15 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

Tourists and Locals strolling in Volendam. Photo by Gisling – Wikimedia

15 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

Since the Netherlands is known to be a relatively small country, you can be certain that most of its highlights can be reached on a day trip from Amsterdam. While Amsterdam is a lovely city with plenty to see and do, you will need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city Centre now and then. There are numerous day trip options near the city if you are looking for a day trip. It is conveniently located near several interesting places to visit such as charming villages, stunning coastal towns, and fascinating cities that are only a short public transportation ride away. These locations are by far easy half-day trips from Amsterdam.

You can visit the country’s largest collection of historic Dutch windmills in Zaanse Schans, and check out the famous porcelain factories of Haarlem. Fun fact, these day trips will also take you across the border to Bruges where you will experience the Belgian culture.

Here are the best day trips from Amsterdam!

Countryside and Windmill Tours

Zaanse Schans 

Windmills at Zaanse Schans. Photo by Zairon – Wikimedia

One of the best day trips from Amsterdam is to Zaanse Schans. Zaanse Schans, just a short train journey from the city centre, is a lovely Dutch village with historic windmills, wooden clogs, and cheese factories. A day excursion to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam will be an unforgettable experience.  The early people who lived along the Zaan River’s banks had become wealthy via trade and fishing and built their first windmills around 1600. Everything from grain and rice to paper, wood, cooking oil, and even tobacco and hemp was produced by windmills.

Next, visit the Zaanse Museum to learn about the history of clog manufacture and how traditional wooden clogs are made and enjoy wonderful Dutch cheeses at one of the many cheese stores. Only 13 of the nearly 1000 windmills that previously lined the riverbed survive and are still operational. Zaanse Schans is an excellent day excursion from Amsterdam and an excellent site to learn about Dutch culture and history. Zaanse Schans is a short day excursion from Amsterdam and seems like an open-air museum filled with traditional Dutch handicrafts and culture. Whether you take a guided day trip from Amsterdam or visit on your own, don’t miss these highlights.

Tour Highlights:  take a tour of working windmills, wear Klompens(traditional wooden shoes), cheese tasting, sample Dutch pancake, shop at the Historic Albert Heijn Grocery

Practical Information:

Book this tour with us: Countryside Day Trip

Giethoorn

Giethoorn is the place to go if you’ve had enough of modern city life and need a change of scenery. If you want to visit a quaint, picturesque Dutch village, a day excursion from Amsterdam to Giethoorn is ideal. Meanwhile, the main draw in Giethoorn is peace and tranquillity, as well as a stroll or boat ride over historic bridges and farmhouses. It has been described as a typical Dutch village in Overijssel, where one can witness how the Dutch loved to live with and on the water.  The place is made up of a charming community with several elegant farms, thatched roofs, and characteristic wooden bridges located in a landscape consisting of lakes, reed beds, and woodlands.

One fascinating thing about this charming Dutch village is it is mostly car-free and you will get to travel around boat-filled rivers, walkways, and cycling trails. You will be required to leave your vehicle outside Giethoorn when you arrive, which is good. This is your chance to experience life as it should be – raw, uncomplicated, and free of pollution. Even the boats are generally engine-less, and those that do have engines have silent ones. Aside from eager tourists, the most audible sounds on the river are the quacking of ducks and the chirping of birds. Giethoorn is simply tranquil, calm, and enchanting. As you bike or walk across lovely canals and bridges on your way to the Weerribben-Wieden National Park or Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus, you’ll see centuries-old thatched-roof houses and cottages.

Tour Highlights: More than 180 wooden bridges to see, and most canal-side cafés and restaurants can only be reached by foot or boat.

Practical Information:

Book this tour with us: Magical giethoorn tour

Marken, Volendam & Edam

Tourists and Locals strolling in Volendam. Photo by Gisling – Wikimedia

There are many beautiful countryside villages to visit in the Netherlands, but the ones you cannot afford to miss while in Amsterdam are Edam, Volendam, and Marken three of the nicest. Each of these villages represents an actual Dutch village. You’ll travel through a picturesque environment crisscrossed with canals, visit original wooden cottages, windmills, and fishing towns, and learn about traditional crafts. Zaanse Schans is famed for its historic structures that realistically depict Dutch life in the 17th and 18th centuries. You’ll explore the old shipyard and windmills and visit a woodworking shoemaker to observe his clog-making methods firsthand! Each of these picturesque communities has a distinct history and culture to discover. Plus, they’re all within walking distance of one another, so you can easily see them all in a single day.

