When you hear the word “tulip”, where does your mind go? Easter, spring, and Holland, right? Makes sense as tulips are a quintessential bloom for Easter celebrations, they represent the arrival of spring, and Holland has some of the most legendary tulip fields scattered across its picturesque countryside and major cities! While we certainly want to visit the Netherlands (especially Keukenhof in spring, which boasts more than 7 million tulip blooms each year), it’s time for all tulip lovers out there to add a few more must-see spots to their Bloom Bucket List!
Let’s first discuss why tulips are just oh-so-loveable. Simply put, there’s pretty much nothing not to love! With over 3,500 varieties, tulip buds are known for being almost perfectly symmetrical, plus they come in nearly all the colors of the rainbow, with each color representing something special. For example, red tulips symbolize romantic love and purple represents undying loyalty. There’s a color and meaning perfect for every occasion.
5 Glorious Locations to Add to Your Bloom Bucket List
Taean,
South Korea
Taean, a coastal paradise in South Korea, has one of the biggest (and best) tulip festivals in the world (actually named one of the top 5 by the World Tulip Summit Society). It’s an event for the whole family with exhibits, animals, live music, and 1.5 million tulips (with a whopping 300 different species). You’ll also be able to take in seasonal lilies, pansies, daffodils, canola flowers, and more.
To ensure max tulip viewing, the best time to visit Taean is from mid-April to early May. Plus, there are lots of incredible plans to make while you’re in town, like riding bikes along the ocean and picking organic strawberries at local fruit farms.
Srinagar, India
Located in the lush foothills of the Zabarwan Mountain Range is one of the largest tulip gardens in all of Asia. Besides tulips, you’ll also find stunners like daffodils, hyacinths, roses, narcissus, and other local varieties. These flowers do not bloom all year round, so the best time (with the best chance of seeing a jaw-dropping view of tulips) to visit this region is between March to May. Plus, you can even expect to find the elusive Queen of the Night Tulip.
Srinagar also offers rich cultural experiences, starting with the incredible cuisine of the region. We suggest trying Thukpa, Khambir, and Butter Tea. Plus, once you’ve had your fill of food (and tulips), plan a day trip to Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens–you’ll thank us for it!
Holland, USA
We know we said that we weren’t going to mention Holland on this list, but this is Holland, Michigan! So why does this Midwestern town make our top 5? Because Holland, Michigan is totally tulip crazy! In the local parks alone you can find more than 4 million tulips. Plus the City of Holland Parks Department plants 315,000+ tulip bulbs each fall for their tulip festival, called Tulip Time, that takes place in May.
At this annual festival, you can expect to see millions of tulips and thousands of daffodils, hyacinths, and other colorful varieties. Want to have the real Holland experience? Pick up a pair of wooden clogs from the De Klomp Wooden Shoe & Delft Factory and wear them to the festival!
Ottawa, Canada
If you love history as much as you love tulips then it’s time to book a trip to Ottawa for the Canadian Tulip Festival. This event celebrates Holland’s donation of tulips to Canada as a thank you for Canada’s help in the liberation of Europe during WWII. You’ll learn all about this incredible story plus you’ll be able to interact with and purchase fresh tulips and learn how to properly care for them.
2022 is a big one for the Canadian Tulip Festival—it is the 70th anniversary! You can expect endless tulips, fireworks, crafts, family fun, and more festivities.
Istanbul, Turkey
Did you know that tulips are native to Central Asia and Turkey? It actually wasn’t until the 16th century that tulips even arrived in Holland for the first time. So it’s only natural that one of the world’s best tulip festivals is located right in the heart of Istanbul. At this event, you’ll find 120+ varieties of tulips in intricate designs that include the nation’s flag and a flowing river.
While the International Istanbul Tulip Festival is held in Emirgan Park, you can also find tulips all around town—all you have to do is take a stroll and you’ll see towering tulips in their natural environment.
So…have you started packing your bags yet? It’s not too(lip) late to start checking some of these glorious spots off your Bloom Bucket List this year!
