Netherlands is famous for its beautiful tulip fields, especially during the blooming season in spring. One of the primary cities in close proximity to Amsterdam is the city of Lisse.  Because it is outside of Amsterdam, it can require some planning ahead to be able to visit the Tulips. I consolidated my essential tips for navigating tulip season in Lisse, Netherlands, that you can incorporate as you plan your visit for the next Tulip Season!

Tulip Season in Lisse: Overview

Location: Lisse is about 28 kilometers from Amsterdam. This is one of the primary cities where Tulips bloom, that is a relatively easy journey from Amsterdam.

Dates: Remember that tulips are seasonal flowers, and their blooming period typically occurs in spring, so plan your visit accordingly. The exact timing can vary each year, so it’s a good idea to check the local bloom forecasts or contact the tourism office in Lisse to get the latest information before planning your trip. Generally, tulips bloom from mid-March to mid-May, and the peak of the bloom depends on that specific seasons weather.

Transit from Amsterdam to Lisse, Netherlands:

When traveling from Amsterdam to Lisse, there are several transit options.

Rent a Car: Although there are other areas in Netherlands with beautiful Tulips, we focused primarily on visiting Lisse because it is a 25 minute drive from Amsterdam, and was manageable for short day trips. We used MyWheels to rent a car on an hourly a basis. When using this website for the first time, make sure to begin the sign up process a few weeks in advance, as it takes several steps for approval. If you are in Amsterdam, and prefer to have a car rental for a few days, and want to rent car seats, using a major car rental site such as Sixt or Hertz could be worth the extra expense.

Take a Bus: Another option is to take a bus from Amsterdam to Lisse. There are direct bus services available, such as Connexxion bus line 361, which operates between Amsterdam Elandsgracht and Lisse. Buses depart from various locations in Amsterdam, including Amsterdam Elandsgracht, Amsterdam Zuid Station, and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The travel time by bus can vary depending on traffic conditions but generally takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Train: A popular option for visitors is to take a train from Amsterdam to Lisse. Trains depart regularly from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Hillegom Station, which is the closest station to Lisse. From Hillegom, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach Lisse, which is approximately a 10-minute ride away. The train journey takes around 30 minutes, and the entire trip should take about an hour, depending on connections and waiting times.

Where to go in Lisse, Netherlands?

Keukenhof Gardens: Keukenhof is one of the most popular and iconic destinations to see tulips in Lisse. It’s a vast park with over seven million flowers, including a wide variety of tulips. Keukenhof is open only during the spring season (typically from late March to mid-May), and it offers stunning displays of colorful tulip fields, themed gardens, pavilions, and more. I liked it because it had great play areas for my kids and food options; however, it was not the open fields you see on social media. This is great for families and older individuals who need to move at a relaxed speed.

Local Farms: Many tulip farms in Lisse and nearby areas offer visitors the opportunity to see the tulip fields up close. Some farms allow visitors to walk through the fields, take pictures, and learn about the tulip cultivation process. These farms often have gift shops where you can buy tulip bulbs and other souvenirs. Certain farms have planned activities where people can enter into fields. Two of the ones we visited included Tulip Experience and Tulip Barn. These experiences allowed glimpses into the large tulip fields you see in pictures, and with a paid admission and ticket entry, you are easily able to take photos. In the two farms we visited, they had activities for kids such as play areas with small tractors or swings or fun child-friendly photo spots.

Open Fields: There are fields that you will see as you drive through Lisse. Not all are open to the public, but there are several that you can hop out of your car and park to view and take pictures of the flowers. It is important to be respectful of the rules of the fields and avoid trampling the tulips.

Activities in Lisse, Netherlands:

1. Walking Tours: If you prefer walking, there are guided walking tours available that take you through the tulip fields. These tours provide insights into the history and cultivation of tulips in the region. It’s a more leisurely way to explore and appreciate the beauty of the fields up close.
2. Bike or walk through the tulip fields: Rent a bicycle or take a walk to explore the beautiful tulip fields surrounding Lisse. You can follow designated routes or join organized tours to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of the blooming tulips. Renting a bicycle is a fantastic way to explore the tulip fields around Lisse. There are several bike rental shops in the area, and they provide maps and routes specifically designed to guide you through the most scenic tulip fields. It’s a great way to experience the Dutch countryside and capture stunning photographs.
3. Take a boat tour: Enjoy a scenic boat tour through the canals and waterways of Lisse and its surroundings. Several operators offer guided tours that provide unique perspectives of the tulip fields from the water. It’s a relaxing and picturesque way to appreciate the beauty of the region.
4. Attend flower parades: During the tulip season, Lisse and neighboring towns host colorful flower parades. These parades feature elaborately decorated floats adorned with flowers, including tulips. The parades are accompanied by music, dancing, and festivities, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Check the event calendar for specific dates and locations.
5. Explore Keukenhof Gardens, local farms and nurseries: As referred to earlier, Lisse and the surrounding region have numerous tulip farms and nurseries. Some of them open their doors to visitors during the tulip season, offering guided tours and insights into tulip cultivation. It’s an opportunity to learn about the history of tulips, witness the cultivation process, and purchase bulbs or fresh flowers to take home.
6. Arrange a photoshoot: Although everyone will have their phones and personal cameras out for photos, some opt to hire professional photographers to accompany them to take professional pictures. Search on Instagram or Google for ‘Amsterdam Tulip Photographer’ or related wording in searches or hasthtags. Once you find a few options, message with a few to find the one that will be the best fit.

Remember to check the exact dates of the tulip season and the opening hours of specific attractions, as they can vary each year. Enjoy the vibrant colors and the enchanting atmosphere of Lisse during this beautiful time of year!

Managing Lisse, Netherlands with Kids:

Entertainment: The majority of the farms and Keukenhof are quite family-friendly with activities that children generally enjoy. Each farm we visited had a child play place, swings, or child-friendly photo options. Our kids LOVED visiting the flowers and engaging in the kids play areas.

Food: There are a few restaurants in Lisse, but whenever we took our day trips there, we tried to take our own snacks for the kids – and if they got to a hungry point, there is a McDonalds before the exit out of the town.

Instagram Accounts with Amsterdam Tulip Content

Although they change, rapidly, here are a few notable Instagram accounts which highlight the Tulips and will likely have more specific detail on timing and dates as the next season approaches.