Each spring, the Netherlands undergoes one of Europe’s most uplifting transformations. Fields turn into ribbons of colour, canals reflect bursts of pink and gold, and entire towns lean into the optimism of the season.
The 2026 Tulip Festival running 19 March to 10 May and promises another year of spectacle, drawing travellers and of course tulip lovers!
At the heart of the season sits Keukenhof Gardens, a place that feels less like a park and more like a celebration of spring. With more than seven million bulbs planted by hand, it’s a world of curated borders, themed gardens, and sweeping displays. Yet Keukenhof is more than just flowers. Families wander through the petting zoo, children clamber over play areas, and visitors glide silently across the water in electric whisper boats, drifting past fields of tulips and hyacinths in full bloom. It’s a gentle, almost meditative way to see the landscape.
Beyond the park, the surrounding region of Lisse, Hillegom and Noordwijkerhout becomes a living canvas. Cyclists weave between fields, cafés spill onto pavements, and the air carries that unmistakable scent of spring. The best time to visit is mid‑April to early May, when early and late varieties overlap and the fields reach their peak.
Because tulip season is a cherished part of Dutch culture, there’s a simple etiquette to follow: never walk into the fields. The flowers may look inviting, but stepping between the rows damages bulbs and soil. Farmers welcome photography from the edge of the field and many now offer designated viewing spots to help travellers capture the perfect shot without harming the crop.
To help you make the most of a short break, here’s experience‑rich two‑day itinerary that blends iconic highlights with quieter, insider‑friendly moments.
A Perfect 2‑Day Tulip Season Itinerary
Day 1: Keukenhof & The Flower Fields of Lisse
Morning — Keukenhof Gardens
Arrive early to enjoy the gardens before the crowds. Wander through:
- The Japanese Garden, one of the park’s most tranquil corners
- The Oranje Nassau Pavilion, home to rotating floral exhibitions
- The historic windmill, offering panoramic views over the surrounding fields
Take time to enjoy the petting zoo, where goats, sheep and rabbits delight younger visitors and more than a few adults. Then drift along the waterways on an electric whisper boat, a peaceful 45‑minute cruise that glides past working tulip farms and offers a rare, close‑up perspective of the fields.
Lunch — Lisse
Head into nearby Lisse, a charming town with relaxed brasseries and bakeries. Outdoor terraces are perfect for a spring afternoon.
Afternoon — Cycling Through the Fields
Rent a bike outside Keukenhof and follow one of the marked routes. Expect:
- Endless stripes of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils
- Quiet farm roads ideal for photography
- Occasional farm stands selling bulbs, cheese and stroopwafels
Remember the golden rule: admire, don’t enter the fields. Farmers appreciate respectful visitors, and many now offer raised platforms or designated photo spots.
Evening — Leiden
Just 20 minutes away, Leiden offers canal side dining, historic streets and a relaxed university‑town atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of colour and fresh air.
Day 2: Amsterdam’s Tulip Festival & Canal District
Morning — Tulip Festival Amsterdam
The city’s annual festival plants tens of thousands of tulips across public squares, museum gardens and canalside corners. Highlights include:
- Museumplein, framed by the Rijksmuseum
- De Nieuwe Kerk, often home to sculptural floral installations
- The Hermitage gardens, a peaceful courtyard escape
Late Morning — Bloemenmarkt
Visit the world’s only floating flower market. It’s colourful, lively and ideal for picking up bulbs or small gifts.
Lunch — Jordaan District
Settle into a café in the Jordaan, known for its narrow streets, independent shops and relaxed vibe.
Afternoon — Choose Your Pace
- A canal cruise for a scenic, low‑effort way to see the city
- A visit to the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum
- A stroll through the Nine Streets for boutique shopping and design inspiration
Evening — Sunset & Seasonal Dining
End your trip with a walk along the canals as the bridges light up. Modern Dutch restaurants offer seasonal menus that pair beautifully with a spring evening.
How to Get There
By Public Transport
Keukenhof Combiticket: Includes park entry + return bus travel.
Direct buses run throughout the season: 858 from Schiphol Airport and 852 from Amsterdam RAI
By Car
Pre‑book a parking token with your ticket.
Limited EV charging available.
By Bike
Free bike parking at Keukenhof.
Rentals available near the park with marked routes through the fields.
By Guided Tour
Full‑day tours from Amsterdam include: Transport, Keukenhof entry
Optional tulip farm visits or canal cruises