This is one of the most common messages I receive:

“We want photos in tulip fields, but not in Keukenhof.

Which location should we choose?”

Let’s clarify something important first.

Read my complete guide to tulip season in the Netherlands here.

Tulip Fields vs Tulip Gardens

Real tulip fields are production fields. The flowers are not the final product. The bulbs growing underground are. For that reason, most tulip fields are not accessible to visitors or photography.

What you are looking for are tulip gardens that simulate the feeling of fields while allowing you to walk between rows legally and responsibly.

Read more about the difference between tulip fields and tulip gardens.

Now let’s compare the main accessible locations in the region.

1. Tulip Experience Amsterdam

Best overall experience | Ideal for proposals | Wheelchair accessible

Link: https://www.tulipexperienceamsterdam.nl/

For me, Tulip Experience Amsterdam is one of the strongest options in the region. Why?

• Around four million tulips
• A museum explaining the tulip industry
• Multiple photo zones
• Areas with single-colour rows (field effect)
• Areas with mixed colours
• Wheelchair-accessible paths and bathrooms
• Fewer crowds due to its location

Because it’s not the easiest garden to access, it tends to feel calmer. That makes it ideal for:

• Engagement proposals
• Couples sessions
• Clients who want space and depth in their images

The museum element also makes it feel complete. You understand tulips before stepping into them. They also have extended hours on Saturday evenings until 9 PM, which is beautiful for sunset photography.

Downside:

• Harder to reach without cycling or taxi.

2. The Tulip Barn

Most accessible | Great for families | Pet friendly

Link: https://thetulipbarn.com/

The Tulip Barn is the easiest alternative to Keukenhof, as it is within walking distance from Hillegom train station, but it also has other stronger characteristics:

• Compact and easy to navigate
• Strong colour selection
• More decorative props
• Pet friendly

It is smaller than Tulip Experience Amsterdam, but the tulips are beautiful and carefully selected. This is an excellent choice if:

• You don’t have much time
• You’re traveling with small children
• You want something manageable
• You don’t want to dedicate a full morning
• Extended hours: Friday evenings until 9 PM.

I had a family last season with a young baby who chose The Tulip Barn because they didn’t want the scale of Keukenhof. It worked perfectly.

If you want tulips without committing half a day, this is often the most practical choice.

3. FAM Flower Farm (Limited Production Field Access)

Most exclusive | Most field-like | Very limited access

Link: https://www.famflowerfarm.eu/

This is the most “real field” experience available.

However:

• Only open for two days per year
• Dates announced early April
• Very limited tickets
• Highest ticket cost
• Tickets sell out almost immediately
• Access is limited

If your travel dates align and you are flexible, this is extraordinary. But because dates are announced late, most clients already have their itinerary set.

If you book a session with me and indicate flexibility, or really want this location, I can immediately secure tickets if your date becomes available and invoice later. This must be done fast. This option requires decisiveness.

4. De Tulperij

Structured field access | Bookable in advance | Harder to reach

Link: https://detulperij.nl/

De Tulperij is a production field that offers structured visitor access throughout the season.

• Bookable time slots
• Limited group sizes
• Pre-published availability
• Field-style rows
• Unlike FAM Flower Farm, dates are available in advance, which makes planning easier.

I offer an option on my website that aligns with their real-time availability.

Downside:

It is located farther into the region and requires a bit more planning to reach, as there is no direct bus connection. Cycling or arranging a taxi is necessary.

Each time slot lasts 45 minutes, including a short explanation at the beginning about how to walk responsibly in the field. For this reason, the photography option available there is structured as a 40-minute session. If you would like more time, it can be combined with a nearby garden for a longer experience.

Explore my tulip region photography options.

So Which Garden Should You Choose?

It depends on:

• How much time you have
• How far you are willing to travel
• Whether you are cycling
• Whether you need wheelchair access
• Whether this is for a proposal
• Whether you want exclusivity

If you want:

• The most complete experience → Tulip Experience Amsterdam
• Easy access and short visit → The Tulip Barn
• Exclusive, real field feeling → FAM Flower Farm
• Structured field access → De Tulperij

Important for Proposals

• Choose the garden that aligns with your existing plan.
• Changing locations unexpectedly can raise suspicion.
• If you are already visiting Keukenhof or Tulip Barn, proposing there is perfectly meaningful.
• If you are cycling and can reach Tulip Experience Amsterdam comfortably, that is often my preferred proposal setting due to space and privacy.

Transport Matters

• Keukenhof and Tulip Barn are the easiest to reach.
• Tulip Experience Amsterdam, De Tulperij, and FAM Flower Farm require more planning.
• Taxi options inside the region are reliable. My preferred companies are Taxi Bollenstreek and Sneleentaxi.

Cycling between gardens is one of the most beautiful ways to explore the region. For a full multi-location experience, I recommend a 3-hour cycling session. This does not include Keukenhof. Keukenhof alone requires time.

Extra Costs and Planning

• Each garden requires its own entrance ticket.
• I do not publish ticket prices here to keep this guide evergreen.
• Links to each garden are provided so you can check current availability.
• Field-access tickets sell out quickly.
• Planning early makes a difference.

Tulip season is short. Choosing the right garden makes the experience smoother and more beautiful. If you are unsure which one fits your trip best, I’m happy to guide you based on your dates and goals.

See you in the tulip region,

Joanna

Your Photographer in Amsterdam