day trips from london to amsterdam

Day Trip to Amsterdam from London

Gerrit Vandenberg

Gerrit shares his love for the Netherlands from his home near Amsterdam, helping thousands plan unforgettable trips to the lowlands. Discover his inspiring journey "From a critical health scare to celebrating Holland's charms" . If you want to send Gerrit a quick message, you can contact him here .

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Hi, I'm Gerrit

I enjoy sharing useful tips about the beauty of this county.

Can I make a day trip to Amsterdam from London?

Yes, Amsterdam is an easy day trip from London. In this article, I will tell you exactly how. You’re not crazy thinking this is possible because it is!

I am a Dutch native and love taking day trips across Europe . Trivial side note: this is how I met my other half. We shared a love for quick city trips. We traveled solo and thought it would be much nicer to go together.

For us, it would be the other way to London, but I know the connection well, and of course, as a private guide in Amsterdam, I can give you some great tips on what to do here in Amsterdam.

It’s straightforward to go on an Amsterdam day trip from London. With the arrival of the Eurostar high-speed train and countless flights between the two capitals, reaching Amsterdam in a matter of hours is possible. Flights take just over an hour, while the train takes you across in under 4 hours.

Now don’t discount the train immediately, thinking it’s slower. If you fly, you must travel to and from airports, which adds time to your trip. The Eurostar whisks you across the channel from city center to city center , which makes a huge difference!

Short on time? Or ready to book?

Find departure times and book your train tickets here.

If you’re thinking about flying, you might want to check out WayAWay to find the best prices for regular airlines and low-budget options.

What I love as a frequent flyer is their membership options , which gives you, on top of the lowest prices, extra cashback for many flights and hotels. With my code HHFLIGHTS you get an extra 10% off the yearly membership.

This is entirely optional. It’s an excellent tool for finding flights for everyone with or without the Plus membership.

Arriving Eurostar on a day trip to Amsterdam from London.

Direct eurostar trains: tips for a smooth ride.

The idea of tunneling under the English Channel by rail has a hint of magic, at least for me. The main benefit of the train is that it offers a smoother ride than a flight, you avoid getting to and from the airport, and you have less airport hassle.

In London (UK), trains leave from St Pancras station and travel via Brussels, Rotterdam, and Schiphol to arrive at their final destination Amsterdam Centraal in the Netherlands. The journey to Brussels is about 2 hours, to Rotterdam just over 3 hours, and to Amsterdam just under 4 hours.

Now this may sound like longer than flight times, but it’s usually the faster way to get to Amsterdam because it leaves from the center of London to the city center of Amsterdam.

The first train from London to Amsterdam

Are you an early bird? The first departure from London is at 06:16 am. That train arrives in Amsterdam at 11:13, giving you a solid amount of day left to explore. But it’s early. You need about 1 hour for check-in and the formalities.

Too early for you?

You can also leave two hours later at 08:16, but you won’t be in the city until 1:13 pm. The good thing is that Amsterdam Centraal Station is right in the middle of the center of Amsterdam.

The last train back from Amsterdam to London

The last Eurostar back to London is at 18:47, which is a beautiful time, giving you plenty of time in Amsterdam. You’ll also benefit from the one-hour time difference, so you still arrive at a reasonable time in London (you get there just before 10 pm.)

PS : Trains leave from platform 15 in Amsterdam (the last one from the city center side, or the first when you enter from the north entrance). It’s also sign-posted. Make sure to go to the passport control office first.

Departure platform in Amsterdam for London bound trains.

Fares on Eurostar are similar to airline pricing. Prices go up with the demand, and usually, the earlier you book, the better price you can get. You can check prices and departures here. There is no competition on the train line. It’s Eurostar only from London. Thalys trains run between Paris and Amsterdam.

TIP: I prefer to travel first class (Premier) to have more space to stretch my legs and watch the European countryside blur by. Regular (2nd) classes can feel more cramped.

PS: they offer two first-class price levels. These are the same in seat comfort, but the more expensive option offers extra amenities on top of a better seat. It’s up to your preference whether that is worth it to you. For me, the seat is most important.

For a detailed rundown on traveling on the Eurostar train, check out my post: A Comprehensive Guide London To Amsterdam By Train 2023 🇬🇧

Find Train Tickets from Amsterdam to European Destinations

Flight Options: Making the Most of Your Day Trip to Amsterdam

There are three advances to flying compared to traveling by train.

There are so many flights every day: you can depart every hour.
It’s often cheaper to fly than to take the train.
Many airports in the London area offer flights to Amsterdam.

Choosing a Low Budget or Traditional Airline

KLM, British Airways, and EasyJet offer most flights to Amsterdam from London.

If you want to fly to London Heathrow , you must choose a traditional airline. Both KLM and British Airways offer many flights daily from here.

EasyJet flies from airports like Luton, Southend (on and off), but mainly from London Gatwick. It depends on where you are in London which one works best for you.

Another fantastic airport to use if you are in central London is London City Airport . It’s small, in the city center, and offers many direct flights to Amsterdam on smaller aircraft. Both KLM and BA offer flights here.

Which London Airport to Choose?

When I travel to London for a day, I pick the airport where I need to be. I choose London City if I need to be in Central London or the Excel Convention Centre.

Gatwick is great for anything in Southern London or Central London, and Heathrow is great for anything in West London.

There is a tube connecting Heathrow with Central London, but it takes a long time, something to consider when you travel for just a day.

London Stansted doesn’t offer direct flights to Amsterdam, you could fly to Eindhoven, but with 90-120 minutes of travel time between Eindhoven Airport and Central Amsterdam, it’s not ideal for a day trip.

But airports. The queues, the security checks, and the frantic rush to far-away gates are often not a fun experience, but simultaneously, it makes a day trip from London possible and easily doable. It might be a reason to choose the train instead.

From Schiphol Amsterdam Airport it only takes less than half an hour to get to Amsterdam by train, so that part is easy and quick.

What To Do In Amsterdam On A Day Trip from London?

There is so much to do in Amsterdam , and when you’re coming to the city for just a few hours, it can be overwhelming to choose the right things.

Why settle for just a stroll and a bite to eat when there are so many beautiful things to explore ?

If you arrive by train, you’ll have a good 6 hours in the city , if you fly in you can extend this maybe to 8 hours . Either way, it’s enough for a meaningful visit to the city.

I created four example itineraries that take 4-6 hours to complete. All are either within walking distance from each other or a short ride on the tram network. You’ll find them here: four one-day trips in Amsterdam . Each can be done comfortably on a day trip to Amsterdam from London .

Read more: 4 Day Trips in Amsterdam: Where to Go!

Of course, you can adjust to your preferences, but they offer a great starting point to get the most out of your day.

PS : There is also a section in the article on how to get around , which trams, metro and buses to use, and also not unimportant which tickets to buy!

TIP: If you find yourself in Amsterdam on a Saturday Morning , a great local experience is to visit the Noordermarkt, where there is an organic market, and have Apple Pie at the Winkel 43 café (this is what locals consider the best Apple Pie) both are in the Jordaan area, close to Central Station.

And you might spot me because I often come here to do my weekly shopping and get some pie!

Essential Tips for Hassle-Free Amsterdam Day Trips from London

Amsterdam is a joy to explore, but as with any city trip, a little preparation goes a long way . Especially if you’re here only for a few minutes. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Allow Enough Time

It’s tempting to cram too much into one day. However, for the best Amsterdam day trips from London try to strike a balance. Less is more . You will enjoy the things you do choose much more. Promised!

Plan Well In Advance

If you have more time, Amsterdam is great to be experienced organically, but the main attractions sell out and must be booked in advance.

If you’re here for just a few hours, it’s essential to plan so you’re not surprised by the speed of time or disappointed if something is booked.

It brings calm on a trip like this to have a plan in place and your reservations done.

Travel Light

It’s a day trip; hand luggage with essentials like a small backpack with a refillable water bottle, your passport, and perhaps an umbrella should suffice.

Amsterdam is best explored on foot or via trams. Lugging around a trolley or large bags can be cumbersome.

Everything else can be bought in Amsterdam.

You’ll also avoid baggage allowance restrictions, especially when you fly.

Punctuality Matters

Both for flights and Eurostar, you need to pass immigration and security. Ensure you account for enough time for this.

For a day trip to Amsterdam from London without checked luggage, I advise you to be at the airport or the train station at least 90 minutes in advance. To be sure, at the airport: 2 hours is better.

Even in a short day, Amsterdam leaves a genuinely lasting impression. It’s enjoyable to do something unusual, like taking a day trip and visiting another country!

London and Amsterdam are both great cities but very different indeed.

As your day ends and you return to London, you take the memories and stories with you. Hopefully, you’ve also found a few reasons to return .

Safe travels.

PS: Do you want to spend longer in Amsterdam? Then staying overnight is not a bad idea. With so much to do, it’s easy to spend two fun days in the city and squeeze in more of its sights and attractions. Here are some hotel suggestions in Amsterdam for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i travel from london to amsterdam for a day trip.

The two primary transit options for a day trip from London to Amsterdam are via the Eurostar high-speed train service or by flying. Both options offer efficient options and allow for a day trip to Amsterdam. Expect 4 hours of travel time each way.

How long does it take from London to Amsterdam?

The Eurostar journey from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal typically takes around 3 hours and 55 minutes. If you fly instead, scheduled flights are 75-90 minutes. But if you add transportation to and from the airports and security, it equals out.

Is it better to book travel tickets in advance?

Yes, booking your Eurostar or flight tickets in advance can offer you better deals, ensure availability, and helps you plan your day trip more efficiently. The same is valid for activities you want to do. Some do sell out in advance. This article has the links you need to book.

Are there any advantages to traveling by Eurostar over flying?

Traveling by Eurostar offers several advantages, such as travel from city center to city center, no transfers, fewer restrictions on luggage, online connectivity, and a more scenic journey.

Are there any advantages to traveling by airplane over the Eurostar?

Traveling by airplane also offers several advantages. You have more different London departure airports for flights to Amsterdam, giving you options depending on where you are. There are many more flights than train departures every day. And flights tend to be a little cheaper.

What should I prioritize in Amsterdam if I only have a day?

Great questions. I created different itineraries for you . One for those short on time and not interested in museums, one that does include a museum highlight, another to see some smaller Amsterdam museums that are well worth your time, and one that includes an excursion outside the city and see something more of Holland, but still comfortably possible in a day trip.

What’s the best time to visit Amsterdam for a day trip?

While Amsterdam is beautiful year-round, there are a few things to remember. April is the busiest month due to the tulips, followed by August when Italy, Spain, and France take their vacations simultaneously. So if you can plan outside this time window, crowds will be easier to manage. Unless, of course, you want to come during tulips season for the tulips.

Can I bring back any souvenirs from Amsterdam?

There are plenty of souvenirs from Amsterdam, like Dutch cheese, tulip bulbs, or Delft pottery. Although the UK and Europe now have separate legislation after Brexit, many rules are still aligned, making importing foods easier. But other things like bulbs can be more tricky. Ask the seller if you’re unsure. And check the UK government website for the latest information.

Find A Place To Stay In Amsterdam

Find accommodation in Amsterdam for the lowest prices on your favorite platform. What's great about this map is that it shows both Hotels , as VRBO rentals (like AirBNB but with lower costs).

Update your (intended) travel dates for accurate prices . TIP: Zoom out on the map (-) in the bottom right corner. This will show more options and availability.

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30 minutes is a good amount of time for short trips up to 3 days, 60 minutes is usually needed for longer trips.

Are You Taking A London To Amsterdam Day Trip?

I’d love your thoughts: If so, will you take the train or fly?

Let's start a conversation 💬.

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Trip to Amsterdam From London: 4 Ways to Get There for Every Budget

Planning a trip to Amsterdam from London? It’s a great choice. Amsterdam is close to London and yet a world away, with charming streets, bicycles, great museums, lovely canals, and affordable food.

Here’s how to plan your trip to Amsterdam from London with travel times, price points, tips, and so much more.

A canal in Amsterdam viewed from a bridge, with boats and homes lining both banks of the canal and blue sky above.

This post contains affiliate links to trusted travel partners. See my full affiliate disclosure here.

London to Amsterdam Distance: How Long Does it Take to Get There?

map of England and the Netherlands, with an arrow marking the route from London to Amsterdam and text "358 Kilometers"

How many miles from London to Amsterdam?

The London to Amsterdam distance is 358 kilometers, or 222 miles. But that’s as the crow flies.

Amsterdam to London distance is divided by the English Channel, which is the most challenging aspect of getting there from the UK.

To cross the English Channel, you’ll need to fly, take a ferry, or cross on a train or vehicle through the Channel Tunnel, which connects England to France via an underwater tunnel.

Trip to Amsterdam from London: All the Ways to Get There

Here are all the ways to get from London to Amsterdam with travel times, costs, and travel tips.

1. Budget-Friendly Trip from London to Amsterdam: Coach or Bus

Map of coach route from London to Amsterdam

For travelers on a tight budget, taking a coach or bus from London to Amsterdam is a cost-effective option. Several reputable companies provide long-distance bus services that connect these two cities.

Although it’s a longer journey compared to other modes of transportation, it’s an excellent way to save some cash while still enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way.

Cost : From £54
Journey Time: 11 hours
Travel Tips: If you can, book a late-departing coach and sleep as you hit the Channel and wake up near Amsterdam. It makes a long coach journey seem shorter if you make it an overnight journey.
Affordable ticket prices , making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers.
The journey offers a chance to view the picturesque countryside of both the UK and Europe.
Most buses are equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets, allowing you to stay connected during the ride.
Longer travel time compared to other options, and even longer if traffic is bad.
Limited onboard amenities compared to trains or flights.

2. Mid-Range Budget from London to Amsterdam: Train Travel

Map of train route from London to Amsterdam

If you’re looking for a balance between affordability and efficiency, train travel is an excellent choice. The Eurostar high-speed train connects London with Amsterdam, offering a comfortable and relatively quick journey.

Cost: £63-£300 depending on time and train route
Journey Time: 4 hours on Eurostar, more if you use other connecting routes
Travel Tips: Book well ahead for Eurostar . It’s hard to find a good deal during peak travel times.
Faster travel time compared to buses, getting you to Amsterdam in around 4-5 hours.
Comfortable seating and ample legroom, making the journey pleasant.
Scenic views of the European countryside as you speed through.
Higher ticket prices compared to buses .
Limited availability of budget-friendly options during peak travel seasons.

3. Mid-Range Budget from London to Amsterdam: Flights

Map of flight route from London to Amsterdam

Flying from London to Amsterdam provides the utmost convenience and saves time. Often the journey to the airport in London takes longer than the flight itself!

Several airlines operate frequent flights between London airports and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Cost: from £50
Journey Time: Flight time 1 hour 15 minutes or less
Travel Tips : Plan your airport journey before you book your flight. In Amsterdam, getting to and from the airport is very fast, but in London it can be slow and expensive. It may be worth checking flights from different airports, depending on where in London you are. London City Airport offers several flights to Amsterdam per day , and this airport is very close to Central London, making it easy and quick to get to.
Shortest travel time, getting you to your destination in just over an hour.
Convenience of flying, with multiple flights available throughout the day from multiple London airports
Other expenses: getting to airports , airport transfers, baggage fees, etc.
Additional time required for airport security and check-in procedures.

4. Most Expensive Trip from London to Amsterdam: Train + Ferry

Map of ferry route from Harwich to Amsterdam

Thinking you could save money by taking a train and a ferry to Amsterdam? Think again. This is the most expensive option in most cases.

Ferries depart from Harwich, UK, which is at least a 2 hour train (or a longer drive) from London. The ferry arrives at Hook of Holland, from which you have to take another 2 hour train to Amsterdam.

Cost: Ferry from Harwich from £150+ pp
Journey Time: At least 11 hours: the ferry crossing alone takes 7 hours, with 2 hour trains on either side of the ferry journey.
You get to ride on a ferry? If you like sea travel.
If you’ve got the cash for a nice ferry cabin, you can sleep and relax during the journey and make it quite luxurious.
It’s way too expensive and inconvenient. We’re no longer living in Victorian times of sea travel, people!
Upgrading ferry seats or cabins is astronomical if you want a more comfortable 7 hour journey. Bringing your car? Prepare to pay .

Trip to Amsterdam from London: Final Tips

Consider your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences to choose the mode of travel that best suits your needs.

No matter which option you select to get there, Amsterdam is charming and very much worth a visit from London!

London to Amsterdam FAQ

Can you do a day trip to amsterdam from london.

Technically, yes, though you won’t get much time in Amsterdam if you need to be back in London the same day. The very shortest journey to Amsterdam would be about 4 hours, if everything goes quickly at the airports on either side of the plane ride. A train may be a bit pricier but take less overall time.

I would recommend either choosing a different day trip like Bath , or extending your stay in Amsterdam.

What is the cheapest way to get from London to Amsterdam?

The cheapest travel to Amsterdam from London is by coach (bus) starting at about £50 per standard ticket, but it will take the longest, at over 11 hours.

Is it better to fly or train from London to Amsterdam?

Personally, I like the train better because it’s less fussy and more convenient. The longest part of this journey is the actual train ride at nearly 5 hours, but the trains are comfortable and quiet.

If you choose to fly, you’ll spend the majority of your time getting to the airport, standing in queues in airport security and waiting at passport control.

It’ll take about the same amount of time for both transport options, but with train you get to just sit back and relax. With flying you’re always standing in a stressful queue.

Do you need a passport to go from London to Amsterdam?

Yes. No matter what transport you use, you’ll need a valid passport as you’re traveling outside the UK.

How many days would you need in Amsterdam?

Having just spent 4 days in Amsterdam, I would say 3-4 days is plenty. You could probably see most of the city in 2 days.

Is Amsterdam an expensive city?

Yes, but not as expensive as London! Accommodation will be your biggest expense, and gets more expensive the closer to the city centre you stay. Food and entertainment costs run about the same as most major European cities.

Is it cheaper to fly or take the Eurostar to Amsterdam?

It depends on how far in advance you’re booking, which season you’re traveling in, and if there are any flight or train deals going on.

With Eurostar, it’s important to book ahead as far as you can because prices escalate quickly closer to your travel date.

With flying, the plane ticket itself will be cheap, but you have to factor in other costs, like airport transport, baggage fees, seat selection, etc.

Do you need passport for Eurostar?

Yes. You’ll go through passport control at the train station in London before you board the train. You cannot board Eurostar without a passport.

What is the easiest way to get from London to Amsterdam?

Train is the easiest, simplest way to get from London to Amsterdam. No long security queues, no waiting to board, no long airport journey!

St Pancras Station is easily accessible from anywhere in London, while most London airports take at least an hour to get to.

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Amsterdam Day Trip from London

2024-03-07 2024-03-07

Are you planning a trip to London and considering a day trip to Amsterdam? Look no further! In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan an unforgettable day trip to the beautiful city of Amsterdam from London.

Getting to Amsterdam

There are several options available for traveling from London to Amsterdam:

One of the quickest ways to reach Amsterdam from London is by taking a flight. Multiple airlines operate direct flights between the two cities, which usually take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is advisable to book your flight in advance to get the best deals.

If you prefer a scenic journey, traveling by train is a great option. Eurostar offers a direct train service from London St Pancras International to Amsterdam Centraal Station. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and allows you to enjoy the beautiful countryside along the way.

If you are on a budget, taking a coach is a more affordable option. Various coach companies offer services between London and Amsterdam. The journey duration can vary, but it typically takes around 9-10 hours. However, keep in mind that this option is the longest and may not be as comfortable as other modes of transport.

