10 Great European Destinations To See Flower Shows
Calling all flower lovers! Spring has officially sprung in the northern hemisphere. Everywhere you look flowers are blooming once again. If you love being surrounded by the colors and scents, why not make flowers the centerpiece of your next vacation?
To put a spring in your step, we have compiled a list of inspiring must visit destinations where you can admire and enjoy amazing blooms.
1. Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands
Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is hailed as the most beautiful spring garden in the world. And for good reason – the sea of color is breathtaking. Some 7 million spring bulbs are planted each year for the Amsterdam Tulip Festival, which takes place for eight weeks a year in the spring. With tulips as the showstopper, you can also expect to see a wide array of flowers including roses, lilies, daffodils and irises.
When to visit: Visit Kukenhoff on our Springtime in the Alps & Chelsea Flower Show premium tour – the blooms are at their most spectacular mid April to mid May, which is when the tulip festival takes place.
2. Istanbul Tulip Festival, Turkey
Every April since 2006, the city government in Istanbul has planted millions of tulips in parks, avenues, traffic roundabouts and almost anywhere there is open ground.
In recent years, the total number planted has been 30 million! This includes over a half-million to form a huge “flower carpet” in Sultanahmet’s Hippodrome (At Meydanı) in front of the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque. Visit Istanbul in the spring and enjoy bursts of color everywhere you look.
When to visit: The official dates for the Istanbul Tulip Festival each year are 1 – 30 April. The tulips begin to bloom around the end of March or beginning of April, depending on the weather, and last for several weeks. Why not join our Wonders of Turkey premium tour extend an extra night in Istanbul at the end of your journey to admire the flowers to your heart’s content?
3. Akureyri Botanical Gardens, Iceland
Iceland is world-renowned as a nature-lovers paradise. But be prepared to be amazed at the diversity of flowers so close to the arctic. A visit to Akureyri Botanical Gardens in the summer provides a spectacular oasis of color – a wonderful place for flower lovers and for quiet contemplation.
When to visit: Summer is the best time to visit to get the full blooms of color. Take a look at our Natural Wonders of Iceland tour.
4. The Carpet of Flowers, Belgium
The Carpet of Flowers, or “Flower Carpet,” is a stunning biennial event held in Brussels, Belgium, typically in August. This vibrant floral display transforms the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, into a breathtaking carpet of colorful blooms. Spanning approximately 1,800 square meters, the carpet features intricate designs crafted from around one million begonias, alongside other seasonal flowers.
When to visit: Your next chance to catch these fabulous florals is in August, 2026 – maybe join our Country Roads Of Belgium, Luxembourg & The Netherlands premium tour?
5. RHS Chelsea Flower Show, UK
World famous for its fabulous floral displays, the Chelsea Flower Show is a must visit destination for all flower lovers. Renowned for innovative garden design and magnificent shopping, there is so much to see and do. Bask in color and admire stunning blooms, learn from the experts and gain endless inspiration for your gardens and flowers back home.
When to visit: The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is held every year in May.
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Plus receive latest offers, travel inspiration, and discover how your travels will make a positive impact. Together, WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. Subscribe Now6. Lavender fields of Provence, France
Who has not experienced wanderlust when seeing pictures of the stunning lavender fields of Provence? There is little that epitomizes the appeal of the region then violet blankets and the scent of lavender in the warm evening air.
When to visit: By late June most lavender fields are in full bloom. Early July is the best time to visit, as from mid-July the fields start to be harvested.
7. Poppies in Tuscany, Italy
Every spring, the rolling fields of Tuscany come alive in a sea of red, as thousands of wild poppies take over the lands. Just imagine yourself sipping a glass of Italian wine, nibbling on olives and watching the sun set over a crimson blanket of blooms.
When to visit: The poppies usually start blooming in late April after the rainfalls, and last wrap well into May. Take a look at Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany and picture yourself there.
8. Cherry Blossoms in Copenhagen, Denmark
Perhaps less well known for its blooms than many other destinations, Copenhagen boast a simply dazzling array of cherry blossoms. Some of the best spots are the Bispebjerg Kirkegård and the Langelinie – these parks become a sea of color come April. There are endless reasons to visit the delightful city of Copenhagen, and the blossoms just add to the delight.
When to visit: Blossoms are best in from late April onwards
9. Monet’s Garden, France
Stroll through artistically curated flower beds and see with your own eyes the water lilies that inspired Monet’s famous paintings. Monet’s Garden is in two parts, a flower garden called Clos Normand and a Japanese inspired water garden. Monet mixed simple flower species with rare varieties, marrying the flowers according to their colors and letting them grow freely.
In the flower garden fruit trees mingle with climbing roses, long-stemmed hollyhocks sit alongside colored banks of annuals. Cross the famous Japanese bridge covered in wisteria and admire the famous nympheas which bloom all summer long. An unforgettable experience for flower lovers.
When to visit: April to October. Expect an explosion of color in July.
10. Kew Gardens, UK
At over 300 acres, The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, London contains one of the largest seasonal displays of flowers in Britain. More than just gardens, the site is a living, breathing collection of the most stunning botanical art on the planet.
When to visit: In May, the Kew Gardens spring to life and the blooming of bluebells are especially popular among visitors; but it is during the summer months when the Kew Gardens are at their most beautiful. During these months, you can breathe in the smell of aromatic plants, including lavender, thyme, rosemary, sage and oregano. Take a look at our Best of Britain and Britain & Ireland Explorer premium guided tours, and maybe extend your stay in London and explore Kew at your leisure?
Feeling the love for flowers?
If you are feeling inspired to nourish your love of flowers and immerse yourself in beautiful blooms, why not make your vacation extra special and travel on an Insight premium guided tour. Stylish hotels, deliciously authentic dining and priority access to the sights make for the ultimate travel experience on our worldwide collection of premium guided tours.
About Leanne Williams
I'm a writer, editor and interview specialist with a lifetime's love of travel. There’s nothing more inspiring to me than meeting, and writing about, the world's leading destination experts and travel industry insiders. The thing I love most about writing for Insightful is that I'm always learning something new.
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