After attending this event every year since I moved to The Netherlands in 2019, I can tell you—it’s always popular and always crowded. So, be prepared to queue for 2–3 hours in the cold. If you arrive just half an hour before and then complain about bad organization, it simply means you didn’t know what to expect. It’s like this every year.

Is it worth it? That depends on what you’re looking for.

If you just want 10 free tulips, then probably not. They’re inexpensive in stores, and the good news is that from this day forward, tulips are officially available for purchase. That’s the whole point of this celebration—to announce that tulip season has begun and to promote the industry. So, if you buy tulips instead of picking them, you’re supporting what this event is meant to do. Tulip growers want to put tulips in the eyes of the world, and what better idea to give tulips to everyone in Amsterdam?

Personally, I love the experience. Celebrating the start of tulip season, capturing photos while picking tulips in January (which isn’t something you do every day), and sharing this beautiful event with those who can’t attend make it special for me.

What I didn’t like this year

When the organizers moved the line toward the entrance, many people suddenly ran from the back to the front, cutting in. I even overheard someone saying, “If everyone is running, you need to run too.” This also happened last year. We almost didn’t get in because of line-cutting. That’s why we arrived earlier this time. We didn’t want to risk wasting our entire afternoon.

What I did like this year

As people were leaving, there was a light check on the number of tulips they were taking. It wasn’t too strict, but if someone was carrying too many, the staff took some and gave them to people waiting outside. I thought that was really thoughtful! We saw this happen at least three times while we were leaving.

Should tourists spend their day here?

Honestly, no. If you’re visiting Amsterdam, I wouldn’t recommend spending hours in line. Instead, arrive around 12:30 PM, watch the opening ceremony, and observe 10 minutes of tulip picking from the outside. You’ll actually get a better view than those of us stuck in the queue. When your time in the city is limited, it’s just not worth the long wait.

So, if you’ve been dreaming of tulip fields as far as the eye can see, vibrant colors, and picture-perfect moments, mark your calendar—tulip season in The Netherlands starts in March! And if you’d love some beautiful memories to take home, I’d be happy to help you with a tulip-filled photo session!

Spring here is pure magic, and I’d love for you to experience it. See you soon in The Netherlands.

See you soon and until the next photo session in Amsterdam.

Joanna, your Amsterdam photographer

Vacation photographer and local expert based in Amsterdam