Observing the blooming of tulips: one of the things to do in life! Here's how to get organized and where to go near Amsterdam!
Amsterdam, a city that I have wanted to see for a long time and that literally made me lose my mind.
Its crooked houses, the alleys, the canals, the multitude of bicycles, the kind people, its contradictions.
A modern city that still maintains its ancient charm.
I went there in May because, like most people, I absolutely wanted to see it blooming of tulips and I must say that I was not disappointed.
Definitely, if you organize a tour of Holland in Spring, there is more chance to see fields and fields of Tulips but, with 4 days with accommodation in Amsterdam, I still managed to indulge myself.
5 places to admire or buy Tulips
1. Bloemenmarkt
The very famous Amsterdam flower market, the only one floating flower market, is located on the canal Singles.
Honestly, when I went there, I expected a riot of Tulips; in fact, you will find maybe two platforms selling bunches of tulips, all the others selling bulbs and fake tulips.
I bought some real tulips that I managed to bring home and a lot of bulbs to plant; before leaving I had documented and I had read that they advised against taking those already in the bag but to take those in bulk because, apparently, those already packaged, mold very quickly.
Let's say that here you will not see expanses of tulips but you can take them home a nice memory of Amsterdam.
2. Keukenhof
The beautiful park of Keukenhof it is found at Lisse, not far from Amsterdam and is only open a few months a year, just on the occasion of the blooming of the Tulips.
With its 32 hectares and more than 7 million varieties of flowers, it is certainly one of the most beautiful parks in the world.
Here you will find expanses of tulips, dedicated exhibitions, events, games for children and many animals such as goats, pigs, peacocks, rabbits, parrots and, some, you can even stroke them (always respecting the times of the animal).
Each year a theme is chosen, this year was the year of Flower Power.
It is truly a beautiful place, you will be wide-eyed for all the wonderful colors you will see.
Inside the park there is also a mill, where you can go up and enjoy the view. Under the mill, boats leave that will take you around the canals to admire all the unspoiled nature that surrounds this beautiful place.
The entrance ticket, if you buy it on the official website, costs 17 euros, or you can pay a little more and have the bus also included. For more info https://keukenhof.nl/en/
3. Lisse
Another nice idea to see the Tulips, without traveling too much from Amsterdam, is to go to the town of Lisse, right where the Keukenohof park is located.
If you don't like too touristy places, I recommend you to rent a bike and follow the canal of Leidsevaart, all the way to the city of Lisse. Once you arrive in this beautiful town, you can immerse yourself in the colorful fields of Tulips: a guaranteed show!
4. Flevoland
50 minutes from Amsterdam, you will find the youngest province in Holland, the result of a major reclamation project: Flevoland.
Flevoland is a true paradise for nature lovers, you can go hiking, biking or car, through the Tulip Route. Along this route, you can choose various itineraries that will lead you into the Dutch countryside, among beautiful farms and expanses of Tulips.
From April to May, don't miss the Tulip Festival of the Noordoostpolder which offers the opportunity to admire many types of Tulips.
5. Floraholland
30 minutes from Amsterdam, in the city of Aalsmeer, we find Floraholland.
Royal FloraHolland is a flower auction company, with many locations across the country which together make up the largest flower auction in the world.
To be able to see it, you have to wake up very early but it's worth it !! You will see carts full of flowers and experience first hand the dynamics of this business that makes a lot of money every year.
The Aalsmeer office is open to the public, to find out more visit their website https://www.royalfloraholland.com/nl/algemeen/contact