If you are up to sample some cheese, then the hamlet of Edam, which is best known for its cheese, is a lovely spot to promenade because of its ancient alleyways and numerous canals. Head over to the charming fishing town called Volendam which is close to Edam and located farther down the coast. After a short stroll around the port, you may enter the village’s complicated network of streets, passing through St. Vincent’s Church. Then there’s Marken, which was originally an island and is now crowded with charming houses, some of which are built on stilts to accommodate increasing seas.

Tour Highlights: cheese market, the tulips, the wooden shoes, the windmills

Practical Information:

Book this tour with us: 4 towns 1-day trip

Kinderdijk

The most well-known windmills in the Netherlands are located in the town of Kinderdijk, close to Rotterdam. Twenty windmills were constructed in the mid-1700s to pump water from neighbouring low-lying polders. By bus, Kinderdijk can be reached from Amsterdam in about an hour, making it the ideal destination for a brief day trip or weekend adventure. Add Kinderdijk to your list of potential UNESCO World Heritage Sites if you’re seeking something special and lovely. If you want to take pictures and see the old windmills in their natural setting this is the place to visit. The windmills, which were built between the 16th and 18th centuries, provide a unique opportunity to see how Dutch people lived at the time. The windmills are placed in a breathtakingly beautiful setting that is difficult to imagine is real.

Kinderdijk’s 19 windmills were constructed in 1740. Their goal was to pump extra water into a reservoir until the river’s level rose to the point at which it was once again able to pump water into the river (known as the Lek). Since 1927, a diesel pumping station has been in operation. Windmills were utilised for the last time during World War II when mechanical pumps could not be used owing to fuel shortages.

Tour Highlights: Windmills, Polders,

Canals & Beautiful Architecture 

Utrecht

Old City of Utrecht, Province of Utrecht, Netherlands. Photo by Zairon – Wikimedia

Next on the list is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands and is only a short distance from Amsterdam, the country’s capital. Utrecht is famously known for its rich history, renowned bell tower, and attractive canals; it’s no surprise that it’s swiftly captivating many people’s hearts. Here is a fun fact about this city; Because of a series of missionaries attempting to convert the Frisians, Utrecht was regarded as the centre of Christianity in the Netherlands from the 7th to the 16th centuries.

The moment you arrive in Utrecht, you will experience a welcoming change of pace from the rush and bustle of Amsterdam. The canals here are much more gorgeous than those in Amsterdam, and you are guaranteed a great day just drifting around, additionally, the environment here is quite pleasant and serene. You will also have the chance to take in some street entertainment, unwind at a café, and just unwind.

There is more!! You may choose a walking or romantic tour of Utrecht since this city has more canals than Amsterdam. Since it is less touristy and beautifully picturesque, you will enjoy strolling through the picturesque alleyways lined with modest coffee shops right on the water. Go ahead and explore the Dom Tower, stroll the canals, and browse the monthly flea market for antiques.

Lastly, do not forget to take a tour of the Speelklok Museum which is one of Utrecht’s most bizarre museums. Maybe you’re wondering what a “speelklok” is. In essence, it is a grandfather clock that plays music. While this museum was built in an old church, it features wonderful specimens of clocks, however, the collection of street organs and dancing organs is possibly the most intriguing. The museum staff regularly tours the exhibits and plays the vintage machines. You can envision the dancers spinning to the music back in the day. There are also music boxes and other interesting objects.

Tour Highlights: The Dom Tower, Railway Museum, Museum Speelklok

Practical Information:

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Dordrecht

Aerial photo of Dordrecht, most notably the Grote of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (the church). Photo by Joop van Houdt – Wikimedia

Dordrecht is an excellent day getaway from Rotterdam. All of the charming, sociable traits we know and like in the Netherlands can be found in Dordrecht. It is a 14-minute rail train journey from Amsterdam and it’s also reachable by ferry. It’s also not too far away for a day getaway from Amsterdam, lasting about 90 minutes one way. Dordrecht is a hidden treasure. Often overlooked, yet well worth a day trip or maybe a weekend break.

There are magnificent canals and step-gabled buildings, attractive people on bicycles, outdoor squares (Schefferslein and Grote Markt, among others) where flutjes of beer and plates of bitterballen await, and the usual touristic streets. Furthermore, its charming harbour-like layout and location on the banks of the massive Oude Maas river make it exceptional. Dordrecht is one of the nicest and friendliest places in the Netherlands. Be sure to stop at the VVV (tourist information centre) to pick up a free town map or purchase museum tickets.

