Things To Do
in Hillegom
Hillegom is a small Dutch town in South Holland at the heart of the Bollenstreek (flower bulb region), known for its tulip fields, tidy streets and relaxed, village-like atmosphere. The town makes a convenient base for visiting Keukenhof, the Noordwijk and Zandvoort beaches, and larger nearby cities such as Haarlem and Leiden. Hillegom mixes agricultural heritage with commuter-town amenities: you'll find cafés, local markets and cycling routes radiating through the bulb fields.
Its compact center and surrounding countryside make it ideal for short stays focused on nature, cycling and photography.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the vibrant tulip fields of Hillegom, where a rainbow of colors stretches as far as the eye can see. Capture stunning photographs as the morning light illuminates the petals, creating a picturesque landscape. Take in the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers as you enjoy a fresh pastry from a nearby bakery.
After enjoying the tulips, visit the local flower auction, one of the largest in the world, to witness the bustling trade of flowers. You can learn about the history of flower cultivation in the region and perhaps pick up a few unique blooms to take home. For lunch, savor traditional Dutch dishes at a local café while soaking in the charming atmosphere of the town.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to experience authentic Dutch cuisine with a modern twist. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine or beer, and enjoy the relaxed ambiance. Finish your evening with a leisurely walk through the town center, admiring the beautifully lit buildings.
Rent a bicycle and set off to explore the picturesque countryside surrounding Hillegom. Pedal along winding paths lined with farms, windmills, and scenic views of the lush fields. Stop at a local cheese farm to sample some of the finest Dutch cheeses and learn about the traditional cheese-making process.
Continue your cycling adventure to the nearby village of Lisse, home to the famous Keukenhof Gardens. Spend the afternoon wandering through the expansive gardens, marveling at the floral displays and themed gardens that celebrate the beauty of spring. Don't forget to enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the flowers, surrounded by nature's beauty.
Return to Hillegom and unwind at a cozy café with a view of the countryside. Treat yourself to some traditional Dutch pancakes, a perfect way to end your day of cycling. As night falls, enjoy a quiet evening reflecting on the beautiful landscapes you've experienced.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $4-6 |
| 🚆Regional train ticket (short trip) | $3-12 |
| 🚲Bicycle rental (day) | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to world-famous tulip fields and Keukenhof (excellent spring photography)
- Compact, quiet town with authentic Dutch village atmosphere
- Excellent cycling infrastructure and easy access to coast and nature reserves
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with nearby cities
- Very seasonal appeal—spring is peak while other seasons are quieter
- Some attractions (Keukenhof, farm stands) are only open seasonally
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel / Dank je" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Waar is ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Hillegom
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive colourful fields in spring create iconic Dutch images—best for sunrise or sunset shots when light is soft and crowds are smaller.
Picturesque town street scenes with cafés, shops and local life—good for candid urban photography and architecture.
World-famous gardens with curated flower displays—ideal for macro flower shots, color compositions and landscape floral panoramas (seasonal).
Dramatic dune landscapes and beaches offer sunrise seascapes, long exposures and birdlife photography.
Small canals and drainage ditches reflect fields and skies—good for moody weather shots and reflections.
Food in Hillegom
Hillegom Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Dutch classic—try a herring with chopped onion from a market stall or fishmonger in spring/summer. Eat it like a local (held by the tail) or chopped in a roll.
Must-Try!
Comforting mashed potato dish mixed with seasonal greens or vegetables—found in local bistros especially in cooler months.
Local and regional cheeses are widely available at markets and shops; pair with mustard and bread.
Sweet waffle sandwich with syrup—available at markets and cafés as a popular snack or dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market in town selling fresh produce, cheese, flowers and snacks—excellent for picking up local seasonal products and quick bites.
During bulb season, roadside stalls and flower vendors pop up; many farms also sell eggs, jams and local specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
The Dutch are direct but polite—clear communication is appreciated. Greet shopkeepers and say ‘dank u’ (thank you) or ‘bedankt’ when appropriate.
Be on time for appointments and tours; punctuality is valued.
Cyclists have priority on many paths—always check bike lanes before crossing and follow traffic signals; use hand signals and lights after dark.
Residential areas are generally quiet in the evenings; some shops may have limited hours on Sundays, especially outside tourist season.
Safety
Tipping in Hillegom
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are typically included in bills; tipping is appreciated but modest—rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is common in restaurants. For taxis and bar staff, small rounding is normal.
Contactless card payments (PIN/contactless) are widely accepted; many places prefer debit/credit cards over cash. Apple Pay/Google Pay are common in larger shops; small market stalls may be cash-only or use mobile card readers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Tulip and bulb fields are in full bloom (peak usually in April); Keukenhof is open and busy. Expect mild, changeable weather—bring layers and rain protection. This is the most photogenic and busiest season.
Mild to warm weather with long daylight hours; perfect for cycling, beach visits and outdoor cafés. Tourist crowds are moderate—coastal spots get busier on warm weekends.
Quieter with cooler temperatures and colourful farmland; good for cycling through less-crowded countryside and enjoying harvest-time markets. Bring wind- and rainproof layers for blustery days.
Cold, grey and occasionally frosty; canals may briefly freeze in hard winters. Off-season means lower prices and fewer crowds but some seasonal attractions may be closed.
Hillegom at Night
Hiking in Hillegom
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A dune and coastal nature reserve near Haarlem offering varied hiking trails, coastal views and wildlife—excellent for day hikes and photography.
A protected dune area south of Haarlem known for quiet sandy trails and deer sightings; great for peaceful long walks and birdwatching.
Marked countryside trails through the bulb fields and farmland, especially scenic in spring when flowers are in bloom; routes vary in length and difficulty.
Stretching along the North Sea coast, these beach and dune walks combine seaside scenery with access to cafes and towns—good for moderate hikes.
Airports
How to reach Hillegom by plane.
Major international airport about 25–40 km away depending on your route—accessible by train and road; from Schiphol take a train or regional connections via Haarlem/Leiden for onward travel to Hillegom.
Smaller regional/international airport roughly 45–60 km away—useful for some European flights; connect by road or regional rail via Rotterdam/Leiden to reach Hillegom.
Further away (suitable for budget carriers on certain routes); reachable by train or car for visitors combining travel across the Netherlands.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families and commuters who work in nearby urban centres like Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam.
The bulb-growing sector draws seasonal and permanent workers involved in flower cultivation and farm operations.
A significant portion of the population are long-term residents and retirees who enjoy the town’s quieter pace.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is ubiquitous for commuting, recreation and sport—many locals cycle daily and regional cycling events are popular.
Local amateur football clubs are common and football is widely played and followed.
Field hockey has a strong tradition in the Netherlands and nearby towns host clubs and matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hillegom.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are widely available in cafés and restaurants; many places offer salads, vegetable stews, and cheese-based dishes. Ask for ‘vegetarisch’ on menus and staff are generally helpful in suggesting options.
Vegan options are increasing but can be limited in small-town eateries—look for specialty cafés or head to nearby Haarlem/Leiden for more vegan-specific restaurants. Request plant-based milk (‘sojamelk’, ‘havermelk’) for coffee.
Many cafés can accommodate simple gluten-free requests (bread replacements, salads), but dedicated gluten-free menus are more common in larger towns. Ask about cross-contamination if you have celiac disease.