Every spring, the world-famous tulip fields of the Dutch Bulb Region, ±30 minutes away from Amsterdam, transform into a palette of colors: bright pink, yellow, red, and purple. But when exactly is Dutch tulip season, and when is the best time to visit? Bulb grower Simon and his daughter Sylvia Pennings of Tulip Experience Amsterdam share their tips on the best time to visit the Netherlands for tulips.
According to bulb grower Simon, the tulip season in the Netherlands starts earlier than many people think. "We actually see flowers in bloom from the end of March onwards, because from the third week of March, the daffodils, hyacinths, and early-flowering tulips are already in full bloom. In early April, we have various tulips in full bloom, and later on, the late-flowering tulips join us."
Most visitors plan their trip in early April, and for good reason. This is when the tulip fields are most likely to be in full bloom. Due to the changing weather and climate, the season can shift slightly each year. Keep up with the recent bloom updates on our Instagram page and keep an eye on the current status of the show garden.
The Tulip Experience Amsterdam is open from March 19 to May 10, 2026.
We often hear the question: what is the best time to visit Amsterdam for tulips? The best time to visit the tulips is from March to May. However, in the city of Amsterdam, you won’t find any tulip fields. However, the Bollenstreek (Bulb Region) is the heart of Dutch tulip culture, only a 30-minute drive away from Amsterdam.
In the Bulb Region you'll find the famous mosaics of color that make the region a global icon. Simon calls it the "Mondrian of the Netherlands" for good reason. “The small fields, narrow roads, and diverse color schemes make it truly cozy and unique. In Flevoland or North Holland, the atmosphere is different; it's beautiful, yet grand and austere. In the Bollenstreek it's more picturesque.”
So when you’re visiting Amsterdam in spring, make sure to add a visit to the Bollenstreek to your holidays. Tulip Experience Amsterdam is located in Noordwijkerhout, conveniently situated between Amsterdam and The Hague. The location is easily accessible by car and is close to the Lisse off-ramp from the N206. Find more instructions on how to get here on our Plan Your Visit page.
Where can you find the most beautiful tulip fields in the Netherlands? Simon and Sylvia may be a bit biased. If you Google "tulip fields Netherlands," you'll get dozens of suggestions. Yet, according to Sylvia, the Bollenstreek (Bulb Region) takes the cake. "The Bollenstreek is the cultural heart of flower bulb growing. Everything comes together here: the history, the growers, and the colors. It's cozy, welcoming, and full of surprises."
From Amsterdam you can reach the tulip fields in 30 minutes by car. Popular places to view the flower fields and show gardens are Lisse, Noordwijkerhout, Noordwijk, Hillegom, and Voorhout.
Also read: Where to find the best Dutch tulip fields near Amsterdam?
Tulip Experience Amsterdam was founded in 2019, partly due to the growing tourism in the Bulb Region and the increasing pressure on the production fields. Sylvia explains, “What makes us unique with the Tulip Experience Amsterdam is that you don't just see the tulips here; you actually experience them. You hear the story, you learn about the growers' work, and then you walk among the tulips. That makes it extra special and a true experience.”
The show garden features over 700 varieties of tulips in all shapes and colors. You can take photos, go on a scavenger hunt with children, and visit the Tulip Museum with a timeline about the history of the tulip.
Tulips only bloom in spring; that makes it extra magical. "Everyone loves tulips," says Simon. "They truly are the heralds of spring."
With us, you get three experiences in one visit! With a unique combination of a Tulip Museum, a magical show garden with no fewer than 4 million tulips (in 700 varieties!), and tulip picking in the indoor picking room (included in the ticket!), you'll immerse yourself in the world of tulips.
Book your tickets here. The Tulip Experience Amsterdam is open from March 19 to May 10, 2026.
This article was written in collaboration with Sylvia Pennings, director of Tulip Experience Amsterdam. Since she was nine, she has helped out at her father's tulip nursery, and in 2019, they founded Tulip Experience Amsterdam. Together with her family, she lets visitors experience the magic of the tulip and shares the story of the bulb grower.
This article was written in collaboration with Simon Pennings, founder of Tulip Experience Amsterdam and a bulb grower through and through. As the second generation of the family business, he proudly continues his father's tulip nursery and focuses on innovation and sustainability within the bulb industry.
