Imagine stepping into a world where millions of tulips bloom in every color you can possibly dream of. Welcome to the Keukenhof Tulip Festival, the most spectacular springtime event in the Netherlands!

Located in Lisse, just 35 kilometers south of Amsterdam, Keukenhof is one of the most famous flower gardens on the planet. Every year, it transforms into a floral wonderland, showcasing not just tulips but an array of other vibrant flowers, intricate garden designs, and themed displays that celebrate Dutch horticultural heritage.

The flower festival runs from mid-March to mid-May, and attracts over a million visitors from around the world. More than 100 flower bulb companies and growers contribute to the breathtaking exhibits, making it the ultimate destination for flower lovers and photographers alike.

If you’ve ever wanted to immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of petals, this festival is where you need to be!

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When you think of the Netherlands, chances are you picture endless tulip fields stretching towards the horizon. It’s not just a stereotype, this country has rightfully earned its title as the ‘Flower Shop of the World’. The Netherlands produces around 77% of the world’s flower bulbs, including an astonishing 2 billion tulips every year!

How did tulips become such an iconic symbol of the Netherlands? The answer lies in a fascinating period of history called ‘tulip mania’. Back in the 16th century, tulip bulbs arrived in the Dutch Republic (modern-day Netherlands) from the Ottoman Empire.

Unlike native flowers, tulips had a mesmerizing range of colors and could withstand harsher climates. Their uniqueness, combined with the booming Dutch economy at the time thanks to the East Indies trade, turned tulips into a coveted luxury item. Demand skyrocketed, and at the peak of ‘tulip mania’, a single bulb could cost more than gold itself and some say even more than a skilled artisan’s annual salary.

Of course, the tulip market eventually crashed, but the Netherlands never lost its love for these iconic blooms. Today, the Netherlands remains the world’s largest tulip exporter, and festivals like Keukenhof keep the tulip tradition alive for millions to enjoy.

If you’re even slightly obsessed with flowers (like me), the answer is definitely yes. This place is basically Disneyland for flower lovers. The sheer scale of the gardens, the dazzling variety of tulips, and the meticulously designed floral art displays are nothing short of magical. Wandering through Keukenhof, I felt like I had stepped into a floral dream!

However, I’ll be honest, if flowers don’t excite you and you hate crowds, this festival might not be for you. Keukenhof gets very busy, especially on weekends. At times, it can feel more like a packed amusement park than a tranquil garden escape. But if you plan your visit wisely (think early mornings or weekdays), you can still enjoy a more peaceful experience.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting the Keukenhof Tulip Festival, from the best times to go, how to avoid the crowds, and must-see spots within the gardens. Whether you’re a die-hard tulip fan or just someone looking for a unique Dutch experience, this festival is one for the bucket list!

Absolutely! I usually avoid long layovers, but sometimes, they create the perfect opportunity for a quick adventure and Amsterdam is one of those places. Schiphol Airport is a major hub in Europe, and long layovers here are pretty common. In fact, flights with extended layovers can sometimes even be cheaper!

If you find yourself with a long layover in Amsterdam during spring, visiting the Keukenhof Tulip Festival is an easy and fun excursion. Trust me, I did it myself! Whether you only have a layover or are staying in Amsterdam, visiting Keukenhof is worth it!

Last year, I was determined to visit Keukenhof for its 75th anniversary, and I had an 11-hour window in Amsterdam that gave me the perfect opportunity. I landed at Schiphol in the morning and hopped on the Keukenhof bus straight from the airport.

The process was so stress-free and seamless. Based on my experience, I’d recommend a layover of at least six hours if you want to explore Keukenhof without stressing about time.

Also known as the KeukenhofBuzz, (Bus 858) this shuttle is the easiest way to reach the gardens from the airport. After arriving at Schiphol, head outside Arrivals Hall 1, walk past the taxi and bus station, and follow the signs for Bus 858 to Keukenhof. It’s about a 5-minute walk to the bus stop, and buses depart up to six times an hour.

If you miss one, don’t stress, you won’t have to wait long! The ride itself takes about 30 minutes, so be sure to factor that into your itinerary when planning your visit.

The KeukenhofBuzz (Bus 852) departs from Amsterdam RAI every half hour. This bus goes directly from Amsterdam to Keukenhof gardens and takes about 35 minutes. You can purchase a combo ticket which gets you entry to the gardens and a roundtrip bus ticket.

If you’re in Amsterdam and planning to visit the Keukenhof Tulip Festival, a guided tour is the most convenient way to make the most of your trip.

Board an air-conditioned bus from Amsterdam Central Station and head straight to Keukenhof Gardens, where you’ll have plenty of time to wander through millions of blooming tulips and soak in the vibrant colors.

