After savoring the things to do in Amsterdam, from wandering along its historic canals to exploring its renowned museums, day trips from Amsterdam invite you to discover the Netherlands’ diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. These excursions offer a glimpse into traditional Dutch villages, tulip fields, and iconic windmills, extending your Amsterdam adventure into the countryside and beyond.
Venturing out from Amsterdam, you’re introduced to a wider array of things to do in the Netherlands, such as exploring the medieval castles of Utrecht, the vibrant port city of Rotterdam, and the charming streets of Haarlem. Each destination enriches your understanding of Dutch culture, history, and the natural beauty that the country has to offer.
Selecting where to stay in Amsterdam is crucial for travelers aiming to balance their urban explorations with day trips across the country. A centrally located accommodation not only provides easy access to Amsterdam’s main attractions but also convenient links to public transport for venturing further afield, making every part of your journey seamlessly connected.
Discover Best Day Trips from Amsterdam, Netherlands
1. Zaanse Schans, Netherlands
Zaanse Schans, known for its historic windmills and wooden houses, offers a picturesque glimpse into traditional Dutch life. The open-air museum features workshops, a clog-making demonstration, and cheese farms.
Distance: Approximately 20 km
Travel Time: About 15 to 20 minutes by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Historic windmills, traditional wooden houses, open-air museum
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Windmill Entry: €5
- Clog-Making Demonstration: Free
- Cheese Farm Tour: Free
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Zaanse Schans Windmills, Zaandam River Views
Travel Tip: Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure you see the windmills in operation.
2. Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands
Keukenhof Gardens, known as the ‘Garden of Europe’, is one of the world’s largest flower gardens. Spring visits are ideal when tulips, daffodils, and other flowers are in full bloom.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by bus
Transportation: Bus (Busbud)
Main Attractions: World’s largest flower garden, stunning tulip fields, Dutch windmill
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May)
Entrance Fees:
- Garden Entry: €19
- Windmill Access: Included with garden entry
Budget: Approximately €30-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Tulip Fields, Flower Displays, Keukenhof Windmill
Travel Tip: Plan your visit in April for the best bloom displays and consider buying tickets online to avoid long queues.
3. Haarlem, Netherlands
Haarlem offers a charming old town with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a slower pace than Amsterdam. Highlights include the Grote Kerk and the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands.
Distance: Approximately 20 km
Travel Time: About 15 minutes by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Historic old town, Grote Kerk, Teylers Museum
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Grote Kerk: €5
- Teylers Museum: €14
Budget: Approximately €25-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Grote Markt, Spaarne Canal, Frans Hals Museum
Travel Tip: Enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the outdoor cafes in the Grote Markt.
4. Utrecht, Netherlands
Utrecht boasts a medieval old town, scenic canal walks, and the impressive Dom Tower. The city is also known for its vibrant cultural scene and cozy cafes.
Distance: Approximately 50 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Medieval old town, Dom Tower, De Haar Castle
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Dom Tower: €12
- De Haar Castle: €17.50
Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Utrecht Canals, Domplein, Oudegracht
Travel Tip: Climb the Dom Tower for a panoramic view of the city, but be prepared for the 465 steps.
5. The Hague, Netherlands
The Hague, the seat of the Dutch government and the International Court of Justice, offers a mix of history and modernity. Must-visits include the Mauritshuis museum and the Peace Palace.
Distance: Approximately 60 km
Travel Time: About 50 minutes by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Dutch government seat, Mauritshuis museum, Peace Palace
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Mauritshuis Museum: €17.50
- Peace Palace: €9.50 (guided tour)
Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Binnenhof, Scheveningen Beach, Madurodam
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the Panorama Mesdag, a unique 360-degree painting depicting the sea, dunes, and old fishermen’s village.
6. Gouda, Netherlands
Gouda is famous for its namesake cheese, beautiful old town, and traditional Dutch architecture. The Gouda Cheese Market is a special attraction, operating on Thursday mornings from April to August.
Distance: Approximately 75 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Famous cheese market, historic town center, Gouda Town Hall
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Cheese Market: Free
- Gouda Museum: €10
Budget: Approximately €25-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Market Square, Sint Janskerk, Gouda Cheese Market
Travel Tip: Try to visit on a Thursday to experience the traditional cheese market.
7. Leiden, Netherlands
Leiden, known for its rich history and the oldest university in the Netherlands, offers numerous museums, beautiful gardens, and an old windmill. The historic city center with its canals and ancient buildings is a delight to explore.
Distance: Approximately 45 km
Travel Time: About 35-40 minutes by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Oldest university in the Netherlands, museums, botanical gardens
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Hortus Botanicus: €7.50
- Rijksmuseum van Oudheden: €13.50
Budget: Approximately €25-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Leiden Canals, Old Windmill, University Buildings
Travel Tip: Visit the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.
8. Delft, Netherlands
Delft is famous for its blue pottery and as the birthplace of the painter Vermeer. The city’s picturesque canals, historic town center, and the Prinsenhof museum are key attractions.
Distance: Approximately 65 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Blue pottery, historic town center, Vermeer Center
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Royal Delft Factory: €14
- Prinsenhof Museum: €12
Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Delft Canals, Nieuwe Kerk, Markt Square
Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the Royal Delft factory to see how the iconic Delft Blue pottery is made.
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Sources:
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