Tour Highlights: House of Van Gijn, Dordrecht Minster, Groothoofds Gate, City Hall, Dordrecht.

Delft

Delft, one of the top destinations to visit in the Netherlands, is the perfect contender for a small city experience. While this city is best known for its distinctive blue and white Dutch pottery, it also has a fair amount of fascinating modern landscapes. When you get to this city, consider starting your tour at Markt square to see both the Town Hall and the Nieuwe Kerk from the city’s modest network of canals. Delft’s Markt is surrounded by around 50 ancient structures, including the City Hall in the southwest and the New Church in the northeast. In 1536, lightning hit the spire of the New Church, causing a fire that destroyed two-thirds of the city. As a result, the structures you see today were constructed after this period. During the summer, the Oude Delft canal is lined with boats that once transported commodities into the city. They are now excellent spots for al fresco dining and drinking.

Seek out the Windmill, the Rose, and the Oostpoort gate, which stand out on opposite sides of the Old Town. One of Delft’s claims to fame is that the world-famous painter Johannes Vermeer was born there. The Vermeer Center in the city exhibits the artist’s life and works. Do not miss to see its small historic centre, which is interwoven with calm canals straight out of a picture by the city’s favourite son, Vermeer. It is as beautiful as the porcelain that bears its name.

Tour Highlights: Vermeer Centre, Oude Kerk, Nieuwe Kerk, Delft’s canals, Markt

Practical Information:

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Rotterdam

Erasmusbrug (Rotterdam) seen from the Euromast tower. Photo by Mlefter – Wikimedia

Another amazing day trip from Amsterdam is spent in Rotterdam. This contemporary port city is attracting more and more visitors as it becomes a rising star in the Netherlands. While lacking the historical appeal of other Dutch sites, Rotterdam charms visitors with its flare for modern architecture. The geometric wonder of the Cube Houses, a sea of bright yellow cubes in which people dwell, is a terrific place to start. The Market Hall, fashioned like a horseshoe, is close, with a vast painted roof and a variety of food vendors. The Euromast tower and its observation deck, which stands 104 meters above Rotterdam, keep a watchful eye on the city.

The City of Rotterdam has multiple facets to explore such as a harsh port city, a stylish nightlife city, a sophisticated retail city, and a cool artists’ city. Spend your day exploring modern architecture, dine at the famous Markthal, or pay a visit to the Kunsthal or one of the numerous museums.

Your ability to stroll about one of Europe’s largest port cities, which is constantly developing, makes the vacation all the more valuable and exciting. Whatever amount of time you have available, Rotterdam will invariably make an impression on your mind and in your heart as culture abounds in the city with attractions such as the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, an art museum with works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Monet.

Exploring this city on a bike is only one of the numerous activities you may do while taking this lovely trip! This is the ideal method to see everything the city has to offer visitors since it is a city known for its numerous bikers. Pedal through streets, pausing to admire buildings you had no idea existed while breathing in this location’s fresh air and sheer natural beauty.

Tour highlights: Maritime Museum, Coolsingel, the SS Rotterdam, the Market hall and the Willemsbridge and the Erasmusbridge, the old harbour along the Maas River.

Muiderslot Castle

The Muiderslot castle can be seen on the IJsselmeer’s coastline. It is a half-hour drive from Amsterdam and is often referred to as the Amsterdam Castle. However, the trek is worthwhile since you can truly experience the Middle Ages here. There are several medieval activities to choose from. Furthermore, what distinguishes Muiderslot Castle is that you may relive the Dutch Golden Age in the castle’s domestic chambers. Muiderslot castle is unusual in that you may not only experience medieval times. There is also evidence of the Dutch Golden Age.

The various rooms of the castle’s residential wing are still adorned in 17th-century design. This features numerous excellent paintings by well-known Dutch painters. These areas of the castle are only accessible by guided tour. However, this trip is definitely worth the price. The tour guide recounts interesting stories and displays clothing, coinage, and culinary equipment.

The castle has a moat and is a fantastic day excursion for kids since Muiderslot has several of kid-friendly interactive displays and costumes that kids can try on. Muiderslot Castle is free to visit with the Amsterdam City Card (or by acquiring one ticket for the castle only).

The best time to visit is in the summer when the landscape blossoms, but it is truly a wonderful spot to visit at any time. The town itself is attractive, as is the surrounding landscape. After exploring the entire castle inside, you may take a stroll around it. Explore the beautiful gardens and stroll the dike to observe the IJsselmeer, the river Vecht, and the hamlet of Muiden. Muiderslot Castle is a must-see attraction in Amsterdam.

