Amsterdam’s charm is undeniable, but the surrounding regions offer equally captivating experiences. Whether you are looking for big cities, seats of government, historical windmills, or blossoming tulip fields, Amsterdam has many wonderful day trips to choose from. Here are our favorite day trips from Amsterdam to enhance your Dutch adventure.
Note: We may earn a small commission from the affiliate links below.
Rotterdam
A day trip from Amsterdam to Rotterdam is a seamless and exciting adventure. Start your journey early by boarding the Intercity Direct train from Amsterdam Centraal, reaching Rotterdam Centraal in just 50 minutes. As you step out of the station, the city’s striking modern architecture immediately sets it apart from Amsterdam’s historic charm.
Once a medieval city, Rotterdam was heavily bombed during World War II. But it rose again as a beacon of innovation. Rotterdam is a playground for art and design lovers. Begin your exploration at the Markthal, a stunning horseshoe-shaped marketplace filled with international food stalls and Dutch delicacies. Stroll through the aisles, sampling stroopwafels, cheese, and fresh seafood while admiring the massive ceiling artwork known as the “Horn of Plenty.”
Just across the way the Cube Houses and the Pencil House await with their unique and innovative designs. You can step inside the Show Cube Museum to understand how people actually live in these quirky homes. Next, take a scenic water taxi ride across the Maas River to the Erasmus Bridge, one of Rotterdam’s most iconic landmarks.
Visit the historic Delfshaven district, and explore the Maritime Museum, which showcases the city’s long-standing maritime heritage. Walk along the waterfront to the Hotel New York. This historic building once served as the departure point for emigrants to the new world.
If time allows, visit Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility, to admire a mix of classic and contemporary works. Also, take in the sweeping skyline views from the Euromast Tower.
Before catching your evening train back to Amsterdam, take a final stroll through the lively Witte de Withstraat, packed with trendy bars, street art, and boutique shops. Rotterdam tops the list for Amsterdam day trips!
Utrecht
Day trips from Amsterdam to Utrecht offer a perfect blend of history and culture. Utrecht’s roots date back to Roman times, making it one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. Start your journey by taking a quick Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal, arriving in Utrecht Centraal in just 25 minutes.
As you step out of the station, walk towards the city center. The towering Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, dominates the skyline. Climb its 465 steps for breathtaking views of the city before wandering through the medieval streets filled with boutique shops and cozy cafés.
Stroll along the picturesque Oudegracht (Old Canal), lined with unique wharf cellars that house lively restaurants and cafes. Stop for a coffee at Café Olivier, a Belgian beer café set in a former church. Along the way, visit the Museum Speelklok, a fascinating museum dedicated to self-playing musical instruments. You can hear antique music boxes and street organs in action.
For art lovers, the Centraal Museum offers an impressive collection of Dutch masterpieces, including works by Dick Bruna, the creator of Miffy. Nearby, the Rietveld Schröder House, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases the innovative De Stijl architectural movement. A guided tour inside reveals how designer Gerrit Rietveld used flexible walls and minimalist aesthetics to create a functional living space ahead of its time.
Before heading back to Amsterdam, take a final stroll through Griftpark, a peaceful green space where locals unwind. Utrecht’s blend of historic charm and relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam.
The Hague
Day trips from Amsterdam to The Hague offer a mix of history, culture, and seaside charm. Take the Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal and arrive at Den Haag Centraal in just 50 minutes.
Start your visit at the Binnenhof, the heart of Dutch politics and home to the Dutch Parliament. The Peace Palace, housing the International Court of Justice, underscores the Netherlands’ role in global diplomacy. Head to the nearby Mauritshuis Museum, where you can see masterpieces like Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp.
Stroll along Lange Voorhout, a picturesque tree-lined avenue filled with grand buildings and charming cafés. Stop by Escher in Het Paleis, a museum dedicated to the mind-bending works of M.C. Escher, housed in a former royal palace. If you’re in the mood for shopping, explore the Passage, the Netherlands’ oldest shopping arcade, with its stunning glass ceiling and elegant boutiques.
For a change of scenery, hop on Tram 1 and head to Scheveningen Beach, The Hague’s famous seaside escape. Walk along the pier, ride the Ferris wheel, or relax at one of the beachfront restaurants like The Fat Mermaid. If you’re up for some adventure, visit SEA LIFE Scheveningen to see marine life up close or try some fresh Dutch herring at a local stand.
Before heading back to Amsterdam, enjoy a break at Grote Markt, a lively square filled with bars and outdoor terraces. If time allows, visit Panorama Mesdag, a breathtaking 360-degree painting of Scheveningen Beach from the 19th century. With its rich history, world-class museums, and coastal charm, The Hague makes for an unforgettable day trip from Amsterdam.
Zaanse Schans
A 20-minute train ride takes you to Zaanse Schans. The moment you arrive at Zaanse Schans, you’re transported to a different era. The air hums with the creak of wooden windmills, the scent of fresh stroopwafels drifts through the air, and the sight of lush green fields lined with centuries-old windmills is simply mesmerizing. This is one of the most popular day trips from Amsterdam.
This historic 18th and 19th century village brings the Netherlands’ past to life. Explore beautifully preserved windmills, each with its unique purpose, from grinding spices to sawing wood. Enjoy hands-on experiences and watching artisans craft traditional goods.
Take a stroll or rent a bike to explore the picturesque pathways. Many windmills are still operational, and you can step inside to see them at work. Learn from the millers who continue the centuries-old craft and watch these engineering marvels spin in the Dutch breeze.
Hop on the Windmillhopper, a boat tour along the Zaan River. The gentle ride offers stunning panoramic views of the windmills and the vibrant countryside. It’s a relaxing way to soak in the beauty of this historic region.
Beyond the windmills, Zaanse Schans is a hub of Dutch heritage. Check out the museum for a deep dive into Dutch history. Visit the clog-making workshop to watch skilled artisans carve wooden shoes or step into a cheese farm to sample some of the best Dutch cheeses. Grab a souvenir and don’t forget to visit the local bakeries for a taste of traditional Dutch sweets!
Jola Sik, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Zaandam
If exploring independently, you might combine your trip to Zaanse Schans with a stop in Zaandam! The city’s charming and whimsical green-and-blue buildings immediately catch your eye.
Start your exploration at Inntel Hotel Zaandam, an iconic structure made to look like stacked traditional Dutch houses. From here, take a short walk to the Czaar Peterhuisje (Peter the Great’s House), one of the Netherlands’ oldest wooden houses, where the Russian tsar once stayed while learning shipbuilding.
End your day with dinner at D’Swarte Walvis, a waterfront restaurant offering stunning views of Zaanse Schans and delicious Dutch cuisine. As the evening sets in, take the short train ride back to Amsterdam, reflecting on a day filled with windmills, history, and Dutch charm.
Logistics
If you want to explore both Zaandam and Zaanse Schans, take a Sprinter train from Amsterdam Centraal, and in just 12 minutes, you’ll arrive at Zaandam Station. Zaanse Schans is just a short bus or bike ride away. If you are only interested in Zaanse Schans, group or private guided day trips from Amsterdam are affordable and convenient.
Keukenhof Gardens
Spring travelers shouldn’t miss Keukenhof Gardens. Just 45 minutes by bus, it bursts into color every spring with over 7 million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Known as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof is an independent and international showcase of Dutch floriculture. The gardens feature over seven million tulips in bloom. While other flowers grow in Keukenhof, the focus is on spring bulb flowers. As a result, you will experience what feels like endless rows of colorful blossoming tulips!
The garden spans 32 hectares. Its floral sculptures, pavilions, and tranquil ponds make it a top destination for nature lovers. But the real draw are the tulip fields. The gardens are only open eight weeks a year, but they really show-off in those eight weeks! Be sure to reserve a ride around the fields on the Whisper Boat for a relaxing overview of the gardens and wear sturdy shoes so you can explore!
This may seem like a one and done experience but it is totally not! While yes, the general theme of bulb plants is repeated year after year, the selection of plants and where they are placed varies each year. If I could, I think I woudl spend a day at Keukenhof Gardens every single year! I will certainly return if I am every lucky enough to visit the area during tulip season again.
The city of Lisse is located just over 20 miles from Amsterdam and you can get there by car or taxi in 30 minutes. But it takes about an hour and 10 minutes to get there via public transport. But, during tulip season, you can simply hop on the Keukenhof Tulip Festival Shuttle Bus from Amsterdam Central Station. This luxury shuttle service is really the way to go if the gardens are your goal. There are several packages to choose from and they are all quite affordable. If there in the spring, you really must put this at the top of your list of day trips from Amsterdam.
Haarlem
Day trips from Amsterdam to Harleem offer a charming escape. Take the Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal and arrive in Haarlem in just 15 minutes.
Start your day at the Grote Markt, the city’s lively main square, where you’ll find the impressive St. Bavo’s Church. Step inside to see its grand organ, once played by Mozart, and admire the stunning Gothic architecture. Afterward, explore the surrounding streets filled with boutique shops, cozy cafés, and historic buildings.
Next, visit the Frans Hals Museum, home to works by the Dutch Golden Age master and other renowned painters. Walk through its beautifully preserved halls and admire the bold brushstrokes that made Frans Hals famous.
The Teylers Museum, the Netherlands’ oldest museum, showcases an eclectic mix of art, science, and natural history. Stand in awe of the grand Oval Room, filled with antique scientific instruments and rare books. In the afternoon, head to Het Dolhuys (Museum of the Mind) for an insightful look at mental health and human perception.
For a relaxing break, take a leisurely canal cruise or rent a bike to explore Haarlem’s picturesque streets. Stop by Jopenkerk, a former church turned brewery, to sample local craft beers brewed in-house. If you prefer a sweet treat, visit Chocolaterie Pierre, known for its handmade chocolates and fresh stroopwafels.
The Flower Parade
Visit during tulip season! Haarlem is famous for its outlying tulip fields that are just a bike ride away. Every spring, the world-famous Bloemencorso Bollenstreek Flower Parade bursts into life. This iconic event embarks on its 42-kilometer journey in the charming coastal town of Noordwijk. It winds through picturesque villages before reaching its grand finale in Haarlem. The floats remain on display in Haarlem an additional day so you can take a closer look at the intricate floral designs.
Before returning to Amsterdam, take a final walk along the Spaarne River, where traditional Dutch houses reflect beautifully on the water.
Alkmaar
Day trips from Amsterdam to Alkmaar offer a delightfully cheesy good time! Take the Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal and arrive in Alkmaar in just 35 minutes.
Start your day at the famous Cheese Market (Fridays from April to September), where you can watch cheese carriers in traditional white outfits and straw hats weigh and transport giant wheels of cheese. Stroll around the market square and sample different Dutch cheeses. For a deeper look into the city’s cheese-making heritage, visit the Cheese Museum inside the historic Waag (Weigh House).
After experiencing the market, explore Alkmaar’s charming old town, filled with 17th-century gabled houses, boutique shops, and cozy cafés. Walk along the canals and cross the Molen van Piet, a classic Dutch windmill, or a perfect photo spot.
Stop by Kaaslokaal, a local specialty store, to pick up artisanal cheeses and other Dutch delicacies. If you’re in the mood for history, visit the Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar, which showcases the city’s rich past, including its role in the Eighty Years’ War.
For a unique experience, take a canal cruise through Alkmaar’s waterways, where you’ll pass under incredibly low bridges that require you to duck! Alternatively, rent a bike and cycle to Bergen, a nearby coastal village known for its artistic community and relaxing beach atmosphere. Along the way, enjoy the scenic Dutch countryside filled with green meadows, grazing cows, and classic windmills.
End your visit with a traditional Dutch pancake. As the sun sets, take a final stroll before hopping on your train back to Amsterdam. With its cheese heritage, charming canals, and laid-back vibe, Alkmaar makes for a fantastic day trip from Amsterdam.
What Day Trips from Amsterdam Do You Want to Explore?
Tell us what you think below in the comments. You can also contact us and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you never miss a post!
