There’s something magical about tulip season. For a few short weeks each spring, landscapes around the world transform into vibrant carpets of colour. Although it’s not as popular as cherry blossoms, its elegance still charms, drawing travellers, photographers, and flower lovers alike.
While the Netherlands may be the first place that comes to mind, tulips actually originated from Central Asia and Turkey, and today, you’ll find stunning displays across the globe.
Here are some of the most breathtaking places to see tulips in full bloom, perfect for your next spring getaway.
Also read: 8 Must-Visit Places in Japan in Spring
Places to see tulips around the world
1. Netherlands
Image credit: SCStock from Getty Images via CanvaPro
No list is complete without the Netherlands, the ultimate destination for tulips. The star attraction is Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, where over 7 million bulbs bloom across beautifully landscaped grounds.
Beyond Keukenhof, head to the Bollenstreek (Flower Strip) between Haarlem and Leiden or Noordoostpolder for endless rows of colourful fields—often best explored by bike.
Best time to visit: Late March to mid-May
2. Turkey
Image credit: bd from Getty Images via CanvaPro
Before tulips became synonymous with Holland, they flourished in the Ottoman Empire. Today, Istanbul celebrates its floral heritage with the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival, where millions of blooms fill parks, streets, and public squares.
Top spots include Emirgan Park, Gülhane Park, and Sultanahmet Square.
Best time to visit: April
3. Canada
Image credit: WongJeremy via CanvaPro
Every spring, Ottawa bursts into colour during the Canadian Tulip Festival, the largest of its kind in the world, with over a million tulips on display.
The most iconic viewing spots are Commissioners Park, Dow’s Lake, and along the Rideau Canal.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-May
Also read: A Springtime Must-See: Best Airbnbs in Canada to see Tulip Blooms
4. Japan
Image credit: Aflo Images from アフロ（Aflo）via CanvaPro
Japan’s tulip displays are known for their artistic layouts and scenic backdrops. Head to Tonami Tulip Park (Toyama), home to millions of tulips arranged in intricate patterns, or Showa Memorial Park (Tokyo) for a blend of flowers and cherry blossoms.
You can also visit Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park in Hokkaido, where tulips stretch across rolling landscapes.
Best time to visit: April to May
5. China
Image credit: Cecelia Chang
China offers a surprising variety of tulip destinations. In Beijing, visit the Zhongshan Park Tulip Festival near the Forbidden City, while Shanghai Flower Port features vast tulip fields and European-style gardens.
Image credit: Cecelia Chang
Other notable spots include Luoyang International Peony Garden (spring tulips) and Xinjiang’s Ili Valley, where wild tulips bloom against dramatic mountain scenery. During my recent trip to Jiangxi, I also visited Fenghuang Gou, where fields of pink, red, yellow, and purple tulips were in early bloom.
Best time to visit: March to April
6. USA
Image credit: Airam Dato-on from Pexels
If you’re looking for tulip fields closer to home (or a Netherlands alternative), Skagit Valley in Washington State is a must-visit. Its annual tulip festival features multiple farms with colourful rows set against mountain backdrops.
Best time to visit: April
7. India
Image credit: nakarinz from Getty Images via CanvaPro
For a truly unique setting, visit the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar (Kashmir)—the largest tulip garden in Asia. Nestled against the Zabarwan mountain range and overlooking Dal Lake, it offers a breathtaking alpine setting.
Best time to visit: Late March to early April
8. Australia
Image credit: Tesselaar Tulip Festival Official Facebook
Tulip season flips in the Southern Hemisphere, making Australia a great off-season option. The Tesselaar Tulip Festival in Victoria showcases vibrant blooms alongside food, music, and cultural events.
Best time to visit: September to October
9. Italy
Image credit: laura parenti from Pexels
In recent years, tulip fields have gained popularity in Italy. Visit Arese (near Milan) for “pick-your-own” tulip fields, or explore seasonal blooms in parks and countryside estates.
Best time to visit: March to April
From iconic Dutch fields to Himalayan gardens and desert-edge blooms, tulip season is a global celebration of spring. Whether you’re after picture-perfect landscapes or cultural festivals, there sure is a destination waiting to brighten your travels. So, which one of these tulip destinations are you visiting first?
