What is more lovely than seeing tulips bloom in the spring season? Seeing them in one of your favorite travel destinations—New York City! The tulip season in the city that never sleeps doesn’t last long, but it’s worth planning for. Blooming from mid-April through early May, these flowers brighten public spaces across the city. If you want to catch them at their best, these ten locations should be on your list.
10 Amazing Places to Find Tulips in New York
Spring brings the blossoming of flowers and plants throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Specifically talking about NYC, gardens and parks are now seeing the arrival of this season, signifying renewal after months of cold weather. Cherry blossoms may be the floral star of the season—especially in Washington, DC—but don't overlook another early spring bloomer, the tulip (also known as the King of Bulbs), which boasts over 4,000 varieties. If you live in NY, you might want to take notes on where to go. If you're planning a trip soon, you're in for a flowery treat.
1. Park Avenue
Known to be the most popular spot to find the most beautiful tulips in NYC, it is said that for many locals, spring does not officially start until the tulips on Park Avenue have completely bloomed. What makes this place extra special is also the cherry blossom trees along the avenue. Tulips plus cherry blossom trees are the formula for perfection!
2. Pumphouse Park
Pumphouse Park, a hidden gem along the Hudson River in Lower Manhattan, transforms into a colorful retreat each spring when tulips blanket its neatly arranged flower beds. Located near Battery Park City, this small but scenic spot offers a peaceful escape from the city's bustle, with rows of tulips adding bursts of red, yellow, pink, and white against the backdrop of the river. The best time to visit is in mid-to-late April, when the blooms are at their peak, creating a picture-perfect setting for a leisurely walk or a quiet moment surrounded by nature.
Photo: @brittanyeliza.photo
3. Grand Army Plaza
Located southeast of Central Park, the Grand Army Plaza is definitely one of the most amazing places to find tulips in NY. What you'll encounter upon your arrival to the park are rows of beautifully-colored tulips enhancing a statue whilst also having the unique yet iconic plaza hotel in the back.
Photo: @nyclovesnyc
4. New York Public Library
If you don't visit the New York Public Library, you'll be missing out on one of the most amazing places to see tulips and read great books! Although there are not as many tulips in this spot as in some of the other places, their beauty completely out shadows the numbers. This place is a must if you're looking for the most amazing places to find tulips in New York.
5. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the top destinations for spring flower viewing in the city. While the garden is well-known for its cherry blossoms, the tulip displays are equally impressive. The best place to see them is at the Lily Pool Terrace, where hundreds of tulips bloom in coordinated colors, creating a visually striking scene.
The garden hosts its spring bloom season from April to early May, with tulips reaching their peak in the last two weeks of April. Early morning visits are ideal for avoiding crowds and capturing the best photos.
Photo: @caleigh_captures
6. West Side Community Garden
If you're looking for a tulip gem, West Side Community Garden is it! New Yorkers consider this spot to be one of the most relaxing, yet amazing places to find the most beautiful tulips in New York.
You can visit the garden any time of the year, but if you go in mid-spring or pre-summer season, you'll be in for a stunning treat. Fact: More than 15,000 tulips adorn the garden in the most colorful display, and are known to be one of the most amazing places to see tulips in NY.
Video by: @nyclovesnyc
7. Conservatory Garden in Central Park
Located in the northeastern corner of Central Park, the Conservatory Garden is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful escape from the busy city. The six-acre formal garden is divided into three sections: French, Italian, and English. Tulips are primarily found in the Italian Garden, where they are arranged in elegant, symmetrical patterns around the central fountain.
Tulips in the Conservatory Garden typically begin blooming in mid-April and peak by early May. The garden is free to enter, and because it is a designated quiet zone, it is one of the most serene places to enjoy spring flowers in the city.
Photo: @brittanyeliza.photo
8. Roosevelt Island Tulip Festival
Every spring, Roosevelt Island celebrates its annual tulip festival, which features thousands of tulips planted along the island’s pathways and green spaces. The festival is organized by the Roosevelt Island Garden Club, and the flowers are planted in a variety of colors and patterns, making for a stunning springtime display.
The tulips usually reach full bloom in late April, and the best viewing spots include the gardens near the Roosevelt Island Tramway and the waterfront promenades. Roosevelt Island is easily accessible by subway (F train) or by taking the scenic tram ride from Manhattan. The festival is free and open to all visitors.
9. Empire State Plaza Tulip Beds
For those willing to take a short trip upstate, the Empire State Plaza in Albany is home to one of the most impressive tulip displays in New York. As part of Albany’s annual Tulip Festival, the plaza features tens of thousands of tulips planted in colorful patterns.
The best time to visit is during the Tulip Festival, which takes place on Mother’s Day weekend in early May. In addition to the flower displays, the festival includes live music, food vendors, and cultural performances. Albany is accessible by Amtrak from Penn Station, making it an easy day trip for tulip enthusiasts.
10. Madison Square Park
Conveniently located in the heart of Manhattan, this park bursts with tulips each spring, especially around the iconic Flatiron Building. The well-maintained flower beds showcase a variety of tulip colors, making it a great stop for visitors exploring nearby attractions like Eataly, the Museum of Mathematics, or Shake Shack. Tulips typically bloom from mid-April to early May, offering a vibrant seasonal display in one of the city's most central locations.
These amazing spots to find tulips in NYC are a must for your next visit to the city. Make sure to add them to your bucket list.
