Best Tulip Fields in the Netherlands & Tips for Visiting

Planning a spring trip and wondering where to find the best tulip fields in the Netherlands? You’re in the right place!

Seeing the tulip fields has been on my bucket list for so long, and I still can’t believe I finally got to experience it in person. The photos don’t even come close, it’s something you really have to see for yourself!

Tulip season is one of the most beautiful times to visit, but it’s also short and a bit tricky to plan if you don’t know what to expect. In this guide, I’ll show you the best tulip fields in the Netherlands you can actually visit, along with a few simple tips to help you plan your trip and make the most of the season.

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Useful Info for Visiting the Tulip Fields in the Netherlands

When is tulip season in the Netherlands?

If you want to see the tulip fields at their best, plan your trip for mid-April to the end of April. That’s when most fields are in full bloom and you’ll get those colorful rows stretching into the distance.

That said, tulips don’t run on an exact calendar, and the timing can shift slightly depending on the weather each year. If you come too early, the fields won’t be as colorful yet, and if you come too late, many of them will already be harvested, so the window is actually pretty short.

One of the best things you can do is check the flower report from Keukenhof Gardens and subscribe to the Tulip Festival Amsterdam newsletter to receive regular updates on how the season is progressing.

For reference, we visited between April 16-20, and the timing was perfect! Most fields were fully blooming, and the colors looked even better in real life than in photos.

Dates to avoid during tulip season

Weekends are definitely busier, but some fields stay open later or even offer sunset slots, so I wouldn’t avoid them completely, just manage your expectations.

I would strongly recommend avoiding public holidays like King’s Day (27 April) and the Easter weekend, as these tend to get extremely crowded.

Another date to be aware of is the annual Flower Parade, which usually takes place in mid-April. We visited on April 18 when it was happening, and while it’s amazing to see in person, many roads around the area are closed, making it very difficult to get around. I wouldn’t plan any tulip field visits for that day.

What is the weather like during tulip season?

Spring weather in the Netherlands can be pretty unpredictable, even within the same day. You can get sunshine, clouds, wind, and even a bit of rain in just a few hours, so it’s best to be prepared for everything. Because of this, it’s a good idea to plan a few extra days if you can!

Temperatures are usually around 10-15°C, but it often feels colder than that, especially with the wind out in the open fields.

In photos it might look warm and sunny, but that’s definitely not always the case. I was wearing summer dresses in most of my photos but best believe I was freezing almost the whole time!

Do you need a car to visit the tulip fields?

If you want the most flexibility and plan to visit multiple tulip fields, renting a car is definitely the best option.

Keukenhof is the only place that’s easily accessible by public transport, and you can also book tours there from Amsterdam. For most other tulip farms and fields, you’ll need a car to get around.

Renting a bike is also a great option once you’re in the area, especially around Lisse and Noordwijk, but you’ll still need to get there first. That’s why having a car is the easiest and most practical choice.

Where should you stay for tulip season?

The best places to stay for tulip season are Lisse, Hillegom, and Noordwijk, since most of the famous tulip fields and farms are located in this area.

That said, if you’re renting a car, you don’t have to stay right in the middle of it. Anywhere within a 30-minute drive works perfectly and often gives you more options and better prices.

One thing to keep in mind is that accommodation in this area is quite limited, and it sells out quickly during peak season. Prices can also get very high, so it’s best to book as early as possible.

A few great places to stay in the area:

• Hotel de Duif Lisse – Keukenhof (Lisse)
• Hotel Villa Flora (Hillegom)
• Boutique Hotel Benedict Noordwijk (Noordwijk)

How much time do you need to visit the tulip fields?

I’d say 2-3 days is the sweet spot for visiting the tulip fields. Technically, you can see most of the main spots in about 1.5-2 days without rushing, but having an extra day or two makes the experience much more relaxed.

If you can, 3-4 days is even better, especially because of the unpredictable weather. This gives you more flexibility to plan around conditions and not feel pressured to fit everything into a short window.

What are the rules for visiting tulip fields?

Most tulip fields in the Netherlands are private property, so you generally can’t walk into them unless it’s a designated visitor farm.

It might seem harmless to step into the rows for a photo, but this can damage the flowers and affect the harvest. Even when fields are clearly marked, fenced off, surrounded by water, or have signs asking you not to cross, people still ignore it, which was honestly very disappointing to see!

