Discover the best times and places to see Holland tulips, including top festivals and stunning fields in full bloom.
8min
You've probably seen photos of those vibrant fields of tulips stretching as far as the eye can see, a scene straight out of a dream. And you know what? Those pictures aren't exaggerating. But seeing them in real life is something truly special.
Renowned worldwide for their beauty and variety, Holland tulips draw visitors from every corner of the globe, eager to witness this breathtaking spectacle. Whether you're an avid gardener, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, planning your trip to see these iconic flowers can be a delightful adventure.
But timing is key to making the most of your tulip adventure. This is what we want to share with you - the insider tips, the best spots, and practical advice so you can capture that same magic for yourself.
So grab your camera and get ready to immerse yourself in a sea of color and fragrance that only the Netherlands can offer.
This is a tricky question to answer because nature doesn't run on a strict calendar. But typically, tulips make their grand appearance from mid-March to mid-May. But if you want the peak spectacle - think millions of blooms bursting with color - aim for mid-April to early May. That's usually when the "bulb region", the heart of Dutch tulip country, is at its absolute best.
Now, some articles will tell you that March to May is tulip time, but in 2024 there was an interesting situation. The tulips bloomed early due to warmer winter temperatures. This threw people off because they arrived expecting peak bloom, only to find many tulips were already gone.
So what's a tulip enthusiast to do? My advice - use those resources like the Flower Forecasts. Check them frequently in the weeks leading up to your trip. Sites like this give real-time updates on blooming status, factoring in weather, and you'll be ahead of the game.
Another travel tip: book your flights and accommodation in advance during this season, as you're certainly not the only one planning a trip to the Netherlands to see the tulips. For some helpful tips check out this guide about how to find affordable flights.
It's tempting to wander into those vast tulip fields, thinking they're endless canvases for Insta-worthy shots. I get it, those backgrounds are epic. But those flower fields aren't playgrounds. Remember those rows and rows of color - they're businesses, crops meant to be harvested and sold.
Walking through the fields, stepping on bulbs, or picking the blooms, is just not okay. It's like going into a farmer's wheat field and trampling everything. Here's how to enjoy holland tulips without being a nuisance:
1. Use designated paths and viewing areas
You'll find plenty of these, and trust me, the views are still amazing. Use what they provide because you'll still get incredible photo opportunities while being respectful of the land and the hard work of those growers.
2. Resist the urge to touch or pick the flowers
As hard as it may be when faced with thousands of gorgeous Holland tulips, keep your hands to yourself. If you really want a close-up experience, go to a picking farm, which I'll talk about later. That's where picking is encouraged.
3. Parking - Don't block roads
Holland, especially the tulip-heavy areas, get tons of visitors in spring. The temptation to stop, pull over for a photo is there. Don't just park haphazardly blocking farm entrances or roadways, it's dangerous and creates congestion.
4. Respect private property
Seems obvious, right? But sometimes excitement makes us do dumb things. Admire those vibrant fields, but if a field clearly designates private property - don't wander in for a "quick shot". Respect the boundaries set in place.
Sure, you can just drive around the countryside and stumble upon beautiful tulip fields - there's a certain charm to that. But you might miss out on some of the top tulip spots.
When you ask someone where to see the best tulips, they will probably tell you about Keukenhof Gardens, it's iconic for a reason. It's like Disneyland for flower enthusiasts, boasting a mind-boggling 7 million tulip bulbs each year, representing over 800 different varieties.
You'll find a unique collection of gardens and special events held throughout the season.
Our travel experts picked this as one of the best European destinations for nature lovers.
Kop van Noord-Holland boasts the world's biggest stretch of uninterrupted tulip fields, where waves of bright tulips extend for as far as the eye can see, bordered by the deep blue of the North Sea and IJsselmeer Lake.
If that sounds too overwhelming, head to Lisse, which is also referred to as "the flower village," to soak in Dutch culture while being surrounded by those awe-inspiring tulip fields. Or combine your floral fun with seaside relaxation at the charming coastal town of Noordwijk, where flower fields meet beaches for the perfect balance of scenery and activity.
Want to see what happens behind the scenes of this flower craze? Head to the FloraHolland flower auction in Aalsmeer (it's a half-hour drive from Amsterdam, making it super convenient).
Even if you can't catch the fields in full bloom, you can still be dazzled by an amazing assortment of beautiful flowers from all over. It gives you a totally different perspective on how these vibrant blooms reach everyone worldwide.
