Ultimate Guide To The Best Tulip Fields In the Netherlands: When And Where To Visit

Tulip season in the Netherlands is one of the most breathtaking spectacles in the world, drawing visitors from across the globe including Filipinos who want to witness endless rows of vibrant blooms.

Image credit: Lex Ohan via Canva Pro

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing Amsterdam’s Tulip Season, strolling through vibrant gardens, or admiring breathtaking Dutch spring flowers, this guide has you covered. From the best time to visit to planning the perfect tulip season itinerary, we’ve got all the details you need!

Also read: Netherlands Schengen Visa For Filipinos: How To Get Approved In 8 Easy Ways

When do tulips bloom in the Netherlands?

Amsterdam, Netherlands | Olena_Z via Canva Pro

Timing is crucial when planning your visit to the tulip fields in the Netherlands. The best time to see tulips is from mid-April to early May when they are in full bloom. However, the season officially begins in mid-March. Weather plays a big role in determining when the tulips peak—cold springs may delay the tulip bloom season, while warm weather can cause an earlier bloom.

If you're planning a last-minute trip, it's best to wait until March for the latest updates on the annual flower festival in the Netherlands. However, if your travel dates are fixed, mid-April offers the highest chance of seeing the tulips at their peak.

Where to see the best tulip fields in the Netherlands?

The most spectacular tulip fields near Amsterdam are in the Dutch flower region Bollenstreek, which stretches from Haarlem to Leiden. This area is home to iconic Holland flower fields and offers various ways to explore them—whether by bike, boat, or guided tour.

Keukenhof

Keukenhof | Tulip Festival Amsterdam Official Website

The most famous tulip show gardens feature over 7 million tulips in a stunning landscape, with Keukenhof Gardens as the highlight. To make the most of your visit, check Keukenhof’s opening times and book your tickets in advance, as slots sell out quickly. For a hassle-free experience, consider joining a guided tour, which often includes priority access and expert insights into the breathtaking floral displays.

Lisse

Lisse | Visit Duin en Bollenstreek Official Website

Lisse lies at the heart of the Netherlands' tulip-growing region, offering some of the best tulip fields in a more rural and immersive setting. Unlike crowded gardens, Lisse lets visitors explore private farms for a closer look at the vibrant blooms. For a hassle-free visit, join a tulip farm tour from Amsterdam, which includes guided walks, insights from local farmers, and even tulip picking.

Noordwijkerhout

Noordwijkerhout | Noordwijk Info Official Website

A hidden gem in the Netherlands, Noordwijkerhout offers a unique way to experience tulip season. It hosts the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek night parade, where illuminated flower floats create a magical display against the evening sky. For the best experience, secure a viewing spot along the route or visit the staging areas to see the intricate floral designs up close.

Wondering if you can walk through tulip fields in Amsterdam? The answer is no—most fields are privately owned. However, there are designated tulip show gardens where you can get up close to the flowers without damaging the crops.

Tulip festivals and events

Flower Parade | Tulip Festival Amsterdam Official Website

Tulip season in the Netherlands is not just about the fields; it is also celebrated through festivals and parades. The Amsterdam Tulip Festival runs from March 20 to May 11, 2025, with stunning floral displays across the city.

However, the highlight of the season is the Flower Parade on April 12, 2025, a 26-mile procession of vibrant flower floats travelling from Noordwijk to Haarlem. If you want an even more magical experience, head to Noordwijk on the night parade, where illuminated floral floats create a spectacular sight.

If you want to see how these floral masterpieces are created, visit during Decoration Days, where volunteers arrange the flower floats before the big event.

Getting around the Netherlands during the tulip season

For Filipino travellers flying in, Amsterdam is the best entry point. From there, you can easily explore the tulip fields and attractions by public transport, car, or bicycle.

• Trains and Buses: The Netherlands has an efficient train and bus system, making it easy to reach key Tulip destinations within an hour from Amsterdam.

• Car Rentals: If you prefer flexibility, renting a car is a great option—but be mindful of the numerous cyclists sharing the road.

• Bike Rentals: A truly Dutch way to experience the tulip fields is by cycling. Join a Tulip Bicycle Tour to enjoy the scenery with local guides providing insights along the way.

Tips for the best tulip season experience

• Respect the tulip fields: It may be tempting to step into the fields for that perfect photo, but doing so can damage tulip bulbs and spread plant diseases. Stay on designated pathways or visit show gardens where photography is welcome.

• Book tickets in advance: Keukenhof Gardens, guided tours, and Flower Parade seating sell out fast, so it's best to book your tickets in advance.

• Buying tulip bulbs? Check regulations: If you plan to bring tulip bulbs back to the Philippines, make sure they meet import regulations. Keukenhof offers bulbs with proper certification and even has direct shipping options.

Also read: 10 Best European Countries That Won’t Break the Bank

Final thoughts

Experiencing tulip season in the Netherlands is a bucket-list adventure that requires a bit of planning but rewards you with unforgettable sights. Whether you visit Keukenhof, join the Tulip Festival Amsterdam, or take a tulip farm tour, there’s no wrong way to enjoy Dutch spring flowers.

Plan your trip wisely, respect the fields, and make the most of this once-a-year floral spectacle!