Tour highlights: learn all about the building, residents, special guests, castle life, art objects

Groningen

Forum Groningen. Photo by Rob Koster – Wikimedia

Groningen may be remote from many major cities, but that doesn’t stop it from being a favourite destination for savvy travellers worldwide. Groningen is an excellent day trip from Amsterdam, allowing visitors to escape the rush and bustle of the city and enjoy everything that Groningen has to offer. Groningen’s tiny city centre is home to a plethora of shops and restaurants, as well as attractive landmarks such as the Martini Tower and Grote Markt. Groningen is also a busy student city with a thriving nightlife that includes several clubs and pubs. Groningen’s downtown has quiet sections with bustling attractions for everyone who likes strolling.

Checkout Groningen’s Historic Town which is known for its old streets and squares, as well as the early 19th-century Neoclassical Town Hall (Stadhuis) in the Grote Markt and the splendid Renaissance Gold Office (Goudkantoor), which was completed in 1635. Explore the Neo-Renaissance Provinciehuis, which serves as the provincial government’s seat. Visit the Prinsenhof, a former 15th-century monastery with beautiful 17th-century gardens.

Make sure you try on a pair of clogs at the well-known International Wooden Shoe Museum Eelde before leaving town. Dutch clogs, or wooden shoes, are a national symbol (klomp in Dutch). Visit this museum to have a better understanding of the local culture. The International Wooden Shoe Museum Eelde houses the world’s greatest collection of wooden shoes, including French and German examples.

Tour highlights: Groningen Museum, Northern Shipping Museum

Tilburg

Tilburg is a historic Dutch textile town and an ideal day excursion for anyone wishing to get away from the rush and bustle of Amsterdam. This attractive city in the Dutch province of Brabant is noted for its metamorphosis from an ancient cloth town to a contemporary metropolis. Tilburg has a thriving street art scene, world-class museums, and bustling urban culture. The LocHal Library, which was transformed from an old shop into a library and was nominated for World Building of the Year, is one of Tilburg’s most popular attractions. The Natuurmuseum Brabant is the city’s natural history museum and has several amazing animal species. Museum De Pont is Tilburg’s modern art museum, named after Jan de Pont, who contributed a portion of his assets to establish the museum. An exhibition space for designers and industrial textiles is the TextielMuseum. The museum, which is housed inside a renovated factory, features a big glass door that is unmistakable.

Walking around the streets of Tilburg, you can’t help but notice all of the interesting stores that dot the city. If you’re sick of the multinational brands that everyone seems to be buying from these days, this is a terrific spot to conduct some serious shopping. Additionally, on 013 Straatjes, you can find some of the city’s quirkiest stores if you are unsure of what you are searching for and be the hipster you’ve always wanted to be. There are several boutique apparel outlets and handcrafted household products. Not to add that Tilburg hosts ‘De Mei Markt,’ the largest night market in the Netherlands, every year. That means you may indulge your buying desires for an entire week and get some very unusual items that no one else owns.

A day trip wouldn’t be complete, happily, without some delicious cuisine, and Tilburg offers enough of it! Apart from the wonderful cuisine, Tilburg has some really interesting themed cafés and restaurants.

Tour highlights: TextielMuseum, Vincent Van Gogh’s drawing classroom at the Stadsmuseum, an afternoon of shopping, a great restaurant in Tilburg

Bruges

The Markt (market square). Photo by Ajay Suresh – Wikimedia

Being able to quickly travel to a neighbouring nation is one of the attractions of several regions of Europe, including the Netherlands. A visit to the picturesque Belgian city of Bruges, for example, is a day excursion from Amsterdam. When visiting Bruges, make your way to Markt square, where colourful homes lie alongside the city’s iconic Belfry and Provincial Court. It’s a short walk from there to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which is supposed to hold a fabric stained with Christ’s blood. From religious treasures to tranquil waterways, a sail through Bruges’ meandering, gorgeous canals is a must. Don’t miss adorable locations like the Bonifacius Bridge and Walplein Square, where you can sample a ton of delectable Belgian chocolate.

Since one day in Bruges is extremely demanding, you will do a significant amount of walking, so wearing comfy shoes like stylish trainers or ankle boots is highly recommended. To take pictures without having to wait too long in lines, we highly recommend going to the Quay of the Rosary (also known as the Rozenhoedkaai in Flemish) first thing in the morning. The Basilica of the Holy Blood, also known as Heilig-Bloedbasiliek in Flemish, is a religious building that is situated on the well-known Burg Square. It is named after a relic that is thought to contain a drop of holy blood that was allegedly retrieved by Joseph of Arimathea.

