AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is famed for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, the city blends old-world charm with modern living. Its bike-friendly streets, cozy cafés, and liberal spirit make it a favorite for travelers.
The Netherlands in Bloom: A Springtime Journey Through Tulip Country
Amsterdam: A Colorful Start in the City of Canals
Spring transforms Amsterdam into a vibrant celebration of color. Tulip displays burst into bloom across parks, markets, and even the canals. Begin your journey at the floating Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt) or take in the vivid seasonal displays at the city’s botanical gardens. The city’s renowned museums—like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum—offer a cultural counterbalance to nature’s spectacle, while café patios invite you to linger in the spring sunshine.
Keukenhof Gardens: The Crown Jewel of Tulip Season
Just 40 minutes from Amsterdam in the heart of the Bollenstreek (bulb region), Keukenhof is the world’s most famous spring garden. Open from mid-March to mid-May, this floral wonderland showcases over 7 million bulbs in bloom, from tulips and daffodils to hyacinths and crocuses. Stroll through themed gardens, take a boat ride through the bulb fields, or rent a bike to explore the surrounding countryside, where endless rows of blooming flowers stretch to the horizon.
Lisse & the Flower Fields: Dutch Landscapes in Technicolor
The town of Lisse is the epicenter of the tulip fields. Between mid-April and early May, the countryside becomes a living painting of red, pink, orange, and yellow stripes. Guided cycling tours or even hot air balloon rides offer panoramic views of this stunning landscape. Many flower farms also open their fields to visitors—perfect for photography or simply soaking in the sweet scent of spring.
South Holland: Blossoms and Beyond
Leiden: Canals, Culture, and Botanical Roots
Leiden, home to the Netherlands’ oldest botanical garden (Hortus Botanicus), is an ideal stop on a tulip-themed journey. With its historic charm, relaxed pace, and canal-lined streets, it's perfect for a spring day trip. The garden itself is where tulips were first cultivated in the Netherlands during the 16th century, marking the start of the country’s centuries-long floral legacy.
The Hague & Scheveningen: Art Meets the Sea
In The Hague, spring means leafy promenades and blooming parks. Visit the Mauritshuis museum to see Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, then head to the coastal suburb of Scheveningen for a breezy walk along the beach or a seafood lunch on the pier. The combination of tulips inland and sea air along the coast captures the full sensory range of the Dutch spring.
Delft: Blue Ceramics and Blossoming Streets
Delft’s timeless beauty is even more enchanting in spring. Cobblestone streets are framed by tulip planters, and the canals mirror blooming trees. The city's signature Delft Blue pottery often features floral motifs—an artistic echo of the tulip's impact on Dutch heritage.
Travel Tips for Tulip Season
Best Time to Visit:
Mid-April is typically peak bloom, but the season runs from mid-March to early May
Keukenhof is usually open from mid-March to mid-May (exact dates vary annually)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: Dutch; English is widely spoken
Getting Around:
Trains and buses offer easy connections between cities and Keukenhof
Biking is a scenic and popular way to tour the flower fields