When is the best time to see the tulips at Holland's Keukenhof?
small river with lush green trees and blooming flowers at Keukenhof

“When it’s spring again, I’ll bring again tulips from Amsterdam.” This famous song lyric by Max Bygraves may reference Amsterdam, but in reality, the breathtaking tulip fields are located in Lisse, a picturesque town about 40 kilometers away.


Every spring, Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, transforms into a vibrant paradise showcasing millions of flowers, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. If you’ve ever wondered whether Keukenhof is worth visiting, when the best time is to see the tulips in full bloom, or how to plan your trip, our guide has all the answers.

red and yellow blooming tulips at Keukenhof in Holland

What is Keukenhof?

One of the most stunning spring gardens around the globe, filling in the ranks from a holy place to the beautification of Dutch, lies within Keukenhof Dutch Horticulture. Its flower bulb park, existing on a 32-hectare surface, is filled with over 7 million flower bulbs annually. This place, decorated with breathtaking floral arrangements and sculptures, is definitely a paradise for both casual photographers and flower admirers.


As of today, Keukenhof serves as a national symbol of the Netherlands floricultural wealth, which attracts more than a million tourists every year. Previously, Keukenhof served as a hunting field and herb garden owned by Countess Jacqueline of Bavaria during the 15th century.

When Will Keukenhof Open in 2025?

Once every year in the spring, Keukenhof is only open to the general public for an eight-week duration. Based on current estimations, the garden will likely host guests between mid-March and mid-May in 2025. These periods change little by little from year to year because weather affects the blossoms. If you want to see the tulips at the tulip festival in their prime, mid-April is the best time.


Keukenhof Castle, along with its main gardens, is more popular, and while the main gardens are only seasonal, the castle and its surrounding gardens are complementary to enjoy year-round.

Best Things to Do in Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof offers more than just flower displays; it provides an immersive experience with various attractions, including:

  • Flower Displays: Walk through breathtaking arrangements of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and amaryllis.
  • Pavilions: Explore themed pavilions like the Wilhelmina Pavilion by the pond, the Irene Pavilion with its antique organ, and the Oranje Nassau Pavilion, which showcases creative flower exhibitions
  • Windmill & Whisper Boat Tour: Visit the iconic windmill and take a scenic boat ride through the surrounding tulip fields.
  • Flower Parade (Bloemencorso Bollenstreek): Held this year on April 12, 2025, this grand parade features flower-adorned floats traveling from Noordwijk to Haarlem.
  • Art Installations & Photography Spots: Capture stunning Instagram-worthy moments among the floral sculptures and scenic landscapes.
grass with blooming flowers next to a small lake at Keukenhof

How to Get to the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens

Keukenhof is located in Lisse, about 40 km from Amsterdam. Here are the best ways to get there:

By Public Transport

  • From Amsterdam: Take a train to Schiphol Airport and then board the Keukenhof Express Bus (Arriva Bus 858).
  • From Haarlem: Take Arriva Bus 50 directly to Keukenhof.
  • From Leiden: Take Arriva Bus 854 to Keukenhof.

By Car

If you're driving, Keukenhof is easily accessible via the A4 and A44 highways. There is ample parking available at the park for a small fee.

By Bicycle

The Dutch countryside is perfect for cycling, and many visitors choose to rent bikes from nearby cities to explore the flower fields before arriving at Keukenhof.

Can You See Tulips Without Visiting Keukenhof?

Of course! The Lisse region has large fields of tulips, all of which bloom at approximately the same time. Although Keukenhof has prepared its gardens with paths for easy walking, the adjacent fields offer a beautiful, although less manicured, Dutch floral view. Additionally, these are actual working farms, so they may not be open to the public.

hundreds beautiful blooming tulips at flower field in the Netherlands

Essential Tulip Festival Travel Tips

Keukenhof is one of the most popular spring destinations, so planning ahead can make your visit a lot smoother. Since the park gets especially busy in April during the tulip season, it's best to purchase tickets online in advance. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the largest crowds. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the park is expansive, and the weather in the Netherlands can be unpredictable, so bringing an extra layer and an umbrella is always a good idea. While Keukenhof itself is stunning, don’t miss the chance to explore the nearby tulip fields in Lisse. A bike tour or boat trip offers an unforgettable way to take in the colorful landscapes beyond the park.

A Smarter Way to Experience Keukenhof’s Beauty

Keukenhof is a feast for the eyes, but with the MaaltalkNow Lens, it can be even more enriching. If you’re curious about a unique tulip variety, simply scan it with your phone, and the Lens will reveal its name, as well as other interesting facts. And if you need help navigating Dutch signs, just point your camera at it, and you’ll get an instant translation - not just word-for-word, but with helpful context.


Whether you're uncovering the stories behind the flowers or making sense of festival signs, the MaaltalkNow App helps you experience Keukenhof to a whole new level.

Always Stay Connected During Your Keukenhof Visit

Finding the perfect eSIM for your trip to Keukenhof is simple with the MaaltalkNow app. By using the AI product recommendations feature, you can easily input your travel details like data usage, location, and trip duration. Based on that, the app will suggest the best eSIM options for you, ensuring you stay connected throughout your journey.


Whether you’re exploring the Keukenhof tulip gardens or sharing your favorite moments, Maaltalk has a range of affordable eSIM plans tailored to your needs. Options include:


Plus, enjoy an exclusive 10% discount when you purchase your eSIM through the app!

With a Maaltalk eSIM, you can skip the hassle of swapping SIM cards and enjoy seamless internet wherever your Keukenhof adventure takes you.