- City Guide
See The City In Bloom: Tulip Season In Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city defined by iconic motifs – canals, wooden clogs, sweet stroopwafels, and windmills to name just a few. But none are as vibrant as the tulip, a cherished emblem of renewal heralding spring’s long-awaited arrival. As the renowned French novelist Alexandre Dumas once declared, “the tulip is the most beautiful of all flowers.”
As the Dutch capital and its surrounding countryside transforms into a living masterpiece during the annual tulip season, each blooming flower is a delicate, fleeting reminder to pause and revel in the beauty. Perhaps the transience of it all is what makes the season so special. Make the most of this extraordinary floral spectacle, with the Conservatorium as your base.
The story of our floral fascination began in the 16th century, when the tulip was first imported from the Ottoman Empire. Once used to decorate the turbans of sultans as a sign of status and wealth, their arrival in the Netherlands would soon trigger a period of popularly known as ‘Tulipmania’. The wealthy rushed to plant these rare and colourful flowers in their gardens while artists made them a striking focus of their canvases. At its peak, a single tulip bulb could cost as much as a house in Amsterdam’s most desirable districts. Prices continued to soar until the eventual collapse of ‘Tulipmania’ during the 17th century. Whilst this extraordinary tale is now confined to the history books, tulips remain an icon of Dutch trade today, with the country planting and exporting around three billion bulbs every year.
Fondly referred to as the ‘flower shop of the world’, the Netherlands’ passion for tulips extends far beyond its own borders. Each spring, Amsterdam invites visitors from around the world to experience its breathtaking flower fields, alongside the stunning presentations within the city itself, such as those outside the Rijksmuseum. The most beautiful displays belong to Keukenhof, open from March until May. Just a thirty-minute drive from the city centre, the garden plays host to a glorious spring awakening as more than 800 varieties of tulips unfurl into a riot of colour. Visitors can wander at their own pace, or join guided tours. For those intrigued by the tulip’s storied past, the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, housed in a historic canal house, offers a fascinating journey through the flower’s rich and often surprising history, with interactive exhibits bringing its legacy to life.
At Conservatorium, we invite you to embrace the season with our exclusive Tulip Celebration – a homage to spring’s welcome arrival and the splendour of nature in full bloom. Step into the bright and airy Garden One Bedroom Suite to be greeted by a beautiful tulip arrangement courtesy of our florist Menno Kroon, alongside a hand painted bottle of champagne crafted by botanical artist Ping He. Beyond your suite, a secluded private garden offers a pocket of calm in the heart of the city.
Your experience includes tickets and private transfers to the Keukenhof, a perfume workshop including creating your own scent and an eight-course Omakase Hanami menu in Taiko Cuisine. Take a piece of the experience home with a bottle of La Tulipe perfume by BYREDO and The Tulip Garden coffee table book, thoughtful keepsakes to treasure long after the season has passed.
Book between 20th February and 11th April 2025 for stays between 20th March to 11th May 2025.
