The Best B&Bs Near Keukenhof and the Tulip Fields

Information and tips for enjoying a flowery stay in the Netherlands

The blooming season in the Netherlands is a true sensory spectacle. From mid-March to mid-May, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths transform the landscape into a sea of flowers. Whether you want to visit the famous Keukenhof, cycle through the tulip fields of Bollenstreek, or stroll through the colourful flower fields of Noordoostpolder, spring is the best time to experience the beauty of the Netherlands. Fall in love with this unique time of year from the comfort of a cosy B&B!

What to Do at Keukenhof Park

Tulips and Windmills at Keukenhof

Visiting the park

Keukenhof Botanical Garden, located in the Bulb Region in the municipality of Lisse, is a must-see on your trip to the Netherlands—you’ll feel like stepping into a real-life painting! Plan to dedicate an entire day to discovering this fascinating place. The park is expansive, and it's worth taking the time to fully explore the themed gardens and floral exhibitions, which change weekly.

Two orange bicycles stand beside vibrant red and yellow tulip fields under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Cycling to Keukenhof, Among Blossoming Fields by Bike

To fully enjoy the spectacular landscapes around Lisse, we recommend renting a bicycle near Haarlem or The Hague. Local rental shops can also provide route maps—for example, the ride from Haarlem to Keukenhof is about 16 km along flat, scenic cycling paths through vibrant flower fields.

Windmills at Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum that recreates a 17th-century Dutch village. Just a short distance from Keukenhof’s gardens and flower fields, it features six working windmills, traditional wooden houses, and quaint artisan workshops. Brightly painted and surrounded by blooming gardens, it's a must-visit for anyone interested in Dutch culture and history!

Boat Tour at Keukenhof, Cruise Through the Flowers

Experience the flower fields from a unique perspective by taking an electric boat tour along the canals around Keukenhof. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and includes an audio guide that shares interesting facts about the famous Dutch Bulb Region.

Must-Visit Places During Blooming Season

Keukenhof

20 March 2025 to 11 May 2025

The history of the world-renowned Keukenhof Flower Park dates back to the 15th century. Originally a hunting estate for nobility, Keukenhof Castle was built in 1641 and expanded with English-style gardens in 1857. The name "Keukenhof" means "kitchen garden" because herbs and vegetables were once cultivated here for the nobility. Since its floral exhibition opened in 1950 with over 236,000 visitors, the "Garden of Europe" has become a must-see attraction, drawing over a million visitors annually.

Flower Parade

9 April 2025 to 13 April 2025

The colourful annual Flower Parade in the Netherlands is the ultimate complement to a visit to Keukenhof. Festively decorated floats and vehicles adorned with literally millions of flowers travel through towns and cities in Bollenstreek. Since its first edition in 1947, the parade has grown in size and significance. The route starts in the coastal city of Noordwijk and spans over 40 kilometres to Haarlem.

Tulip Experience

20 March 2025 to 11 May 2025

Ideal for learning about tulip cultivation and history, the Tulip Experience in Lisse is an interactive exhibition covering everything from the flower’s origins to the "tulip mania" phenomenon. Visitors can stroll through vast tulip fields, admire the flowers up close, and even pick their own tulips.

Zaanse Schans

Open all year round

Zaanse Schans is an idyllic open-air museum in the Zaanstad region, offering a glimpse into 18th- and 19th-century Dutch life and traditions. With its historic windmills, wooden houses, and artisan workshops, it's a charming cultural experience. In spring, the gardens of its historical houses are in full bloom, and its proximity to Keukenhof and the tulip fields makes it a popular stop for flower enthusiasts.

Top Attractions Near the Tulip Fields in the Netherlands

Windmills

Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to 19 stunning windmills—a perfect blend of history and scenic beauty.

Tyipical houses, canals and bikes in Amsterdam

Museums & Culture

A trip to Amsterdam is always a great idea! Visit the Tulip Museum to learn more about tulip history.

The Birthplace of Tulips

The charming university city of Leiden, home to one of Europe's oldest botanical gardens, is just a short trip from Keukenhof.

Cheese Cities

Visit Alkmaar and Edam, famous for their traditional cheese markets. Alkmaar is also home to the Cheese Museum!

The History of Tulips

From the Ottoman Empire to the Netherlands: Tulips originated in the Ottoman Empire, where they symbolized beauty and luxury. In the 16th century, the first tulip bulbs arrived in Europe via the Viennese court and were later brought to the Netherlands by botanist Carolus Clusius. The first tulip plantations were established at the Botanical Garden of Leiden. By the 17th century, tulips had become a status symbol, reaching their peak during the infamous Tulip Mania, the world’s first recorded speculative bubble. Today, the Netherlands is the world’s leading tulip grower and top exporter of tulip bulbs.

Dream Growing Conditions: With a long spring season and cool nights, the Netherlands provides the optimum climate for growing tulips. The drained polder soil ensures an optimal balance between moisture and dryness, allowing tulip bulbs to thrive and bloom in full colour.

FloraHolland: The World's Largest Flower Auction: The Dutch flower auction tradition dates back to 1911. To improve global trade, FloraHolland was established in 2008 as an association of regional flower auctions, including those in Aalsmeer, Naaldwijk, and Rijnsburg. FloraHolland blends tradition with innovation and sustainability, using eco-friendly growing techniques. Visitors can tour the Aalsmeer auction house and even book guided tours.

Certified B&Bs with Tulips: Tulips are also the symbol of Bedandbreakfast.eu! Throughout the Netherlands, you’ll find not only beautiful tulip fields but also charming B&Bs. Our certified B&Bs, marked by pink tulip icons on their pages, meet high-quality standards. The more amenities and facilities a B&B offers, the more tulips it earns—making it easier for you to find a bloomalicious stay!

Pick-Your-Own Flower Gardens

Picking tulips in commercial bulb fields is not allowed, but several gardens in the Netherlands offer the chance to hand-pick fresh tulips. April is usually the best time. Be sure to check social media for opening dates before your visit.