Just 45 minutes from Amsterdam, the town of Lisse explodes into color every spring. We took a day trip during tulip season that combined a visit to Keukenhof Gardens, a bike ride through the flower fields, a stop at the Tulip Barn, and the highlight of the day—the annual Bloemencorso (Flower Parade).
It was the kind of experience that defines Dutch spring: vibrant, scenic, and joyfully fragrant.
Getting to Lisse from Amsterdam
We booked a combo ticket online that included roundtrip bus transport from Amsterdam and timed entry to Keukenhof. It made things super easy—no car or train logistics to worry about. The ride took around 45 minutes, and the bus dropped us right at Keukenhof’s front gate. This website has a wealth of information: https://tulipfestivalamsterdam.com/keukenhof/ for planning as well as getting tickets.
Keukenhof Gardens: A Floral Wonderland
Keukenhof lives up to the hype. With 7+ million bulbs in bloom, it’s an immersive floral experience. We wandered through pavilions and along winding paths that revealed new color combinations around every corner—tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and more.
There are food stalls, plenty of benches, and even a windmill you can climb for panoramic views of the gardens and surrounding flower fields.
Biking Through the Flower Fields
Right in the parking lot of Keukenhof, we rented bikes and set out on a self-guided ride through the blooming countryside. You can walk up or reserve ahead of time here: https://rentabikevandam-keukenhof.com/en/
The route was flat and easy, perfect for casual cyclists. Rows of tulips and hyacinths stretched as far as the eye could see—red, yellow, purple, and pink in painterly swaths.
We followed a marked route that led us past multiple flower farms and peaceful rural scenes. It felt like cycling through a postcard that smelled like bath and body works!
Stopping at a Local Tulip Farm
We stopped at one tulip farm (the Tulip Barn) along the way where you could walk between the rows (respectfully, of course!) and take photos up close. Some farms also sell fresh-cut flowers or local treats like stroopwafels and fresh lemonade. It was a great break during our ride, and fun photo opportunities!
The Afternoon Flower Parade
In the afternoon, we went out front of the Keukenhof and found a spot along the parade route to catch the annual Bloemencorso Bollenstreek, the region’s iconic flower parade. Dozens of floats rolled by, right out front of the gardens, each covered head to toe in vibrant blooms and designed in elaborate shapes—dragons, animals, even full scenes from fairy tales. It’s a sensory overload in the best way.
Locals were out in full force, and the atmosphere was lively, festive, and full of spring spirit.
Back to Amsterdam
As the parade wrapped up, we made our way back to the bus stop out front of the Keukenhof and headed back to Amsterdam. It was one of the most memorable spring days I’ve ever had—nature, culture, and a little bit of adventure, all rolled into one.
Tips for Visiting Lisse in Tulip Season
- 🌷 Book early. Combo tickets for Keukenhof and the Flower Parade weekend sell out quickly.
- 🚲 Rent bikes in advance, especially during busy weekends. Most places offer hourly or half-day rates.
- 🌦️ Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes—spring in the Netherlands can bring sun, wind, and rain all in one day. We were cold in the morning, but warm during the day.
- 📱 Download a bike map or use Google Maps for the flower field cycling routes.
- 📸 Be respectful in the fields—only walk in designated visitor paths at tulip farms.
Have you visited the Dutch flower fields or the flower parade?
Let me know your favorite memory or dream spring destination in the comments!