Exploring Amsterdam

Once you arrive in Amsterdam, it’s time to explore the city and make the most of your day trip. Here are some must-visit attractions and activities:

1. Canals of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is famous for its picturesque canals, and taking a boat tour is a fantastic way to experience them. You can hop on a canal cruise and admire the stunning architecture while learning about the city’s history from a knowledgeable guide.

2. Anne Frank House

A visit to the Anne Frank House is a moving and poignant experience. Explore the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II and learn about their harrowing story. It is advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

3. Van Gogh Museum

If you appreciate art, the Van Gogh Museum is a must-visit. Discover the impressive collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, including his famous Sunflowers and The Starry Night. The museum offers an immersive experience, providing insight into the artist’s life and influences.

4. Dam Square

Dam Square is the heart of Amsterdam and a vibrant hub of activity. Take a stroll, visit the Royal Palace, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. It’s also surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes, perfect for a quick bite or some souvenir shopping.

5. Cycling in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is famously bicycle-friendly, and renting a bike is a popular way to explore the city. Join the locals and pedal your way around, discovering hidden gems and experiencing Amsterdam’s unique charm.

Important Tips

Here are some tips to make your day trip to Amsterdam from London even more enjoyable:

Plan your itinerary in advance and prioritize the attractions you want to visit.
Check the opening hours of museums and tourist sites to avoid disappointment.
Carry Euros with you, as some places may not accept credit cards.
Make sure to have your passport or ID with you for travel purposes.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you will likely be doing a lot of walking or cycling.
Try local Dutch delicacies like stroopwafels or bitterballen during your visit.

With these tips in mind, you are ready to embark on an amazing day trip from London to Amsterdam!

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How to Get From London to Amsterdam (4 Easy Ways)

By: Author Jess Esa

Posted on Last updated: 17th January 2024

There are several ways to travel from London to the Dutch capital and theoretically, you can be enjoying your Amsterdam holiday in less than two hours. One of the most convenient routes has opened up thanks to the London to Amsterdam Eurostar line which has opened a direct route taking three and a half hours.

Find out the best ways to travel between the two cities plus a few tips on where to stay in Amsterdam, where to go next, and some frequently asked questions.

How to Get From London to Amsterdam on the Eurostar

Getting from London to Amsterdam on the train couldn’t be easier. We very recently took the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam and were so impressed by the ease of the journey, and especially impressed with the hygiene and social distancing precautions they took.

We’d always taken the bus in the past since we generally travel on a budget and have the benefit of time but this time we felt it would be safer to travel by train, due to it meaning fewer hours in close quarters with other people.

It takes three hours and forty minutes on the direct train from London to Amsterdam but sometimes you have to change in Brussells (we noticed more of this when we booked the return train from Amsterdam to London). This will usually add an extra 30-60 mins to the trip.

We arrived at the station at St Pancras International in London and went through to departures; everything is well signposted so there shouldn’t be an issue. There’s also plenty of food and drink options to stock up before you get on the train. In normal times there’s also a dining car on the train. Don’t forget to have your passport handy as you’ll need to show it a couple of times. It will be glanced over by border control but that’s it. You’ll need also need to scan your ticket a couple of times so have it ready on your phone or printed out.

Once you’re in the waiting hall, you just watch the board like at an airport and wait for your gate. We were boarded in groups and off we went. There was plenty of room for our two big suitcases. At the time of writing, masks are mandatory on board.

The journey was quick and smooth; you’re only in the tunnel for around twenty minutes and I barely noticed we were in there (I say this for the people with claustrophobia like myself who might be worried).

We decided to get off at Rotterdam because The Hague, which is nearby, was our destination. We didn’t realise this was an option and had booked tickets to Amsterdam. So bear in mind that both Amsterdam and Rotterdam are destination choices.

You can book tickets on the Eurostar website or through Omio. You can then put the booking code on your Eurostar app so it’s no different to booking through their app but you have more options to buy connecting trains all in one go.

Use this Omio referral code (jessie8m4s1c) at checkout for a €10 discount. You can also use Omio if you decide to use the bus or even fly.

Note : If you’re planning on travelling by train a lot then I would consider the Global Pass from Eurail . It will cover your Eurostar travel as well as your trains in The Netherlands and onwards.

Tip : The Eurail train pass offers a special deal for The Netherlands trains and combines Belgium and Luxembourg for the same price as a one country pass called the Benelux Pass . So if you’re travelling by train within the country this could be a great deal.

Read More : 15 Best Things to do in Amsterdam for the Cultural Traveller

How to Get From London to Amsterdam by Bus

This is a longer trip so when we personally did it last year we decided to break it up by staying in Brussels for a week. Many of the trips will have you change buses in Brussells or Paris so incorporating this change as part of your trip can be a welcome break.

There are direct buses from London to Amsterdam and this trip will take you ten hours so allow a day for travel or simply get one of the overnight buses to arrive at your destination in the morning and not waste any time.

Many of the buses leave around eleven and arrive around wight in the morning which is very civilised compared to some of our own overnight bus experiences that have had us arrive at five in the morning in the middle of nowhere with no coffee for a few hours.

We use Omio to compare buses and times. The bus station in Amsterdam is right by the main train station so very central and there are convenience stores and coffee shops nearby to recover at.

The prices for the buses are much cheaper (unless you get a great bargain on the Eurostar) and will usually be around €50 upwards. When you get on the bus, the bus itself will be loaded o to the train to go through the channel tunnel.

It takes around forty minutes and being in a metal box within a metal box isn’t the most pleasant feeling in terms of claustrophobia and it can get very warm during the summer months.

You are allowed to get off to go use the toilet, however. Once you’re out, you’ll be driving on the road again; you will have to have your passport checked as you cross into every country and this can add time; sometimes they’ll want to check your luggage, too.

Read More : Historical & Literary Day Trips from London

Flying from London to Amsterdam

Taking a plane from London to Amsterdam can be a very easy option if you want something typically cheaper than the Eurostar, and more convenient than the bus. The prices for flights vary, ranging from around €50 – €120 depending on when you book, and will take one hour and twenty minutes to get to Amsterdam.

I generally avoid short flights because I dislike flying at the best of times. So, save all that anxiety for longer trips but, as I’ve changed in Amsterdam many times, I can say it’s a very quick trip between London and Amsterdam and Amsterdam Airport is very clean and nice.

Flights to Amsterdam leave from all of London’s airports, including London City Airport so you have plenty of choices. It’s easy to get to most of London’s airports on the train or Underground but I’d also recommend the National Express coach if you’re going up to London Stanstead. We usually book our flights on Skyscanner, wherever we go.

How to Drive from London to Amsterdam

Another great option — particularly if you’re wanting to keep as socially distanced as much as possible, or want the freedom of having your own vehicle on the other side — is to drive to Amsterdam. The easiest way is by using the Channel Tunnel.

Taking your car through the Channel Tunnel:

The easiest option to get your car from London to Amsterdam is to use Eurotunnel Le Shuttle . You can load up your car with what you need and, similar to the bus above, you’ll be loaded on to the shuttle. The cars cost anywhere from £31 up each way and you just sit in your car until you emerge in France. Your journey will take around seven hours total, not including breaks.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

If you’re looking for somewhere comfortable and convenient to stay after your journey to Amsterdam, here are a few of our recommended accommodation options.

Ambassade Hotel : Our favourite luxury and historic hotel in the heart of Amsterdam , boasting exciting literary connections with its own library bar full of books that have been signed by the authors who’ve stayed there. The hotel spans ten original canal houses that were built in the seventeenth century.

Hotel Dwars : A charming city centre hotel that provides all the comfort and vibes of home. Everything is designed to be relaxing from the warm decor and vintage furniture to the facilities like a coffee machine in the bedroom and rain shower in the bathroom.

Hostel Van Gogh : Conveniently located near the Van Gogh Museum and other major attractions and with beautifully decorated and bright dorms and rooms. This is a great option for travellers staying in Amsterdam on a budget.

Where to Travel in The Netherlands after Amsterdam

The Netherlands has a lot to offer outside of Amsterdam and, if you’re looking for a few places to consider as easy day trips or as a next destination, then we highly recommend the below places from personal experience. Depending on when you’re arriving, make sure to check what flowers are in bloom as there are plenty of flowery destinations to choose from near Amsterdam, most famously Keukenhof for its tulip fields.

The old capital of The Netherlands; The Hague has a lot to offer, not least a long expanse of beaches to relax on. The city centre has everything you could possibly want, including streets lined with boutique shops, cafes, and wine bars. The museum options are endless with highlights being The Humanity House and The MC Escher Museum.

A visit to the Peace Palace is a must, with it being home to the U.N.’s International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, showcasing The Hague’s political heart and soul. Here are some great places to stay in The Hague .

Famous for the blue and white Delft Pottery. A visit to the Delf Factory is an absolute must (although try and control yourself in the gift shop). With canals to wander (Delf is actually a canal-ringed city) and a town square that’s postcard-worthy, you won’t forget your trip to Delft in a hurry.

A gorgeous university town that is known for its historical architecture, including the oldest building in The Netherlands, built in 1575.

There are some fascinating museums in Leiden, including the world’s first Ethnology Museum, a PIlgrim’s Museum which demonstrates the life of the pilgrims before they left for America, and The National Museum of Antiquities full of Greek, Roman, and Ancient Egyptian pieces.

The cheese is probably what will spring to mind when you hear of this town, and it’s a fantastic reason to visit since the famous cheese market is still held in the medieval town square. The square is striking with the central Gothic town hall building with its red and white shutters. Also on the square is the 17th-century Goudse Waag, once a cheese-weighing station and now home to the Gouda Cheese Museum.

Travelling from London to Amsterdam – Frequently Asked Questions

What currency do they use in the netherlands.

They use the euro (€). Make sure to check the current exchange rate before you go.

We use the UK Tide Bank when we’re abroad, due to the fact that they don’t charge non-Sterling transaction fees similar to banks like Revolut. It works fine in the cashpoints and for contactless payments and updates you on your phone for everything spent. It also just keeps our holiday money separate from our main account which is ideal if you get your wallet stolen and we’ve used it right around Europe and the US with no trouble.

If you’re new to Tide you can get a £50 bonus if you sign up with this code (ESAXBLKCC).

Why is The Netherlands sometimes called Holland?

This is akin to referring to the United Kingdom as England. Holland is only one district of The Netherlands. It is correct to say that you’re traveling to Holland if you are visiting Amsterdam, due to the fact that Holland (which means woodland) refers to the northern region of the country.

The other regions of The Netherlands generally dislike being referred to as Holland (because they’re not Holland), but since the Holland region was a central part of the country’s economic history, and therefore more widely known on the global stage, many people refer to the country as Holland. The bottom line, however, is that it’s wrong. The country is called The Netherlands and Holland is one of several districts.

Is The Netherlands in the EU?

Yes, it is. It was a founding member and was one of the first countries to adopt the euro back in 1991.

What language do they speak in The Netherlands?

They speak Dutch. However, perfect English is widely spoken across the whole country so you won’t have any problems from a travel perspective. Signs are also bilingual and sometimes only in English. It really is remarkable how good the English is in The Netherlands.

What should I pack for the Netherlands?

The weather is actually incredibly similar to the UK. It rains a lot in The Netherlands so pack a raincoat or umbrella and, apart from that, just pack for the season. Certain painkillers aren’t sold over the counter (for example, ibuprofen with codeine) so maybe stock up on certain things if you think you might need it.

What’s the time difference between the UK and The Netherlands?

The Netherlands is one hour ahead of the UK. BST +1

What side of the road do they drive on in The Netherlands?

Like most of Europe, the Dutch drive on the right-hand side of the road. The driving is generally relaxed compared to many other countries. The cities in The Netherlands are very much geared towards cyclists; with cycle motorways and established rules for cyclists, it’s definitely worth renting a bike if you don’t fancy driving.

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Our tickets are now more flexible than ever before. And from 4 November, you’ll be travelling in our new travel classes Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus, or Eurostar Premier.

Take a train from London to Amsterdam

Travelling from London to Amsterdam with us is simple, smart, and speedy. Go direct from city centre to city centre in just 3hrs 57mins. And whether you’re going for work or play, we’ll get you there feeling relaxed and rested. Read on to discover why taking Eurostar from London to Amsterdam is the only way to travel.

High-speed train from London to Amsterdam

To start your journey, get to London St Pancras International at our recommended arrival time to allow plenty of time to go through border controls and security. This elegant historic 19th-century station is conveniently located in the heart of London and is well connected by underground lines and buses. Before you jump on one of our Eurostar trains you can indulge in some boutique shopping, experience fine dining at a world-class brasserie or enjoy a glass of bubbly at the longest champagne bar in Europe.

On board a direct train from London to Amsterdam

Travelling with Eurostar is simple, affordable and relaxing. You can bring two bags and one piece of hand luggage for no extra charge and with no weight limits. We won’t charge you for choosing your seats and there are no restrictions on liquids, so feel free to bring something bubbly for the journey. Find out more about our luggage allowances . Wherever you sit, you can email, tweet and post all the way with our free onboard wi-fi. You’ll find power sockets at your seat, so you can stay charged up while you relax. If you find yourself feeling peckish, you can enjoy a range of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury snacks at Eurostar Café . And if you’re travelling in Standard Premier or Business Premier, you’ll be served a three-course meal at your seat. Find out more about our food on board . Whether you’re travelling for work, a special occasion, or heading away on a budget break, we’ve got the travel class for you. Check out our seats in Standard , Standard Premier and Business Premier .

Arriving at Amsterdam Centraal

Your train will arrive at Amsterdam Centraal Station , right in the heart of the city. When you arrive at the station, please be sure to keep your ticket handy as you’ll need to scan it at the NS ticket gates to exit the station The station is a stunning Gothic/Renaissance Revival building, designed by P.J.H. Cuypers, the same architect that developed the Rijksmuseum. Amsterdam Centraal Station is well connected to the rest of the city by the tram network and is within walking distance from the popular Jordaan district, canal belt, and the old centre.

Taking an indirect train

If the times of our direct trains to Amsterdam don’t suit, you can go to Brussels-Midi/Zuid instead and then change to a Eurostar train on any of our expanded network through Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Germany, for the remainder of the journey.

Timetables for direct trains from London to Amsterdam

Thursday, may 30, 2024.

See full timetable

Frequently asked questions

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A Eurostar London to Amsterdam train ticket starts from $52.

How long is the Eurostar London to Amsterdam train journey?

Typically, the train journey from London to Amsterdam takes 3hrs 52mins. When you view the available tickets, you will be able to see the length of the train journey for each departure time.

Are there additional fees when travelling on the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam?

Unlike airlines, there are no hidden costs when travelling by Eurostar from London to Amsterdam. Once you have picked your train tickets (Standard, Standard Premier or Business Premier), there will be no additional fees for seat selection, advanced booking, or luggage allowance.

How far in advance can you book your Eurostar train ticket?

Eurostar tickets can be booked up to 180 days before your return travel date, however, there are a few exceptions depending on engineering work or when you book. Have a look at our booking calendar and available days will show in black while the greyed-out dates are not available for sale just yet.

Can you take liquids on the Eurostar London to Amsterdam train?

You can take liquids on the Eurostar and there is no volume limit, so you can bring all your toiletries and even a bottle of bubbly!

Can you take your own food on the Eurostar train from London to Amsterdam?

There are no food restrictions, so you’re allowed to bring your own food from home on the Eurostar London to Amsterdam train.

How fast does the Eurostar go when travelling between London and Amsterdam?

Between London and Amsterdam, the high-speed lines allow our trains to drive at a maximum speed of 186 miles per hour (300 km/h).

How much luggage can I bring with me on the Eurostar when travelling from London to Amsterdam?

Standard adult tickets allow you to bring two pieces of luggage that are up to 85cm long, and one small piece of hand luggage such as a handbag or briefcase. Find out more information about luggage allowances .

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9 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train You Need to Know

Updated on: April 13, 2022

This article may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here.

The city of Amsterdam can be completely captivating and keep you busy during your whole stay. However, there is just as much to see only a train ride away. Whether you are looking to visit another city capital like Brussels, or looking for something a bit more laid back like Zaanse Schans, the best day trips from Amsterdam are just a trains ride away.

As two native Dutchies we have explored quite a lot from the Netherlands and used the train on a daily basis to and from school and work. We can tell you it is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to get around the Netherlands . Another big advantage is that you won’t be bothered by traffic jams!

So, in this post we are going to reveal the best day trips from Amsterdam by train. Among them we will discuss cities like Rotterdam and Delft but also places of interest like Zaanse Schans and the Muiden Castle. For the real travelers among us, take a day trip to another country and explore Brussels or Bruges in Belgium! Keep on reading to get to know what to do in these places, the travel time, and the estimated costs.

Video: Day Trips from Amsterdam by train inspiration

Map days trips from amsterdam by train

9 Best day trips from Amsterdam by train

1. rotterdam.

Travel Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Estimate Cost One Way: €17
Route: Open in Google Maps

Of course we have to start with Rotterdam. This enchanting city is where we first met and then lived together for 3 years, giving us plenty of local tips and tricks. Although if you are just stopping by for a day there are a few must-see spots that are ideal for a quick itinerary.

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and quickly growing. This provides visitors with a little something for everyone. Whether you are interested in medieval architecture, art, modern breweries, or want to learn more about windmills, Rotterdam has it all.

After arriving at Rotterdam Central Station, head over to the old town center where you can see Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, a medieval church with stunning architecture that was first constructed in 1449. If you like architecture, take the free architecture tour ! After the church, take in the view of the Erasmus Bridge or the Maritime Museum, both popular landmarks of the city.

For lunch you have a couple of options, you could visit the Fenix Food Factory. A fun open market that features workshops, tastings, bakeries, breweries, coffee shops, and so much more – or if you are a foodie and love picking up unique souvenirs, then Markthal Rotterdam is another fun spot! Or do the Rotterdam Tasty Tour and try different local snacks in the foodwalhallas of Rotterdam!

After, take a boat tour of the city, a popular option in the Netherlands due to our many canals and streams that wind through many towns. Or combine a tour on land and river with an amphibious bus that drives through the city and cruises on the Maas River! Another popular option is taking a tour through a windmill. Windmills are a staple in Dutch culture and contributed immensely to economic growth. While they are not as efficient today, you will find many still in operation.

Must Read: The Ultimate Rotterdam Guide + Best Things To Do

2. Zaanse Schans

Travel Time: 18 minutes
Estimate Cost One Way: €4.50
Route: Open in Google Maps.

If you are in Amsterdam for only a short time, then Zaanse Schans is the perfect stop to get some Dutch culture quickly. The town sits just outside Amsterdam, making the 35-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station a flexible option – or you can take a bike with the rest of the locals!

A stress-free option is a half-day tour that will bus you from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans with a guide for only €34.40 per person! They will be sure to show you some of the most popular shops listed below. As you bounce from one to another, your guide even provides you with a bit of history of the town.

The fairytale-like town of Zaanse Schans will have you feeling like you stepped into a Disney movie. The charming homes, delicate streams, fresh air, and welcoming shops are truly unique. As you walk throughout the town you will find stores dedicated to sharing Dutch culture.

Aside from the picturesque scenery, activities and shops include:

Kooijman Souvenirs & Clogs : Watch clogs get made and buy your own from their massive selection.
Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm : Enjoy a cheese tasting and buy a few savory and sweet flavors.
Het Jonge Schaap : Ever wonder what goes on inside a windmill? This is your chance! Watch the inner workings and discover how useful they have been to the Dutch.
Zaans Gedaan CacaoLab : Learn how the popular Dutch chocolate is made and buy a few bars for yourself.

Zaanse Schans is a beautiful town to visit, where you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to explore another era.

If you are wondering how to travel by train in the Netherlands, have a look at our post “ How to get around in the Netherlands “.

Travel Time: 1 hour 5 min
Estimate Cost One Way: €9 – €21

If you are looking to see castles on your travels, the Muiden castle will surely satisfy that itch. Its structure is everything one would hope for when picturing a castle. The large rounded corners of the structure are complemented by a moat, a hint that this place has seen some legendary battles.

To visit the Muiden castle you will need more than just a train. The train ride will take you most of the way but you will need to transfer to a bus for the rest of the journey. Some travelers may feel anxious about needing to catch another bus or train to make it to their location. Luckily, this short trip has multiple buses circulating, making it easy to catch a follow-up bus if your train arrives late. You can always decide to take a tour from Amsterdam to Muiden Castle , so you are sure everything is arranged for you.

Once you arrive there will be plenty of opportunities for great photos. The large castle towers over its visitors sitting alongside a welcoming garden holding a plumb orchard. The historical landmark offers multiple tour options of the well-preserved castle, making for an eventful day trip.

Travel Time: 55 minutes
Estimate Cost One Way: €13

Just like the cheese, the town of Gouda is just an hour away and should be on top of the list for all cheese lovers. There are places to see like Sint-Janskerk, a beautiful cathedral, and Stadhuis Gouda, the city hall, but your focus of this day trip should be all about the cheese!

Check out the Gouda Cheese Market where you will see giant wheels of cheese everywhere you turn. There are plenty of chances to taste and buy this town favourite, but I would avoid buying a wheel unless you are sure you can finish it before your flight home!

How else can the town of Gouda celebrate their favourite cheese? Well, with the Museum Gouda of course! Ok – so the museum is not entirely dedicated to Gouda cheese, but it can be a nice break from the savoury scents!

Must Read: 14 Day Road Trip To Visit The Best Cities in The Netherlands

Travel Time: 1 hour
Estimate Cost One Way: €15

The town of Delft has plenty to offer, but the most popular is the pottery.

The town of Delft is famous for its delicate blue and white pottery, in Dutch called “Delftsblauw”. You can find everything from simple tea plates to elaborate vases that weigh just a bit more than your dog. Since the pottery is so popular in the town, you will also be able to take advantage of some excursions they have like pottery painting . Take a class to learn about their intricate designs and the true artistry that goes into the pottery.

While the travel to Delft is a bit longer, it can be a nice day trip that rewards you with an authentic souvenir to take back.

6. Keukenhof

Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Estimate Cost One Way: €20

If you travel to Keukenhof, you are likely to visit the fabulous garden . The Keukenhof garden is a theme park for all those that love flowers and gardening. Stroll the tulip fields and watch as their bright green stems spud the brightest flowers. Walk, take a boat, bike, or even take a tour through the fields to fully experience all the park has to offer.

Keukenhof is best enjoyed outdoors! But due to the seasonal bloom of the flowers, it is only open for a short time. From the end of March until half of May (including weekends and holidays) you can stop by. Don’t be too disappointed if you are visiting during the closed season, it is a beautiful spot all year long, but the flowers aren’t around most of the year.

When it is time for lunch, you shouldn’t have issues finding the perfect spot to eat. There is plenty of outside seating so you can eat in the sunshine. This certainly is not a place you would want to spend too much time indoors.

Try some poffertjes or Dutch pancakes. If you are looking for a bit of variety there is also an Italian and Asian restaurant serving some classic dishes. For those on the go, you can quickly grab some strawberries or a hotdog.

Also have a look at our post “ best time to visit the Netherlands ” for more information about the perfect time to visit the Netherlands to see all the flowers in full bloom.

Check out: 10 Most Beautiful National Parks in the Netherlands

7. The Hague

Travel Time: 50 minutes

If you hop on a 1-hour train ride for about €15, you will arrive in the Hague with plenty to keep you entertained. The Hague boasts itself as the only big city with a beach directly on the North Sea coast. Here you can get an incredible Skyview from the pier . But that certainly is not all it has to offer.

Visit the Hague Market, the largest market in Europe containing 500 stalls selling everything from flowers and snacks, to souvenirs and more. Be sure to visit on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday from 09:00 – 17:00 – unfortunately, shops close their doors on the other days.

That is not the only record this town breaks. The town of Hague is also unique for its Omniversum, a theatre with the only IMAX dome theatre in Europe. An ideal stop if your feet are sore from walking all those stalls.

If you love touring by boat, the Ooievaart is the perfect opportunity to float the canals and see a different side to the city. But maybe you prefer a bird’s eye view of the city, a unique opportunity would be to visit Madurodam , a miniature replica of The Netherlands. This spot allows visitors the chance to quickly get a bird’s eye view of this diverse country.

8. Brussels (Belgium)

Travel Time: 2 hours
Estimate Cost One Way: €25

One of the best things about traveling in Europe is how easy it is to visit another city, or even country! From Amsterdam Central Station you can take a 2-hour train ride and find yourself in Brussels, Belgium. Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the European Union, making it not only a popular spot for Belgium culture, but European as well.

Throughout Brussels you will come across plenty of stunning architecture. For example, Grand Place, a 15th Century city hall or the Old England Building, a department store from the 19th century. If architecture is not your thing, a beer tour or a stop at a chocolatier may be more your pace. Amongst all the stops is the most famous, the Manneken Pis, a fountain of a little boy peeing.

9. Bruges (Belgium)

Travel Time: 2 hours and 42 minutes
Estimate Cost One Way: €41

No doubt Brussels is a popular spot! However, taking a break from city life may be in the cards for you if a day trip is on your mind. Bruges can be a fun visit for something just outside the Netherlands. The town of Bruges is known for its architecture and rivers that run through the city. This makes for a relaxing tour for all of its visitors.

Canal tours are very popular in the city but only run from March to November. Such a tour will give you the best sense of the city. Throughout the tour you will pass by buildings with enchanting vines that climb the walls, followed by beautifully designed bridges to pass under. The tour is very popular for tourists, so we suggest trying to save a spot early!

Of course, a stop in Belgium would not be complete without trying some fries, waffles, and chocolate. Luckily, Bruges has plenty of spots for you to try just that. While you can easily spot these places on nearly every corner, we suggest trying some chocolate at Chocoladehuisje and waffles at Chez Albert. Gorge at the Market can also be sure to squash any other cravings you may have.

Must Read: Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Best time to visit the Netherlands

While each season in the Netherlands nature offers something unique, autumn (September-November) is our favorite time of year. The trees transform into a kaleidoscope of autumn colors, and it’s a spectacular sight to witness. Moorlands reach full bloom to create purple landscapes, and the leaves dazzle with shades of orange, red, and yellow.

And the weather provides the perfect temperature to unwind without being drenched in sweat or clutching heavy winter gear. Autumn is a magical time to go hiking in Utrecht due to the breathtaking spectacle produced by Mother Nature. Check out my Best Time To Visit The Netherlands Guide for more detailed weather information.

How many days do i need in the Netherlands?

As a lot of tourists just stay in Amsterdam city, please make some more time to explore the real countryside of the Netherlands as it’s really worth it. I know this may sound weird from a local, but really the country has so much to offer. Not all of you would have 14 days to spend in the Netherlands, but try at least to spend between 5 and 7 days to explore nature, beaches, typical Dutch villages, windmills, cities and to learn more about the culture by taking a tour.

Where to stay in amsterdam

Moderate: NH Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Moderate: Budget Hotel Ben
Budget: ClinkNoord Hostel
Moderate: Durty Nell’s In
Camping Zeeburg Amsterdam
Budget: €0-€50 Moderate: €50-€100 per night

FAQ Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train

Is there a direct train from amsterdam to london.

Yes, there is a direct train connection between Amsterdam Central Station all the way to London Centre, the trip will take just around 4 hours.

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Hopefully, you’re inspired by reading this article about the best day trips from Amsterdam by train. Let us know which one (or more) you opt for by leaving a comment below. Had an incredible experience or do you have a question? You can also leave a reply!

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17 Best Day Trips From London — From Small Towns to Stunning Forests

Take a break from the big city.

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There’s no denying London is one of the greatest cities in the world for art, culture, history, and theater. After a weeklong trip, though, you may want to escape its hustle and experience some of the U.K.'s best forests, country houses, seaside towns, and even other European neighbors. Thankfully, all of this and more lies within easy reach of the capital.

"London is often seen as the gateway to the rest of Europe and the United Kingdom, with six international airports and excellent rail connections to continue your onward journey," said Rose Wangen-Jones, the managing director of London & Partners, which runs the city's official tourism site . "You could even be at the Eiffel Tower taking snaps of the Paris skyline in just over two hours, thanks to the high-speed Eurostar train."

Complete with riverside walks, ancient towns, idyllic streets filled with indie shops, and amazing restaurants, here are our picks for the best day trips from London.

Whitstable, Kent

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Ask any Londoner and they’ll often tell you Whitstable, located about an hour east of London via high-speed train, is at the top of their city escape list. One of the U.K.'s most charming seaside towns , Whitstable is famed for its multicolored North Sea-facing beach huts and restaurants that plate up fresh lobsters. The town’s castle ruins are well worth exploring, too, and the hilly — and sometimes windy — coastal walks will help brush off those cerebral cobwebs.

Another major draw is the town’s oysters. Guzzling half a dozen of these must-try mollusks is almost a rite of passage in these parts, and one of the best times to try them is during the Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival , which takes place every summer. Expect live music, markets selling local wares, and stellar wines.

Margate, Kent

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Thanks to a cultural renaissance spearheaded by celebrities and artists such as Tracey Emin, Margate has experienced a rebirth. The Kent coastal town, less than a two-hour train ride from London, exudes cool grit and harbor glamour, with independent shops, contemporary restaurants, and the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool , made for a quick summer dip. Though Margate is on the gusty side, the Turner Contemporary gallery will keep you shielded from all the elements. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the retro theme park and roller-disco Dreamland is well worth the admission price.

Cliveden House, Berkshire

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Over its long, illustrious history, Cliveden has been a retreat for royals (Meghan, Duchess of Sussex stayed here on the eve of her wedding), and it played host to the scandalous Profumo affair back in the 1960s. The former home of the Astor family, the house was originally built in 1666 by the Duke of Buckingham as a country pad to rival all others. Now, anyone can visit to admire its over-the-top English style (think winding oak staircases and hallways filled with paintings, chandeliers, and armor). Aside from it being a great spot for afternoon tea, Cliveden really is all about stunning riverside walks, park picnics, and if you’ve got the time, a riverboat tour down the Thames. The best part? It's just an hour's drive west of London.

Rye, Sussex

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Instagrammers from across the globe descend upon Rye to snap photos of its cutesy, cobbled lanes and mishmash of Diagon Alley-esque antique shops and bookstores. Just under two hours from London, the small and hilly town is the perfect place to grab a local Sussex ale or English sparkling wine. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants serving top-notch seafood lunches and scrumptious lobster pots. Another bonus? It's close to one of the U.K.’s best beaches , picturesque Camber Sands. Tip: bring a fancy picnic basket.

Box Hill, Surrey

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Green and pleasant pastures await in this dreamy part of the Surrey countryside. Less than an hour outside of London, Box Hill is a solid quick option for a day trip with fresh air. Most people cycle here from Richmond Park, but if you're short on time, you can take the train. It takes roughly four hours to complete the entire eight-mile circular Box Hill Hike , and those who reach the summit will be treated to sprawling views of the North Downs. Another option is walking from the train station via the Stepping Stones Path , which takes about two hours out and back. The National Trust cafe is a great spot for a well-deserved slice of cake, but if you fancy heading further out, the nearby Beaverbrook hotel has several dining venues on its 470-acre estate, including The Garden House Restaurant , which offers steaks of both the beef and cauliflower variety, salads, seafood, and pasta.

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Despite being more than 200 miles from the capital, York is actually one of the easiest day trips from London. Trains take just under two hours and run frequently enough that you can decide if you want to go the same day. The ancient walled city is best known for its Gothic masterpiece York Minster , one of the U.K.’s oldest cathedrals, dating back to the seventh century.

"York Minster is one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world, as well as one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe," says Nicola Butler, a T+L A-List advisor and owner of NoteWorthy . "The first recorded church on the site was built in 627, and it has had a colorful and varied history ever since. We then suggest our clients admire the timber-framed buildings of the Shambles, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086."

In addition to seeing this stunner, visitors can walk along the city walls before climbing up Clifford’s Tower for some awesome views of the city and beyond. Learn about 3,000 years of chocolate history at York's Chocolate Story museum, then hit up the Shambles for winding, Harry Potter -style streets packed with cool storefronts and tea shops.

Lewes, Sussex

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Lewes often gets overlooked for its neighbor Brighton but this quaint town, located about an hour south of London, has lots to offer. Lewes Castle , the remains of Lewes Priory , and the former home of Anne of Cleves will keep you busy for a few hours, as will the pubs and local handicraft shops. If you have more time to spare, take a cab to the nearby village of Rodmell. Here, you’ll find Monk’s House , the former 16th-century country retreat of groundbreaking 20th-century author Virginia Woolf and her husband, Leonard. The garden is pretty, and you’ll also get to go inside Woolf’s writing lodge where she sat and wrote her most famous novels and essays. And if you’ve got the stamina, the walk to the village of Glynde and its Elizabethan manor is well worth the steep hills. Your reward? Spectacular views over the South Downs.

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The beauty of Europe is its excellent and efficient train network. The Eurostar , for example, takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach the French capital from London’s St. Pancras International station. With little planning, you can easily tackle many of the top attractions in Paris if you book yourself on the earliest service out and the latest back. To make the most of your day here, focus on the heart of the city: the Louvre , Musée d'Orsay , plus the amazing stores, coffee shops, and restaurants of Saint-Germain-des-Prés are all within walking distance of each other. Round out the day at the Trocadéro to snap a selfie with the Eiffel Tower and relax on the banks of the Seine with a picnic, Emily in Paris- style.

Bath, Somerset

One of the best day trips from London for history lovers, Somerset’s largest city beckons visitors with its ancient Roman baths and Georgian architecture. After the Roman period, its healing hot springs experienced a surge in popularity, transforming Bath into a fashionable spa retreat in the 17th and 18th centuries. Recognized as one of UNESCO's "Great Spa Towns of Europe," the city can easily be reached via an hour-and-change train ride from London. When you arrive, explore the bathing complex, constructed around 70 C.E., and have afternoon tea at The Pump Room restaurant. Then, stop by Bath Abbey , where you can tour the top of the church tower. While you can’t swim in the historic baths, the next best option is Thermae Bath Spa 's rooftop thermal pool — a perfect place to cap off your visit before taking the train back to London.

Ashdown Forest, Sussex

Winnie-the-Pooh fans will likely want to add Ashdown Forest to their list of scenic day trips from the capital. A.A. Milne lived near the 6,500-acre woodland when he penned the stories of Christopher Robin and his friends. Better known as the fictional “Hundred Acre Wood,” the forest is accessible via a one-hour train ride to East Grinstead station, followed by a short taxi or bus ride. For an even easier journey, join a customized tour with Pooh Trek , which will pick you up at the station and visit highlights like the historic Pooh Sticks Bridge, plus cozy cottages and pubs. Those looking to extend their stay can even spend a few nights at Milne’s former house, the 16th-century Cotchford Farm .

Brighton, Sussex

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The unofficial gay capital of the U.K. is the place to go if you're in search of wall-to-wall live music venues, classic seaside bed-and-breakfasts, buzzing clubs, and Soho House's members-only Brighton Beach House . About an hour's train ride from London, Brighton's famed Palace Pier , pebbly beach, and shops on The Lanes are all worth a visit. Visitors can expect narrow alleyways packed with independent boutiques, record stores, pizza shacks, vegan eats, and small pubs championing local ales sourced from all over the city’s home county, Sussex.

Hastings, Sussex

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About a 1.5-hour train ride from London, Hastings has a long, colorful, and somewhat brutal history that’s kept tourists flocking to its windy cliffs for centuries. The former battleground of William the Conqueror offers all sorts of to-dos, from the ruins of its Norman castle (no dragons, sadly) to a strip of indie shops to great local restaurants. There's also a long pier stretching out into the English Channel that has "sunset walk" written all over it. The best views can be enjoyed from East Hill, accessible via the U.K.'s steepest funicular, the East Hill Cliff Railway. After riding down, head to George Street, a haven for continental-style cafes, art shops, and bookstores.

Stratford-upon-Avon, West Midlands

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Literature buffs will love this medieval town hidden away in England's West Midlands. Shakespeare’s former homes and his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage are the major draws. A little more than two hours north of London, the town is also a great place to indulge in a boat tour along the plant-flecked canal basin. If you’re a theater lover, catch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Company 's playhouse (book well in advance), or enjoy a dinner cruise down the picturesque River Avon on the Countess of Evesham restaurant boat.

Canterbury, Kent

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If you dig a medieval cathedral with a dash of Chaucer, head to Canterbury. Roughly a 45-minute train ride from London, the town is a great option for travelers who are pressed for time. Start off with a walk (or bike ride) down the wiggly King’s Lane to check out the city’s stellar indie shops. When it comes to fueling up, there's lots on offer, from pastries at The Goods Shed farmers market and food hall to Scotch eggs at pubs in town. Walk it off in one of England’s oldest parks, Westgate Gardens, before hitting up the nearby Blean Woods Nature Reserve , an ancient woodland filled with rare flora and fauna. The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is also worth visiting for a glimpse at one of the world's most important collections of cow paintings.

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

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An easy, one-hour train journey from St. Pancras, this university city dating back to 1209 is home to some of the world's most photogenic colleges and dorms. Begin your journey at King’s College and stroll through its 15th-century landmark Gothic chapel, home to the world’s largest fan vault and some impressive stained-glass windows.

Next, explore the waterways in a punt, a long, flat-bottomed boat. Aside from hopping on a bike, it’s the simplest (and most fun) way to explore the city on the cheap. Plus, you’ll see all the top attractions, from Trinity College to the Bridge of Sighs , along the way.

"NoteWorthy clients often visit the Wren Library in Trinity College Cambridge, designed by the renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren," says Butler. "It is one of Cambridge’s most famous and historic college libraries. This experience will take you behind the scenes to see some extraordinary and valuable literary works guided by a subject expert. Two of Shakespeare’s first folios and various letters of Sir Isaac Newton are just examples of what you could see on the tour."

When you get hungry, head to the Pint Shop for gourmet pub-style food served in a joint once loved by E.M. Forster. The Sunday roast is great, as are all the beers sourced from hops all over the country.

Oxford, Oxfordshire

Famed for its academic history, ivy-clad buildings, and Harry Potter filming locations , Oxford is another university city well worth a day trip from London. The train journey from Paddington or Marylebone station takes just over an hour and once you arrive, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a real-life version of the Wizarding World. Start your visit with a walking tour ( Bodleian Libraries offers guided explorations of the city and its beautiful libraries). Then, climb the tower of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin for one of the best views of the rooftops. In addition to the towering Gothic architecture, the city's historic streets are lined with traditional pubs and charming cafes. After refueling, end your day with a punting adventure along the River Cherwell or visit the Ashmolean Museum , which houses an impressive array of art and artifacts.

Bruton, Somerset

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Somerset is a long day trip from London, but it’s doable and worth the effort if you’re willing to wake up early. One of the most convenient ways to get a taste of it is via the Great Garden Escape , courtesy of one of England's most celebrated hotels, The Newt in Somerset . The approximately two-hour journey sets off from London’s Paddington station, with breakfast served on board before the train rolls into the hills of the West Country. Next to the hotel’s Georgian façade, explore picturesque gardens and ancient woodlands, plus learn the art of cider making before digging into an afternoon tea overlooking the orchards. It’s basically England summed up in about eight hours.

