When I first moved to Amsterdam, I was unfortunately too late for the iconic tulip season. When I had the opportunity to go this year, I sprung at the chance. There are many different tulip fields to tour in the Netherlands, but the most well-known location is the Keukenhof Botanical Garden in Lisse. About a 40-minute drive outside of Amsterdam, I stepped out of the car to the most beautiful fields of varieties of flowers (not just tulips). Rows and rows bursting with a rainbow of blooms, I felt as if I’d stepped out of reality and into a fairytale.

Keukenhof is known as the Garden of Europe, which I find rather fitting. Tourists from all over the world flock to see one of the largest gardens in the world. Boasting a massive 32 hectares, you not only see tulips but a wide variety of daffodils, hyacinths, roses, irises, and carnations. On top of that, 7 million tulips bulbs are planted annually. This garden is perfect for people of all ages, handicap accessible, with fun activities to do throughout the garden.

I saw so many flowers that I did not even know existed. Winding pathways guide you flowerbed to flowerbed, leading you through a sensational visual and olfactory experience. Aside from gardens, you’d see the classic Dutch windmill, canal tours, gift shops, and indoor gardens for orchids and other plants that require more humidity and warmth.

Food vendors sold children little ice creams and snacks, with various options of bakeries and dining halls to choose from as well. After walking around for a few hours, my family and I settled on apple pie as a snack. The perfect sweet treat to hit the spot after a long day of exploring the gardens.

To take the memory of the day home with you, you also have the option of purchasing plants at Keukenhof! See below for what we hauled home. I fully recommend this as a day trip for families, couples, even solo trips! Being surrounded by so much beauty is a perfect dopamine boost.

All my love,

Miranda