I’ve always had a massive obsession with color. When I was a kid, I would pick library books based on how vibrant the covers were. A box of rainbow crayons was my jam—but wasn’t it everyone’s?
As a designer and photographer, my work leans unapologetically bright and bold. I’ve tried to experiment with black and white, but each time I fail miserably. I just adore color in all its happy, cheerful glory.
So when I wrapped up a recent trip to Europe, I knew I had to share the most vibrant, prismatic wonderland I’ve ever experienced: Holland’s Keukenhof Gardens.
Discovering Keukenhof
It’s no secret that the Netherlands is synonymous with tulips—they’re the biggest flower exporter in the world. But despite all of my meticulous planning, I didn’t find out about Keukenhof Gardens until after I booked the trip. As soon as I realized I’d be in Holland during the garden’s short spring season (mid-March to mid-May), I went from excited to ecstatic.
A 79-acre floral paradise, bursting with over 7 million tulips in every imaginable hue? After scrolling through Instagram and spotting what looked like my inner child’s Lisa Frank fantasies brought to life, I knew I had to go.
Spoiler: I was not mistaken.
Color, Culture, and a Bit of Tulip Drama
I learned more about tulips than I ever thought I’d care to know—and honestly, it was fascinating. Imported from the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, tulips were so highly prized in the Netherlands that their bulbs were once stolen and sold for jaw-dropping sums during the infamous “Tulip Mania.” The Dutch even tried to cultivate a black tulip for centuries, getting close in 1986 with one that’s technically just a very, very dark purple. (Still counts, right?)
Even if you’re not a flower fanatic, Keukenhof is an immersive way to explore Dutch culture, horticultural obsession and all.
What to Expect at Keukenhof Gardens
If you’re a morning person, you’re in luck—early arrivals are rewarded with softer light for photos and fewer crowds. The garden starts to fill up by midday. In addition to the endless rows of tulips, indoor pavilions showcase rotating displays of orchids, lilies, and other blooms—each one more beautifully curated than the last.
My husband and I spent about four hours meandering the grounds (and, let’s be real, he spent most of it snapping photos of me next to every color combo imaginable). A faster visit can be done in about two hours if you’re short on time. If it hadn’t been so windy, we would’ve rented bikes to ride through the tulip fields just outside the garden—definitely a great alternative for those on a tighter budget, though I still think Keukenhof is worth every euro.
Getting to Keukenhof from Amsterdam
Keukenhof is surprisingly easy to reach:
(1) The simplest option is to drive, but public transportation is efficient and scenic.
(2) From Schiphol Airport, hop on Express Bus 858, which takes about 30 minutes.
(3) From Leiden or Haarlem, buses 854 and 50 also go straight to the entrance.
For each of these, you can buy a combi ticket (bus + entry) in advance.
(4) If you’re staying in Amsterdam, take a train to Schiphol, then transfer to the express bus. Or, consider booking a tour package that includes transport and admission—it’s often the most stress-free option during peak bloom.
Pro tip: These buses can get packed during prime hours, so aim for an early departure if possible.
Plan Your Visit
Keukenhof is only open for eight weeks each year, from mid-March to mid-May, with peak bloom typically in mid to late April. That gives you plenty of time to dream, plan, and stalk the official bloom tracker for updates.
And if you’re wondering whether it lives up to the hype: it absolutely does.
For anyone who wants to literally frolic through fields of flowers, there’s no better place. The sheer number of tulips and meticulous landscaping is astonishing. I still don’t know how nothing ends up trampled—it’s like floral magic.
Editor’s Note: This post originally appeared on 29 June 2018 titled Why Everyone Should Visit Keukenhof, Holland’s Tulip Paradise and has been updated in May 2025 with the most current information by our team of contributors to reflect the latest travel tips, seasonal details, and transportation options for visiting Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands.