Bucket list experience:
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.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >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.
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.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Amsterdam
€35 | Rating 4.39 / 5 [1837 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Amsterdam
€49 | Rating 4.70 / 5 [31 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Amsterdam
€74 | Rating 4.48 / 5 [93 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Amsterdam
€99 | Rating 4.21 / 5 [566 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[24.5 miles]
A chic, contemporary five-star set in a heritage building. A top-notch location for art-lovers – it’s just a stone’s throw from Amsterdam’s Big Three museums.
Official star rating:
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[24.8 miles]
A hip neighbourhood locale, stylish bar and restaurant and gentle price point give this boutique hotel an edge.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
North Holland, Netherlands
Picturesque Golden Age canals, premier league art, cosy cafés, and liberal urban living combine to make Amsterdam one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Amsterdam , North Holland, Netherlands[24.6 miles]
The world’s largest collection of works by post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh – including over 200 paintings and 400 drawings.
Best for ages: 13+ | £15
Amsterdam , North Holland, Netherlands[24.9 miles]
The Netherlands’ premier art museum is packed with Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, showcasing the finest works of Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer. Over 8,000 exhibits are displayed in 80 rooms trace 800 years of Dutch art and culture. The must-see masterpiece is Rembrandt’s massive Night Watch.
Best for ages: 18+ | £16
Amsterdam, North, Netherlands[26.5 miles]
Sedate and enjoyable tours (with audio commentary) are a great way to see the city and to learn some of its secrets.
Best for ages: 4+ | £20 | 75 minutes
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[23.8 miles]
Amsterdam’s iconic 111-acre park in the city centre is a focal point of relaxation for locals – and perfect for a leisurely bike ride.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[24.2 miles]
A sprawling food, shopping and cultural complex tucked inside a turn-of-the-century red-brick complex, that includes an indoor food hall with over 20 different international street food stalls.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[24.5 miles]
One of the city’s ‘Big Three’ museums highlights international artists of the 19th to 21st centuries, and features a fine collection of works by Piet Mondrian.
Best for ages: 18+ | £17
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[24.7 miles]
The newest addition to Museumplein’s art attractions, this small museum highlights modern and contemporary artists and is home to an impressive array of works by street artist Banksy.
Best for ages: 18+ | £17
