Amsterdam In Spring: From Inner City Blooms to Colour Explosion Tulip Fields

Inner-city blooms

During the month of April, the most iconic flower in The Netherlands is feted by the national Tulp Festival. Amsterdam celebrates by mass plantings of half a million tulips in more than diverse locations all around the city, including the EYE Filmmuseum, Hermitage, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Vondelpark. To learn more about the history of tulips in Amsterdam and the 17th century Golden Age ‘Tulipmania’ that swept the city, head to The Amsterdam Tulip Museum on the Prinsengracht. 

Tulips are not the only springtime floral delights in Amsterdam, however. The city’s botanical gardens or Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest in the world. During a visit in spring, visitors can marvel at magnolia trees and magnificent floral borders. Even if the weather is a little unpredictable, beautiful greenhouses contain a 154-year-old giant water lily, as well as myriad tropical plants, flowers, and cacti. The Rijksmuseum Garden is also well worth a visit- a sculpture-filled green space with colourful flower beds, intricate topiaries and the historic City Gate of the city of Groningen.

Keukenhof

A short train journey to the southwest of the city brings visitors to the most famous tulip garden in the world, Keukenhof. Extending over more than 32 hectares the gardens feature 800 varieties of tulip bulbs bursting into millions of blooms. The 2022 theme of Keukenhof is ‘Flower Classics’ and the 100 participating flower growers will be celebrating the rich history of tulips in art and design. In addition to the main attraction of tulips, Keukenhof also is the setting for a kaleidoscope of hyacinths and daffodils, freesias and roses, gerberas and lilies and many, many more botanical wonders. A stroll through the park will bring visitors to art installations, themed gardens and flower shows. 

If you’re visiting on 23 April this year, you’ll be treated to the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek parade with the theme ‘Freedom’ and floral floats and marching bands travelling a 42-kilometer route. As Keukenhof is open for just a few weeks each spring, we’d recommend planning your visit without delay. In 2022 the gates of the gardens will be open to visitors from March 24 until May 15. 

A perfect choice of accommodation for your spring staycation is the five-star Luxury Suites Amsterdam, on Uilenburger Island’s leafy Oudeschans canal in the historic Amsterdam city centre. Discover just 25 boutique-style serviced suites, along with complimentary airport pick up and parking, and one of the best breakfasts in the city. Our Les Clefs d'Or concierge will be happy to provide the best Amsterdam recommendations and assist in tailoring your stay. Read more and book your stay here.