If you want to walk among the tulips or take photos up close, just visit one of the farms or show gardens that are set up for visitors. And never pick any tulips or flowers unless it’s explicitly allowed.

Can you use a drone at the tulip fields?

Using a drone is strictly prohibited at all the tulips fields that are open to visitors, unless you have explicit permission from the owners.

We were able to use our drone at FAM Flower Farm with permission, but for all the other visitor spots, we didn’t use it. If you want drone photos of yourself walking among the tulips, you’ll need special permission from these places.

Otherwise, keep in mind that you can’t walk into the privately owned fields at all.

If you just want aerial shots, you can still capture those at the many tulip fields you’ll find across the region. As long as you launch your drone from the side of the road and don’t step into the fields, it’s generally fine.

You do need to be mindful of restricted areas, especially near the airport, but the fields around Lisse and Hillegom are far enough away. Of course, make sure you have the proper license and follow local drone regulations.

Best Tulip Fields in the Netherlands

If you’re looking for the best tulip fields you can actually visit and walk among the tulips, these are the places worth adding to your itinerary. From huge gardens to smaller farms and photo spots, each one offers a slightly different experience.

1. Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof is by far the most famous tulip destination in the Netherlands, and for good reason. It’s the largest flower garden in the world, with millions of tulips spread across beautifully designed grounds, along with plenty of other flowers and plants.

It’s honestly one of the most magical places I’ve ever visited, and I’ve been to quite a few places around the world! Even though it’s not a traditional tulip field, it’s absolutely worth it, especially if it’s your first time seeing tulips.

They also constantly publish flower reports on their website with up-to-date photos, so it’s really easy to check how the park is progressing before your visit.

The garden opens at 8 am, and I highly recommend booking the first time slot. We did the same, and it was amazing, it stayed relatively quiet until around 10-10:30 am, and then it got extremely busy.

It’s also very easy to reach from Amsterdam, as you can book tickets with a shuttle included. If you’re visiting by car, make sure to book your parking ticket online in advance as it’s €5 cheaper than buying it on the spot.

Keukenhof is a huge park, so plan to spend around 3-4 hours there if you want to see everything. There are also a few restaurants on-site, we had breakfast at the Wilhelmina Pavilion and it was surprisingly good.

2. The Tulip Barn

If you want to walk among endless rows of tulips and take photos, The Tulip Barn is one of the best places to visit!

The entire space is set up for visitors, with wide paths between the rows and lots of cute photo spots like swings, bicycles, and small seating areas placed right among the flowers.

They are generally open from 9:30 am to 7 pm, and while it’s a huge field, it does get quite busy so I recommend going early in the morning. Another great time to visit is Friday evening, as that’s the only day when they stay open until 9 pm, which means you can see the sunset.

The fields are perfectly positioned for sunset as the sun dips right behind the endless rows of tulips. We took some of my favorite photos and videos during our trip here!

There’s also a large greenhouse and a terrace where you can grab pastries and drinks. It’s located right next to the fields and you don’t need a ticket to access it, so it’s a nice spot to stop by even if you’re not visiting the fields.

3. FAM Flower Farm

FAM Flower Farm is a family-run tulip farm run by two Dutch ladies, Marlies and Linda, and it offers a completely different experience compared to the other spots.

They only open their farm to visitors for a very limited time during tulip season, usually just one weekend, so it’s something you really have to plan ahead for.

I recommend following them on Instagram at @famflowerfarm and subscribing to their newsletter to stay updated on the opening dates. They typically send a newsletter at the very beginning of April, announcing the opening dates.

Based on previous years, the opening usually falls somewhere between April 18-25, typically on a Friday and Saturday.

What makes this place so special is how intimate it feels. Each time slot is limited to just 20 people, so you can walk among the tulip rows and take photos without crowds, which is honestly quite rare.

Tickets are a bit more expensive, but you get 1.5 hours in the fields, and it also includes stroopwafels and coffee or tea. The endless rows of tulips are stunning, and they also have a few props set up for photos.

Because access is so limited, tickets usually sell out very quickly, so once the dates are announced, it’s best to book as soon as possible.

4. Tulip Experience Amsterdam

If you’re looking for a more interactive tulip experience, this is a great option to add to your itinerary.

Despite the name, Tulip Experience Amsterdam not located in Amsterdam but near Hillegom, very close to Keukenhof, so it’s easy to combine with other spots in the area.

