The Netherlands for Tulip Lovers

Eight floral finds in The Netherlands during tulip season:

• Flower Market in Amsterdam: This is the largest flower market in the Netherlands and it’s located on the canal. You’ll be overwhelmed with the beauty and the fragrance of millions of tulips and other spring blossoms.

• Koekenhof Gardens: This is the ultimate destination for tulip lovers and it’s only open for two months each spring. Millions of visitors come from around the world, so book your tulip trip early for next April!

• Flower Festival: This annual festival includes a incredible parade of flowers on a Saturday in mid-April. The floats are assembled in the small town of Noordwijk, where you can visit the factory the day before the parade.

• BloomenStreek region: The growing area most favourable for tulips is a visual feast of colours. It’s surreal to see the fields bursting with blossoms. Take a leisurely drive or, even better, do it the Dutch way and bike through the area on designated bike paths.

• Intratuin: If you love a good garden centre, then you have arrived at the ‘ultimate’. This is the IKEA of garden centres! Just as big, and the selection is insane. I’ve never seen anything like it. So much to choose from. The only problem you’ll have is getting it home.

• Tulip Experience: If you’ve ever wanted to stand in a sea of flowers for that perfect Instagram moment, this is the place. Perfect photo ops abound with colour and delight. It’s a little tricky to get to, so make sure to plan ahead.

• Royal FloraHolland: You must see this to believe it. This is the biggest flower auction in the world, moving approximately 60% of the flower trade. That’s 20–40 million flowers and plants per day! And you can watch it all happen from above. I can arrange your timed visit and self-guided tour.

• Bike and Barge Tulip Tour: This is the best way to enjoy an active vacation for tulip lovers. Take a 5-day bike trip around the tulip fields and rest on a comfortable boat every evening. Due to the short peak blossom season, these all-inclusive trips often book up a year in advance. Plan ahead for next year!

• Restaurant Hofboerderij (Keukenhof 1, Lisse): When visiting Keukenhof Gardens, have an early lunch or dinner at this country gem on the grounds of Kasteel Keukenhof, located across the street from the gardens. Explore the castle grounds while you’re there. Reservations are recommended between 10 a.m.–5 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday.

• FreQuent (Heereweg 234, Lisse): Book a table on the patio WAY in advance to ensure a good view on the day of the Tulip Festival Parade. The Main Street will be hopping, so get there early and enjoy lunch with some typical Dutch fare. The parade passes by within metres of this cozy spot. Or you could book a grandstand seat for the parade and go to any of the restaurants along this block after the parade for afternoon refreshments.

• Intratuin: Garden centre shopping can be exhausting. It’s best to fuel up before, or after, at this lovely cafeteria in the store. The open, airy, glasshouse-style design has a great view to the flower fields from the top floor. With a wide variety of hot and cold menu items, you’re sure to be satisfied with all your purchases.

• Coffee Corner ‘De Witte Zwaan’: When you visit the Tulip Experience (see Things to Do section above), you’ll need a refreshing break from all those selfies. Stop for a coffee and an apple tarte with whipped cream, another Dutch staple. Or enjoy a leisurely lunch while digesting your new knowledge of tulip cultivation.

• Frens Haringhandel (Singel 470, Amsterdam): On market days or any days while walking around town in Holland, there’s nothing more traditionally Dutch than eating fish while standing outside a fishmonger. I recommend trying herring with onions or kebbingen (deep-fried cod), or both. It tastes even better by the sea, but this place will bring the sea to you.

• Secret Garden (Reguliersdwarsstraat 38, Amsterdam): For a more formal dining experience, try this unique blend of Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions called Nikkei cuisine. There’s a variety of menu options to choose from while you delight in the art-and-nature-inspired environment.