The Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

When you visit Amsterdam, it is easy to get captivated by the picturesque canals, former warehouse apartments, and world-class museums. The Dutch capital is one of the major Dutch cities for tourists, and the historic city is a fantastic getaway. Amsterdam is famed for the Anne Frank’s Museum and wonderful hospitality. To enhance your trip, consider some amazing day trips from Amsterdam that allow you to explore nearby towns, cities, and attractions.

1. Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is an extremely popular day trip from Amsterdam, renowned for its windmills and historic neighborhood in the town of Zaandam. You’ll find countless windmills to admire and learn about their history through guided tours. The area showcases traditional green-painted wooden houses, allowing you to step back into the 18th and 19th centuries. It functions as an open-air museum filled with culture and history.

The Zaans Museum stands out with interactive exhibits such as regional costumes, model windmills, and chocolate-making classes. Workshops for Dutch handicraft activities—like wooden clog carving and pewter casting—are also available, making Zaanse Schans a captivating place to delve into Dutch culture.

How far is Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam?

This charming village is easily accessible via public transport, with just a 30-minute sprinter train ride from Amsterdam. Alternatively, you can drive there in about 20 minutes.

2. Volendam

Volendam is a stunning old fishing village located on the shores of Lake Markermeer. Recognized for its picturesque houses and traditional Dutch lifestyle, this town offers self-guided walking tours, seafood sampling, and visits to local museums.

This quaint village pairs well with trips to Edam and Marker. Visitors can easily catch a ferry from Volendam Harbor to Marker Island or enjoy a boat tour of Lake Markermeer to embrace the area’s fishing heritage.

How far is Volendam from Amsterdam?

Volendam is approximately 40 minutes away from Amsterdam with public transport or just over 20 minutes by car.

3. Haarlem

Haarlem is only a short train ride from Amsterdam and offers a quaint, historic atmosphere for travelers seeking broader knowledge of Holland. Once a major trading port, Haarlem is now characterized by cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, particularly around the stunning Grote Market Square where the Gothic St. Bavo Church stands.

While in Haarlem, don’t miss a visit to the Corrie ten Boom Museum, which details a heroic family’s efforts during World War II.

How far is Haarlem from Amsterdam?

Haarlem is just a quick 10-minute train ride or a half-hour drive from Amsterdam.

4. Keukenhof

Keukenhof Gardens is a beautiful 19th-century park that opens seasonally between March and May, showcasing a mesmerizing array of Dutch flowers. Spring is the ideal time to visit, as millions of colorful tulips bloom across the countryside, with Keukenhof being a prime destination for tulip spotting.

How far is Keukenhof from Amsterdam?

Keukenhof Gardens can be reached via a one-hour train ride, requiring a quick transfer at Haarlem to Lisse, followed by a 15-minute walk. The drive takes about 35 minutes.

5. Gouda

Gouda is a picturesque town famous for its cheese market, which takes place seasonally. Timing your visit to coincide with this market provides a cultural insight into local flavors and traditions while sampling cheese in abundance.

How far is Gouda from Amsterdam?

Gouda is around 50 minutes away from Amsterdam by train and approximately an hour by car.

6. Bourtange

Bourtange is a fascinating fortress village featuring a star-shaped layout, surrounded by lush greenery, and immersing visitors in Medieval history. It’s a unique day trip destination where history comes alive through reenactments and walking tours.

How far is Bourtange from Amsterdam?

Bourtange is a bit farther out, about a 2.5-hour drive from Amsterdam.

7. Giethoorn

Giethoorn is known as the “Venice of the North” due to its unique nearly car-free lifestyle. This village is interlaced with waterways and footpaths, which makes it ideal for exploring by boat. Additionally, the Museum Giethoorn t’ Olde Maat Uus showcases the town’s cultural history.

How far is Giethoorn from Amsterdam?

It takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach Giethoorn by public transport and about an hour and a half by car.

8. The Hague

The Hague is among the most notable cities in Holland and is situated on the North Sea coastline. Ideal for a beach day in the summer, this city also hosts the Dutch government. The combination of its political significance and beach access makes The Hague a compelling day trip destination from Amsterdam.