Your ticket includes access to a small museum that walks you through the history of tulips in the Netherlands, along with a cafe on-site. There’s also a small indoor picking garden where you can pick 5 tulips each, which is a fun little extra.

Outside, the fields are huge, with plenty of space to walk around and lots of props set up for photos, making it a great place if you’re looking to shoot content.

It does get quite busy during the day, so it’s worth planning your visit carefully. They’re open every day during tulip season from 8 am, usually closing at 6 pm, with some days extended until 7 pm (typically Fridays and Sundays).

On Saturdays, they stay open until 9 pm, which makes it another great spot to catch the sunset over the fields.

5. De Tulperij

De Tulperij is a smaller, family-run tulip farm that feels a bit more local compared to the other spots.

What makes it stand out is that their show garden is free to visit, so if you just want to see a wide variety of tulips (and other flowers) up close, it’s a great option without needing a ticket.

They also have a really lovely cafe with outdoor seating right in the show garden, so you can enjoy a drink or some pastries with a view over the flowers. We ended up spending quite a bit of time here just relaxing.

Inside the show garden, there are designated rows for tulip picking, so if you want to take some flowers home, you can pick your own here. You pay per tulip so the price depends on how many flowers you want to pick.

If you want a more immersive experience, you can also book a ticket to access their flower fields, where you’ll have 45 minutes to walk among the tulips and take photos.

We skipped this since we had already visited a few other farms, but just the show garden and cafe alone made it worth the stop!

6. Tulip Store Showgarden

The Tulip Store Showgarden is a smaller flower farm that’s easy to add as a quick stop.

It’s a paid experience, but tickets are a lot cheaper compared to the other tulip farms. The setup is a bit more compact, with colorful rows of tulips and a few cute props for photos.

It also tends to be less busy, which can be a nice change if you’ve already visited some of the more popular spots. That said, while it’s a nice stop, I personally preferred the other tulip fields on this list.

Flower Parade

If you’re visiting during tulip season, there’s a good chance your trip might overlap with the annual Flower Parade, one of the biggest spring events in the Netherlands.

It usually takes place in mid-April and features a long parade of floats decorated entirely with flowers, including tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. The parade travels through several towns between Noordwijk and Haarlem, passing right through the heart of the tulip region.

The Flower Parade actually took place during our trip, and it’s such an amazing event to see in person, definitely worth planning your visit around if you can!

That said, it does require a bit of planning. The parade starts in Noordwijk at around 9 am and reaches Haarlem by the evening, around 10 pm, so it takes up the entire day.

It also passes by Keukenhof in the afternoon, usually around 3-4 pm. Roads along the route are completely closed, which makes getting around the area very difficult.

It’s free to watch from the roadside, but you do need to think ahead about where you’ll go. Parking in the towns along the route is extremely limited, and with road closures, it can be tricky to access certain areas. If you’re staying in Lisse, Hillegom, or nearby, it’s much easier to go on foot or rent a bike.

There are also grandstands set up along the route with seating and facilities. Many of them offer shuttle options as well, which can make things more convenient. That said, I personally think they’re a bit overpriced, and standing along the road gives you a better, more flexible view.

We were staying in Katwijk and decided to drive to Noordwijk, where the parade starts. It took a bit of time to find parking, but we eventually found a spot about a 15-minute walk away. From there, we just walked over and watched it from the roadside, it was a really cool experience!

Things to Do in Amsterdam During Tulip Season

While you won’t find any tulip fields in Amsterdam itself, the city still goes all in on tulip season.

There’s actually a dedicated event called Tulip Festival Amsterdam, during which hundreds of tulips are placed all around the city. You’ll find them in spots like Museumplein, Vondelpark, and other central locations, so it’s very easy to come across them while exploring.

You can also see beautiful tulip displays in the gardens of the Rijksmuseum, which are free to visit, as well as at Hortus Botanicus.

If you want something a bit more unique, I highly recommend booking a tulip boat canal cruise with Flagship Amsterdam. The entire boat is decorated with tulips, which makes it such a fun experience, and since it’s limited to just 10 people, it feels a lot more special than a regular cruise.

Since Amsterdam is usually the base for most trips, it’s worth spending at least a day or two here. If you’re looking for ideas, you can check out my guide about the best things to do in Amsterdam or my 3-day Amsterdam itinerary.