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Amsterdam to London Tours & Trips

Find adventures that start in Amsterdam and then finish in London. Trips from Amsterdam to London are most popular in September, with the most tours doing this route then.

25 Amsterdam to London tour packages with 1,177 reviews

Coach / Bus

European Horizon (Start Amsterdam, End London, 11 Days)

The trip as a whole was great and Rianna kept up good vibes the whole way through. The best!

€100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

European Magic (Summer, Start Amsterdam, 9 Days)

Rhi Rhi was amazing, I went by myself and genuinely had the best time ever 🥰

In-depth Cultural

European Highlights (Summer, End London, 8 Days)

Great hotels and included and optional experiences. The trip was well laid out.

European Tapestry with London

$Europe\'s Highlights with London Tour$

Europe's Highlights with London

It was a good tour. We liked it.

Christmas & New Year

Traditional Europe (End London, 19 Days)

It exceeded our expectations. Our driver Tonino was amazing - especially in Rome & Paris traffic.

Train & Rail
Sightseeing

ULTIMATE BUCKET LIST

They did an excellent job of booking all the transportation, seats and lodging. All hotels were nice, clean, & well maintained.

Romantic European (Small Groups, Start Amsterdam, End London, 19 Days)

Walking Adventure

Romantic European (Classic, Start Amsterdam, End London, 19 Days)

European Sampler with London

Tour guide was fantastic!! Great group. I would recommend to friends.

European Encounter (Start Amsterdam, 16 Days)

European Magic (Winter, Start Amsterdam, 9 Days)

Very informative insight into each city we visited. We would not have wanted to do it any other way.

European Vistas (Summer, Start Amsterdam, 28 Days)

European Dream (Start Amsterdam, 20 Days)

European Whirl (Start Amsterdam, Gap, 18 Days)

What people love about amsterdam to london tours.

The European Horizon Contiki was amazing, got to explore so many countries and experience great fun and thrilling activities, in a short amount of time. Rianna was the absolute best tour guide to have, she is very knowledgable on each countries history and also fun facts, she also has such a fun, positive vibe and would definitely love to tour with her again!

I am very satisfied by exploring as many places as possible and adding all the activities during the trip. On some days, the schedule was a little tight but we were all aware of that so it was still fine.

Wonderful experience! Great hotels and included and optional experiences. Our tour director, Sarah was entertaining, interesting and took great care of us. The trip was well laid out. Would do it again.

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24 best day trips from amsterdam.

I visited Amsterdam this summer and fell in love with this city. But we took a few days trip from Amsterdam, and those ended up being some of my favorite memories from our trip. The public transportation in the Netherlands is great and it was so easy to take a day trip. I’m sharing my favorites here!

Visiting Amsterdam makes for an exciting standalone city break. With world-class museums and galleries filled with art history, historic churches, and poignant World War II sites, you’ll find many things to do in this beautiful canal city to fill your trip itinerary. Oh, and let’s not forget about those stunning canals lined which are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Vanessa Hunt in Zaanse Schans as a day trip from Amsterdam

But there are many great reasons why you should veer off the beaten path on your Netherlands trip and try out one of these best day trips from Amsterdam.

For starters, the Netherlands is so small that it’s possible to visit anywhere in the country on a day trip. Germany and Belgium are also next-door neighbors and close enough to the Dutch capital for a short side trip.

You’ll instantly realize how great public transport is when you visit Amsterdam too. Amsterdam Central Station connects this historic city with other train stations in college cities, medieval towns with a cobblestone market square, and tulip-laded villages in the countryside.

Gaining a deeper appreciation of the local culture, however, has to be the top reason of all. Here are some of the best places to visit in the Netherlands on day trips via public transport, car, and group tour!

Here's a Short Cut

How To Take Day Trips to the Netherlands Open Air Museum

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One of the top day trips from Amsterdam if you are traveling with kids and want to learn more about the Netherlands’ past, including medieval history, is to visit the Open Air Museum. It’s located in Arnhem, deep in the lush, green Dutch countryside.

Guides dressed in period clothing will lead you around this beautiful, authentic space where you can explore traditional houses and working windmills inside and out. There are buildings and vehicles from several eras and it will help you paint a picture of what life was like for Dutch people living at those times.

Distance from Amsterdam: 104 km/65 miles

You can travel to Netherlands Open Air Museum by car or by public transport. This round-trip journey takes approximately one hour by car and two hours by train.

By car, drive southeast from Amsterdam along the A1, turning onto the A30 and finally the A12 main roads. Intercity trains depart from Amsterdam Central Station to Arnhem Centraal every 30 minutes. From that train station, hop on the N.3 bus to Arnhem Peter van Anrooylaan bus stop which is right by the outdoor museum.

2. The Hague

Visiting Amsterdam and disappointed that the Dutch Royal Family doesn’t live in Amsterdam and that the Dutch Parliament isn’t based there either? It’s settled: the best day trip from Amsterdam for you has to be The Hague. It’s one of the best day trips from amsterdam by train.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t love The Hague. It just seemed like another big city, but without the charm of Amsterdam. What I did love was visiting the Mauritshuis museum!

Even though The Hague isn’t the Dutch capital, the Dutch Royal Family lives in Huis ten Bosch Palace right here in this city on the North Sea. Binnenhof is a complex of important government buildings in the historic city center of The Hague which includes Noordeinde Palace, the King’s workplace, and the Dutch Parliament buildings.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, the United Nations’ International Court of Justice is based in The Hague. The Peace Palace and the International Criminal Court buildings are where the work of the International Court is carried out. Phew!

While being home to the Dutch Royal Family, Dutch Parliament, International Court, and Peace Palace is prestigious, there are many other reasons why you should visit The Hague.

Vanessa Hunt at the Mauritshuis museum in the Hague

Its historic center is incredibly beautiful surrounded by a blend of centuries-old buildings and modern skyscrapers. One of the most important museums of Dutch art history, the Mauritshuis, is also in The Hague. It houses the famous Girl With the Pearl Earring painting by Dutch Golden Age artist Vermeer.

Distance from Amsterdam: 65 km/40 miles

You can travel to The Hague by car, train, or one of the many organized day tours from Amsterdam to The Hague. This journey takes about an hour by car and 50 minutes on the train.

If you’re driving, take the main A10 ring road out of Amsterdam and head southwest along the A4 until you reach the city. Direct Sprinter trains depart from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station every 30 minutes to The Hague, and there are plenty of other non-direct services.

You’ve no doubt heard of the famous cheese, so why not visit the charming town where it was invented? Gouda is a small city in South Holland and one of the most fun day trips from Amsterdam for foodies and lovers of sweet and mild hard Dutch cheeses.

Centered around Gouda’s Market Square, you’ll find the beautiful Old Town Hall and the Gouda Cheese Market held every Thursday morning from April to September. If the Gouda Cheese Market isn’t open, you can hit up one of the many famous cheese shops elsewhere in the city center.

Round off your trip with a visit to Museum Gouda to learn more about Dutch history in the area. Check out the Gouda Cheese Experience if you really can’t get enough of this delicious, famous cheese.

Distance from Amsterdam: 71 km/44 miles

You can visit Gouda on a day trip via car or public transport. Driving takes approximately one hour while the train and bus take around 75 minutes.

Drive along the A10 ring road out of Amsterdam and head southeast along the A2 towards Utrecht before turning southwest onto the A12 towards Gouda. Direct Sprinter trains depart Amsterdam Central Station every 90 minutes to Woerden, Gouda’s nearest station, but there are several more non-direct options. From Woerden, catch the non-stop shuttle bus to Gouda.

4. Keukenhof Gardens

Visiting Amsterdam during the spring? You can’t visit Holland without heading to Keukenhof Gardens. It’s one of the most magical places to visit near Amsterdam during this season. Every year, these gardens bloom with acres and acres of rainbow-colored tulips and tourists flock to the Dutch countryside to see them.

Tulip fields aren’t just exceptionally pretty to look at, they are part of the local culture and big business in the Netherlands. Keukenhof Gardens is an expansive park with woodland, ponds, and fountains with plenty of room (and lots to see!) for everyone who wants to visit during the high season.

Distance from Amsterdam: 40 km/25 miles

You can drive, take public transport, or join organized Amsterdam day tours to visit Keukenhof Gardens. Driving takes around 40 minutes a combination of public trains/buses takes just over one hour.

By car, take the A4 road heading southwest until you turn right onto N207 towards Keukenhof. It doesn’t matter whether you catch a train from Central Station or Sloterdijk Station, every service towards Lisse (Keukenhof’s closest town, a 15-minute walk away) departs every hour and changes at Schiphol Airport station.

During the tulip festival season, you can buy tickets for the Keukenhof Express N.852 tourist buses which will transport you directly from Amsterdam to Keukenhof. Or, there are plenty of small group tours organized by travel companies.

If you’re looking for day trips from Amsterdam to other countries, definitely consider visiting Bruges. If you think all major Dutch cities are in the Netherlands, think again! Bruges is a Dutch-speaking town in Belgium that happens to have a medieval Old Town that looks like a painting ripped from a fairytale book.

One of the main landmarks in Bruges’ Market Square is its slightly tilted 13th-century Belfry where you can climb up to witness beautiful views. Buy delicious Belgian chocolate and fresh waffles from cafes and sail along the quaint, charming canals.

Top Tip: Don’t forget to take your passport with you when crossing borders!

Distance from Amsterdam: 258 km/160 miles

The journey to take a Bruges day trip from Amsterdam is around three hours by both car and train. It’s best to travel by train to avoid parking stresses and unnecessary extra paperwork that might come with taking a rental bar across a border. You can also book small-group Amsterdam day tours for a convenient day trip from Amsterdam to Bruges.

Hop on a Eurostar or InterCity train from Amsterdam Central Station to Brussels Central Station which departs at least every 60 minutes. Then, take an IC train to Bruges.

6. Zaanse Schans

Want to see a historic Dutch windmill or perhaps learn how traditional wooden clogs are made? Only visiting Amsterdam won’t fulfill those wishes, but taking just a short trip to the small town of Zaanse Schans will!

One of the most scenic Netherlands trips you could venture on, Zaanse Schans was purposefully built with traditional houses and windmills. It resembles how this village in the Dutch countryside would have looked in the 18th and 19th centuries.

There are lots of exhibits where you can learn more about the village’s history and old trades like pewter casting as well as how traditional wooden clogs are carved. I loved visiting this cute little town and it provided a ton of adorable photo ops!

Distance from Amsterdam: 20 km/12 miles

You can either drive or take a bus to Zaanse Schans. Driving takes 18 minutes and the bus takes around 40 minutes. There are plenty of half and full-day tours from Amsterdam too.

By car, drive through the Amsterdam Noord neighborhood and head northwest towards Zaanse Schans. And by bus, head to Amsterdam Central Station and catch the N.391 bus directly to the Zaandam Zaanse Schans bus stop.

7. Rotterdam

Rotterdam is one of the major Dutch cities and one of the best cities near Amsterdam to visit on a side trip. While it’s also a large waterside city in South Holland, Rotterdam couldn’t be more different than Amsterdam. It has a modern, cosmopolitan city center with a blend of traditional houses along the canal and contemporary skyscrapers in the port.

Architecture is one of the main reasons why many visit Rotterdam. This city is known for the Cube Houses, post-World War II residential buildings designed to look like trees. Today, the Cube Houses are a museum with photos, plans, and more detailing everything to do with the architect Piet Blom’s Cube Houses project.

Distance from Amsterdam: 78 km/48 miles

Driving takes even longer than public transport to get to Rotterdam and you won’t need a car to get around the city, so it’s far better to take public transport. Or, you can book one of the day tours from Amsterdam if you’d like to tag another town or city onto your one-day trip.

Intercity or Eurostar services leave Central Station to Rotterdam every half an hour and only take around 40 minutes. The city is a short walk from the station; super easy!

This was probably my favorite day trip from Amsterdam. I just fell in love with this little city and its history!

Delft is one of The Hague’s neighboring cities and one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands to learn more about Dutch art history and local culture.

It’s the birthplace of Delftware, an iconic ceramic style consisting of white, glazed pottery with handpainted blue designs. The original 17th century factory is still in operation where they have a museum and lead guided tours.

The Market Square in Delft’s Old Town boasts beautiful churches, a Renaissance-era Town Hall, and a museum dedicated to painter Johannes Vermeer who was born here. Visiting Delft for a day will give you an overview of Dutch history that you can’t get in Amsterdam.

If you choose to visit Delft, I highly recommend going on a Saturday so that you can shop at the Antiekmarkt. We found lots of great gems like affordable KLM houses, antique and real Royal Delft pottery, and some old clogs!

Distance from Amsterdam: 66 km/41 miles

Day tours from Amsterdam (often teamed with a visit to The Hague) and trains are both great ways to visit Delft. You can drive, but it takes the exact same time as public transport so there are few benefits.

Intercity trains depart from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station to Delft train station every 30 minutes and these journeys about an hour. The station is a short walk to Delft market square in the center of the city.

One of the easiest and best day trips from Amsterdam by train, this beautiful canal city is one of Amsterdam’s neighboring cities. If you only have half a day to spare and are looking for just a short trip, Haarlem is an ideal choice.

Visit the Corrie ten Boom House near the Town Hall and market square where Jewish locals hid during World War II. Take a boat ride along the canals around the city center, and visit the Frans Hals Museum dedicated to another Dutch Master if you have the time.

Distance from Amsterdam: 33 km/20.5 miles

Taking public transport to Haarlem takes less than 15 minutes while driving takes half an hour, so the former is the best option for an easy day trip. We took the train from Amsterdam Centraal and it was very straight forward.

Direct Sprinter trains depart Amsterdam Sloterdijk station every eight (yes, eight!) minutes to Haarlem. From the station, the central market square is a very short walk south.

10. Groningen

Tucked away in the north, Groningen is not one of the major Dutch cities. It’s one of the most ideal day trips from Amsterdam if you want to travel more off the beaten path.

Groningen is the Dutch equivalent of a college town with a little shipbuilding and medieval history thrown in too. Visit the market square where you’ll find the Martinitoren, one of the most iconic buildings on the city’s skyline, and wander around the university’s historic campus.

Distance from Amsterdam: 186 km/115.5 miles

You can either drive or take public transport to Groningen from Amsterdam. Unfortunately, there are no direct trains, but it’s still a super straightforward route. The journey takes around two hours by car or two and a half hours by train.

By car, follow the main A6 and A7 roads northeast to Groningen. Take a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Amersfoort Central Station, where you can catch a connection to Groningen Railway Station. These services (Intercity and Sprinter) depart approximately twice an hour.

11. Brussels

Looking to maximize your time in Europe? One of the best day trips out of Amsterdam is to Brussels. If you leave early and stay late, you can tick off all the main sights of the Belgian capital city without rushing.

Grand Place is Brussels’ market square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city center consisting of opulent, 14th-century buildings. Don’t leave without tasting delicious Belgian chocolate and saying hello to the peeing statue of Mannekin Pis and the street art murals of the beloved comic book character Tintin.

Distance from Amsterdam: 208 km/129 miles

It couldn’t be simpler to venture on a day trip to Brussels from Amsterdam either by train or small group tour. Driving to Brussels takes around two hours and 40 minutes while train journeys are approximately two hours.

Take a direct train via Thalys or Eurostar from Central Station to Brussels Zuid/Midi station. Direct trains depart every two hours but there are other ones you can catch with connections in Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport.

12. Dusseldorf

One of the easiest train trips from Amsterdam Central Station is to, believe it or not, Germany! Dusseldorf is one of the closest major German cities to Amsterdam and an ideal place to visit for a day.

Dusseldorf’s city center is split by the Rhine River with the Old Town on the east and the contemporary, modern side to the west. Visit Königsallee for boutique shopping opportunities and the Schifffahrtsmuseum Tower for a local history museum and epic panoramic views.

Distance from Amsterdam: 230 km/143 miles

You can drive to Dusseldorf from Amsterdam in two hours and 30 minutes or take a direct train and be there in just over two hours. Taking public transport is the easiest option for country-hopping day trips!

ICE International train services depart from Amsterdam Central to Dusseldorf Central Station every two hours. From the station, it’s a short 10-minute ride on the U-Bahn to get into the center of Dusseldorf.

13. Giethoorn

Giethoorn might be one of the only villages in the Dutch countryside that hasn’t been purpose-built to look historic. It just does! This is one of the top day trips from Amsterdam if you want to visit a picturesque place with thatched houses that people really live in.

Book a boat tour of the waterways to gain a fascinating glimpse into how this strictly car-free small town operates day-to-day. On a boat ride with a local guide from the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, you’ll not only see how pretty this peaceful place is but learn about the village’s history too.

Distance from Amsterdam: 125 km/78 miles

Traveling to Giethoorn from Amsterdam by public transport is possible, but takes around an hour longer than traveling by car. Either drive or book one of the many small group day tours from Amsterdam.

By car, take the A6 northwest out of Amsterdam before turning onto the N333 road to Giethoorn. This journey takes around 90 minutes.

14. Utrecht

If Rotterdam is too modern and The Hague is too busy, head to the beautiful city of Utrecht. It’s known for the stacks of medieval history tucked away in every building of its Old Town like the Gothic St Martin’s Cathedral and the Dom Tower.

Another iconic building just outside of Utrecht’s city center, the Rietveld-Schröder House, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with its architecture, Utrecht boasts a charming canal you can kayak along with alfresco dining on the banks.

Distance from Amsterdam: 43 km/27 miles

Day trips to Utrecht from Amsterdam are also much easier, cheaper, and faster by train than by car.

Direct ICE or Intercity train trips from Amsterdam Central Station depart for Utrecht every one to two hours. The train journey only takes half an hour, so it’s one of the quickest day trips.

15. Edam (and Volendam & Marken)

Gouda isn’t the only Dutch town that invented a famous cheese. The charming fishing village of Edam also has its fair share of cheese shops and hosts a traditional cheese market every Wednesday during summer.

One of the most popular, and best, Amsterdam day trips is to visit another fishing village called Volendam and a small town on an offshore island called Marken too. This trifecta of idyllic Dutch towns will allow you to taste local Dutch cheeses, walk along colorful harbors, take a boat tour, taste fresh seafood, and make the most out of your one-day trip.

Distance from Amsterdam: 21 km/13 miles

Organized Amsterdam excursions and renting a car are the best ways to take a day trip to Edam if you want to also visit Volendam and Marken. Public transport is possible but not worth the hassle.

By car, Edam is only 25 minutes north of Amsterdam along the N247 road and Volendam is a seven-minute journey east. To get to Marken, you can either drive 22 minutes south along the coast and take the bridge or catch a 24-minute ferry boat ride from Volendam.

Leiden is the hidden gem of South Holland and it’s a shame more people don’t visit on an Amsterdam day trip. This picturesque town is like a miniature Amsterdam except you’ll be able to see all the main sights in just one day!

It’s an ancient Dutch town, boasting the Netherlands’ very first university. Leiden Botanical Garden was also where the first tulip was planted in Western Europe. Dutch Golden Age painter Rembrandt was born in Leiden, so the Museum de Lakenhal houses many of his works.

Distance from Amsterdam: 45 km/28 miles

Taking a day trip to Leiden is much quicker and easier by train as journeys are only around 30 minutes compared to 45 minutes by car. All the main sights in Leiden are a short walk from each other.

Head to Amsterdam Sloterdijk station and catch a direct Intercity or Sprinter service to Leiden Centraal. These services leave at least every 30 minutes and there are more you can catch if you don’t mind changing trains at Schiphol Airport.

Hoorn is an old fishing village on the North Sea and an off-the-beaten-path alternative to the more touristy Volendam. It’s one of the best Amsterdam day trips to discover more about the Netherlands’ maritime heritage.

It was once a key port in the Dutch East India Company with sailors strolling past the 16th-century Hoofdtoren tower on their way into town. The 17th-century center of this charming fishing village is full of churches, museums, and other ornate buildings.

Distance from Amsterdam: 44 km/27.5 miles

You can do a day trip to Hoorn either by car or train, both are easy though driving is significantly faster. By car, this journey takes around 35 minutes and by bus, it’s about an hour.

Drive north out of Amsterdam following the A8 directly north to Hoorn. Alternatively, catch the direct N.314 bus from Central Station to Hoorn bus station.

Direct Sprinter train services are also available from Amsterdam Central, but these train trips stop at every single little station along the route so the journey takes 90 minutes. Both the train and bus leave every hour.

18. Alkmaar

Yes, there’s another Dutch town filled with cheese shops and a traditional cheese market in its city center! While Alkmaar doesn’t have a famous cheese named after it, this picturesque town arguably hosts the more popular, better food market on Friday mornings.

Continuing the cheese theme, you can visit the Dutch Cheese Museum whilst in Alkmaar to learn all about all varieties of famous cheese in the Netherlands and the village’s history.

Distance from Amsterdam: 42 km/26 miles

Whether you take a train or drive to Alkmaar on a day trip, both journeys are easy and will take you the same amount of time which is approximately 40 minutes.

Drive north across the Amsterdam Noord neighborhood and then northwest along the A8 and the smaller N246 and N244 roads to Alkmaar. If you’re traveling by train, head to Amsterdam Sloterdijk station and take a direct Intercity service to Alkmaar station. From there, it’s a very short walk to the town’s market square.

19. Antwerp

Due to its proximity to the border, Antwerp is the most convenient day trip from Amsterdam if you want to visit Belgium. This beautiful city is famous for its Instagrammable Old Town where you can find delicious Belgian chocolate, renaissance architecture, and a historic diamond district.

Distance from Amsterdam: 159 km/99 miles

Day trips to Antwerp from Amsterdam are one of the easiest cross-border trips! Trains are faster than driving and far less stressful than renting a car.

Hop on a direct IC, Intercity, or Thalys service from Amsterdam Central to Antwerpen-Centraal station. They depart roughly every hour and the journey takes around one hour and 45 minutes.

20. Maastricht

Visiting Maastricht is one of the least popular Amsterdam day trips as it’s one of the furthest major cities away from the capital. But if you wanted to visit a city far off the beaten path, it’s a fantastic choice.

Maastricht is a university town on the Belgian border with a vibrant past. One of the first battles that took place on the Western Front in World War II was the Battle of Maastricht and the Maastricht Treaty, signed here, was the foundation of the European Union. Along with its medieval historic center, Maastricht has an incredibly diverse history that makes it well worth visiting.

Distance from Amsterdam: 210 km/130 miles

Despite Maastricht being in the Netherlands, it’s quite far away from Amsterdam. It often takes just as long to travel there as it does to cities in Belgium or Germany! But it’s definitely still doable by train or by car. Both options for this journey take around two hours and 20 minutes.

Drive southeast along the main A2 road from Amsterdam before turning onto the A73 road to Maastricht. Direct Intercity trains leave Amsterdam Central to Maastricht every 30 minutes.

Essen is another option if you’re looking for more day trips from Amsterdam to Germany.

Although it is known for its coal mining history, Essen is a lush, green city with lots of parks and heritage trails. However, if you were interested in learning more about Essen’s energy history, its former 19th-century coal mine is now a UNESCO site and a museum.

Distance from Amsterdam: 203 km/126 miles

You can either drive or take trains to Essen from Amsterdam. Both options have a similar journey length with driving taking around two and a half hours and the trains taking closer to two hours and 10 minutes.

Drive southeast out of Amsterdam along the A1, A30, and A12 main roads until you reach the German border where you’ll drive on Autobahn 3 for most of the way until you reach Essen.

ICE International trains to Duisburg Central Station depart Amsterdam Central every two hours. From Duisburg, hop on a quick regional train to Essen Central Station.

22. Kinderdijk

Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best Amsterdam day trips if you want to learn more about how the Netherlands has stopped land from flooding time and again. It turns out, the beautiful canals and windmills in Kinderdijjk actually have an important job!

Distance from Amsterdam: 95 km/59 miles

While it’s possible to venture on day trips to Kinderdijk on public transport via Rotterdam, you’re looking at a journey of at least two trains and two buses. This is a great side trip if you don’t mind driving in the Netherlands because it’s only a 75-minute ride.

Drive southeast from Amsterdam along the A2 where you will eventually loop around on the A27 and A15.

23. Amersfoort

There are many medieval cities in the Netherlands but if you’re looking for day trips from Amsterdam with the same vibe in a small town, Amersfoort is a fantastic choice. It’s only a stone’s throw from Utrecht so it’s a convenient place to visit from the capital.

Amersfoort’s landmark is called Koppelpoort, a wonderfully-preserved 14th and 15th-century city gate that stretches across land and water. Its clock tower, the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren, looms over the narrow cobblestone lanes. Plus, Amersfoort is off the usual tourist trail.

Distance from Amsterdam: 53 km/33 miles

Driving to Amersfoort for a day trip might be ten minutes quicker than taking the train, but it’s a negligible amount of time when the train journey from Amsterdam is only one hour. Save on parking and rental car costs and take the train.

Direct Sprinter trains depart from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station to Amersfoort Centraal station every half an hour. There are also many more services from Amsterdam Central with connections if you don’t mind changing trains at Schiphol Airport or Utrecht.

24. Castle Muiderslot

Saving the most low-key place to take a trip out of Amsterdam until last, Muiderslot is a beautiful pink-hued, fairytale-esque castle. This 13th-century castle sits in the middle of a moat and has turrets and a drawbridge. Yes, it looks exactly like the castles in folktales and legends!

You could easily spend a few hours here exploring the museum and formal gardens as well as the fully renovated interiors.

Distance from Amsterdam: 16 km/10 miles

Driving to Muiderslot only takes 30 minutes, but renting a car is a lot of effort for a half-day adventure. Instead, use a combination of Amsterdam’s affordable train and bus services.

There are many options but the best is to take one of the Sprinter trains from Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station to Weesp Station (they depart every hour) and then the N.110 bus service to Muiden, which is where you’ll find the castle.

Day Trips From Amsterdam FAQs

Unfortunately, a day trip between Amsterdam and London isn’t possible. The Eurostar train takes four hours to travel between Amsterdam Central Station to St. Pancras International in London which is an eight-hour round trip.

Alternatively, flights between the Dutch capital and the English capital only take around one hour and 15 minutes. However, you would need to find convenient flight times and you would also have to ask yourself if a day trip to such a huge city like London would be worth it.

Some other countries you can visit while in Amsterdam include Belgium and Germany which are both just a short trip via public transport. Luxembourg and France are too far away for a day trip, regardless of whether you are traveling by road or public transport.

No matter which of these amazing day trips from Amsterdam you choose, you’ll absolutely enjoy exploring more places in the Netherlands when you visit Amsterdam. It’s a country full of tulip fields, historic towns, cheese markets, windmills, and much more. What’s not to love?!

Wanderlust Crew

17 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam (& Tips for How to Visit)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 27, 2024

17 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam (& Tips for How to Visit)

Are you looking for some ideas for day trips from Amsterdam ? Excellent choice! Amsterdam is a beautiful city that attracts millions of visitors every year, and there’s so much to see and do in Amsterdam … But don’t forget that the Netherlands has so much more to offer than just its lively capital!

So if you can, plan at least a few day trips or excursions from Amsterdam and see the Dutch countryside, or visit several other towns… It will make your trip to the Netherlands so much more special and memorable!

You can easily see the very best of Amsterdam in one or two days and then spend some more time exploring the rest of the country. We live in Belgium and often visit Holland for short day trips. In this post, I am sharing some of the best day trips that you can make from Amsterdam in the Netherlands. I also included the two most popular day trips from Amsterdam to Belgium.

Most of the places mentioned here can be easily visited by public transport, in less than an hour from Amsterdam. In addition, we also feature several must-see places in the Netherlands that can easily be visited as a day trip from Amsterdam, but where you would need to take a car or join an organized tour, since using public transport would probably make it too difficult to visit in just a day.

This selection of the best day trips from Amsterdam includes some of our favorite places in the Netherlands. In addition, I asked my fellow travel bloggers to share their favorite day trips from Amsterdam as well. I want to show you the other side of the Netherlands and inspire you to get a bit more off the beaten path. Find out!

Top 3 Day Trips from Amsterdam:

Tulip Gardens (spring only).
Windmills & Countryside .
Giethoorn .

Best day trips from Amsterdam in the Netherlands

TIP: If you are looking for organized day trips and tours from Amsterdam, but are overwhelmed with the choices, below is my hand-picked selection of the most popular and highly-rated day trips from Amsterdam.

Do any or all of them and you’ll see the very best of the Netherlands without having to worry about the practical side of planning your trip.

Here are direct links to the most popular (half) day tours from Amsterdam for first-time visitors:

Volendam, Edam, Marken & Zaanse Schans Windmills – see the best of the Dutch countryside.
Day trip to Giethoorn , a pretty little village with canals instead of streets.
Keukenhof Flower Gardens + transfer from Amsterdam . Tulips and flower fields – this is a must if visiting the Netherlands in the early spring!
Bruges day trip – visit the most picturesque medieval town in Benelux.

Further below you can find more details about these and other great day trips from Amsterdam. But, these four Amsterdam day tours listed above will bring you to the nicest places in the Netherlands.

Good to know: Our list of the best day trips from Amsterdam starts with the most popular day trips first. Some places like Zaanse Schans, Keukenhof Gardens, Volendam, or Giethroorn are very popular with tourists. In the meantime, some others are much quieter and less visited, yet definitely worth a short trip if visiting Amsterdam for a few days. Take a look!

Here are the very best Amsterdam day trips:

1. Zaanse Shans

Zaanse Schans is a wonderful day trip from Amsterdam where you can experience quintessentially Dutch things like windmills and wooden clogs. The village is actually a residential area that feels like an open-air museum that showcases the industrial past of the region, including the ubiquitous windmills.

You can wander through the picturesque village and experience a Dutch town like it would have looked in the 18th-19th century. Just please be respectful to the locals who live there and don’t just walk on somebody else’s property!

In addition to the operational windmills that you can visit inside, there is a cheese-making shop, a lumber mill, a wooden clog maker and a restaurant serving Dutch pancakes. The Zaans Museum located right next door tells the story of the industrial past, with particular attention to the biscuit and chocolate maker Verkade.

How to visit: Getting to Zaanse Shans is easy – you can join a tour (see below) or take a 15-minute train from Amsterdam’s Central Station and then it is a 20-minute walk to the village. You can wander around the village for free, but will need to pay to enter the windmills and the Museum. In that case, it’s best to get a Zaanse Schans Card that includes an entrance to all the main sights here.

TIP: Zaanse Shans is the most popular destination for organized half-day and day trips from Amsterdam, often in combination with other nice locations nearby. It’s a great option for those short on time or not willing to deal with the practical aspects of planning a day trip from Amsterdam.

If you only have half a day, I recommend this highly-rated Zaanse Schanse tour ; it takes less than 4 hours. If you have a bit more time, I recommend choosing one of the Zaanse Schans tours that also include a visit to Volendam, Edam, and/or Marken (see below for more information about these picturesque little villages).

Suggestion by Dawn from 5 Lost Together. You can find family tips for visiting Amsterdam on her blog.

Zaanse Shans is one of the most popular day trips from Amsterdam

2. Volendam, Marken & Edam

Located just north of Amsterdam city, these traditional Dutch towns make a great day trip from Amsterdam, popular among locals and tourists alike. You can visit one, two, or all three places in a day and there are many different ways to do it.

Volendam is an old fishing village and is extremely picturesque. Nowadays, it’s very touristy, but that’s why tourists seem to like it. To many foreigners, Volendam is a symbol of what the Netherlands looks like. The colorful buildings of the old harbor, old Dutch ships, and locals wearing traditional black Volendam clothing – it all makes Volendam a very popular destination. It’s the place to see all things typically Dutch and stock up on souvenirs.

Near Volendam, on the Markermeer Lake, lies a tiny island of Marken . This peninsula has been separated from the mainland by a storm in the 13th century and only reconnected back to the mainland in the mid-20th century. It can be reached by boat from Volendam or by car or bike via the embankment. You can also leave your car on the mainland and walk there.

Because of its isolation from the mainland, Marken’s fishing community has managed to keep a more authentic historic character. Still, it’s a place very much oriented towards tourism, but in a more enjoyable way. A popular thing to do here is to visit a traditional clog maker where you can learn more about the craft or even get a pair of Dutch wooden shoes to take home with you.

Edam is a charming medieval town that is best known for its cheese with the same name (Edamer in Dutch). The small red ball of semi-hard cheese can be easily transported without losing its taste. It has, therefore, been a famous Dutch export product for many centuries.

In July and August, there is a traditional cheese market held on Wednesday mornings attracting many visitors. You can also take a boat tour on the canals.

How to visit: As already mentioned, there are many ways to visit these towns – on your own by car or by public transport , or with a tour from Amsterdam. Here is one of the best tours that visits Marken, Volendam, Edam, and Zaanse Schans as a day trip from Amsterdam. There are also private tours like this one , that visit all these three towns as well.

We recently took this highly-rated tour that left the city at 8 AM and brought us back before 3 PM. While it’s really touristic and felt a bit rushed, it’s a great way to see so many nice places in just half a day. Back in the city, we still had the whole long afternoon for sightseeing. So if you are short on time and want to catch a glimpse of the Dutch countryside, it can be done too.

READ ALSO: Dutch Countryside – Top Places Near Amsterdam

Volendam - Marken area is a great day trip from Amsterdam

3. Giethoorn

Giethoorn is a picturesque little village 1,5hrs drive from Amsterdam.

It has canals instead of streets and boats instead of cars. Giethoorn is one of the most special places in the Netherlands and one of the best day trips you can do from Amsterdam.

Expect it to be extremely busy, especially if you are traveling in the summer. Still, it’s a place that is so typically Dutch that I think it’s well worth the trip.

How to visit: Unless you have a car, the best way to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam is by taking an organized tour. I recommend this highly-rated day trip to Giethoorn .

Giethoorn is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam in the Netherlands

4. Keukenhof Gardens & Lisse Tulip Fields

Keukenhof is an impressively large flower garden boasting up to seven million flowers. It is only open for two months of the year and is filled with amazing collections of flowers in every color imaginable. I’m definitely no gardening enthusiast and at first, this sounded like something that would appeal more to my grandmother. But we ended up spending a good few hours wandering through the brightly colored displays.

There are cafes located throughout the gardens for a coffee break. Entrance costs are a little steep, but it’s worth it. Make sure to also take your time to also explore the adjacent tulip fields in this area!

The best time to visit is mid-April when most of the flowers are in bloom along with the tulips in the surrounding fields. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the heavy crowds that build up throughout the day.

Keukenhof is a popular springtime day trip from Amsterdam with many options varying from private transfers to small group tours. If you are visiting Amsterdam from mid-March till mid-May, don’t miss it!

LEARN MORE: Lisse Tulip Fields & Tips for Visiting Keukenhof Gardens

How to visit: The garden is about a 40-minute drive from Amsterdam, but it’s not very easy to reach it from Amsterdam if you don’t have a car. There is a shuttle from the airport, but if you are coming from the city center, it’s probably easiest to take a transfer or a tour. You can find the best Keukenhof tours and transfers here !

Good to know: Keukenhof has recently introduced timed-entry tickets. So if you want to visit the gardens this spring, you really have to book your tickets in advance . (This is the most popular day trip from Amsterdam in March-early May!)

Suggestion by Rohan from Travels of a Bookpacker .

Keukenhof and the tulip fields is the most popular spring day trip from Amsterdam

5. Bruges (Belgium)

Bruges is the most picturesque town in Belgium , often called ‘The Venice of the North’. With pretty canals, a maze of narrow medieval streets, and a big variety of Belgian specialties to taste or take home with you, Bruges is a very popular destination, also from the Netherlands. In fact, it’s one of the most popular day tours from Amsterdam.

Don’t miss the Markt – the main square of Bruges with impressive architecture, colorful buildings, and the medieval bell tower Belfort . You can climb all the way to the top for amazing views of the city and surroundings.

There are several churches and museums in Bruges that are worth a visit if you have more time. But if you are short on time, just stroll the picturesque streets, visit the famous Minnewaterpark, and take a look inside the beguinage Ten Wijngaerde. No trip to Bruges would be complete without taking a boat tour on its famous canals.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Bruges

How to visit: Bruges is located in Belgium, about 3 hours drive from Amsterdam. While it is possible to get there by car or by train, if you go to Bruges from Amsterdam for just a day, I recommend that you take an organized tour .

Bruges in Belgium - a popular day trip from Amsterdam

6. Rotterdam

Rotterdam is an amazing city that sometimes gets overshadowed by its bigger sister city, Amsterdam. However, Rotterdam is extremely up-and-coming and is not to be missed on a trip to The Netherlands. The best part is that it just so happens to be a 35-minute train ride from Amsterdam which makes it the perfect day trip! If you have more time, I recommend staying for the weekend to immerse yourself in the cool architecture and hip city vibes.

Be sure to start your day trip in the city center! Go to the massive Markthal, check out the cube houses and walk down the cute street of Pannekoekstraat! Then, check out the art wall and Luchtsingel Bridge before walking over to have a drink outside on Witte de Withstraat.

If you have time, check out the Delfshaven area which has some of the only buildings that weren’t destroyed by WWII! I recommend renting a bike or joining a guided bike tour – it’s the best way to see the highlights of Rotterdam in just a few hours. You won’t regret a day trip to Rotterdam!

TIP: The Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe. Don’t miss the chance to see the harbor in action – join a harbor cruise .

How to visit: Rotterdam is easy to visit from Amsterdam by train . There are also guided tours, most including a visit to several other towns in one day. This is the most popular tour to Rotterdam from Amsterdam – it brings you to Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague in one day.

Suggestion by Katie from The Traveling Spud .

Rotterdam is a nice town to visit as a day trip from Amsterdam

7. The Hague

Most visitors to the Netherlands only visit Amsterdam, but there are so many reasons to visit The Hague (Den Haag) , only 50km away from Amsterdam and next to the beach! The city is home to The Girl with the Pearl Earring and the art collection at the Mauritshuis Museum is only rivaled by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

Take a stroll through the country’s seat of parliament, the Binnenhof, and take in the architecture. Visit the gorgeous Peace Palace, which presides over international law – take a tour, or admire this impressive building from the outside.

Explore the world of M.C Escher at the permanent exhibition of the Het Paleis. The beach terraces on Zwarte Pad at Scheveningen are the place to be on a warm summer day. Chill out on a lounger while a DJ spins tropic-house in the background. You can extend your day trip to The Hague by staying for an all-night beach party.

How to visit: The Hague is just a short train trip from Amsterdam and you can easily visit on your own. The earlier-mentioned and highly-rated Grand Holland Tour visits The Hague in combination with Rotterdam and Delft in just one day from Amsterdam.

Best day trips from Amsterdam - The Hague

Best known for its blue & white ‘Delft Blue’ pottery (Delftware), Delft is another popular day trip from Amsterdam, often visited in combination with other nearby towns (such as The Hague and/or Rotterdam).

Delft is probably one of the most typical old-Holland style towns and one of our personal favorites in the Netherlands. It managed to keep its unique character from bygone days. It’s a small town and you don’t need much time to explore Delft, but it’s absolutely worth a visit!

Stroll the picturesque shady canals with old-style hump-backed bridges and visit the old city with the Old Church, the New Church, and the Market Square with the impressive City Hall building. Don’t miss the view from the tower of the New Church – it’s one of the best things to do in Delft!

If you have more time and interest in arts, you may want to visit Vermeer Centrum . Otherwise, walk around the historic town center, take a canal cruise , and check out some of the souvenir shops for Delftware and traditional Dutch souvenirs.

We also highly recommend visiting the Royal Delft Factory where you can learn more about traditional Delft and see how it’s still made and painted by hand today.

How to visit: If you have the whole day, simply take a train from Amsterdam to Delft . Alternatively, if you are short on time and want to make the most of it, you can take one of the organized tours that visit several towns in a day.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Delft

9. Brussels (Belgium)

Brussels , the capital city of Belgium, is also a popular day trip from the Netherlands. Direct train connection makes it possible to visit Brussels from Amsterdam, but prepare for it to be a long day!

The main landmark that you absolutely have to see in Brussels is the Grand Place – the main town square with the impressive City Hall and the 17th-century guild houses. Considered one of the most beautiful town squares in the world, It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth a trip in itself.

Other places of interest include the world-famous statue of Manneken Pis , the Royal Galleries, the Royal Palace of Brussels, and St Michael’s Cathedral.

With just one day in Brussels, it’s probably best to just stay in the city center, visit the sights I mentioned above, and indulge in Belgian chocolates, waffles, and beer. There are great food tours that you can join in Brussels – see the selection here – it’s a fun way to experience the city.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Brussels

How to visit: There is a direct train from Amsterdam to Brussels and it takes about 2 hours one way. Alternatively, you can join an organized tour . It’s also easy to visit Brussels on your own by train and it gives you more flexibility. A guided tour will, of course, save you time and you will see all the top sights in Brussels without having to do any research or advance preparation.

10. Kinderdijk

If you want to see traditional Dutch windmills in the original setting, then you should definitely consider a day trip to Kinderdijk , just 1,5 hours’ drive from Amsterdam.

Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with historic 19 windmills, dating from the 16-18th centuries. A visit here is a very unique opportunity to get acquainted with how life in the Netherlands was centuries ago and learn more about their centuries-old struggle against the rising water levels.

Furthermore, the scenery at Kinderdijk is truly picture-perfect. No matter when you visit – summer or winter, morning or evening – Kinderdijk is as picturesque as in the postcards.

How to visit: The easiest way to reach Kinderdijk from Amsterdam is by car or an organized tour . Alternatively, you first have to take a train to Rotterdam, from where you can get to Kinderdijk by waterbus.

LEARN MORE: Visiting Kinderdijk

Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the musts you shouldn't miss when in the Netherlans

11. Alkmaar Cheese Market

Alkmaar, just 30 min ride by train, is one of my personal suggestions for an unforgettable day trip from Amsterdam.

It’s a charming little town, best known for its centuries-old traditional cheese market. Don’t miss it, especially if you find yourself in Amsterdam during the summer months.

Alkmaar cheese market takes place on Friday mornings, weekly, between April and September.

LEARN MORE: Alkmaar Cheese Market

Howto visit: Take a train from Amsterdam to Alkmaar where you can either explore the town individually or book this guided tour of Alkmaar and the Cheese Market .

One of the best summertime day trips from Amsterdam is to visit Alkmaar cheese market

Gouda is much more than just a famous cheese town. With its compact size and a 55 minutes train ride from the Dutch capital, Gouda is a great day trip from Amsterdam. These are my recommendations for a visit:

Explore Gouda’s rich history and architectural delights:

The Town Hall on the central market square is an impressive monument that can not be missed.
St Jan church with its stunning stained glass windows is the tallest church in the Netherlands.
Courtyards, some yards even date back to 1449!
Admire the facades of the Gouda houses with special bricks, some even date back to 1609.

Try Gouda Cheese, Stroopwafels and Beer:

The Gouda cheese market occurs from April to the end of August. On Thursday mornings you can witness cheese making, cheese trading and weighing cheese in De Waag.
Stroopwafels are syrup waffles and my favorite Dutch treats. Try the waffles at the traditional Van Vliet bakery, where thousands are freshly baked daily.
If you are a beer lover, visit Den Gouwen Aar and get yourself a local Gouda beer.

TIP: If you don’t have the time to do any research in advance, join a guided monument walking tour of Gouda and see the best of this beautiful town in just 2 hours.

How to visit: Gouda is best reached by train from Amsterdam. There is now a guided tour from Amsterdam that includes a visit to Gauda as well as a few other popular places in a day.

Suggestion by Maartje from Quokka Travel. You can find more information about visiting Gouda on her blog.

Best day trips from Amsterdam - visit Gouda

13. Utrecht

Utrecht is a smaller and more laid-back version of Amsterdam and one of the must-do day trips in the Netherlands. With many more canals than Amsterdam, Utrecht is less touristy which will instantly make one fall in love with the picturesque streets laden with small cafes that are located right on the edge of the water.

The city has a vibrant student culture as it is home to the largest university in the Netherlands and also has many beautiful churches, marvelous galleries, and museums. Furthermore, you’ll find plenty of amazing yet inexpensive shopping options.

Do not miss the spectacular view of the city from the Dom Toren, but keep in mind there are over 450 steps to climb to get to the top!

TIP: If you have more time, make sure to visit the De Haar Castle in Utrecht.

How to visit: You can reach Utrecht by a direct Sprinter train from Amsterdam which takes just 40 minutes. A small selection of guided tours is also available.

Suggestion by Ketki from Explore With Ecokats .

Utrecht is one of the best day tips from Amsterdam - Castle De Haar

14. Haarlem

If you’re looking for a short day trip from Amsterdam, Haarlem is by far the easiest choice. Only 15 minutes away by train, Haarlem is the quintessential fairy-tale Dutch city, but without the hordes of tourists that you’ll see in Amsterdam.

It’s mandatory to stroll around Haarlem’s Grote Markt central square (which hosts a lively market on Saturdays) and visit the stunning St. Bavo church, where Mozart once played.

If you’re into museums, the eccentric collection at the Teyler’s Museum is worth anyone’s while. If not, there are several small canals near the central square, if you allow yourself to get a bit lost.

Haarlem has lots of nice canals too and one of the nicest ways to explore the center is by taking a canal cruise .

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to either De Overkant for the best sandwiches in the city, or De Friethoes for the best fries and mayonnaise. Finish it off with a round of craft beer and bitterballen at Jopenkerk, a hip church-turned-brewery, and you have the perfect day in Haarlem!

How to visit: By train from Amsterdam (just 15 minutes). If you rather explore Haarlem with a local, you can also book a walking or a bike tour of Haarlem .

Suggestion by Alex from Lost With Purpose .

Located a short 30-minute train ride away, Leiden provides all the charm of Amsterdam with less than half the tourists! Recognized locally as a University Town, they have a harbor, canals, gorgeous restaurants and coffee shops.

Furthermore, Leiden is home to some world-class museums. Their wing of the Rijksmuseum even has an Egyptian Temple gifted to the Netherlands in 1971! And don’t forget the city’s windmill museum – Molen de Valk – which is still operated by amateur millers today and offers the most incredible view above Leiden from its upper stories.

How to visit: By train from Amsterdam.

Suggestion by Vicki from Make Time To See The World. Check her blog for the top things to do in Leiden to help plan your trip!

16. Muiderslot Castle

If you’re obsessed with castles, you need to take a day trip to Muiderslot Castle , recently also known as Amsterdam Castle! This castle, only 40 minutes from Amsterdam by bus, dates back to the 12th century and even has a proper moat.

It is also the perfect day trip with kids as Muiderslot includes many interactive exhibitions (including knight-inspired games) for children, costumes for kids to try on, and even falcons on the weekends.

The castle is free with the iAmsterdam City Card (or you can get a ticket just for a visit to the castle ). It’s at its best in summer when the garden is in bloom, but it’s actually quite a nice place to see near Amsterdam in any season!

The town itself is also very cute and typically Dutch. This is a great and less touristy day trip from Amsterdam!

How to visit: Muiderslot Castle is located just 18km from Amsterdam and it’s best visited by car or by bike ( see the biking route map here ). You can also take a train + bus or a private tour that visits several castles in the Netherlands in a day .

Suggestion by Karen from WanderlustingK. You can read more about Muiderslot and other Dutch castles on her blog.

Best day trips from Amsterdam - Muiderslot Castle in Muiden

17. Amsterdam Forest

This is more of a low-key local day trip from Amsterdam. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this for tourists, but if you are in Amsterdam for a longer time, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Visiting Amsterdam Forest is one of my favorite day trips from Amsterdam. The forest is a huge artificial park and just a 15-minute bike ride south of the city.

The park offers something to all of us! Amsterdam Forest is great for walking, cycling, spotting Scottish highland cows and there are many activities for kids. If you visit in spring, the cherry blossom park is worth a visit. I try to inspire travelers to leave Amsterdam for (half) a day and explore the stunning Dutch landscapes.

My favorite spot in Amsterdam Forest is Goat Farm Riddammerhoeve where kids can feed baby goats and cuddle with chickens. Although I don’t have kids, I love to go there too to spend some time with the animals and eat delicious Dutch apple pie with whipped cream.

Suggestion by Maartje from Quokka Travel. Check her blog for more information about visiting Amsterdam Forest .

Best day trips from Amsterdam - Amsterdam Forest

More Suggestions for Day Trips from Amsterdam

Here are some additional suggestions for a few more Amsterdam day trips to consider:

Efteling – the best theme park in the Netherlands and one we visit with kids at least twice a year. Don’t miss the Fairytale Forest!
Kröller Müller Museum and The Hoge Veluwe National Park . Visit the second-largest Van Gogh collection in the world (80+ paintings and 180+ drawings) and ride a bike through a beautiful park. A perfect way to spend a day outside of Amsterdam!
Discover the Dutch countryside by bike from Amsterdam.
Dutch countryside tour by canoe from Amsterdam.

Planning Tips

If you are just planning to visit the cities in the Netherlands, you don’t really need a car. The traffic is really bad and parking is very expensive. The easiest way to do day trips from Amsterdam to other cities is by taking a train .

However, in addition to the above-mentioned day trips that you can easily make from Amsterdam, there are many more incredible experiences that are worth considering in the Netherlands, and also over the border in Belgium.

Some of these places are a bit more difficult to reach by public transport and are best visited either by renting a car or as a part of an organized tour. Still, I would only recommend renting a car in Benelux for those days when you will not be visiting the main cities and towns, and definitely not for the entire trip.

PRO TIP: Amsterdam is an extremely popular year-round travel destination, so be sure to book your hotels, tickets, and day trip tours as soon as possible . Accommodation prices skyrocket when availability is scarce, and some tours get sold out very quickly as well.

Where to Stay

If you are planning on doing several day trips from Amsterdam, we recommend staying close to the central railway station. Whether you are traveling on your own by train or taking organized tours, you will likely start and end your day at Amsterdam Centraal .

Here are a few of the best-rated hotels for various budgets, within a very short walking distance from the station:

€€€€€ Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky . €€€€ Park Plaza Victoria . €€€ Room Mate Aitana . €€ A-Train Hotel . €+ The Flying Pig Downtown .

READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Amsterdam (best areas for first-time visitors)

More information for visiting Amsterdam:

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Travel Tips
Best Museums to Visit in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Top Museums in Amsterdam
Van Gogh Museum Tips

Amsterdam itineraries:

1 Day in Amsterdam
2 Days in Amsterdam
3 Days in Amsterdam
4 Days in Amsterdam

Seasonal guides:

Amsterdam in June
Amsterdam in December
Amsterdam at Christmas

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Friday 1st of March 2024

Yes, Jurga. I'll follow your suggestions to book those refundable tours now.

Now the questions are: After my river cruise making a whole day stop at Kinderdijk & me staying 3 days in Amsterdam (+ visiting friends) afterwards, I probably have 3.5 days left for day trips. Is it still worthwhile to visit Zaanse if I've been to Kinderdilk? How about Edam, Volendam & Marken?

If yes, is it better do pick a whole day tour dedicating Giethoorn or it can be combined into one day tour to cover Zaanse & Giethoorn (and maybe also Edam/Volendam/...Would this be too rushed?)

Also, which booking platform works better for Amsterdam: GYG, Viator or something else?

Thanks again!!

Tuesday 5th of March 2024

Thank you again, Jurga, for your reply! I think my trip is well planned with your help. So looking forward to it!

Monday 4th of March 2024

Hi Sophie, all these places are worth a visit, but indeed, if you've seen Kinderdijk, Zaanse Schanse is somewhat similar. Kinderdijk is further from Amsterdam and fewer groups go there, so it might feel a bit more authentic. Zaanse Schans has more colorful buildings and windmills. Giethoorn - I wouldn't combine it with other places or it will be much too rushed. Edam, Volendam, Marken - very nice but also very busy because of the proximity to Amsterdam. Also, most tours combine these places with Zaanse Schans. You could also just take a bus and then rent a bike in Volendam and visit on your own. A bike tour of the countryside near Amsterdam could be a very nice alternative (the places they visit are not as busy) and it might be simpler and more enjoyable, especially if you are a solo traveler. As for booking platforms, both are ok, but we personally prefer GYG because of the ease of use and their customer service is great. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

Hi! Thanks for the great tips! Just wondering: is it advisable and feasible to use Utrecht as a base to do day trips to Bruges, Giethoom, Haarlem, Rotterdam, Hague/Delft (trying to lower hotel costs by staying outside of AMS after spending 3 days there)? Is it a good idea?

Are there organized tours departing from Utrecht, as in Amsterdam? If so, any recommendation for budget and convenient lodging in Utrecht please? Thank you so much!

Thank you for your reply, Jurga!

If I'm traveling to AMS around 6/5-6/10/2024, which organized tours for the day trips mentioned in your articles should I book now in case they get sold out quickly or do I have time to decide which to day to go where once I'm there physically? Thank you!

Hi Sophie, it depends a bit on what exactly you want to visit and how you would travel. In case you want to go with guided tours, Amsterdam will be much easier - there are tons of tour options from there. There are not many tours departing from Utrecht, if any at all. If you want to use public transport, you can do a lot by train from Utrecht and many local journeys are direct (e.g. there are direct trains between Utrecht and Rotterdam or Utrecht - The Hague). In some cases, like Haarlem or Giethoorn, you will have to take several trains or buses. If you want to visit Bruges or other places in Belgium, it will take much longer than from Amsterdam. You could also stay in Amsterdam a bit longer to do those day trips that are easier from there (Haarlem, Giethoorn (best with a tour), or Bruges (also best with a tour)) and then move on to Utrecht for the rest (Rotterdam, The Hague, Delft - all by train, no tours). As for accommodations, we always use Booking.com to find the best deals for our stays. Bunk Hotel Utrecht is one of the cheapest options not too far from the station. Alternatively, Leonardo Hotel is also on the more affordable side. For Amsterdam, please see our guide on where to stay in Amsterdam (and book as soon as you know your travel dates). Hope this helps.

Wednesday 18th of October 2023

I have a plan to bring my family for trip surround the Netherlands. I hope next year. Would you please so kind to help me what to choose the travel-tour in group? or maybe another options, at least, organized group travel?

I do thank you and appreciate it.

Thursday 19th of October 2023

Hi Vera, if you stay in Amsterdam, you can take organized group tours to any of the places you want to visit, as described in this article. I'm sure that there are multi-day tours of the Netherlands (and likely Belgium) too, but I have no personal experience with them. Also, it's not such a big country, so it's well doable to just stay in one location and take day trips to most of the best places - by train or with tours. Hope this helps.

Tuesday 11th of July 2023

thanks for all informations

Thursday 13th of July 2023

Glad to help. Enjoy The Netherlands!

Sunday 14th of February 2021

Hi Jurga, if we have time for just one place to visit near Amsterdam, which one do you recommend? We will be coming in September.

Monday 15th of February 2021

This is such a tough choice, Jamie! I think I'd go for a day tour that covers several places in a day. If you like to get to know smaller towns and see windmills, check out this tour. And if you rather visit cities, check out this day tour. If you go on your own, you can never see as much in a day. If you don't have a car, you can easily visit Zaanse Schans or Haarlem by train from Amsterdam, so that's probably the easiest option. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Accessibility Links

17 of the best affordable hotels in Amsterdam under £150

From an indoor camping concept to a high-rise haven where even the bathroom has a harbour view, our round-up of amsterdam’s most reasonable rooms is full of surprises.

Wind Skybar at Four Elements Hotel Amsterdam

A msterdam might not be the cheap and cheerful weekend away it once was, and rowdy groups now face nasty fines, but it remains an affordable destination for budget travellers thanks to a new generation of stylish, frills-free hotels. Gone are the days when low-cost accommodation in the Dutch capital meant dark, dingy hotel rooms or bunks with bedbugs. Today, internet reviews are making or breaking businesses, improving the city’s historically hit-and-miss service culture and helping cash-strapped visitors make savvy choices.

If you can check yourself in, forego a few facilities and cope with a bedroom branded as ‘snug’, then rooms in the centre are still in the running, albeit without a canal view. If not, cross the Amstel river and head to the studenty east where cool cafés, green spaces and stonking rooftop views are just a tram-ride from the town centre. Or explore the harbours of Houthavens, NDSM and Zeeburg along Amsterdam’s waterfront, for rooms which are actually roomy and may have a gym or spa thrown in too. Here are the best affordable hotels in Amsterdam.

This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue

1. Tribe Amsterdam City, North

£ | Best for style at a snip

In 2022, Tribe Amsterdam City added its name to a growing group of hotels transforming Amsterdam’s industrial north. The striking modern decor of this 192-room hotel chimes with the alternative arts scene this side of town, and features giant black and white portraits over the bed and funky pink armchairs that look like they were fashioned in a sausage factory. Yes, you are surrounded by road and rail, but the metro on your doorstop will have you in the centre in under ten minutes.

Price B&B doubles from £121

2. Outside Inn, Duivendrecht

£ | Best for nostalgia on a backpacker’s budget

This pad brands itself as an “indoor camping hotel” and the concept lets you experience a classic Dutch holiday without chancing the local weather. You’re in a warehouse carpeted with Astroturf but don’t let that put you off — central Amsterdam is just 20 minutes away and there’s much fun to be had in choosing your bed from Scandi-style chalets, candy-coloured beach huts, a retro camper van or a 1970s caravan. The shower block and loos are shared, but there’s underfloor heating throughout the building and breakfast and beer on site.

Price B&B doubles from £86

3. Met Hotel Amsterdam, New West

£ | Best for class and comfort

Location, schmocation — sometimes it’s the quality of the accommodation that counts most. The Met Hotel is a case in point; known for its attentive service and what it calls “no-nonsense luxury”, its 56 modern, spacious rooms are a fraction of the price you’d pay in the centre, a mere ten-minute cab ride away. Sleek design is everywhere. Downstairs, a glassy cocktail bar with ornate brickwork serves up fancy drinks and park views; while in the smart wood-panelled bedrooms, room functions that can be controlled from your bed — and marble-trimmed ceramic bathrooms with walk-in rain showers — give this three-star hotel a five-star flavour.

Price B&B doubles from £120

4. Yotel Amsterdam, North

£ | Best for escaping the crowds

One of Amsterdam-Noord’s most affordable hotels, the 202-room Yotel takes its inspiration from first-class air travel, increasing the functionality of its compact “cabins” with SmartBeds and fold-away desks and creating a futuristic feel with adjustable coloured lighting. The hotel’s south-facing waterside terrace is a green oasis in a neighbourhood still under construction, and has a dining experience (burgers, sandwiches, salad and more) that is fortunately a far cry from airline food. For thrift stores, boho bars and an alternative arts scene, the location is great; for the typical tourist stuff, not so much.

