If you’re in Amsterdam during spring, a trip to Keukenhof Gardens is an absolute must. Many plan their whole trip around a visit to this colourful spectacle and it’s no wonder why.

If mindful wandering and gorgeous floral displays are your thing, you’re going to want to add Keukenhof to your Netherlands bucket list.

Located just under an hour from the city, this world-famous garden is home to over seven million blooming tulips, along with daffodils, hyacinths, and other vibrant flowers that create, not only a postcard-perfect experience, but will transport you to otherworldly landscapes.

This Keukenhof guide will show you how to plan the perfect day trip from Amsterdam, including how to get there, what to see, and tips to make the most of your visit.

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Getting To Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof is just outside Amsterdam and super easy to reach and making it perfect for a day trip.

By Bus & Train – Take a train from Amsterdam Centraal to Schiphol Airport, then hop on the Keukenhof Express Bus 858 straight to the gardens. In the past, this was our go-to option, and it still works like a charm. (Online combo tickets make this seamless.)

Direct Bus from Amsterdam – The Keukenhof Express Bus 852 now also departs from Amsterdam RAI, dropping you right at the entrance.

By Car – Driving takes about 40 minutes, with parking available on-site (around €9). Arrive early in the spring if you want to avoid the traffic.

By Bike – For a scenic adventure, the ride is about 30–40 km, depending on your route. The Dutch countryside is beautiful, especially with tulip fields in bloom.

Best time to go to Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof is only open for a short window each spring, making timing key to a great visit. Back in 2015, it ran from 20 March – 17 May, and while the exact dates shift slightly each year, it’s always roughly mid-March to mid-May. This is when the tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other blooms are at their absolute best.

In 2026, Keukenhof Gardens will be open from March 19th until May 10th.

Peak Bloom: Typically in April, when the colours are at their most vibrant.
Avoid Crowds: Weekdays are much quieter than weekends, and mornings are the best time to arrive for softer light and fewer tourists.
Pro Tip: Check the official Keukenhof website for bloom forecasts — some years the tulips bloom a bit earlier or later, depending on the weather.

Fun fact from our 2015 visit: Even though only 8 weeks a year are open, over 800,000 visitors flock to Keukenhof, with around 75% coming from abroad — so it’s definitely worth planning ahead.

Ticket Information & Tips for visiting Keukenhof

Tickets are simple to book, and there are a few modern tricks to make your day stress-free:

Entry Tickets: Adult tickets are usually around €20–€25, kids are somewhat discounted. It’s worth booking online in advance to secure a time slot.
Combo Tickets: Just like we did in 2015, you can buy a combo ticket that includes both a bus from Amsterdam/Schiphol and garden entry. Back then, it cost around €23.50 — now prices are slightly higher, but it’s still the easiest way to get there.
Timed Entry: Keukenhof uses timed slots to manage the crowds, so don’t forget to pick one. Arrive within your half-hour window to avoid long lines.
Extra Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be on your feet for this experience.
- Bring water and sunscreen (though you can of course get water there)
- Leave enough time to slow down and enjoy the experience without rushing. Maybe 4–5 hours if you want to stroll, visit pavilions, climb the windmill, or even take a boat tour of nearby tulip fields.

Fun fact…

Every year, over 7 million bulbs are planted here!

Let me show you around.

Best Things to Do at Keukenhof

Stroll Through the Gardens

Keukenhof is made up of themed gardens and pavilions. Wander through the winding paths and admire the incredible floral displays — from tulip fields in every color imaginable to delicate hyacinths and daffodils. Each area has its own vibe, so take your time to explore.

Visit the Flower Pavilions

There are several pavilions to explore, including the Oranje Nassau, Willem-Alexander, and Beatrix pavilions, each showcasing flowers in unique arrangements. Inside, you’ll find exotic blooms and creative floral art that’s perfect for inspiration (or Instagram!).

