Windmills, canals, bikes… and of course tulips. Few things are as Dutch as a tulip. No wonder a tulip tattoo is so popular: with Amsterdammers who are proud of their city, and with visitors who want to take something lasting home. We've written before about a piercing as your most unique Amsterdam souvenir. In this post we focus completely on the tulip itself: which designs there are, which style suits you and where it looks best.
Why a tulip?
The tulip arrived in the Netherlands in the late sixteenth century and grew into the symbol of the country. In the seventeenth century the Dutch even fell under the spell of the famous tulip mania. Every spring the bulb fields still colour the landscape, and in April Amsterdam is full of tulips during the tulip festival.
For many people, the tulip also carries its own meaning. Colours are often explained like this:
- red: love;
- yellow: cheerfulness and sunshine;
- white: a fresh start;
- purple: something royal;
- pink: care and affection.
Popular tulip tattoo designs
- A single fine line tulip: one stem with a flower, subtle and timeless.
- Tulip with XXX: the three St Andrew's crosses from Amsterdam's coat of arms, combined with a tulip. It doesn't get more Amsterdam than this.
- Tulip with canal houses: a mini skyline with a tulip in front of or through it.
- Tulip on a bike: playful and very Dutch.
- A bouquet: several tulips, for example one for each family member or each friend you travelled with.
- Delft blue: a tulip in the style of the famous blue and white pottery.
Which style suits your tulip?
A tulip works in almost any style:
- Fine line and minimalist: thin lines, small size, perfect as a first tattoo.
- Old school: bold black lines and a strong red or yellow flower, tough and easy to read.
- Black and grey botanical: with shading and detail, as if it came from an old botanical book.
- Colour with soft gradients: playful and colourful.
Not sure? Your artist will help you figure out which style fits your idea and placement best.
The best placements for a tulip
The long, slender shape of a tulip follows the lines of your body beautifully:
- Forearm and inner arm: classic and easy to see.
- Ankle: small and playful.
- Ribs or side: a long stem that follows the shape of your body.
- Along the spine: an elegant vertical tulip or a row of flowers.
- Collarbone or behind the ear: subtle and elegant.
Thinking of a mini tulip on your finger? Read Finger tattoos first, because tattoos there tend to fade quickly.
A tulip tattoo as a travel memory: how to plan it
Visiting Amsterdam? A tattoo is a beautiful keepsake, but plan smart. Your tattoo usually needs about 2 weeks to heal. During that time, no swimming in pools or natural water, no hot tubs or saunas, and keep your tattoo out of the sun and tanning beds, not even with sunscreen. Heading to the beach after Amsterdam? Take that into account.
You can walk in or book a tattoo appointment in advance, handy if you're only in town for a few days. You always get a personal quote. Read how it's put together in how the price of a tattoo is determined.
Aftercare, even on the road
You'll get aftercare advice from us, and everything is in our tattoo aftercare instructions (PDF), handy to save on your phone. In short: touch your tattoo as little as possible, wash it twice a day with a mild, fragrance-free soap, pat it dry and, if you like, apply a thin layer of Bepanthen Wound Cream or another suitable tattoo aftercare cream. No plasters or bandages, and no tight or dirty clothing over it. Once healed, always use a high SPF in the sun.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a tattoo as a tourist without an appointment?
Yes, walk-ins are welcome. If you're only in town briefly, booking ahead is handy.
How big should a tulip tattoo be?
A simple tulip can be small. The more detail, like canal houses or shading, the more space the design needs.
Do you speak English?
Yes, our team speaks six languages, including English.
Take a piece of Amsterdam home
Piercings Works has been around since 1998 and at Reguliersbreestraat 46, right in the centre of Amsterdam, since 2004. We hold a GGD licence and have more than 2,000 reviews. We tattoo from age 18. Come by and let your tulip bloom forever.