Royal FloraHolland Visitor Centre

Experience the world's largest flower auction at Royal FloraHolland, where kids can watch millions of colorful blooms being traded in a unique Dutch clock auction system. This fascinating peek behind the scenes of the global flower industry combines education with sensory delight as families explore the enormous warehouse facility and witness the bustling marketplace from viewing galleries.

• ✓Watching the famous Dutch clock auction system where prices count down instead of up
• ✓Viewing the massive scale of operations with millions of flowers moving through the facility daily
• ✓Seeing the colorful variety of flowers, plants, and bouquets from the viewing galleries
• ✓Learning about how flowers travel from growers to florists worldwide
• ✓Shopping for fresh Dutch flowers to take home at wholesale prices

1. 1.Arrive right at opening time (7:00 AM) when auction activity is at its peak and most exciting to watch. The action slows considerably after 9:00 AM.
2. 2.Book your visit for a weekday (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday) as weekends are closed. Thursday has the shortest hours, ending at 9:00 AM.
3. 3.Download or print information about the Dutch clock auction system before visiting to help kids understand what they're watching, as the reverse bidding process is counterintuitive.
4. 4.Wear layers as the warehouse areas can be quite cool due to flower storage requirements, even in summer months.
5. 5.Bring euros for any flower purchases at the attached shop, and check airline regulations about bringing fresh flowers back to your home country before buying.

Visit on a weekday (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday) arriving right at 7:00 AM opening for the most active auction period. Early in the week, especially Monday and Tuesday, tends to have higher flower volumes after the weekend.

The venue operates very early morning hours only (closing between 9:00-11:00 AM depending on the day), so plan accordingly and ensure kids get adequate rest the night before. Free parking is available on site, and while there's a small shop area, bring breakfast or snacks as food options are limited.

Open year-round with consistent weekday morning hours. Spring months (March through May) during tulip season offer the most spectacular variety and volume of flowers, making it an especially colorful time to visit.

Head to Aalsmeer town center (5 minutes away) for family-friendly options like Grand Cafe de Praam with waterside seating and Dutch pancakes, or grab fresh stroopwafels and snacks at local bakeries for a traditional Dutch breakfast after your early morning visit.