The top places in the Netherlands to see tulips

The Dutch landscape comes to life every spring in a kaleidoscopic blaze of flowers. Tulips are synonymous with the Netherlands, and many farms in the provinces of South Holland, North Holland and Flevoland are covered in a tapestry of spectacular blooms every year from March until May. Celebrate the change of seasons with this list of the best places to see tulips in the Netherlands.

Any flower fan knows the name ‘Keukenhof’ – but only true connoisseurs know that the best way to experience the tulip fields is by bike. The town of Noordwijk and the small village of Noordwijkerhout are among the top places to see tulips in the Netherlands.

If you have a day to spare, consider cycling through the flower fields of Noordwijk and towards the seaside town of Katwijk. It’s the perfect itinerary for a sunny day and a sustainable way to support local tulip growers. Many farms – such as De Tulperij – provide paid tulip excursions, too.

Stay between the sea and the flower fields at Alexander Hotel in Noordwijk aan Zee.

Not far from Noordwijk is the usually sleepy town of Lisse. However, springtime brings throngs of tulip-loving tourists to Lisse’s manicured Keukenhof gardens. If you prefer to avoid tourist hotspots in favour of seeing tulips in their ‘natural habitat’, then the tulip fields surrounding Lisse are a must-visit. Paved bike lanes carve out the best path for exploring the bollenstreek – or bulb belt – of the Netherlands. As with every tulip field that’s open to the public, respect for the flowers is a high priority and visitors should refrain from touching these precious blooms.

The legendary Keukenhof is home to 32 hectares of fabulous flowerbeds, with seven million bulbs in jaw-dropping bloom and over 800 varieties of tulips on display. It’s open for two months a year – from mid-March to mid-May – and the gardens also feature numerous pavilions where visitors can learn about the history of tulips, bulb cultivation and floral design.

Guided tours of the tulip fields are available daily. If you’d like to maximise your time and take in other nearby attractions too, then consider booking the Tulip Fields and Delft Tour, and take a guided tour of the gardens before heading to the beautiful medieval town of Delft to explore further.

For easy access to the gardens, book a stay at Boutique Suites Lisse - Schiphol, located just 800 metres from Keukenhof.

Amsterdam was at the heart of the 17th century’s tulip mania that swept across the nation. This was a brief period between 1634 and 1637 when the country was gripped in a tulip trade frenzy, which caused the economy to bubble and eventually crash. Though tulips are still considered very desirable, Amsterdam has since shed its fervour for the flower. However, once a year, the Tulip Festival Amsterdam aims to revive tulip mania – sans the economic meltdown.

Running throughout April, this celebration of the national flower sees the city's notable buildings and popular districts adorned with fresh blooms. All displays in public areas are free to enjoy, except for museum gardens, where regular ticket prices apply. Amsterdam serves as an ideal hub, offering numerous tours that explore the picturesque tulip fields in the surrounding countryside. Among these, the Tulip Field and Dutch Windmill Tour offers the quintessential Dutch experience and takes in some additional cultural and historical sights along the way. When it comes to places to stay, it’s hard to beat the location of Hotel Weber, which is right by the centrally located Leidseplein.

If the idea of tulip beds doesn't quite cut it for you, then it sounds like you’re in need of a flower parade. During Bloemencorso, which means ‘flower parade’ in Dutch, a fleet of floats journeys from Noordwijk to Haarlem. Starting in the morning, it follows a 42 km route that ends in Haarlem at nightfall, when marching bands usher the parade into town. It’s lively, colourful and a whole lot of fun.

After a day of festivities, you’ll be grateful for a comfortable bed within a short walk of the parade. Retire to the Van der Valk Hotel Haarlem or Amrâth Grand Hotel Frans Hals. Both of them score high for comfort and cleanliness, ensuring you’ll get a good night’s rest.

For those flying into Amsterdam, Flevoland may seem a world away on the map. However, the Noordoostpolder tulip route makes for a lovely little day trip and is best experienced by car. Making the journey up north can also be more rewarding, as this province sees far fewer tourists than the other flower-spotting hot spots.

The countryside is full of fresh air, stunning colours and wonderful photo opportunities. Along this 100-km route, you’ll pass fields carpeted with vivid shades, as well as galleries and little towns with their own slices of flower-based artwork. One such town is Kraggenburg, a quaint village typical of the Flevoland province. Book a few nights at the Speldehof apartment, situated right along the Noordoostpolder tulip trail.