I was never much of a tulip fan, but relocating to the Netherlands has changed my perspective. There are so many gorgeous varieties we rarely see in the states, and visiting the tulip fields is one of the best experiences I’ve had as a local in Amsterdam. When tulip season is in full swing, you can visit the fields which are packed with rows of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white blooms. And the best part is that there are fields just outside of the city, so you don’t have to venture far! Here is a local’s guide to the tulip fields in Amsterdam.
xx,
Mercedes
the basics
Tulips are grown in a lot of areas in the Netherlands, but the most famous spots are actually near Amsterdam! Bollsnstreek (or “bulb region”) is an area of countryside that stretches from Haarlem to The Hague, and is home to many tulip fields including the famous Keukenhof gardens.
Keukenhof
Keukenhof is the most famous place to see tulips outside of Amsterdam. It’s more of a structured garden vs. a traditional tulip field, but it’s really beautiful to see. They also have other activities like a hedge maze, so you could spend a whole afternoon there.
De Tulperij
De Tulperij is one of the few real tulip fields that is open to the public, and they also provide an interesting lesson on the tulip’s growth cycle. It’s also just a few miles from Keukenhof if you wanted to visit both in one day and ride your bike between the two. De Tulperij also offers visits to their dahlia fields in late summer / early fall.
Amsterdam city
If you aren’t able to visit the fields outside of the city, you’re in luck. Amsterdam actually plants a ton of tulips around the city center, including in the canal district and on the pond outside of the Rijksmuseum. You can also make a stop at the Bloemenmarkt, which is the world’s only floating flower market, to bring some tulip bulbs home.
Some important advice…
Most importantly, please make sure you have permission from the farmers to enter their fields. This is their livelihood, and tourists who aren’t careful can ruin crops of these beautiful flowers.
when to visit
Best Time of year
Tulip season can vary a lot by year depending on how harsh the winter is, but it’s usually early to mid April. If you’re planning a specific trip to the Netherlands to see the flowers, I would suggest visiting the second week of April. Some of the flowers may be a bit small, but at least one field will likely have blooms.
BEst time of day
The best time of day to visit the fields for photographs is in the morning or the evening during golden hour. The middle of the day is always crowded, and it’s difficult to get good photos with the harsh overhead sun. Luckily the Netherlands is overcast most of April (and sometimes even raining) which can actually result in better photos.
how to get there
Rent a car
If this is your first time visiting the fields, I highly recommend renting a car. This will give you the most flexibility, and you’ll be able to visit several different fields to see what’s blooming.
Public transportation
If you have one specific field in mind or live in Amsterdam, you can also take an Uber. You may need to wait 10-15 minutes to get picked back up, but I guarantee your driver will appreciate the views. 🙂 If you’re going specifically to Keukenhof, there is an inexpensive bus that will take you there direct from Schipol airport in about 20 minutes. Keukenhof also offers a “combiticket“, which includes your entrance fee + a ticket for public transportation.
By bike
If you’re really adventurous and want to feel like a local, you can ride a bike! However I do recommend taking public transportation at least part of the way, unless you’re a very experienced bike rider. The Netherlands is pretty flat, but it’s a two hour trip from the city each way.
what to wear
As I mentioned, April is quite cold and rainy in the Netherlands. But we do get occasional days of sun! If you’re okay with chancing cold weather, I recommend a sundress in white or a complementary color. For example, if you are planning to see yellow fields, a pale blue dress or bright pink dress will stand out. For pink tulips, yellow looks really pretty.
The fields can get muddy if it’s rained recently, so it’s best to wear older tennis shoes or sandals that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Don’t forget accessories like a hat (to shade you from sun and/or keep away the rain) and straw bag. A clear umbrella is also practical, and heart-shaped sunglasses are a cute accessory. And lastly if you’re planning to spend the day, I also recommend bringing a blanket and packing a picnic!
DRESS IDEAS
ACCESSORIES
outfit details
The dress I’m wearing is sold out, and the hat is from a small shop in the south of France.
But I’ve found some other options here:
Similar white pinafore dress | similar ribbon hat
