Tulip Festival Amsterdam 2025: Where to See the Netherlands in Full Bloom

Thinking about a long-haul holiday before the June school break? While many Singaporeans typically stick to Asia or Australia for mid-year getaways, spring in the Netherlands offers an unforgettable floral spectacle. The Tulip Festival Amsterdam 2025 runs from 20 Mar to 11 May, turning the Dutch countryside into a breathtaking sea of tulips.

Also read: 12 Destinations to Travel to From Singapore For The Mid-Year Holidays

Just outside Amsterdam, the famous Bollenstreek (Bulb Region) bursts into vibrant hues of red, pink, yellow, and purple as tulips reach full bloom. From strolling through Keukenhof Gardens to cycling past endless flower fields, this festival is the perfect way to welcome spring in Europe.

A journey through tulip heaven

No visit to the Netherlands in spring is complete without experiencing the world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens. Spanning 32 hectares, this floral paradise features over seven million tulips, arranged in dazzling patterns and colour combinations. Nicknamed the ‘Garden of Europe’, it has been a major highlight of the Dutch tulip season for over 75 years.

Beyond Keukenhof, the surrounding Bollenstreek region offers an equally mesmerising sight: endless tulip fields stretching as far as the eye can see. For those seeking a more immersive experience, cycling through the countryside, joining a self-drive tulip tour, or even taking a helicopter ride over the fields allows for a unique perspective of this stunning landscape.

The Dutch Flower Parade – A festival highlight

A key event of the Tulip Festival Amsterdam is the Dutch Flower Parade (Bloemencorso Bollenstreek), from 11 to 13 Apr 2025. This annual parade sees an impressive procession of elaborate floats decorated entirely with tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils, making its way from Noordwijk to Haarlem.

Visitors can book a grandstand seat (€139.50, ~S$202) for the best views of the parade, or experience the festivities up close by standing along the route. Due to the event’s popularity, tickets for reserved seating sell out quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

Exploring the tulip fields beyond Keukenhof

While Keukenhof remains the most famous tulip attraction, several hidden gems in the region provide a more intimate experience of the tulip season. The Tulip Experience Amsterdam in Noordwijkerhout offers visitors the chance to walk through colourful tulip fields and even pick their own flowers from €12 (~S$18).

For those who enjoy photography, The Tulip Barn is a must-visit. This specially curated tulip garden features scenic pathways designed for picture-perfect shots. Tickets for The Tulip Barn are priced from €9.50 (~S$14), making it one of the more budget-friendly ways to experience the blooms up close. Meanwhile, the Noordwijkerhout tulip fields offer a quieter, more natural setting to admire the beauty of the blooms.

Getting around the Tulip Festival region

With tulip fields spread across the Dutch countryside, there are plenty of ways to explore the area. One of the most popular options is a bike tour, allowing visitors to cycle through the vibrant landscapes at their own pace. Keukenhof bike tours start from €49.50 (~S$70), offering a scenic and immersive way to experience the blooms up close. Alternatively, self-drive tours in an electric Renault Twizy (€127, ~S$185) or a Land Rover (€85, ~S$123) offer a fun, flexible way to explore the tulip fields.

For a truly unforgettable experience, a helicopter tour over the tulip fields provides a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking floral tapestry below. These sightseeing flights operate on select weekends and are among the most spectacular ways to see the Dutch countryside in full bloom.

Planning your visit from Singapore

Flights from Singapore to Amsterdam take approximately 13 hours, with direct options available on Singapore Airlines and KLM. Given the festival’s popularity, booking flights and accommodation early is advisable, especially for those travelling during the peak bloom period in mid to late April.

Staying in Amsterdam city centre provides the best access to Keukenhof and the surrounding tulip fields. From the city, visitors can take a shuttle bus, guided tour, or train to the various festival locations.

For Singaporeans looking to make the most of their trip, the Tulip Festival Amsterdam can also be combined with visits to nearby European cities such as Brussels, Bruges, or even Paris, all of which are easily accessible by train.

Also read: How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe: What Singaporeans Need to Know Before Travelling

Experience spring in full bloom

A visit to the Tulip Festival Amsterdam 2025 promises a spectacular floral journey, showcasing the Netherlands at its most beautiful. Whether it’s wandering through Keukenhof, watching the Dutch Flower Parade, or cycling past endless tulip fields, this festival offers a unique and unforgettable springtime escape!