A Flower Lover’s Guide to Visiting Amsterdam
Amsterdam, a city renowned for its charming canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture, also offers a rich floral experience. From springtime tulips to lush gardens and fragrant flower markets, there’s something for every flower lover in this Dutch capital. Here’s your florist guide to experiencing the floral beauty of Amsterdam.
Best Times to Visit for Flowers
Spring (March–May): Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring bulbs bloom across the city and the surrounding countryside.
Summer (June–August): Roses, lavenders, and many vibrant perennials.
Autumn (September–November): Chrysanthemums and the colors of autumn leaves.
Winter (December–February): Indoor botanical gardens and winter floral displays.
Must-Visit Gardens and Parks
1. Keukenhof Gardens
📍 Lisse, 40 minutes from Amsterdam
The world’s largest flower garden, Keukenhof is an essential destination for any flower lover. Open annually from mid-March to mid-May, it showcases millions of tulips in every imaginable color, alongside other flowers like hyacinths and daffodils. The themed gardens and stunning floral displays are a photographer’s dream.
2. Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
📍 Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, the Hortus Botanicus is home to a rich collection of tropical and local plants. The garden offers seasonal floral displays, including orchids, roses, and stunning spring blooms. The glasshouses are a must-see, housing rare and exotic plants from around the globe.
3. Vondelpark
📍 Vondelpark, Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park, Vondelpark, is a wonderful place to enjoy blooming flowers year-round. In spring, the park features tulip beds, narcissus, and other seasonal flowers. It's perfect for a peaceful stroll amidst nature.
4. Amsterdamse Bos
📍 Amsterdam’s Forest
A vast, artificial forest with vast meadows, wildflowers, and planted flower beds. The forest is also home to a delightful collection of seasonal flowers, and you can visit the "Flower Garden" section during spring for a colorful floral experience.
5. The Royal Palace Gardens
📍 Dam Square, Amsterdam
The gardens behind the Royal Palace offer a serene escape in the heart of the city. With a variety of flowering plants, this is an underrated place to enjoy some quiet moments while surrounded by lush greenery and flowers.
Best Flower Markets in Amsterdam
1. Bloemenmarkt
📍 Singel Canal, between Muntplein and Koningsplein
The world’s only floating flower market, Bloemenmarkt is a must-visit for flower lovers. This market is a feast for the eyes with fresh cut flowers, potted plants, seeds, and bulbs. Here, you can find iconic Dutch tulips, orchids, roses, and a variety of other seasonal flowers. Be sure to bring home some flower bulbs to plant in your own garden!
2. Noordermarkt (Flower Market on Saturdays)
📍 Prinsengracht, 9th district
Though primarily known for its antiques, Noordermarkt also has a small, charming flower market on Saturdays. It's perfect for picking up unique bouquets and fresh flowers for your Amsterdam stay.
Floral Experiences & Events
1. Tulip Season (March–May)
Amsterdam’s tulip season is legendary, and visiting during this time is an unforgettable experience. In addition to Keukenhof, you can find tulip fields outside the city, particularly in the Bollenstreek (Bulb Region), a short drive away. The sight of vast fields of tulips in full bloom is one of the most iconic floral experiences in the world.
2. Flower Parade (Bloemencorso, April)
Held in April, the Bloemencorso is a flower parade that travels through the town of Noordwijk and along the Dutch coastline, eventually reaching Haarlem. The parade features incredible floats adorned with flowers, including thousands of tulips. It’s a must-see for any flower lover visiting during spring.
3. Aalsmeer Flower Auction
📍 Aalsmeer, 30 minutes from Amsterdam
Take a short trip to Aalsmeer and visit the world’s largest flower auction, where millions of flowers are traded daily. You can join a tour of the auction and witness the hustle and bustle of the floral industry firsthand. It’s an eye-opening experience for flower enthusiasts.
Charming Flower Shops in Amsterdam
1. De Tulpenman
📍 Utrechtsestraat 8
A quaint flower shop with a strong focus on tulips, De Tulpenman offers beautiful Dutch blooms and provides floral arrangements for every occasion. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a bouquet while exploring the city.
2. Bloemenboetiek "The Flower Shop"
📍 Zeedijk 56
Located in Amsterdam’s Chinatown area, this shop specializes in exotic flowers, particularly orchids, lilies, and tropical blooms. The shop offers beautifully crafted bouquets that make great souvenirs.
3. The Flower Bar
📍 Leliegracht 24
This trendy and modern flower shop is known for its stylish, Instagram-worthy floral designs. From elegant arrangements to wild, boho-inspired bouquets, The Flower Bar is a great place to find unique and creative floral arrangements.
Floral-Themed Cafés & Spots
1. Café de Jaren
📍 Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20
While not a flower café per se, Café de Jaren is a popular spot with a lush, plant-filled interior, creating a relaxing environment to enjoy a cup of coffee. The large windows offer lovely views of the Amstel River, where you can sit back and enjoy the greenery.
2. The Avocado Show
📍 Danzigerkade 10
A charming, Instagram-famous café where not only the food but the floral décor makes an impression. While the café is focused on avocados, they also feature floral arrangements throughout the space, offering a relaxed and flowery vibe for a light bite.
Day Trips for Flower Lovers
1. Zaanse Schans Windmills and Tulip Fields
📍 20 minutes from Amsterdam
Visit the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans, and during spring, take a short walk to the nearby tulip fields. The vibrant tulip flowers against the backdrop of historic windmills offer a picturesque Dutch experience.
2. Giethoorn – The Venice of the North
📍 1.5 hours from Amsterdam
While not directly a flower destination, Giethoorn is a peaceful village with charming canals and flower-filled cottages. It’s a beautiful place for a serene day trip, especially in spring when flowers are in bloom along the canals.
3. Keukenhof Flower Fields (Outside Keukenhof Gardens)
For a different experience, explore the vast flower fields surrounding Keukenhof Gardens. These fields, which stretch as far as the eye can see, are a sea of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils, making for a dreamlike landscape for flower lovers.
Final Tips for Flower Lovers in Amsterdam
Be sure to visit Keukenhof Gardens and the Bollenstreek for the best tulip fields.
If you're visiting in spring, the Flower Parade and Aalsmeer Flower Auction are not to be missed.
Stop by Bloemenmarkt for the chance to bring home fresh flowers or bulbs.
Amsterdam is a walkable city, so take time to explore hidden gardens, local flower shops, and floral markets throughout the city.
Whether you’re admiring the tulips in bloom, strolling through the historic gardens, or discovering hidden flower shops, Amsterdam is a city that celebrates the beauty of flowers in every season.