Tour Highlights: the Quay of the Rosary, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Blinde Ezelstraat, Groeninge Museum, Gruuthuse Museum

Practical information:

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Cheese Tasting Tour

Gouda

Gouda’s Cheese Market. Photo by Ralf Roletschek – Wikimedia

The picturesque small town of Gouda, with a population of 70,000 people, is located in the province of Southwest Holland. You may recognize Gouda as a cheese available in your local grocery; for good reason: it is one of the most popular cheeses on the market. While in the Netherlands, this comes as one of the most recommended places to visit. It is a lesser-known gem of a town named after its famed delectable cheese. This city has more charm and history with the quiet old streets that date back to the 16th century. This makes for a delightfully tranquil and charming day excursion on a lazy day with little canals flowing around the town and a gorgeous town center surrounded by shops and restaurants.

Get to enjoy a boat trip along the picturesque Gouwe River, see the city’s historic city hall in Gothic architecture, or go to one of the city’s many museums. Of course, no visit to Gouda would be complete without sampling the city’s delectable cheese, stroopwafels, and beer. If you have the opportunity, go to the Gouda cheese market to get the best and highest-grade gouda cheese in the world. Therefore, add Gouda to your schedule if you’re searching for a fun and simple day trip from Amsterdam that involves a lot of cheese.

Tour highlights: De Waag, Gouda Cheese Experience, Gouda cheese and crafts, Stadhuis van Gouda, Sint Janskerk (St. John’s Church), Gouda’s museums

Practical Information:

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Shopping

Haarlem

Kleine Houtstraat street in Haarlem, Netherlands. Photo by Marek Slusarczyk – Wikimedia

It’s worth noting that Haarlem, the greatest shopping city in the Netherlands, has received several accolades for its retail streets. Both foreign and local brands sell a wide selection of items here. Do not miss visiting Zijlstraat if you’re a fashionista, don’t say I did not tell you!!! This city, full of ancient history and character, is an ideal site to continue exploring the splendour of Holland’s towns. The best place to start your tour is at the Grote Markt square where you will find yourself surrounded by a plethora of remarkable attractions, not the least of which is the Gothic Grote Kerk cathedral. There are also lovely cafés and various souvenir shops here.

After checking that off your list, next head to The Frans Hals Museum and Teyler’s Museum which are excellent places to learn about local culture and art history. Seek out the Molen de Adriaan windmill and climb it for a spectacular view of Haarlem’s rooftops. If you’re weary of touring, visit the city’s famed shopping area, which is filled with boutique, independent, and antique stores.

You will discover that exploring Haarlem’s picturesque landmarks on foot is half the enjoyment. Grote Mark is home to several events, concerts, and local markets. Everyone that has visited Haarlem has adored Grote Markt’s Dutch charm and the fact that, unlike Amsterdam, it is not at all crowded! Just nearby is Grote Kerk looms above Grote Markt. This cathedral dates from the 14th century and is notable for its Gothic architecture. For only 2.5 euros, you may also enter the church and appreciate its magnificent organ, which has over 5000 pipes (this organ was played by Mozart). If you’re lucky, you could even catch an organ performance (only during summer).

Tour Highlights: Grote Markt & Grote Kerk, Teylers Museum, Gravestenenbrug Bridge

Tulips & Flower Gardens

Keukenhof (best time to visit, March-May)

Photo by Balou46 – Wikimedia

Keukenhof, often known as the Garden of Europe, is home to one of the world’s greatest flower gardens, with 79 acres of colourful blossoms and 7 million bulbs planted each year. Though it is most known for its tulips, with over 800 types, there is much more to discover. For instance, the biggest lily display in the world takes place during the final ten days of the opening season. If you visit in April, you will see the splendour of the tulips.

There are several organized tours to this lovely city, so you won’t have to worry about getting transportation. Along the way, you’ll witness the gorgeous flower meadows that adorn rural Holland, and your tour guide will amuse you with anecdotes about Holland and its flowers, demonstrating the tight relationship between Holland and nature – just a taste of what you’ll experience at Keukenhof Park! A vast mosaic of tulips welcomes you at the entrance of Keukenhof Park and stands out among the park’s pavilions and gardens because its subject, composition, and form vary seasonally to surprise visitors. It’s incredible.

Tour highlights: Tulip gardens

We have several other types of tours available in Amsterdam, check them out here. Enjoy your trip!!