While you can find gorgeous tulip fields throughout the Netherlands, Noordoostpolder, located in Flevoland province, has the largest concentration of farms devoted to growing these bulbs.
The flat fields stretch endlessly before you and become a canvas for breathtaking scenes of colors.
The Flower Strip, or Bollenstreek, is a famous stretch of flower fields between Haarlem and Leiden.
Driving or cycling through the Flower Strip, you’ll be greeted by endless fields of vibrant tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils, creating a stunning patchwork of colors.
Quaint villages like Lisse and Hillegom dot the route, providing charming stops with local cafes, shops, and museums dedicated to the history and cultivation of tulips. You can also explore the scenic waterways and picturesque windmills that add to the area's enchanting atmosphere.
Even in the capital city of The Netherlands you'll find plenty of tulips
Located on the Singel canal, the Bloemenmarkt is a floating market that has been selling flowers since 1862. Although it's not a field of tulips, the market offers a wide variety of tulip bulbs and fresh flowers, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs or gifts.
The market is open year-round, but it truly comes alive in spring when tulip season is in full swing. Strolling through the stalls, you'll find an array of colorful blooms and an authentic Dutch experience.
The Tulip Barn in Hillegom offers a delightful blend of tulip fields and interactive experiences. Besides vibrant tulip fields where visitors can walk among the flowers and take stunning photos, this family-friendly attraction also offers various activities, including guided tours, workshops, and a cozy café serving delicious Dutch treats.
Open from late March to mid-May.
Most people get caught up in the idea of capturing the perfect tulip photos for their Instagram. While those pics are great, Holland tulips offer so much more than a pretty background. Immerse yourself in the entire experience.
If you want a true taste of Dutch tulip mania, attend the Bloemencorso Flower Parade, which happens each year on the third Saturday of April. Imagine 20 incredible floats covered in thousands of flowers, marching bands adding to the festive mood, people lining the streets – it's like a giant moving floral party.
This colorful procession travels from Noordwijk to Haarlem, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
And here's a tip that not many people know about: Before the big parade, Wednesday to Friday, the float construction takes place. It's a fun way to see how these massive works of art are created with painstaking detail, petal by petal.
If you must satisfy that urge to actually touch and take home tulips, I highly recommend heading to a "picking garden", a Pluktuin in Dutch. You literally walk into these designated fields and get to choose and pick your own tulips - even keeping the bulb. It's way better than grabbing a pre-arranged bunch at the market.
If you’re fascinated by history, there’s this hidden gem - Hortus Bulborum. It's a historical garden in Limmen, north of Amsterdam, that's been around for centuries. This is where you find ancient tulips that would have been popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They still grow tulips from bulbs going all the way back to the 1500's. It's amazing.
The best way to see Holland tulips is the Dutch way - on a bike.
Holland has a vast network of biking paths that go straight through the tulip fields, offering panoramic views of these vibrant flowers. You can create your own adventure.
Cycling is super popular here, it's like a cultural thing. So while exploring those tulips, you get to feel like a local for a day.
Accommodation in the Netherlands is fairly expensive, specially during tulip season, so doing a work exchange can be a great way to save money while traveling. Besides that, it's an enriching experience that will make your travels in the Netherlands even more memorable, having a real local experience instead of just nice pictures of your trip. And don't worry if you don't speak a word of Dutch, you can get by just fine with English.
How does this work? In the Worldpackers platform you can find many volunteering opportunities in The Netherlands, from hostels to eco programs. These are local projects and businesses that welcome travelers that want to lend them a hand in exchange for accommodation and other perks (food and free activities are often included).
It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the community, make new friends, and enjoy unique experiences while traveling.
These traveler's experiences volunteering in Europe may inspire you:
There's this common misconception that the tulip originated in the Netherlands, people associate holland tulips with this image of traditional Dutchness. It makes sense. You picture windmills and those rows of flowers - it seems iconic Dutch, right? But actually, tulips have a surprising journey, originally from Central Asia and then traveling through the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey) before finally landing in Dutch hands.
It's fascinating how something so delicate has transformed global horticulture. If you're really captivated by Holland tulips, it's worth digging into that story. It enhances the whole tulip experience, that appreciation for the journey this beautiful flower has taken. You'll look at those bright colors a whole lot differently.
Did you like these ideas? Subscribe to the Worldpackers Community for free and start saving your favorite volunteer positions until you are ready to get verified.