Tulip fields might just be the most iconic sight in the Netherlands during spring. And the one place everyone seems to head? Keukenhof. With over a million visitors each season, this flower park in Lisse is world-famous. And to be fair – we’ve been there, and yes, it’s absolutely beautiful… but also crowded, expensive, and honestly a little overwhelming.
We totally get the appeal. Seven million blooming bulbs in one park, perfectly arranged and bursting with color – it really is something to see. But still, we wouldn’t recommend it. Because there are so many other, more enjoyable, more peaceful, and far less touristy ways to experience the Netherlands in full bloom.
In this blog, we’ll explain why we as locals personally skip Keukenhof, where you should go instead, and how to enjoy spring just as colorfully (or even more beautifully) – without the crowds and sky-high ticket prices.
Why Keukenhof is so popular
Keukenhof is one of those places every Dutch person has probably visited at least once in their life – or at the very least heard about. Each spring, the small town of Lisse fills with people from all around the world, all coming for one reason: flowers. And not just a few tulips here and there, but millions of them. Tulips, hyacinths, daffodils – in every shape, size, and color you can imagine.
The park itself is huge: 32 hectares filled with blooming gardens, ponds, art installations, winding paths, and large pavilions. You stroll from perfectly trimmed flower beds to more natural wildflower fields, from quiet water features to bustling photo hotspots. And you can do it all in just a few hours. Everything looks picture-perfect – the grass is lush, the flower arrangements are flawless, and even the food and drink options are well-organized.
What makes Keukenhof special is that it changes every year. A new theme, different flower varieties, fresh layouts. So even if you’ve been before, there’s always something new to see. And if you’re visiting with kids – good news: they won’t be bored. There’s a playground, a maze, and even a windmill you can climb.
Keukenhof isn’t just a pretty park – it’s also a big showcase for the Dutch flower bulb industry. Over a hundred growers present their best varieties here. So it’s also a place where tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation come together.
All in all, if you love flowers – or just want to spend a spring day surrounded by beauty – then yes, Keukenhof is absolutely impressive. But… that still doesn’t mean we think it’s the best choice.
What makes Keukenhof less enjoyable
As breathtaking as Keukenhof may be, it’s not the perfect destination for everyone. Even with all its charm, there are a few things that can take away from the experience. The biggest drawback? The crowds. Keukenhof welcomes over a million visitors in just eight weeks, and you can definitely feel it. Especially on weekends or during peak bloom, you’ll often find yourself stuck in lines – at the entrance, the restrooms, the cafés – and even just to snap a photo of one of the flower beds. A calm and peaceful walk? Not so easy.
And then there’s the cost. Entry tickets aren’t exactly budget-friendly, and if you’re visiting as a couple or with kids, the expenses add up fast. In 2025, tickets are €20 for adults and €9 for children. You can purchase them in advance through the official Keukenhof website. Parking costs another €9, and food and drinks inside the park are on the pricey side – and honestly, usually just okay. Thankfully, you’re allowed to bring your own snacks or lunch, which can help keep costs down.
Timing is another challenge. Keukenhof is only open for eight weeks a year, usually from late March to mid-May. That might sound clear enough, but in reality, the park doesn’t look its best for that entire stretch. The highlight, of course, is the short period when the tulips are in full bloom. And as you might expect – that’s also when it’s the most crowded.
Local tip: When buying your online tickets, the Keukenhof website includes a helpful color-coded calendar showing how busy each day is likely to be.
Another thing that some visitors find disappointing is that Keukenhof isn’t a flower field – it’s a landscaped park. You’ll see lots of flowers, absolutely, but not the endless, sweeping fields that the Netherlands is so famous for. Those are located in the surrounding area and other parts of the Netherlands – more on that later in this article. Many visitors, especially those from abroad, assume it’s all part of the same attraction and feel let down when they realize it isn’t.
And finally, there’s the touristy feel of it all. Keukenhof is very well organized and clearly designed for large groups. Because of that, it can sometimes feel a bit polished and commercial. Everything is picture-perfect, everything’s in place – but it’s not what I’d call authentic.
Conclusion: we don’t recommend Keukenhof (but we have better ideas)
We’ve been to Keukenhof. And yes – it’s beautiful. But for us, once was enough (maybe even more than enough). The crowds, the high prices, and the overly curated vibe took away from the experience. That said, we always make time to see the tulips each spring. Because that magical, iconic sea of flowers? It never gets old.
Also read: The most beautiful tulip fields and routes in the Netherlands
Luckily, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy the flowers just as much – or maybe even more – without spending a thing. The most famous area is, of course, the Bollenstreek, just outside Lisse. Take a scenic drive or hop on a bike and weave your way through the colorful fields. Bring a picnic, feel the sun on your face… to me, that’s the ultimate spring outing. Fewer people, more freedom.
But that’s not your only option. In North Holland – especially between Alkmaar and Den Helder – you’ll find the largest flower bulb fields in the country. It’s wide open, less crowded, and just as photogenic. You can also find tulip fields on Goeree-Overflakkee, especially near Middelharnis. It’s wonderfully quiet there, and you’re just a stone’s throw from the beach. To me, it’s the perfect spring weekend escape, right here in the Netherlands.
Flevoland is home to the best-known tulip route – especially around the Noordoostpolder. You can drive or cycle along endless rows of blooming fields, stopping wherever and whenever you like. And if you’re in the mood for something different: even in Drenthe, tulip fields are starting to pop up, near towns like Dwingeloo and Beilen. Peaceful, unexpected, and ideal for a weekend away.
In short: you really don’t need to visit Keukenhof to experience the magic of Dutch spring flowers. In fact, I’d say these alternatives are more relaxed, more fun – and much easier on the wallet.
