Come With Us to Keukenhof - The Garden of Europe

Posted by Amber Williams on 11th May 2023

Come With Us to Keukenhof - The Garden of Europe

a flower bed full of mixed colour tulips in front of the keukenhof windmill

This April, our team were lucky enough to get tickets to Europe’s famous flower garden – Keukenhof. With over 1.1 million visitors passing through the garden’s gates in 2022, the seasonal behemoth is the go-to spot to see all types of spring and early summer flowers in full bloom.

If you’re a garden enthusiast or simply a lover of spring and summer flora, then Keukenhof is the place to go. Situated just 40 minutes away from Amsterdam, the ‘Garden of Europe’ should be on your bucket list for 2024. If you’re wondering whether to book tickets for next year, hopefully our guide to Keukenhof will help you plan your trip!

Before You Go...

There are a few things you might want to know before you go hunting for tickets. Passes start from just €19 per adult, or €9 for children aged 4-17 years old. 0–3-year-olds go free! You can also purchase combi-tickets on their website, which gives you admittance plus a spot on one of the many bus routes that get you there and home again.

bull dog on a bridge next to a field of daffodils

Dogs are welcome in the gardens, except for pavilions or indoor spaces. Doggy bags are given across the park if you forget any. Your furry friend must also be kept on a leash at all times.

How long does it take to get to Keukenhof? The garden is just a short 40-minute car journey from Amsterdam, or 1 hour and 20 minutes via public transport. Perfect for a day trip if you’re visiting Amsterdam!

Events at Keukenhof

Over the eight weeks that the gardens are open (yep, only eight!), there are many events to see and explore. With flower shows open for the entirety of the season, plus a famous parade (more on this later), and even a ‘romance at Keukenhof’ weekend (13th-14th May 2023), there’s certainly no shortage of sight delights.

Don’t worry about missing out on 'peak flower' times, as every month brings a new flower to bloom. There’s no shortage of colour at Keukenhof, that’s for sure.

Things to Do at Keukenhof

aerial image of two boats in a river surrounded by greenery

Image: Keukenhof's Electrically Powered Whisper Boat Tours

There’s a whole host of activities for the entire family to enjoy! From guided tours to a petting zoo, there's lots to do around the gardens to keep everybody happy.

Whisper Boat Tour – These electric-powered silent boats take you on a journey that gets you up close and personal to the famous tulip fields. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenery while taking a moment to relax and breathe in the fresh air. This boat journey takes around 45 minutes and is accompanied by an audio tour about the flower bulb industry and the region in which Keukenhof is situated.

Cycling – Ready to see the tulip forest up close? Cycling routes around the Keukenhof tulip fields and beyond give you an incredible view! You can also walk along these routes if you prefer.

two black bikes sat in front of a field of purple flowers

Guided tours - You can arrange 60-minute tours with Keukenhof planting specialists for an in-depth exploration of the gardens and the different bulbs grown. This is available in different languages, perfect for tourists that have travelled worldwide to visit. 

Playground - Your children will be pleased to know that there’s an exciting playground on site for them to enjoy, whatever the weather!

Maze - Lose yourself in the garden's well-kept maze. With gorgeous green hedges in neat (and confusing!) rows, this maze is another stop on our do-not-miss list.

Petting Zoo - Another great way to keep the kids entertained. Keukenhof’s animal pasture is home to an array of wildlife, including pigs, peacocks, and rabbits.

Scavenger hunts - Collect all the clues in the garden’s very own scavenger hunt!

Character days - Well-loved characters like Miffy the little rabbit are at Keukenhof for meet and greets on select dates. Visit their website before your visit to find out more.

Things to See at Keukenhof

a pink statue sitting in a field of pink tulips

Artwork – The gardens are home to both permanent and temporary art pieces, which you can see across the park! All the pieces are signposted on maps, so while you have a wander, make sure you keep your eye out for these one-of-a-kind structures and statues.

Flower parade – Holland’s famous flower parade takes place every April. As people travel worldwide to see this impressive display of floats and entertainment, it’s certainly not an event to miss.

The flower displays – One could argue that the main reason you visit Keukenhof is for the flowers themselves. Of course, the tulip fields are gorgeous, breathtaking even, and famous in their own right, but the tulip displays inside the park aren’t to be missed.

display of pink tulips within keukenhof gardens

And there's more than tulips, too. Over 7 million bulbs are planted in the park by 40 gardeners in autumn, all donated by 100 growers. This includes classic spring blooms like daffodils and grape hyacinths (muscari), plus summer flowers like carnations and calla lilies.

Refreshments & Facilities

The pure size of Keukenhof was mind-boggling, and among all the exhibits and flowers were opportunities to take the load off your feet and do some people-watching. With six restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and plenty of takeaway food carts around the park, you're not strapped for choice. 

There are also picnic benches around the park in case you wanted to bring your own food. Bathrooms are dotted around the park, including disabled facilities and changing areas. 


With 32 hectares of land, all full of beautiful blooms and must-see exhibits, it's easy to see why Keukenhof is one of the world's most famous spring gardens. This is an incredible place to visit, and we're glad to have seen it in person to soak it all in. If you're thinking of going in 2024, you can book tickets on their website closer to the time.