Tulp Festival (Amsterdam Tulip Festival) 2025

Each April, Amsterdam bursts into a kaleidoscope of color as the Tulip Festival transforms the city into a floral wonderland. This annual celebration showcases hundreds of thousands of tulips, adorning streets, squares, parks, and bridges across the city. As one of the Netherlands’ most beloved events, the festival attracts visitors from around the world, offering a unique opportunity to witness the iconic blooms that symbolize Dutch heritage and culture. With vibrant displays at more than 100 locations, the Tulip Festival is a visual feast that celebrates both the beauty of nature and the rich history of Amsterdam.

The History of the Festival

The Tulip Festival is a modern tribute to a flower that has been intertwined with Dutch culture for centuries. Tulips first arrived in the Netherlands in the 16th century, and by the 17th century, they had become a symbol of wealth and prosperity during the Dutch Golden Age. This era saw the phenomenon of "Tulip Mania," when tulip bulbs were traded at exorbitant prices, leaving an indelible mark on Dutch history. Today, tulips are a cultural icon and a source of national pride, celebrated not only in Amsterdam but throughout the country. The festival embraces the motto “a tulip for every Amsterdammer,” paying homage to the city’s enduring connection to this vibrant flower.

Flower Displays Across Amsterdam

The Tulip Festival’s motto comes to life with colorful displays in diverse locations across the city. Tubs, bowls, and flowerbeds overflowing with tulips brighten streets, squares, residential neighborhoods, and shopping districts. The festival’s tulip routes take visitors on a delightful journey of discovery, starting from Damrak in the city center and branching out to iconic spots like Museumplein, where tulips line the famous “Het Oor” sculpture.

In Vondelpark, floating tulip displays create a mesmerizing sight on the pond, while the entrance to Amsterdamse Bos is marked by vibrant tulip blooms. The Zuid district, including the bustling Gelderlandplein and the Olympic Stadium area, embraces the city’s floral heritage with stunning tulip arrangements. Nieuw-West enchants visitors with tulip-filled tubs at shopping centers, while Zuidoost highlights the unique red Bijlmer tulip. Across the IJ in Noord, tulips bring color to both historic and modern neighborhoods.

Tulip displays can also be admired in the gardens of the Rijksmuseum, in the historic garden of Huis Willet-Holthuysen and in the gardens of the Hilton Hotel on Apollolaan, and the Waldorf Astoria on Herengracht.

Amsterdam's 750th Anniversary

As Amsterdam celebrates its 750th anniversary in 2025, the Tulip Festival will add even more sparkle to the festivities, introducing new locations and expanding its floral footprint. Visitors will find countless opportunities to capture the beauty of tulips in bloom.

Amsterdam Weather in April

April in Amsterdam is a mix of crisp spring air and occasional showers. Temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to the mid-50s °F (7–13 °C), with some days feeling warmer under the soft spring sunshine. Light rain is common, so carrying an umbrella or raincoat is a good idea. As tulips bloom and trees begin to green, the city's parks and gardens offer a picturesque backdrop, making it a charming time to visit despite the unpredictable weather.

The Tulip Festival is more than just a celebration of flowers; it’s a tribute to Amsterdam’s history, culture, and community. As tulips bring joy and color to every corner of the city, they remind us of the enduring beauty of nature and the deep connections that unite us.