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National Tulip Day In Amsterdam

Written by: Gerrit on January 14, 2025

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National Tulip Day in Amsterdam 2025: Pick Free Tulips! 🌷

National Tulip Day Amsterdam picking garden Museumplein.

As a local expert, I help visitors experience this unique Dutch tulip tradition at National Tulip Day in January where you can pick your own free tulips in the center of Amsterdam.

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What is National Tulip Day?

National Tulip Day in Amsterdam officially kicks off the Dutch tulip season with free tulip picking for everybody.

The event occurs on January 18, 2025, at Amsterdam’s Museumplein.

That is just behind the beautiful Rijksmuseum.

Expect incredible long lines and chaotic scenes.

When something is free…

But it’s exhilarating.

You’ll see hundreds of happy faces.

Happy faces at the National Tulip Day Amsterdam picking garden Museumplein.
Happy faces at the National Tulip Day picking garden © Hidden Holland

And this makes it worth it:

The tulips are gorgeous.

So, if waiting in line for a extended period of time is no problem for you, I recommend going when you’re in town.

The theme this year in 2025 is celebrating Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary.

What to Expect

Gerrit waiting in line at the picking garden tulip day Amsterdam.
Gerrit waiting in line at the picking garden tulip day Amsterdam © Hidden Holland
  • Dutch tulip growers create a spectacular picking garden with over 200,000 tulips in every color.
  • Each visitor can pick up to 20 tulips completely free.
  • You’ll receive a special biodegradable bag at the entrance for your flowers.
  • Traditional Dutch brass bands provide festive entertainment while you wait.
Musicband playing at the Picking Garden at Museumplein.
Musicband playing at the Picking Garden at Museumplein © Hidden Holland

Essential Tips

  • The event starts at 1:00 PM, but arrive at least an hour early, the longer is even better.
  • The average waiting time is about 60 minutes.
  • Tulips are only available while supplies last. There are no guarantees
  • Dress warmly – January in Amsterdam can be cold and wet.

Getting There

Why not download the Glimble public transport app (Android) or (Apple iOS) to plan your route to Museumplein.

It’s a super handy app to have on your phone for planning trips.

If you’re coming from Schiphol Airport, take a direct train to Amsterdam Central and then a tram to Museumplein.

Make the Most of Your Visit

People picking their free tulips at Museum Square.
People picking their free tulips at Museum Square Amsterdam © Hidden Holland

The location at Museumplein puts you right next to Amsterdam’s museum quarter.

Which is home the following amazing museums:

If you want to visit a museum tickets before you go tulip picking you must make reservations in advance.

Especially for the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.

I recommend a time slot at opening time.

If you choose the Van Gogh Museum head straight upstairs to see the Sunflowers and the Almond Blossom almost to yourself before the crowds arrive.

When you chose the Rijksmuseum (my favorite museum), head straight to the gallery of honor and be almost alone with Vermeers famous paintings, like the Milk Maid, or Rembrandts, like the Night Watch.

Another tip: Book a ticket for a canal tour in the evening to see the Amsterdam Light Festival – it’s the closing weekend of the season.

Saturday January 19th, is the last day of the festival, this is the day after National Tulip Day which is the 18th of January 2025.

The tour I recommend follows the official route, and is the tour I loved taking myself. The crew was so attentive to me.

And I loved how well they kept the free drinks flowing.

You can book your Light Festival Canal tour here.

History National Tulip Day in Amsterdam

People in the streets of Amsterdam with their free tulips from the picking garden at the national tulips day in Amsterdam.
People in the streets of Amsterdam with their free tulips © Hidden Holland

National Tulip Day has been celebrated since 2012, honoring the Netherlands’ famous flower industry.

The Netherlands exports roughly three billion tulips annually, making it the world’s largest producer.

(if you want to see the trade in life action, check out my post about Flora Holland, here millions of flowers get traded daily. And you can visit in person and see the action live.)

Over 1,000 different tulip varieties are available throughout the season.

Tulips arrived in the Netherlands in the 16th century and became a symbol of Dutch culture.

First the event was held on Dam Square, still visitors go there by mistake, because may blogs are outdated, and show old information and or photos from the event at Dam Square.

But since many years the event is held at Museumplein (Museum Square) because there is more space!

As a local I can tell you, Museum Square is the right location, not Dam Square.

The wait lines of the picking garden at museum square Amsterdam during the national tulip day can be intimidating, but it's a fun experience.
The wait lines can be intimidating, but it’s a fun experience © Hidden Holland

Can’t Make The Event?

National Tulip Day is only one day a year in January.

The 18th in 2025, for 2026, the date is January 17, 2026.

But this is just the kick-off of tulip season in the Netherlands.

The Dutch tulip season runs from January through April, with several other flower events:

  • Keukenhof Gardens (March 20 – May 11, 2025)
  • Flower Parade Bloemencorso (April 12-13, 2025)
  • Tulip fields in bloom (April – early May)

PS: if you wonder why January, when all events above are in March, April, and May, is that January is the moment tulips hit the stores and markets.

So until it’s March visit a local market to see beautiful tulips for sale.

Planning Your Trip

GVB tram in Amsterdam passing.
Take tram 2, or 12 from Central to Museum Square © Hidden Holland

Consider getting the I Amsterdam City Card for unlimited public transport and museum access (Van Gogh not included); for more information, check my article to see if it is worth it.

And why not complete your trip by visiting nearby Dutch villages like Volendam or Zaanse Schans instead of staying just in Amsterdam?

Frequently Asked Questions National Tulip Day in Amsterdam

Do I need to pay for the tulips at National Tulip Day?

No, the tulips are entirely free. You can pick up to 20 tulips per person. You have to accept there will be a long wait to get in.

What time should I arrive at National Tulip Day?

While the event starts at 1:00 PM, arrive an hour earlier for a good spot in line.

Can I bring my bag for the tulips?

No special bags are provided at the entrance of the picking garden. You have to worry about bringing anything else except a good spirit. And don’t worry if you don’t live here. The tulips will also look beautiful in your hotel room.

What happens if it rains during National Tulip Day?

The event takes place rain or shine. Bring appropriate weather gear, as January weather can be unpredictable. Wear layers, and have a sturdy umbrella that can handle some wind.

Are there other Tulip events in Amsterdam?

Not yet in January, but you can visit the Keukenhof Gardens from March 20 to May 11, 2025. Visit the tulip fields in nature from mid-April till the beginning of May, the Flower Parade in April, or the Mosaics in Limmen (which not many people know about).

Nearby Accommodations I Recommend:

My number one choice 🥇

Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam

The Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam, is a luxurious 5-star hotel that seamlessly blends historic architecture and modern design just around the corner from the main museums.

Other great places to stay nearby are:

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Hi, I'm Gerrit

I enjoy sharing useful tips about the beauty of this county.

Gerrit shares his love for the Netherlands, helping thousands plan unforgettable trips to the lowlands. Discover his inspiring journey "From a critical health scare to celebrating Holland's charms". If you want to send Gerrit a quick message, you can contact him here.

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