Netherlands · North Holland
Haarlem and the bulb fields travel guide
A golden-age town and spring fields of tulips
Tulip fields near Lisse. Photo: Urdulife, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Haarlem is a pretty, relaxed town 15 minutes from Amsterdam, with a big market square, the Frans Hals Museum and hidden almshouse courtyards.
In spring it's the base for Keukenhof and the bulb fields, which bloom in stripes of colour from late March to May.
What Haarlem is known for
- Tulips
Fields in bloom in spring.
- Keukenhof
Seven million bulbs.
- Frans Hals
Golden Age portraits.
- Zandvoort
A beach 10 minutes away.
Top things to do in Haarlem and the bulb fields
Where to stay in Haarlem and the bulb fields
Best time to visit Haarlem and the bulb fields
Best value: Sep–Oct. Late March to mid-May for the tulips.
- Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
- PeakBusiest, highest prices
- QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
Getting there and around
About 1h from London to AMS, and flights from most UK airports.
Trains and buses. Bikes for the bulb fields.
Good to know
- Book Keukenhof tickets with transport.
- Peak bloom is usually mid-April.
- Don't walk into the tulip fields.
Haarlem and the bulb fields FAQ
When do the tulips bloom?
Usually mid-April, depending on the weather.
Can I visit Keukenhof from Amsterdam?
Yes, by bus.
More places in Netherlands
AmsterdamCity · North Holland
RotterdamCity · South Holland
The HagueHistory · South Holland
UtrechtCity · Utrecht
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