Price B&B doubles from £110

5. Conscious Hotel The Tire Station, Old West

Café Moer at Conscious Hotel The Tire Station

£ | Best for comfort with a conscience

When the sign over the door reads “Don’t be shy, let’s sleep together”, you’re either in the Netherlands or the hotel is angling for a young clientele. In this case, it’s both, as this former tyre shop near the Vondelpark tries hard to make sustainability something hip and sexy. Expect eco-conscious furnishings, certified wood and solar panels. Despite a “Get Naked” sign in the bathroom and comfy Dutch Auping beds, the modern rooms feel more studenty than seductive, with postcards pinned to a corkboard wall and a stripped-down decor.

Price B&B doubles from £88

6. The ED Amsterdam, Old West

£ | Best for Gen Z party people

The golden crocodile head that greets guests on arrival is the first of a menagerie of beasts decorating this quirky three-star hotel surrounded by bars and restaurants. Jungle wallpaper in the lobby, pictures of pets in period clothing in the breakfast room, and a blue dog — the ED’s mascot — cushion on every bed suggest a hotel that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is targeting a younger crowd. Rooms are smallish and overlook the street, but fun, affordable hotels this central are rare, and many guests here prefer to splash their cash on the nearby nightlife instead.

Price B&B doubles from £144

7. Generator Amsterdam, East

£ | Best for nature

There’s plenty of fauna to investigate at this former university zoology faculty, surrounded by trees and parkland and with its own bat and insect hotels. Rooms, decked out with tribal feature walls, have balconies and floor-to-ceiling views over the Oosterpark. Night owls, meanwhile, can creep down to the characterful auditorium bar, a former lecture theatre featuring the original tiered seating. For food, follow Eerste Oosterparkstraat west or settle yourself among the Mondrianesque decor of the hotel’s Nescio Café for a menu that goes on and on.

Price B&B doubles from £136

8. DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam — NDSM Wharf, North

DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam at NDSM Wharf

£ | Best for alternative adventures

In a regenerated shipyard best known for its flea market, street art and urban beach bars, you might be surprised to find a nine-storey Hilton hotel with Ralph Lauren wallpaper and fountains in the lobby. But despite a few fancy touches, such as a gym and room service, the room rate is low, due no doubt to the short ferry ride that separates the wharf from the centre, but only adds to the adventure. Ask for a harbour-facing room near the top: you can spot heaps of Amsterdam’s landmarks from your bed; in some rooms there’s even a view from the bathroom.

Price B&B doubles from £147

9. Max Brown Hotel Museum Square, Museum Quarter

£ | Best for culture and fashion

On one of Amsterdam’s chicest streets, between the designer boutiques of the Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat and the historic Rijksmuseum, this little hotel is high in style but surprisingly low in price, leaving culture lovers with a little leftover cash for tickets to the famous concert hall and galleries on its doorstep. Original features such as stained-glass windows and wooden stairways meld with vintage touches including ice cream-coloured tea sets and leather door handles in the bedrooms, where knotty pine-clad walls create a cosy New England aesthetic. Bring your friends; several rooms sleep three or four.

Price B&B doubles from £102

10. Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens, Houthavens

£ | SPA | POOL | Best for bargain beds with benefits

Luring millennials and Gen-Zs to the dramatic industrial docklands of the west is new-build Moxy, the cheeky teenage daughter of the Marriott family, which arrived on this remote promontory in 2018. DJ nights, table football and beer pong encourage the young clientele to meet and mingle, but there are plenty of grown-up, sophisticated features too: a pool, sauna and gym, for example. The 120 bedrooms have spacious walk-in showers, and — in the corner rooms, especially — incredible harbour views. Town feels a world away, but a bike, bus or cab will get you there in around 15 minutes.

Price B&B doubles from £105

11. Four Elements Hotel Amsterdam, Zeeburg

£ | Best for super-sized sustainability

On a pristine man-made island, just a 20-minute tram ride from the centre, this huge zero-energy hotel is powered by the Dutch weather and uses a natural air-con system modelled on the humble termite mound. A huge terrace planted with crops used by the kitchen overlooks a little marina with a sailing school and vintage yachts, while up on the tenth floor, there’s a gym, a panoramic bar, and three surprisingly affordable suites with huge bathrooms. Tyre tracks on the walls of some rooms are a reminder that everything here has a second life, from recycled cotton sheets to tumblers fashioned from sawn-off wine bottles.

Price B&B doubles from £111

• Best hotels in Amsterdam • Beautiful boutique hotels in Amsterdam

12. CityHub Amsterdam, Old West

£ | Best for backpackers

Branding itself as “an urban hotel for digital natives”, CityHub’s capsule concept uses technology such as app-controlled mood lighting and speakers to pimp out the tiny L-shaped two-person pods its guests sleep in, which resemble space-age sleeper carriages in a long white train. Bathrooms are communal, but kimonos are supplied to protect your modesty. You can purchase snacks using an electronic wristband and there’s a market, cafés and a trendy foodhall on your doorstep. The canal district is just 15 minutes’ walk away.

Price B&B doubles from £72

13. Sonder Park House, Museum Quarter

£ | Best for outdoor space

You’ve got your morning run covered with this boutique hotel that’s practically nose-to-nose with the entrance to the city’s magnificent Vondelpark. Adjoining bay-fronted 19th-century townhouses conceal 83 stylish rooms and suites whose rates are kept low due to a self-check-in system and minimal central facilities — no breakfast, for example — although the rooms themselves are well-equipped. Arched windows and exposed beams in some rooms lend character often missing in the low-cost sector, while a large terrace to the rear provides a peaceful retreat.

Price Room-only doubles from £98

14. Hotel van de Vijsel, Old West

£ | Best for chic simplicity

This boutique hotel by the Leidseplein entertainment district is the largest of the Vondel Hotels’ seven Amsterdam hotels, but has a friendly feel with cosy communal areas enlivened by funky artwork. In keeping with the property’s former life as a timber warehouse, there’s wood everywhere, from modern wall panelling to chunky vertical beams reclaimed from the original building. A biscuity colour scheme of gingers, taupes and cream adds warmth to classy little duplex suites and smart, sparsely furnished rooms. Many open on to a striking atrium scored by concrete walkways with chunky black railings — a chic take on the building’s industrial past.

Price B&B doubles from £130

15. Motel One Amsterdam-Waterlooplein, Central

£ | Best for a central location

Walking distance from heaps of the main attractions, this three-star hotel brings simple, affordable accommodation with luxurious touches such as box-spring beds, Egyptian cotton sheets and an organic breakfast. The lobby downstairs is more characterful and features upcycled furniture and accessories made by local artists, such as a giant chandelier formed from reclaimed glass lampshades — a nod to the flea market nearby. There’s no restaurant so you’ll have to eat out, but as the bar serves over 50 types of gin and an assortment of snacks, it’s fun to linger there before bed.

16. The Social Hub Amsterdam City, East

£ | Best for reliving your youth

This cool, self-consciously Instagrammable 13-floor hotel doubles as accommodation for students and does what it can to spread some of that youthful verve to the tourists and business travellers also staying there. In the bedrooms, laminate furniture is accessorised with preppy props such as Anglepoise lamps, a pinboard and a pennant flag, while in the colourful lobby on the ground floor there’s table tennis and funky furniture such as a smiley-shaped coffee table. Mottos are everywhere — “Do the hustle,” we are told, and “Only dead fish go with the flow” — but it’ll all look good on your socials.

Price B&B doubles from £125

17. Volkshotel, East

£ | SPA | Best for quirky room concepts

In a 1960s concrete hulk of a building in Amsterdam Oost, once offices for De Volkskrant newspaper, this “people’s hotel” aims to please. With around 200 rooms, there are spacious quads for friends or families; a 5 sq m cabin for cash-strapped couples; and for those with more means, themed double rooms such as the sultry Soixante Neuf with its bath for two, or the Cabin in the Woods, a sort of indoor treehouse. The centre’s a short metro ride away, but there’s always something to do on site, from a dip in the open-air hot tubs to a drink in the rooftop bar.

Price B&B doubles from £63

• Best things to do in Amsterdam • Best boat hotels in Amsterdam

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19 best day trips from Amsterdam: the ultimate travel guide

Out of the city, into the Netherlands

Thinking about taking a day trip from Amsterdam? Wat leuk! (How nice!) There is heaps to see in the Dutch capital, but you can discover even more outside of the city.

Picking what to do and see in a short time can be confusing and complicated — but we have some top travel recommendations, no matter what you want to see!

Here are 19 of the best day trips you can take from Amsterdam, sorted by distance. 😉

This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement .

1. Zaanse Schans: a picture-perfect town of windmills

2. haarlem: the river city, 3. broek in waterland: a village fit for sea captains, 4. marken: a former island in the zuiderzee, 5. volendam: a traditional dutch fishing town, 6. hoorn: the pearl of the ijsselmeer, 7. leiden: the city of arts and sciences, 8. utrecht: the very centre of the dutch mainland, 9. rotterdam: a city with an unmatched skyline, 10. the hague: city of international peace and justice, 11. delft: home to vermeer and delft blaauw, 12. gouda: the birthplace of iconic dutch cheese , 13. schiedam: home to the world’s tallest windmill, 14. dordrecht: a historic trading port, 15. tilburg: dutch textile central, 16. groningen: the hidden gem of the north, 17. den helder: city of the sun, 18. giethoorn: venice of the netherlands, 19. bourtange: the medieval fortress village, how to get around the netherlands for day trips, day trips from amsterdam: frequently asked questions, day trips less than 30-minutes from amsterdam.

If you won’t be in the city for long, a 30-minute day trip from Amsterdam is perfect if you want to get out of the city for a day! Here are our top picks for nearby towns and cities.

A trip to the Netherlands would be incomplete without seeing windmills — and there’s no better way to see them than in the historical town of Zaanse Schans . 🍃

This quaint village gives visitors an accurate impression of Dutch living in the 17th and 18th centuries.

From cheese and dairy factories to traditional windmills and historical museums, you’ll live, breathe, and experience the old Zaan style of living. Classic!

🚗 Travel time by car: 21 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Station Zaanse Schans, 17 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Zaanse windmills, Honig Breethuis, Museumwinkel

An ideal day trip from Amsterdam, Haarlem is located between the Spaarne River and coastal dunes — did someone say beach? 🏖

Canalside-view-of-Haarlem-in-the-Netherlands

This city has everything : bustling markets and shopping streets, plenty of family-friendly cultural activities like museums , comedy clubs, concerts, and cuisine choices to die for. 🍴

If you’re looking for a change of scenery but still want to have lots of activities to do, Haarlem is the place for you.

🚗 Travel time by car: 30 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Station Haarlem, 19 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: St. Bavo’s Kerk (church), Grote Markt, Bloemendaal aan Zee

Broek in Waterland made a name for itself back in the 16th century — a popular vacation destination for sea captains! 🧑🏻‍✈

If you’re looking for a getaway from the big city, Broek in Waterland is the definition of an idyllic Dutch town.

READ MORE | The 10 best authentic Dutch villages that you have to visit

With a population of fewer than 2,500 people, this village has quiet streets and picturesque nature. 🌿

Old-traditional-harbour-of-Broek-in-waterland

Its standout feature is its traditional wooden houses, with more than 80 of them considered National Heritage Sites.

There are also lots of biking and walking routes nearby. If you’re looking to get some fresh air and exercise while on a day trip from Amsterdam, check out the biking tours around the town!

🚗 Travel time by car: 14 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Broek in Waterland, 18 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Traditional village townhouses

Marken was separated from the Dutch mainland in the 13th century by a storm, turning it into an island in the Markermeer lake. ⛈

Residents of the town built wooden houses on artificial hills to prevent more flooding damage. To this day, these picturesque homes remain a popular cultural attraction.

Only nine kilometres in area, you can easily walk across the whole town and island.

On your walk, you can visit the cosy town harbour or enjoy the scenic route of fields, forests, and the lakeshore. 🚣🏼

This lovely town has historical connections to Volendam, so you could make it a longer day trip from Amsterdam and visit two towns with one ferry. 😉

🚗 Travel time by car: 27 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Marken, 45 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Paard van Marken Lighthouse, The Marken Museum

Volendam is the best-known fishing village in the Netherlands. You can visit the old harbour full of traditional Dutch ships, many of which are still in use! 🎣

This day trip from Amsterdam would be incomplete without trying some of the fish delicacies — you can finally conquer your fear of raw haring (herring) and smoked eel, or stick to the delicious kibbeling (deep-fried codfish).

Volendam is also one of the few towns where you can experience the traditional Dutch clothing style.

It’s one of the most recognisable traditional Dutch costumes, with charming hats and clogs ( not everyone wears them , so they’re extra special). You can even wear the clothes yourself for a souvenir picture !

Day trips less than one hour from Amsterdam

If you have a little more time on your hands, these day trips from Amsterdam are worth checking out!

They’re just a tad further away from the Dutch capital, but you’ll find some beautiful monuments and sites if you make the trip.

Hoorn is located by the IJsselmeer, an artificial sea-turned-lake in Noord Holland. This harbour town has a lively centre, with plenty of shops, terraces, and restaurants to enjoy.

If you’re looking for an authentic Dutch maritime village, Hoorn is the go-to choice.

You can also check out historical monuments like the historic ship and 16th-century warehouses, the defence tower built in the 16th century, and the Oosterkerk (Eastern Church) for fishers and sailors!

If you want to get active, you can try out some water sports (although we can’t guarantee comfortable water temperatures 🥶) or take a walk on the beach and dunes around the area. 🚶🏻

🚗 Travel time by car: 35 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Station Hoorn, 33 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Westfries Museum, The Red Square, De Hoornse Straatjes

With canals and architecture to rival Amsterdam, Leiden might be one of the most underrated places.

We should know — it’s our headquarters and one of our favourite Dutch cities! 😉

A walk through the city centre will show you all the trendy restaurants, bars, and cafés .

Leiden is also home to cute unique shops where you can buy handmade ceramics, old-fashioned mechanical wristwatches, and vintage records.

A university city since 1575, Leiden has been a prominent art and science centre of the world.

The inner city is full of museums and historical buildings like the Leiden Citadel and the old city gates. It was also home to more Dutch artists than you might expect — Rembrandt, Steen, and more! 👨🏼‍🎨

Plenty of trains pass through Leiden, making it a convenient day trip from Amsterdam. 😌

🚗 Travel time by car: 42 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Leiden Centraal, 43 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Hortus Botanicus Leiden, Hooglandse Kerk, Museum de Lakenhal

Utrecht is the Netherlands’ bright, beating heart connecting the east to the west at the centre of the Netherlands.

Built around the Dom Tower, you can see this spectacular monument from all around the city — so you’ll never get lost!

The historic city is surrounded by an old moat called The Singel, built for defence in the 12th century.

One of the most special parts of Utrecht is its unique terraces: landings right next to the canals that thrive with bars and restaurants.

With lots of places to shop and eat, cultural spots like museums and concert halls, access to nature, and beautiful inner-city sites, you won’t run out of things to do in Utrecht .

This city is a super convenient day trip from Amsterdam because of the direct intercity train (the fast train that travels between cities) that runs four times an hour. The journey is less than 30 minutes! 🚅

🚗 Travel time by car: 44 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Utrecht Centraal, 26 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: The Dom Tower, Rietveld Schröder House, Hoog Catharijne

A city of skyscrapers, bright buildings, and modern facades, Rotterdam is the metropolis of the Netherlands. 🏙

Rotterdam was heavily bombed during World War II, which is why you see far less iconic Dutch architecture from the 17th century, like in Amsterdam or Leiden.

The city has a thriving nightlife scene, sophisticated shopping streets and markets, hip cultural attractions, and a wealth of good food .

Rotterdam might be best known for its expansive port and the iconic skyline that graces the river Maas. ⛴

It’s also another convenient day trip from Amsterdam with direct intercity trains running every 15 minutes from the central stations!

🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 1 minute 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Rotterdam Centraal, 41 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Markthal, The Euromast, The Cube Houses, Blijdorp Zoo

The Hague is the political capital of the Netherlands, making it a perfect pairing for a day trip from Amsterdam, the cultural capital.

This Dutch city is filled with historical monuments and museums, is the only major city with a beach and has an international scene second to none in the Netherlands.

You can enjoy a beautiful city centre with places to eat and shop to your heart’s desire, or perhaps go hiking in one of many scenic locations in the Hague like the Haagse Bos.

If you’re looking to dip your feet in the (albeit, freezing) sea, look no further than Scheveningen Pier .

It’s the perfect place to sit by the beach, grab a drink, and enjoy the sea, whether it’s doing water sports or just lounging. 🙂

🚗 Travel time by car: 58 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Den Haag Centraal, 53 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Peace Palace, Buitenhof, Madurodam, Scheveningen Pier and Boardwalk

Delft has an international reputation for being the hometown of Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer and the originator of Delft Blaauw (Delft Blue) pottery.

It is the definition of a full-sized city with a small-town feeling — gezellig! 🔵

View-of-main-square-in-Delf-the-Netherlands

The city boasts beautiful architecture and historical sights like the Eastern Gate from the old city walls to the New Church of Delft.

If you’re curious about experiencing another student city, Delft’s busy nightlife will keep you up on your feet all night long. 💃🏻

🚗 Travel time by car: 59 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Station Delft, 1 hour and 5 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Delft City Hall, Old Church of Delft

Which came first, the cheese or the city? For Gouda , the city is the namesake for this world-famous cheese . 🧀

It’s a surprisingly old city with plenty of old monuments and buildings from as early as the 13th century, like the city hall (formerly surrounded by a moat!) and St. John’s Church.

Saint-John's-church-tower-in-the-city-of-Gouda-the-netherlands

The city is quaint, but the centre bustles with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés.

Check out the weekly Markt (market) on Thursdays and Saturdays and the first Fairtrade Street in the Netherlands, where all street food is sustainably produced and sold!

🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Station Gouda, 53 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Gouda cheese market, Old City Hall, The Waag (weigh house) Museum

Yep, you heard that right! While there are windmills all around the Netherlands, Schiedam has the tallest traditional windmills of all, standing at 26.6 metres. 🍃

Tall windmills for a tall group of people , it seems. 🤷🏻

Tallest-windmill-in-Schiedam-the-netherlands

Schiedam is also known for being the Netherlands’ gin capital , with the city producing the most jenever (also known as Dutch gin) in the country.

There are also multiple bars museums where you can check out the production process. 🍸

Apart from windmills and gin, you can visit Gothic cathedrals, 14th-century churches, and history museums, creating an excellent combination of culture and recreation in one day trip from Amsterdam!

🚗 Travel time by car: 55 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Schiedam Centrum, 1 hour and 8 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: National Jenever Museum, Jenever ‘t Spul, Liduina Basilica, Stedelijk Museum Schiedam

Day trips over an hour from Amsterdam

If you’re looking to get out of the region and visit a far off place (for Dutch standards), here are some longer day trips from Amsterdam!

Dordrecht is the oldest city in Holland (we mean the old province of Holland and not the so-called “country” !).

There are plenty of cultural spots, including seven churches and several historical monuments-turned-museums.

Harbour-and-canal-in-dordrecht-the-netherlands

While most of the Netherlands is surrounded by canals and dikes, water and boats make a unique part of Dordrecht’s cityscape.

As an old trading port, there are plenty of historic boats scattered around the old harbours connected by canals. Check out the canal network and catch a boat tour ! 🚤

🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 5 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Dordrecht Centraal, 1 hour and 34 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Dordrechtsmuseum, Munt van Holland (Mint of Holland), Grote Kerk

Tilburg is the second-largest city in Noord Brabant and is a city with a focus on turning old into new . ✨

Originally famous for its textile industry , the city has now made a name for itself for its energetic street art , world-class museums , urban scene , and as one of the greenest cities in the Netherlands.

