Curator’s statement
The Netherlands seem to come alive in the springtime with all the beautiful bright colorful flowers blooming throughout the country. There is, however, one flower in particular that takes center stage every spring and that is the tulip. From tulip-themed river cruises to tours, the tulip is as synonymous with the Netherlands as windmills and wooden shoes.
There are many ways to experience seeing them, but my particular favorite way is to spend a day at the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse. I was fortunate enough to visit these beautiful gardens for their 75th season and it was a memorable experience. So memorable, in fact, that I can’t help but recommend it to every traveler planning a springtime visit to the Netherlands.
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Things to do in Netherlands
When to visit
The Keukenhof Gardens are typically open every spring starting in mid-March and ending in early May. They are open every day at this time and that does include Sundays and holidays. Do keep in mind that Keukenhof does tend to be busier on or around these holidays. We were there a couple of days before King’s Day, which is April 27th, and it got to be quite busy.
How to get there
There are several ways to get there. If you are staying in Amsterdam, there are many different tours you can book that will take you to and from the Keukenhof Gardens. We purchased a combi-ticket that included round-trip transportation via the Keukenhof Express between Schipol Airport and the gardens. If you’re renting a car during your visit, you can drive to Keukenhof but you will have to pre-purchase a parking token. If you choose to stay near the gardens in Lisse, you can take the Dutch’s favorite mode of transportation and go by bike. They do have bike racks there to store and, in case of emergencies, a way to charge electric bikes. As your travel advisor, I would be more than happy to help you figure out the best option for you!
What to see while you’re there
The park is separated into many different sections and pathways to make it easy to explore. You’ll see not only exquisite flower designs but also artwork and water features throughout the park’s landscape. There are pavilions filled with exhibits. My favorite one showed programs and decorations from the previous seasons. It was quite interesting to see and it was indoors which gave us a nice respite from the drizzly rain!
You can also add to the day’s experience by adding a variety of activities. A popular option is the whisper boats that take you to the tulip bulb fields that are close to the park. There is an additional ticket you have to purchase for the boat ride. Near the whisper boat entrance is an old mill from 1892 that is free to enter and explore.
Keukenhof offers bike rentals that you can use to explore the surrounding area of the park. This is a great option if you happen to visit when the nearby tulip fields are at their peak and in bloom!
If you prefer a guided experience over exploring on your own, Keukenhof does offer tours at an additional expense.
Of course, the park does have plenty of shops for you to explore from standard souvenirs to flower bulbs there are plenty of items for your selection. We walked away with a magnet and a very cute Delft-style windmill ornament.
Places to eat & drink in Netherlands
Food and drink
Keukenhof has a variety of options to choose from when it comes to food and drink in their park. They have several restaurants to visit as well as food carts throughout the park. My husband and I visited on a cool, drizzly day and enjoyed a mid-morning snack break at one of the cafes. We warmed up with hot lattes and a delicious slice of Dutch Apple Pie! We also grabbed burgers from one of the food carts later on in the day for our lunch and they were very yummy!
There are a couple things to keep in mind. One, is that the restaurants on site do not take reservations, so bear that in mind when planning your day. Secondly, you can bring your own food into the park but you have to eat it at the designated picnic areas and not in the restaurants.
Need to know
The Keukenhof Gardens are completely cashless.
Tickets are timed entry, and it is important that you arrive during that time slot.
For the best experience, book the earliest time slot possible. The park will only get busier and busier throughout the day.
If you choose to visit the park the day you arrive in the Netherlands, you can bring your luggage with you to the park. They will store it for you for free! This is what we did and it was very convenient.
Weather in the Netherlands is known for being unpredictable. You can start the day out mild and sunny and before you know it the weather will change to cold and rainy, which is what happened the day of our visit. Make sure you have rain jackets and/or an umbrella with you when you visit.
If you want to purchase bulbs, I recommend buying them early in your visit because the flower bulb shops will get extremely busy later on in the day. It’s very difficult to get anyone to help you if you have any questions or need assistance in the afternoon.
If you’re interested in visiting the lovely gardens of Keukenhof and the incredible country they reside in, please let me know! I would love to create your perfect itinerary to explore the Netherlands!
Travel Advisor
Emily Purr
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