How far is the Hague from Amsterdam?

The Hague is about an hour away from Amsterdam by either car or direct train.

9. Rotterdam

Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture and vibrant urban culture. As one of the largest ports in the world, it’s filled with contemporary museums and striking architectural designs like the famous cube houses.

How far is Rotterdam from Amsterdam?

Rotterdam is slightly over an hour away by train and a similar distance by car.

10. Groningen

Groningen showcases a lively student atmosphere intertwined with splendid Gothic architecture. Visitors can enjoy scenic views over its canals and vibrant cultural scene.

How far is Groningen from Amsterdam?

This university city is about 2.5 hours away from Amsterdam by train and around 2 hours by car.

11. Marken

Marken is a picturesque island known for its charming wooden houses and rich cultural heritage, easily reached by boat or car from the mainland.

How far is Marken from Amsterdam?

Marken is approximately an hour away by public transport and 30 minutes by car.

12. Oudewater

Oudewater is steeped in Medieval history with attractions like the Witches Weigh House that provides insight into the witch trials of the period. Strolling through its charming streets offers glimpses of historical architecture.

How far is Oudewater from Amsterdam?

Oudewater is about 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Amsterdam by public transport and roughly 50 minutes by car.

13. Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is an excellent weekend getaway.Crossing into Germany is effortless, and the fashion-forward city showcases arts, commerce, and exciting attractions.

How far is Düsseldorf from Amsterdam?

Düsseldorf is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours away from Amsterdam, depending on your chosen transportation.

14. Bruges

Bruges’ stunning canals and Medieval architecture make it a charming destination that can enrich your trip to the EU’s neighboring country of Belgium. Known as the “Venice of the North,” this city is packed with history and artisan craftsmanship.

How far is Bruges from Amsterdam?

Bruges is nearly four hours from Amsterdam by public transport and just under three by car, making it an ideal cultural getaway.

15. Edam

Famous for its cheese, Edam boasts a lively cheese market where visitors can immerse themselves in local traditions and sample exquisite cheeses.

How far is Edam from Amsterdam?

Edam is about 50 minutes away from Amsterdam using public transport and 25 minutes by car.

16. Antwerp

Antwerp, a charming Belgian port city just over the Dutch border, offers a rich history intertwined with its vibrant Diamond District.

How far is Antwerp from Amsterdam?

Antwerp is about two hours away from Amsterdam by car and public transport.

17. Nijmegen

Nijmegen, the Netherlands’ oldest city, provides invaluable World War II history, enriching your understanding of this turbulent period.

How far is Nijmegen from Amsterdam?

Nijmegen is about an hour and 20 minutes away by train or an hour and a half by car.

18. Arnhem

Arnhem is synonymous with the Netherlands Open Air Museum, showcasing historical buildings and immersive exhibits that provide a visual journey through Dutch history.

How far is Arnhem from Amsterdam?

Arnhem is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Amsterdam via public transport or a little over an hour by car.

19. Kinderdijk

Kinderdijk is celebrated for its iconic 18th-century windmills and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing a quintessential Dutch landscape.

How far is Kinderdijk from Amsterdam?

Kinderdijk is about two hours away via public transport and just over an hour by car.

20. Delft

Delft is renowned for its Delftware pottery. Visitors can explore pottery shops or participate in workshops, alongside visits to historical sites like the Old Church.

How far is Delft from Amsterdam?

Delft is accessible, located just an hour away from Amsterdam by train or car.

21. Utrecht

Utrecht’s ‘Old Town’ is rich with Medieval history and features stunning Gothic architecture and canals for scenic exploration.

How far is Utrecht from Amsterdam?

Utrecht is about a half-hour train ride from Amsterdam, making it an effortless day trip option.

To Conclude

With Amsterdam Centraal Station so centrally located, embarking on day trips from Amsterdam has never been easier. The Dutch capital serves as a fantastic base, offering wonderful opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside, culture, and history. Enjoy your time in Amsterdam and the various exciting day trips that await!