You also have the option to add a canal cruise, gliding through Amsterdam’s iconic waterways while admiring historic canals and picturesque architecture. It’s the perfect way to experience the best of Amsterdam and Keukenhof in one unforgettable spring adventure!

No, unfortunately, Keukenhof Gardens are only open for a short window in spring because tulips bloom exclusively during this season. If you visit outside these dates, you’ll just find the gardens are closed and empty fields waiting for the next planting season.

For 2025, Keukenhof will be open from Thursday, March 20th to Sunday, May 11th. During this period, the gardens welcome visitors seven days a week, including holidays.

The garden is open daily from 8:00am to 7:00pm during the festival season.

Timing your visit to the Keukenhof Tulip Festival depends on two key factors: flower blooming periods and crowd sizes.

Predicting peak bloom is tricky because it depends on winter’s duration and spring’s weather. If winter drags on with colder temperatures, tulips bloom later. If winter is mild, flowers could bloom much earlier than expected.

Additionally, not all flowers bloom simultaneously, so the best time to visit depends on which flowers you want to see:

• • Early Season (March): Crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, and some early tulips
  • Mid-Season (April): The prime time for tulips and larger flower varieties
  • Late Season (May): Irises, late-blooming tulips, and flowering trees

If you have flexibility in your travel dates, check the Official Flower Report, which is updated twice a week during the festival. It includes real-time photos of the gardens, helping you pick the perfect time to visit based on your favorite blooms.

It’s important to note that Keukenhof Gardens and the tulip fields around Lisse peak at different times. When I visited Keukenhof in mid-April, the gardens were bursting with colorful tulips, but most of the surrounding tulip fields had already been cut.

Flower farms cut their tulips before they fully bloom to ensure peak freshness when shipped worldwide. If your dream is to capture those iconic tulip field photos, plan your visit a little earlier in the season.

With over one million visitors each season, crowds at Keukenhof are inevitable. But if you time it right, you can enjoy a more peaceful experience. 

• • Best time of day to visit: Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit, as the gardens are much quieter. 

When I arrived around 9 AM, I had plenty of space to take photos without people in the background. But by 10 AM, the crowds had noticeably increased, and by noon, the gardens were packed to the point where it was difficult to navigate. Things start to calm down again around 4 PM, so if you aren’t a morning person, consider visiting later in the day.

• • Best day of the week to visit: The quietest days of the week are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Weekends are by far the busiest. 

• • Best month to visit: Since most people travel specifically for tulip season, early to mid April tends to be much busier than March or May.

Your ideal visit length depends on how much of the gardens you want to explore. Keukenhof covers 79 acres with winding paths and endless floral displays, so if you want to see everything and take part in some of the festival activities, plan for 3-5 hours. If you’re just looking for a quick stroll through the highlights, 2 hours should be enough.

Travel Tip: You can leave and return later in the day! If the midday crowds become too much, visit for 1-2 hours in the morning, then step out to explore the surrounding area before coming back in the afternoon. Just let the ticket counter know when you leave, and they’ll stamp your hand for re-entry later in the day. I did this myself, and it was a great way to avoid peak crowds!

Ticket prices for entrance only: 

Adults: €20

Children (4-17): €9

If you’re arriving by public transportation, I highly recommend getting a ticket bundle that includes both your entrance ticket and round-trip bus fare from Amsterdam, Leiden, Haarlem, or Schiphol Airport.

These direct buses make the trip effortless and cost between €32-€37, depending on where you’re departing from. You can book your tickets online here.

Yes, Keukenhof has two large parking lots, and parking costs €9 for the day.

Yes. If you’re visiting on a weekend or during one of the festival’s special event days, booking in advance is essential. When you purchase your ticket, you’ll need to select a specific time slot for entry.

For the best availability, book about a month in advance, especially if you want a particular day and time. If you’re making a last-minute trip, you might still find tickets, but they’ll likely be for afternoon or weekday entry.

If you’re traveling with bags and don’t want to carry them around the gardens, you have a couple of options:

• Schiphol Airport Lockers – Store your luggage securely before heading to Keukenhof.
• Keukenhof Baggage Storage – Free lockers for small items (approx. 25x55x45 cm) and a designated area for larger luggage at the park’s main entrance.

Keukenhof has plenty of food options scattered throughout the park. Each pavilion features its own food court, offering a slightly different selection. If you’re craving something quick and casual, check out the food trucks near the playground; they serve street-style snacks like fries. You’ll also find food carts throughout the park selling ice cream and fresh fruit, perfect for a mid-walk treat.

Prefer to bring your own food? The park has picnic tables and benches where you can sit and enjoy a packed meal while soaking in the floral views.

If you’re pressed for time, these are the must-see spots in Keukenhof Gardens. Keep in mind that exhibits and themed gardens change each year.

This area has serene streams and charming little bridges. I was mesmerized by the winding paths and the breathtaking flower displays here—definitely a top spot for photos!

