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Keukenhof Gardens

  • Lisse, North Holland, Netherlands

Last updated: 02 December, 2024

Each spring, more than 1.5 million tulip aficionados flock to Lisse, 25 miles outside Amsterdam, to see the iconic Dutch flower in its full glory. Across 79 acres of gardens – interspersed with paths, ponds, creeks, greenhouses, and even faux windmills – some seven million tulips (as well as other flowers) blossom in a vast array of colours and patterns.

This magnificent spectacle, which kicks off in March and lasts only eight weeks, is the most-visited attraction in the Netherlands.

Logistics

Price from: £15
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The Keukenhof Express Bus (public transport) is the least expensive option, departing eight times an hour from Amsterdam RAI station and Schiphol Airport, with direct service to the gardens. Bus 397 leaves from several major points in the city centre and travels to Hoofddorp station, where you switch to the Keukenhof Express Bus. Most journeys take around 30 minutes.

As you’d expect, lines are long and booking an online, timed ticket well in advance is essential. For ease, you can purchase an online Combiticket that includes round-trip travel and admission to the gardens. Other options include private tour buses, most of which depart from Amsterdam Centraal Station.

Expect to spend about three hours exploring the gardens. There are multiple cafes inside the gardens for rest and refreshments.

When to do it

The opening date varies, depending on when the flowers start blooming, but it’s generally in early March and lasts for only eight weeks. The last two weeks of April are the best time to see everything in full bloom.

Weekends and public holidays are the busiest; Mondays and Tuesdays see fewer crowds as do mornings and late afternoons.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Amsterdam

The 9-hour tour allows you sufficient time to adore Keukenhof ''Garden of Europe'', get close to colourful tulip fields (depends on weather condition). Visit home to traditional Delftware, little cute medieval town Delft to get away from bustling large cities. Accompanied by a personal guide throughout the day tour, you will get to know more about tulips, culture and lifestyle in the Netherlands. Enjoy personalised attention from your friendly guide. • Personal touring experience visiting top attraction Keukenhof tulips garden (ticket included). • Personal guide throughout the whole-day tour. • Visit tulips fields get close to the 'sea of flowers' fields (depends on season). • Escape from bustling city visiting medieval city Delft  • Visit a registered Delft Blue pottery factory to get to know how the famous Delftware is made, personal demonstration to identify the 'genuine' and 'fake'.

Price €149

Min age 0

Rating 4.26 / 5 [106 ratings]

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