip Fields are open and sprawling, often closer to the road than in other areas. Perfect for impromptu photo stops.

An annual flower parade in April that runs from Noordwijk to Haarlem, passing through Hillegom.
Floats made of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils celebrate the region’s floral heritage.

Activities: Rent bikes to explore tulip trails from town to town. Visit local flower farms for workshops or bulb-buying experiences.

Tulip farms in Amsterdam

While tulip fields tend to be in the countryside, you can still experience a tulip farm in Amsterdam or nearby areas. Most of the farms are located around 30-40 minutes away from the city. These farms offer more intimate experiences where you can walk through fields, pick your own tulips, and even learn about sustainable flower farming practices.

Many farms are now focusing on eco-conscious cultivation, including organic fertilizers and sustainable water use. Visiting these farms not only supports local growers but also gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the effort behind each bloom.

De Tulperij (Voorhout) is a family-run tulip and bulb farm near Keukenhof. It offers guided tours of tulip fields and bulb barns, seasonal workshops and tulip tasting experiences and it’s beautifully scenic, less crowded than commercial attractions

The beauty of tulips can take your breath away. To experience this riot of colours we can work on the perfect itinerary for you.

Best Tulip Tours in Amsterdam

For those who prefer structured exploration, joining one of the best tulip tours in Amsterdam is a great way to dive into the floral experience without the hassle of planning.

Keukenhof Express Bus Tour

Perfect For: First-time visitors, families, or travelers who want a convenient, no-hassle day trip.

What’s included:

Round-trip transportation from Amsterdam (or Schiphol, Haarlem, Leiden).
Skip-the-line admission to Keukenhof Gardens.
Often includes a multilingual audio guide or map.
Departure points usually include Amsterdam RAI, Leiden Centraal, and Schiphol Airport.

Duration:

Typically 5–6 hours (including transport and garden visit).

Bike Tours through the Bollenstreek (Bulb Region)

Perfect for: Nature lovers, active travelers and photographers.

What’s included:

Guided or self-guided cycling tour through the Bollenstreek region, famous for its tulip fields.
Bike rental (standard or e-bikes).
Some tours include lunch stops, local farm visits, or even tulip-picking experiences.
Guides provide info on flower farming, Dutch history, and scenic stops.

Duration:

2 to 4 hours (or full day options available).

Private Chauffeured Tulip Tours

Perfect for: Couples, luxury travelers, or small groups who want a bespoke tulip field experience.

What’s included:

Private car or van with professional driver/guide.
Door-to-door service from your hotel in Amsterdam.
Visit to Keukenhof, nearby tulip farms, windmills, and villages like Lisse or Giethoorn.
Custom itineraries often include photography stops or flower-picking.

Duration:

Half day (4–5 hours) or full day (8–9 hours).

Professional tulip photography tours

Perfect for: Hobbyists and professional photographers looking to capture stunning tulip landscapes.

What’s included:

Small-group or private tour with a photographer-guide.
Golden hour or sunset options for magical lighting.
Access to private tulip fields not open to the public.
On-the-go photography coaching: framing, light use, color balance, and more.
Some tours include drone photography or editing tips after the shoot.

Duration: 3 to 6 hours (often during early morning or late afternoon).

Must-do steps before booking Amsterdam Tulip Tour

Planning ahead is key to making the most of your tulip adventure. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and memorable trip:

Book early: Keukenhof and popular accommodations can fill up months in advance.
Use bloom trackers: Websites like Tulips in Holland offer weekly bloom updates.
Photography tips: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting. Use drones responsibly and only where permitted.
Consider day trips: Extend your flower exploration with visits to cities like Haarlem or Leiden.
Dress accordingly: Spring weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and waterproof gear.

Experience the floral paradise

From mid-March to early May, Amsterdam and its surroundings transform into a floral paradise that’s impossible to forget. Here’s your chance to recreate the Silsila movie scene and make your photo an Insta sensation. Whether you are wandering through the rows of Keukenhof, biking through colorful fields, or learning the history at the Tulip Museum in Amsterdam, the tulip experience is one of the Netherlands’ most iconic offerings.

While you won’t find tulips in September in Amsterdam, the city still provides plenty of year-round floral and cultural delights. We can curate your trip with the tulip season in mind but tourists love to visit Amsterdam throughout the year.

If tulips are on your bucket list, plan accordingly and embrace the beauty of this short-lived but spectacular season. Planning a spring visit to Amsterdam? Share your tulip dreams with us and we will curate the perfect trip for you. At Flying Squirrel Holidays we have experts who can give you the right advice to make your tulip experience in Amsterdam a memorable one.

Call us at ‪+91 33 40525777‬ / ‪+91 833 697 8737‬

Email us at connect@flyingsquirrelholidays.com

FAQs

1. When is the best time to see tulips in bloom?

Tulip season runs from mid-March to early May, with peak bloom around mid-April depending on weather conditions2.

2. Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Yes. Tulip attractions like Keukenhof and Tulip Experience Amsterdam are extremely popular. Advance booking is highly recommended to secure your preferred time slot.

3. How do I get to the tulip fields from Amsterdam?

Most tulip fields are located in Lisse and Noordwijkerhout, not in Amsterdam itself. Take a train to Hillegom, then Bus 57 to the Ruigenhoek stop. Guided tours often include transportation from Amsterdam.

4. What’s the best time of day for photos?

Early morning (before 11:00) and late afternoon (after 16:00) offer the best lighting and fewer crowds.

5. Are pets allowed at tulip gardens?

Yes, small pets on a leash are allowed at tulip gardens in Amsterdam. Larger animals may be permitted outside opening hours for special arrangements.

6. What if the weather is bad?

Many tulip attractions have indoor exhibits, so you can still enjoy the experience. Just bring an umbrella and embrace the Dutch spirit

7. Are the tulip tours eco-friendly?

Yes! Tulip Experience Amsterdam uses Planet Proof-certified bulbs, avoids plastic and encourages biking to the venue.