Love classic European-style gardens? This area is for you. With neatly arranged geometric flower beds, it feels like stepping into a grand estate’s formal garden.

An iconic Dutch windmill surrounded by vibrant tulip fields. Even if you don’t climb up, the view of the tulip fields is spectacular, and there’s a picturesque bridge nearby that’s perfect for photos.

The largest indoor pavilion in Keukenhof, this spot always features an impressive floral exhibition. Plus, there’s a food court inside, making it a great place to take a break.

A stunning stone bridge over a small lake surrounded by flowers. There are also two stepping-stone paths across the water which are really fun to cross. Just be careful not to slip! 

Besides the various festival events, there are unique activities that you can enjoy inside the Keukenhof park.

Whisper Boat Tour

Float through the tulip fields on a 45-minute boat tour while learning about the region’s history and culture. The tour is offered in Dutch, English, German and French. Boats depart every 30 minutes, and tickets cost €10 for adults and €5 for kids (ages 4-11). The dock where the boats depart is located behind the windmill.

Guided Flower Tour

If you want to dive deeper into the history and horticulture of Keukenhof, take a guided 1-hour tour. Available in  Dutch, English, German, and French, this tour is limited to 25 people per session and costs €175 per person.

Windmill Visit

Built in 1892, this charming windmill is open to visitors all day and offers stunning balcony views of the tulip fields—for free!

Bike Rental

While cycling inside Keukenhof isn’t allowed, you can rent a bike at the entrance to explore the surrounding tulip fields. Rentals cost €11 for 3 hours or €16 for the entire day.

For more details, check out the Keukenhof Tulip Festival calendar of events.

Oranje Nassau Pavilion

• • Hyacinths & Tulip Show: March 20–25
  • Freesia & Chrysanthemum Show: March 27–April 1
  • Rose Show: April 3–8
  • Daffodils & Special Bulbs Show: April 10–15
  • Alstroemeria & Calla Show: April 17–22
  • Gerbera, Lisianthus & Calla Show: April 24–29
  • Carnation & Summer Flower Show: May 1–11

Beatrix Pavilion

• • Anthurium & Orchid Show: March 20–May 11

Willem-Alexander Pavilion

• • 500+ Tulip Varieties & Potted Plant Displays: March 20–May 11

• • Dutch Sounds (March 22-23): Traditional Dutch mop bands perform throughout the park to celebrate the start of spring.
  • Holland Heritage Days (March 28-30): Step back in time with Dutch cultural performances, traditional costumes, and artisan demonstrations.
  • Flower Parade (April 12): Enjoy colorful, flower-adorned parade floats celebrating spring and Dutch culture. This parade is only 1 day each year and it is the event of the season. The parade follows a 42 kilometre route from Noordwijk to Haarlem and passes Keukenhof along Keukenhofboulevard. Make sure that you are at the park before 11am to avoid road closures.
  • Flower Parade Expo (April 13): If you miss the flower parade, you can also see all the floats on display at the expo in Haarlem.
  • Romance at Keukenhof (May 10-11): Celebrate Mother’s Day with live classical music and enchanting performances inspired by the 18th century.

• • Meet Miffy (April 16): Say hello to the beloved Dutch cartoon bunny!
  • Easter Bunny (April 20-21): If you’re visiting during Easter weekend, you might get a sweet surprise from the Easter Bunny.
  • Sesame Street (April 23): Meet Elmo, Bert, Ernie, and friends for a fun family-friendly experience.
  • Fien & Teun (April 28-May 2): Join in on games and shows with these lovable Dutch farm characters.

There is so much to explore around Keukenhof, so if you have the extra time I would check out some of these activities nearby. 

Explore Tulip Fields

The area surrounding Keukenhof is filled with breathtaking flower fields. Since these are working farms, you’ll need permission to enter, but nearby attractions like Tulip Experience Amsterdam and The Tulip Barn offer paid access for those perfect Instagram shots.

Rent a Bike

Experience the Dutch countryside like a local! Bike rentals are available near the Keukenhof entrance for 3-hour or full-day trips.

Visit Keukenhof Castle

Just across the street from the Keukenhof gardens is the Keukenhof Castle. This 17th-century estate features historic gardens, farm animals, and a playground. You can tour the castle every Wednesday at 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM (Dutch-language tours, 90 minutes, €5 per person).

Whether you’re in Amsterdam for a layover, a quick 24 hours Amsterdam trip, or a few days of exploring, the Keukenhof Tulip Festival is an experience you don’t want to miss. This world-famous garden draws visitors from all over, and for good reason! If you love flowers as much as I do, it absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list. I hope this guide has given you all the insider tips and practical advice you need to make your visit to Keukenhof Gardens as seamless and unforgettable as possible.

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