One of the Netherlands’ most popular attractions, the flower-filled Keukenhof Gardens really is a treat to visit. Here are 12 tips on how to make the most of your time.
Keukenhof Gardens is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful flower parks. It’s a magical place to explore and definitely worth visiting if you get the chance!
In the months leading up to the opening every year, around seven million colorful tulips, daffodils, and roses are planted in the park dubbed the Garden of Europe.
This year Keukenhof will return from 20 March to 11 May 2025. Given that it’s one of the country’s most popular attractions, it can fill up quickly so it’s a good idea to plan your visit in advance. To help you out, here are some tips on how to make the most of your time among the tulips.
1. Plan your visit in advance
As the Keukenhof Gardens sprawl over a huge 32 hectares, it’s a good idea to plan your route before you go. This is so you don’t miss out on any of the amazing fountains, sculptures, pavilions and, of course, flowerbeds that lie along its 10 miles of walking trails. Make sure to pick up a map at the entrance.
2. Visit at the right time of year
It may sound obvious, but it doesn’t hurt to remind yourself. If Keukenhof is on your bucket list (and it definitely should be!), then you’ll want to visit the park between mid-March and mid-May. In 2025, Keukenhof will open from March 20 to May 11. This is the only time of year that the park is open as this is when the flowers are in bloom.
3. Keep up to date on how the flowers are doing
As the weather and temperature understandably vary each spring, it’s well worth checking if the flowers are in bloom before you visit. A quick Google search can keep you in the loop.
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4. Visit at the right time of day
Remarkably over 1.5 million people visit Keukenhof each year and this means it can get extremely busy, particularly on the weekend. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit on a weekday, either early in the morning or in the afternoon. The gardens are open every day from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. When you book your tickets you’ll have to choose a time slot. Make sure to enter during your booked time slot, and after that, you can stay as long as you like.
5. Research how to get there beforehand
Keukenhof is located in the small town of Lisse which lies 18 miles (30km) southwest of Amsterdam. To get to the gardens from the capital you can either hop on a bus or train, take the car or even cycle there if you feel like it!. However, keep in mind that the roads get busy and parking lots fill up quickly, while buses and trains are very crowded. In which case, we recommend opting for a full day tour with transport included so you can relax and avoid the hassle.
6. Buy your tickets in advance
Another great way to save time and make the most of your visit is to buy your ticket online and avoid the queues. Tickets are also cheaper online than if you buy them at the ticket office. Some combination tickets include public transport alongside the entrance fee.
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7. Give yourself enough time
Keukenhof Gardens is truly special so you’re going to want to have enough time to see as much as possible. With so many beautiful flowers and stunning landscapes on display, you can easily spend half-a-day or more ambling peacefully along its scenic paths. Most visitors spend about three hours in the park.
8. Don’t miss out on everything else
While its endless flowerbeds are understandably the main attraction, a number of wonderful fountains, sculptures and pavilions can be found scattered throughout the gorgeous gardens. In fact, the Keukenhof has a partnership with the Kröller-Müller Museum that makes the park feel and look like an outdoor art gallery. Lovely!
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9. Watch one of the flower parades
Keukenhof also hosts a number of flower shows and heritage weekends as well as a fabulous flower parade. Try and time your visit to coincide with one of these magnificent flower-filled events. While the park is quite crowded at these times, the sight of the floral arrangements is unforgettable.
10. Take a guided tour
With so much going on, it can be very easy to miss out on something incredible. To avoid the hassle of planning everything yourself and skipping a key part of the park, it is well worth taking a guided tour – particularly if you are pressed for time.
Check out our best experiences: Guided Tours and Tickets for the Keukenhof
11. Rent a bike
If tour groups aren’t your thing then you can always rent a bike and explore the tulip fields around Keukenhof yourself. While they are not part of the park, they’re still a mesmerising sight, and the added bonus is that you’ll escape the crowds and get to see more pretty flowers. Cycling is not allowed in the park.
12. Family fun for everyone
Keukenhof really has something for everyone to enjoy. Accessible to all ages, there is a petting zoo, maze and play area for youngsters and restaurants, cafes, and picnic areas. With so much to choose from, a visit to the Keukenhof will quickly turn into a full day out.
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Practical information and tips for Keukenhof:
- Keukenhof 2025 dates: It’s open daily from Thursday 20 March to Sunday 11 May, 8:00am to 7:00pm.
- Book your ticket on time: It’s a popular event so book early to make sure you don’t miss out.
- Stick to your time slot: Be at the entrance during your booked time slot; after that, you can stay until closing time.
- Best visiting times: Weekdays early in the morning or late in the afternoon are the quietest—and perfect for taking stunning photos.
- Check bloom updates: Not all flower fields bloom at the same time; check current blooming information.
- Food and drinks: You’re allowed to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy at picnic areas and benches.
- Dining options: There are plenty of eateries to choose from in the park.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’re likely to cover a lot of ground without even realizing it.
- Parking: While parking at Keukenhof is available, public transport helps you avoid traffic jams and the stress of finding a parking.
- Accessibility: Keukenhof is wheelchair friendly.
- Pets: Dogs are allowed (one dog per person), but keep in mind it may be too busy and crowded for your four-legged friend.