Climb the Windmill

The iconic Keukenhof windmill is not just picturesque — you can climb to the top for panoramic views over the surrounding tulip fields. It’s a great spot for photos and to see the full scale of the gardens.

Take a Whisper Boat Tour

For a different perspective, hop on a small electric “whisper” boat that glides through the nearby tulip fields. It’s peaceful, scenic, and gives you a chance to see the flowers in full bloom from a unique vantage point.

Enjoy Seasonal Food and Snacks

Keukenhof has several cafes and food stalls offering Dutch treats. Don’t miss the stroopwafels, cheese, and fresh spring snacks. Grab something to eat and enjoy it in one of the garden’s many scenic spots.

Photograph the Tulip Fields

Whether you’re a serious photographer or just love capturing memories, the fields around Keukenhof are iconic. Plan for some time to wander beyond the main paths and snap photos of endless rows of colourful blooms.

Final tips for visiting Keukenhof Gardens

Timing: Plan for at least 4–5 hours if you want to see the gardens and enjoy a boat ride.
Crowds: Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and mornings are the best time to beat the crowds.
Combine With a Dutch Countryside Trip: If you have more time, the surrounding Lisse region has charming villages and farms to explore, making it a full day of scenic adventures.

Keukenhof isn’t just a garden — it’s a full springtime experience that feels like stepping into a storybook. Even if you’re just passing through Amsterdam, it’s worth setting aside a day to soak up the colours, scents, and magic of the Netherlands in bloom.

We had the most beautiful day lounging around the gardens and strolling between rainbows of colour. For £18 all in, we had a beautiful day here and if you find yourself in Amsterdam during the opening weeks – I can guarantee even the most basic of photographers will come away with a money shot.

Should you wish to venture further you can hire bikes at an additional cost from the gardens and cycle through the tulip fields. I would have loved to have extended our day to that but it was our last evening in Amsterdam and so we headed back to the center.

Arriving back to Amsterdam

Obviously refuelling as soon as we got there. I had had my eye on this Maoz vegetarian pita bar since we arrived. If you’ve been to Pita Pit before – you’ll understand the craving.

We walked around the city in the remains of the sun, continuously unravelling new corners and attractions. There is honestly such a diverse choice of activities and sights in Amsterdam, and I would have had no idea until I got here.

All I had naively associated Amsterdam with before was ‘Coffee Shops’.

I personally felt that I wanted to check out a coffee shop whilst I was in Amsterdam, so late that afternoon we headed to a well-known tourist cafe – Smokeys.

Like The Red Light District, the openness and accessibility of cannabis and sexuality felt very… different. Strange if I’m honest.

Here in Amsterdam, the smell of cannabis will waft your way through most street corners, so expect it.

That and waffles of course.

The afternoon soon drifted away from us and our tummy began rumbling again. This time we fancied sushi and so embarked upon a sushi hunt before stumbling upon this absolute GEM of a restaurant…

From the front you would have NO idea the back opens up to a romantic view down the canal and the red light district. And as for the food. OH MY.

The gyoza were UNREAL. Succulent, intensely flavoursome and combined with the garlic soy – wow. My mouth is watering as we speak. You must order them.

We enjoyed a range of sushi, edamame beans and sashimi in the most beautiful setting imaginable. We had a lovely Japanese lady who served us endlessly, making the experience very authentic.

If you want to head here (which I highly recommend), it’s called Morita-Ya and is located down Zeedijk street.

More information here.

Our final morning bought us to one last hotspot before we jumped on the plane back to the UK – Lite/Dark, which is also located on ZeeDijk Street.

We had walked past it a few times but never been hungry enough / ready to enter, so we saved it for last.

We both grabbed a selection of fresh smoothies, juices, protein balls and healthy cookies for the journey home and felt amazing for it. If you’re fancy indulging in vitamins and anti-oxidants whilst in Amsterdam – this is your place. Everything is homemade and they do everything from snacks to salads.