We’ll be the first to admit it… we are not exactly “green thumbs.” Gardening isn’t really our thing and we don’t know the first thing about flowers besides what looks nice in a vase! But that didn’t stop us from heading to Keukenhof, the world famous tulip garden in the Netherlands. And we are so glad we did.
From the moment we stepped through the gates, we were completely blown away. We’re talking millions of flowers in every colour you can imagine — tulips in stripes, pastels, deep purples, fiery reds, even frilly and double-headed ones we didn’t even know existed. It was like walking through a painting. You don’t need to know anything about horticulture to appreciate how utterly beautiful and creatively designed the gardens are.
We wandered through themed pavilions, water features, winding garden paths, and fields of colour so vivid it almost felt surreal. And somewhere between the first “wow” and the hundredth photo, something shifted — we found ourselves talking about coming home and planting tulips in our own garden. Yes, us. People who have never owned a pair of gardening gloves.
Where is Keukenhof?
Keukenhof is located in the town of Lisse, about 40 minutes southwest of Amsterdam. It’s surrounded by tulip fields and rural Dutch countryside, making the journey part of the experience. You can check out the Keukenhof map to get a feel for the layout before you go. It is a huge garden, so having a rough plan helps!
Only Open for a Short Season
One very important thing to know before planning your trip: Keukenhof is only open for a limited time each year, usually from mid-March to mid-May, depending on the tulip season. The dates change slightly each year, so you’ll want to check ahead and plan accordingly. If you’re travelling through the Netherlands in spring, this is an unforgettable experience — but miss the window and you’ll miss the magic.
Top Tip: Go Early
If you’re planning on visiting Keukenhof for the tulips, go early in the morning. We arrived not long after opening and had a peaceful few hours to stroll the gardens with minimal crowds… perfect for soaking it all in and getting great photos. By lunchtime, though, the crowds poured in. The walkways and photo spots started to get packed and some areas felt more like a theme park than a garden.
Luckily, buses run frequently from nearby towns and cities, so it’s easy to get there and back no matter where you’re staying. We caught one of the regular shuttles to and from Amsterdam and found the whole transport experience smooth and well organised.
Final Thoughts
We may not have arrived as flower experts, but we left completely enchanted… and a little bit obsessed with tulips! Keukenhof is more than just a garden; it’s an experience that sparks creativity, awe and even a little bit of flower fever. We’re now officially inspired to bring a bit of that colour and joy into our own backyard.
Whether you’re a lifelong gardener or just someone who loves beauty, visiting Keukenhof for the tulips is a must do if you’re in the Netherlands in spring. Just be warned: you may come home with a suitcase full of flower bulbs and grand garden dreams!
Looking for something different to do in Amsterdam while you are in the area… then check this out!
