A Flower Haven Featuring Over 7 Million Blossoms Is Known As The 'Garden Of Europe'

Keukenhof Gardens (sometimes referred to as just Keukenhof) in Lisse, Amsterdam, is known as "the Garden of Europe," and for good reason. Here, visitors worldwide can wander amongst millions of some of the most beautiful spring flowers in the world (like tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils) that bloom over 32 hectares (79 acres) of expansive rolling hills, taking in all the magnificent sites and smells the park has to offer. Those who have ever seen the classic Disney film "Alice in Wonderland" will most likely remember the singing flowers and their claim that people can learn from them "In the Golden Afternoon." While the flowers in Keukenhof aren't belting out tunes, they are certainly teaching visitors about how astoundingly beautiful nature can be.

Babbling brooks lead the way to serene lakes, while a quintessential Dutch windmill whirls above visitors having picnics on the grass. Patrons can even take a boat ride along the canals, or a bike ride through the neighboring fields to take in the surrounding landscapes. It's the perfect place to spend a spring day admiring a piece of what makes the Netherlands so beautiful. Unfortunately, the flowers are only in bloom for a short period during the spring, so it's important to plan your trip so you're visiting the Netherlands at the best time of year to see them. There are also quite a few tips and tricks to ensure your trip to Keukenhof goes off without a hitch. 

The type of flower you see on your trip will also depend on the month in which you visit since some flowers are early bloomers (so to speak). Depending on which flowers you are most interested in seeing will dictate when you should pay a visit to the park, with April being the best month for visitors with their hearts set on seeing tulips. The Keukenhof website notes that earlier months tend to be the best time for blooms like daffodils and hyacinths. For the 2025 season, the park will be open from March 20th until May 11th from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Tickets to the park also require a pre-booked time slot, so be sure to plan ahead. Keukenhof is a very popular and crowded attraction, so ticket times do sell out early.

As one could imagine, such a short opening season also contributes to Keukenhof being so incredibly busy. In fact, it averages about 26,000 visitors per day. To avoid feeling like you're at Disneyland on a packed summer day, the Keukenhof website suggests the quietest times to visit the park are Monday through Wednesday, or in the early mornings and late afternoons. Try to give yourself ample time to peruse through the gardens, have lunch at one of the restaurants in the park (or bring a picnic), and see some of the different artworks scattered throughout the park. The majority of your time at Keukenhof will be spent outside, so be sure to check the forecast and dress accordingly and remember to stay on the designated paths in order to not trample the flowers.

If you're visiting the park without a car, instead of booking a regular entry ticket, it's better to opt for tickets that also include transportation. Lisse is about 25 miles southwest of Amsterdam. Unfortunately, there are no public trains or city buses that drop you off at the flowery gates. The best option for getting to Keukenhof without a car is by booking one of the shuttle buses from Amsterdam RAI, Haarlem Central Station, Schiphol Airport, or Leiden Central Station. 

Visitors can book their bus trip directly through the Keukenhof website, or through a third-party site like Get Your Guide. There is also an option that includes a nearby windmill cruise through the Dutch countryside. A Combiticket bus round trip and entrance ticket to Keukenhof from Amsterdam costs 37 euros (about $38) for adults, and 31.50 euros (about $33) from Haarlem, Schiphol of Leiden, though ticket prices are always subject to change. The bus ride can take about 30-40 minutes depending on which location you leave from, so make sure to choose your entry time to the park accordingly. The regular entry price to the park without a bus ticket is 20 euros (about $21), and regular parking tickets for those with cars are 9 euros (about $10) –– both of which can be pre-purchased online. Be sure to add Keukenhof to the top of your 2025 travel bucket list to see the prettiest tulips ever.