Europe, The Netherlands, Weekend Itinerary, Tulip Season
This short but sweet weekend itinerary introduces you to the vibrant Dutch culture and provides some iconic experiences around the most famous time of year for this small country: Tulip season. So you might already have guessed it but this is a spring trip that ideally takes place around April.
Now, enjoy this short getaway and prepare yourself for a colorful adventure!
Day 1: Friday – Arrival & Northern Sea
Kick off your weekend getaway with a breath of fresh sea air at the Northern Sea. Head to one of the small coastal towns like Noordwijk aan Zee, where you’ll find miles of sandy beaches. Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun, taking leisurely walks along the coastline and dunes, and dipping your toes in the chilly North Sea.
If you are looking for a restaurant, Noordwijk aan Zee offers many great options. A lot of them directly at the beach, for example Alexander Beach Club, Tulum or Strandclub Witsand. So make sure to treat yourself to some freshly caught fish and crisp Dutch fries.
Day 2: Saturday – Let’s see the Tulips! Keukenhof & Tulip Fields
Rise and shine for a day full of tulips. It is best to begin your day early – sunrise photoshoot at the tulip fields, anyone? – and with a visit to Keukenhof in Lisse, the renowned tulip garden often referred to as the “Garden of Europe.”
As tulip season only lasts around six weeks from early April to mid May, make sure to pre-book your tickets for Keukenhof online. It gained a lot of popularity in the last years and especially weekends sell out fast. After arriving at the park, you’ll be swept away by the millions of blooming flowers and immaculate tulip beds.
Plan at least two to three hours to see the park, stop for a snack and relax in the sun. If you are a passionate photographer, you might as well plan enough time to fully enjoy the garden.
Continue your tulip adventure at The Tulip Experience, where you’ll discover the fascinating history and diversity of tulips in the Netherlands and over 700 tulip varieties in their field. From classic ones to rare hybrids, there’s a tulip for every taste and color preference. Tickets cost 11 € per person.
Tip: If you want to see more tulip fields, check out the Bonus section below.
Day 3: Sunday – Windmills, Amsterdam & Departure
On your final day, immerse yourself in Dutch culture and heritage. Begin your morning at Zaanse Schans, a charming village north of Amsterdam that is famous for its historic windmills. Sample some Dutch cheese, learn about clog-making or visit one of the museums that Zaanse Schans has to offer.
Entrance to the village is completely free. You can watch the windmills and stroll around the village from 10am to 5pm daily, however there will be a fee for parking and you need to buy tickets to enter the windmills and museums.
Tip: There are great ticket offers that include both Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans and save you some cash.
After exploring Zaanse Schans, make your way to Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands. Explore the city’s picturesque canals, wander through bustling markets, and soak up the eclectic atmosphere of this cosmopolitan metropolis. The best way to see the city is without a doubt by bike or boat. Tickets for the iconic “Grachten” boat tours start as low as 15 € per person.
Tip: Be sure to indulge in some stroopwafels and bitterballen along the way!
In case you have an extra night, I’d recommend spending it in Amsterdam to explore the city’s nightlife. The “Spiegelkwartier” for example offers lots of bars, clubs and unique restaurants. If you prefer to further explore the city, “De Wallen”, the medieval center, might be interesting for you.
Bonus: Tulip Guide – Where to find the best tulip fields?
Visiting Keukenhof is the easiest way to see a lot of tulips, but the area around Lisse has a lot more tulips to offer. AND most of the places mentioned below provide great photo opportunities within the fields, so don’t forget your camera! Here are some tulip fields you’ll love:
- The Tulip Barn, Hillegom
- Fam Flower Farm, Lisse
- Tulip Picking Garden, Noordwijkerhout
- De Tulperij, Voorhout
- Tulip Store & Showgarden, Lisse
Time to say goodbye! I’m sure this itinerary will leave you with some amazing memories of the Dutch culture, their people and traditions. And hopefully many beautiful tulip pictures!
If you’re in need of more weekend trip inspiration, check out this itinerary for a weekend in Venice.