Don’t miss a trip to the LocHal library , a former warehouse converted into a library and the 2019 World Building of the Year !

If you visit in July, Tilburg runs a 10-day fair that draws more than a million visitors every year. 🎡

🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 28 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Tilburg Centraal, 1 hour and 52 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Textielmuseum, Stadsmuseum Tilburg, Tilburg Kermis

Despite being far away from most big cities, Groningen attracts many travel buffs, making it the perfect day trip from Amsterdam if you really want to get out of your surroundings.

Groningen has a compact city centre with restaurants and shops, beautiful sites like the Martini Tower and Grote Markt, and contemporary art museums. 🗼

As a student city, Groningen has exciting nightlife — plenty of clubs and bars included. 😉

Along with an energetic centre, quiet countryside surrounds Groningen city, which you can enjoy.

You can hike on one of the beautiful trails through the dunes and along the coast or take a cycle route around artificial hills, forests, and old forts.

🚗 Travel time by car: 2 hours 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Groningen Station, 2 hours ⭐ Don’t miss: Groninger Museum, Martinitoren, Groningen City Centre

Surrounded by water on three sides, Den Helder is a maritime city at heart.

On the northernmost point of the Dutch coast, the city has a lot of naval sights to see, including the largest naval base in the Netherlands.

Den Helder boasts a rich history with the largest Dutch naval base, a historic harbour, and fascinating marine attractions, including the North Sea Aquarium and three museum ships (museums homed in historic ships from the Dutch Navy!).

If you’re seeking nature and scenery, the city has a wide variety of landscapes — you can take a refreshing hike around the dunes and polders surrounding the Wadden Sea.

🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 10 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Den Helder, Steiger TESO, 1 hour and 40 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Fort Kijkduin, The Marine Museum, Lange Jaap Lighthouse

A picture-perfect landscape, Giethoorn is an almost entirely car-free village, replaced with boats and, of course, bicycles.

READ MORE | 14 glorious things to do in Giethoorn in 2024

You don’t want to miss a boat tour around this scenic town or a pleasant hike around the area. 🚶🏻

Giethoorn is a Dutch town through and through — with winding canals, countless boats, and quaint matching houses, it doesn’t get more gezellig than this. 🧘🏻

🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 26 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Blauwe Hand Bus Station, 2 hours ⭐ Don’t miss: Boat tour through Giethoorn, Gondola festival, Giethoorn walking route

While the name suggests a beautiful rural town in France, Bourtange is actually in the Netherlands! Although, it might be the longest day trip from Amsterdam yet.

This small village is a perfectly restored fortress town from medieval times in the north, built in the shape of a star. ⭐️

Aerial-view-of-bourtange-village-in-the-netherlands

With a population of 430 people, there isn’t much room for proper shopping — but you can check out smaller quirky shops with Delfs Blaauw pottery, candles, other gifts, and trinkets.

We recommend exploring the mediaeval architecture which you’ll find all over the city. From fortified walls and traditional houses to windmills, visiting Bourtange is like visiting a village-sized museum!

🚗 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 35 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Bourtange Bus Station, 3 hours and 16 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: City fortifications, Church of Bourtange

There are a couple of ways to get around for day trips in the Netherlands depending on what you’re comfortable with; taking public transport, hiring a car, and cycling.

Using the Dutch public transport system for day trips

Public transport in the Netherlands is reliable and easy to use — most big cities have trains, trams, and buses, and some, like Rotterdam and Amsterdam, even have metros and ferries.

If you’re travelling between cities and towns, you can buy many types of (cheap) train tickets . The day ticket is the most common and accessible ticket to travel on any train during off-peak hours.

READ MORE | 21 beautiful towns in the Netherlands that aren’t Amsterdam

You can buy tickets on most trams and buses within cities. Metro and train stations have machines to buy tickets. The Netherlands also has an extensive night public transport system that you can use.

taking-the-amsterdam-public-tram-system-on-day-trips-from-amsterdam

An OV-chipkaart (public transport card) can be the easiest option if you plan to make a lot of day trips from Amsterdam using public transport.

With this, you can load a balance on so you can check in and out of the turnstiles with ease.

You can usually buy an anonymous OV-chipkaart in the major train stations. Just go to the NS service desk and ask to buy one!

Hiring a car to visit Dutch towns and cities

There are five major car rental companies where you can hire a car: Avis Budget, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt.

If you’re flying into Schiphol Airport, you can rent a car from one of these companies directly at the airport. You can pre-book a car or just go with the flow and see what’s there on the day!

If you’re arriving in Amsterdam another way, these car rental companies have rental locations in the city itself.

Biking on a day trip from Amsterdam

Biking around your desired day trip city is a great way to get a feel for Dutch cycling culture!

If you have a personal OV chipkaart (only available to residents of the Netherlands), you can go full circle and rent an OV-fiets .

photo-of-man-and-woman-cycling-on-their-day-trips-from-amsterdam

The NS has set up bicycle rental locations at most train stations, bus and metro stops, and P+R facilities which you can rent for a few hours at a time.

If you only have an anonymous OV-chipkaart or none at all, you can rent a bicycle from companies in Amsterdam.

Different types of bicycles are available for hourly/daily rates. We promise you don’t have to bike like a seasoned Dutchie — but do be careful on the bike paths.

What are the best day trips from Amsterdam?

Depending on how much time you have during your trip to Amsterdam, there are different trips you can take

Some beautiful locations are within 30 minutes by car or train, such as Haarlem or Volendam, while others can take two to three hours to reach, like Bourtange and Tilburg.

You can choose to visit smaller towns and villages or a big city like Rotterdam — depending on whether you want to visit another urban space or get a break in the quieter, more rural areas, there are plenty of locations to pick from.

Where can I see windmills near Amsterdam?

The closest windmill town to Amsterdam is Zaanse Schans, less than 30 minutes by either car or public transport. If you’re looking for other windmill locations, you can check out Kinderdijk and Schiedam, close to Rotterdam.

Where can I see tulips near Amsterdam?

Tulip season runs throughout spring, so the best time to see the Dutch tulips is from March to May. The most popular tulip attraction in the Netherlands is De Keukenhof in Lisse, a large flower garden that features tulips.

Lisse is about 1 hour and 22 minutes away from Amsterdam Centraal Station by public transport and 44 minutes by car. You can only enter the park with a ticket, so make sure to book them in advance if you’re interested in visiting.

There are other tulip fields by independent farmers in Lisse while walking or cycling around — usually, you can visit these parks for free, but there’s no guarantee the farmers will let tourists near their tulips.

Can you do a day trip from Amsterdam to Bruges?

Yes! You can take a train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Bruges.

Travel time and prices vary depending on the type of journey, which train you take, and whether you have transfers. The average travel time from Amsterdam to Bruges is between one to two hours.

Where is it easy to travel to from Amsterdam?

We recommend a location within 30 minutes from Amsterdam by car or train for extra easy travel. You can check out Haarlem if you want a change of scenery but want to stick to a city.

Smaller traditional towns like Marken and Volendam will give you a great impression of the scenic Dutch countryside.

If you want to see other big cities, Amsterdam has direct trains that run every 15 minutes to Rotterdam and Utrecht — you can get to the city in less than 30 minutes on these trains!

What’s close to Amsterdam by train?

Generally, the bigger the city/town, the easier it is to reach by train and public transport. So if you’re looking for a laidback day trip with public transport, going to a city like Den Haag, Leiden, and Gouda is the most convenient.

Intercity trains connect most of the Randstad cities, so these trains run consistently — every 15 minutes in both directions from 5 AM to 12 AM.

Liked it? Try these on for size:

A summer break in oostende: not your average beach town, solar panels in the netherlands: the ultimate guide, best beaches in the netherlands: the ultimate guide to dutch beaches, what do you think.

How about Utrecht? Or Harderwijk? Edam? Or with a slightly longer drive Sneek or Bolsward, Harlingen, Leeuwarden? I could even provide some tips on why and what to enjoy.

Where is Haarlem on this list?? Closer to Amsterdam than Leiden, only 15 minutes by train. Full of history, canals, restaurants, bars and shops.

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Destinations

The Absolute Best Day Trips From Amsterdam, According To Rick Steves

From strolling by blooming tulips to admiring some of the best art on the planet, there is no shortage of things to do in Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands. On his website, European travel expert Rick Steves recommends checking out the Rijksmuseum to see Rembrandts and Vermeers, the Dutch Resistance Museum to learn about how the Dutch fought back against Nazi occupation, and the Royal Palace, to experience some of the most beautiful 17th-century architecture on the continent. While you could easily spend an entire trip in Amsterdam, the secret to understanding the Netherlands is to leave the big city and explore the small towns and villages. You don't even have to go far. Some of the best little communities to visit are just a quick day trip from Amsterdam.

We've learned a lot of great travel tips from Rick Steves , but one of the best is to look for hidden gems instead of tourist hot spots . On his website , Steves and fellow travel writer Gene Openshaw recommend a few villages that aren't far from Amsterdam: Edam, Volendam, Marken, Alkmaar, Hoorn, and Enkhuizen. These delightful villages and towns may not have museums with hundreds of Van Gogh paintings or an enormous free library with a terrace offering views of the city, but they do offer delicious cheese, beautiful boat trips, and a glimpse into what it's really like to live in the Netherlands.

Visit the Waterland villages

It might feel almost unbelievable while you're standing amid the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, but after less than an hour on the train (and even quicker if you happen to have a car), you can be strolling across winsome wooden bridges spanning canals that crisscross the countryside. On his website, Rick Steves recommends visiting Waterland, a northern municipality that includes the towns and villages of Edam, Volendam, and Marken.

Rick Steves recommends planning your visit to Europe based on your interests , and this Waterland excursion is one for the foodies. If you love cheese, Edam might just become the highlight of your trip. This cozy charmer is one of the oldest towns in North Holland, and its architecture represents its seniority. Edam is famous for its cheese, which, if you happen to visit fancy cheese shops from time to time, you might recognize by its colorful wax coating. If you visit in late summer, plan your outing to Edam for Wednesday mornings to see local farmers deliver their huge balls of fresh cheeses, often on rafts and sleighs.

Head north from Amsterdam

If you're based in Amsterdam but are still longing to see more of the Netherlands, try heading north. In the proposed itinerary posted on his blog, Rick Steves and Gene Openshaw recommend Hoorn, Enkhuizen, and Alkmaar. Hoorn was established in 1357, and although it has changed significantly since it was the capital of medieval West Friesland, it is a fabulous destination for history lovers. Along with two medieval churches from the 1500s, you can get a look into more recent history and take a ride on a functioning steam train. Luckily, Hoorn is only about half an hour from Amsterdam by train.

For a slightly longer trip (about an hour from Amsterdam), Enkhuizen (pictured above) is also packed with fascinating historical sights. It was once a major trading hub and port city, and a visit to the outdoor section of the town's beloved Zuiderzeemuseum is a must. The outdoor exhibit transports visitors to the past by letting them explore old cobblestone streets and well-preserved historic buildings. You can also enjoy some historic buildings in Alkmaar, a delightful city best known for its cheese market, which dates back to before 1622. If you happen to be in the Netherlands between the end of March and the end of September, be sure to make the half-hour journey to Alkmaar on a Friday and join the flocks of visitors who travel there every year to see massive amounts of cheese being weighed, traded, and sold.

Ten Best Things for Couples to do in Amsterdam

World-class art, a humming gastro scene and cruises gliding along magical canals? Just a few reasons why lovers love the Dutch capital.

There are few more romantic travel destinations for those in love. Here’s our couples’ guide to the top 10 things to do Amsterdam.

1. Cruise Amsterdam’s Canal Ring

You’ve arrived at one of the best hotels in Amsterdam city centre for couples – what’s next? There’s no better way to enjoy the architectural wonders of Amsterdam than a canal tour; it’s one of our most popular Amsterdam activities for couples. Departing the quay outside the neo-Gothic façade of Centraal Station, cruises take in some of the city’s best-loved sights, including the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), the gargantuan facade of the Rijksmuseum and majestic 17th-century townhouses lining the Golden Bend on Herengracht Canal.

A glimpse of futuristic Amsterdam also comes as you float past the buzzing IJ waterfront, home to the spectacular contemporary architecture of EYE Film Museum and NEMO Science Museum.

Couples looking for a little more romance can also take a luxury moonlit turn around the canals while sampling cocktails or enjoying a dinner and champagne as the boat glides smoothly along glittering waters.

2. Explore Amsterdam by bike

Bike riding is a passion in Amsterdam and the streets bordering the city’s 165 serene canals form part of a network of easily navigable cycle tracks. Whether you’re exploring at your own pace or joining an organised tour, you’ll soon fall in love with the city – and each other all over again – as you pedal through its distinct districts.

Hiring a bike (or perhaps a tandem?) on Amsterdam breaks for couples gives you flexibility to become urban explorers for a few hours, and there are rental pick-up points located near Centraal Station and Waterlooplein. Alternatively, join a guided cycle ride for a whistle-stop tour of the fairy-tale architecture and landmarks of the city centre.

3. Picnic in an Amsterdam park

In summer, Amsterdam moves outdoors. A fun thing for couples to do in Amsterdam is picnic in one of the city’s peaceful parks. Our favourite spots to lay down a picnic rug include the meadows and lakesides of the Vondelpark, especially when the Open Air Theatre season kicks off in summer, with a jam-packed schedule of comedy, rock concerts and cabaret – and amazingly it’s all free.

There’s plenty of leafy shade in the urban oasis of Sarphatipark, while Het Amsterdamse Bos – three times as large as New York’s Central Park – has many secret nooks and crannies for romantic couples’ picnics amid its lush woodland tracts.

And where to pick up your picnic goodies? You’ll never go hungry in Amsterdam, but two sources of delicious foodie treats are the Foodhallen – Amsterdam’s gastro hot spot – for anything from boutique beers to bite-sized spicy bitterballen croquettes, and Albert Cuyp Markt, the city’s biggest street bazaar and a lively spot to pick up waffles, doused herring, falafels, sashimi and dim sum dumplings.

4. Admire great art in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter

One of our top recommendations for couples in Amsterdam is to tour the Museum Quarter, with its mighty triumvirate of art institutions dominating the vast public square of Museumplein. Here you’ll find the renowned Van Gogh Museum, with the largest collection of the artist’s paintings in the world – works you’ll recognise in all their vivid colours and textures from countless reproductions.

To discover masterpieces from the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age, nip across Museumplein to the Rijksmuseum. The grande dame of Amsterdam’s art museums hosts iconic canvasses such as Vermeer’s The Milkmaid and Rembrandt’s The Night Watch . You’ll see superb exhibitions of modern and contemporary art in the Stedelijk Museum, while Moco Museum Amsterdam – a relative newcomer on the block – brings the art-loving story up to date with installations from Banksy, Jeff Koons and Tracey Emin.

5. Fall in love with Keukenhof Gardens in spring

When you’re here in spring, a visit to the explosion of colour at Keukenhof Gardens makes a perfect Amsterdam day trip for couples. Opening for six weeks, The Netherlands’ most visited gardens are carpeted in a glorious wash of jewel-coloured blooms.

Delicate crocuses open spring’s best-loved show, flowering at the end of March. Daffodils and hyacinths bloom mid-April and finally the tulips burst into life, lasting until mid-May. The resulting colours and vivid patterns across the landscape will have you reaching for your camera, as millions of spring flowers bloom in shades from palest pink to darkest red. This extraordinary horticultural feat sees seven million bulbs newly planted each year at Keukenhof; learn how it’s done on a free guided tour of the gardens.

Not got the time visit Keukenhof? For the backstory on the tulip madness that almost scuppered The Netherlands in 1637, visit the fascinating Amsterdam Tulip Museum on Prinsengracht Canal.

6. Spend time exploring the Jordaan

One of the best things to do in Amsterdam for couples is to disappear into the warren of romantic backstreets and tiny squares in the old-world Jordaan.

Built in the 17th century, this photogenic district of narrow cobbled streets, and even narrower canals lined with leafy trees and slender gabled townhouses, is today the stomping ground of trendy contemporary art galleries and vintage-clothes stores. It’s also home to the Antiekcentrum Amsterdam, a treasure trove of quality blue-and-white Delft porcelain, silverware, crystal chandeliers and antique jewellery. And of course, on the border of the Jordaan is the Anne Frank Museum, one of the best Amsterdam attractions for couples – or any visitor.

For all the world like a mini-Marais in Paris, the Jordaan also offers up an array of canal-side cafés in which to while away happy afternoons drinking coffee and sampling pannenkoeken – pancakes filled with apple syrup and flavoured with cinnamon.

7. Go on a date in an Amsterdam café

There’s a local café for every conceivable occasion in Amsterdam. Little beats the romance of shared canal-side pitstops at Amsterdam’s grand cafés. Among our top picks are the light-flooded Café de Jaren, with its impressive bank of bottles behind the bar, international menus and views over the River Amstel.

When looking for things to do in Amsterdam, young couples should seek out laid-back brown cafés (similar to a British pub) like unpretentious Café Welling for its draft beer and Sunday jazz sessions, or Café de Sluyswacht, set in a wonky wooden house dating from 1695 and a fine vantage point for watching the boats on Oudeschans Canal, a chilled wine in hand.

For late-night forays into Amsterdam nightlife for couples, don’t miss Café Restaurant De Kroon for the vivid contemporary art on its walls and its terrace overlooking Rembrandtplein.

Café de Jaren : Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-20, 1012 CP Amsterdam, open Thursday to Saturday 10am–11pm; Sunday to Wednesday 10am–10pm.
Café Welling : Jan Willem Brouwersstraat 32, 1071 LK Amsterdam, open daily 4pm–1am.
Café de Sluyswacht : Jodenbreestraat 1, 1011 NG Amsterdam, open daily 1pm–1am (Sunday until 8pm).
Café Restaurant De Kroon : Rembrandtplein 17-I, 1017 CT Amsterdam, open Wednesday and Thursday 5pm–1am; Friday and Saturday 5pm–4am.

8. Go shopping on Amsterdam breaks for couples

Spoil each other with unusual gifts in one of Amsterdam’s fabulously cool enclaves of design. Our favourite place to start a couples’ Amsterdam shopping trip is De 9 Straatjes (Nine Little Streets), a one-stop destination between Singel and Prinsengracht canals where chic boutiques sell stylish clothes, artisan jewellery and vintage fashions.

If you’re collectors of unique treasures, the Spiegelkwartier (Mirror Quarter) is a posh little locale near the Rijksmuseum, with more than 70 stores selling quality antiques, oil paintings and authentic Delftware porcelain.

But you don’t have to spend a fortune on your Amsterdam souvenir. Many couples go to Amsterdam and pick up saffron-coloured rounds of Gouda cheese at famous delicatessens like Amsterdams Kaashuis, tulip bulbs from Singel Flower Market and genever gin sourced from traditional tasting houses such as De Drie Fleschjes.

9. Choose a romantic Amsterdam spot to propose

Ornate gabled houses backing tree-lined streets. Flower-adorned bridges crossing canals illuminated with twinkling lights after dark. What city could be more romantic than Amsterdam? And don’t forget the Dutch capital is also at the heart of the global diamond industry, making it the ideal spot to surprise your other half with a glittering carat or two. There are plenty of high-end stores selling diamonds and precious stones to suit all budgets, with our favourites including Royal Coster Diamonds and Gassan Diamonds, where you can choose your own gems and watch them being cut.

When you’re all set to ask for your beloved’s hand in marriage, you’ll be looking for a romantic backdrop to your proposal. Top spots include the Seven Bridges viewpoint on Reguliersgracht, the tranquil courtyard of the beautiful Begijnhof almshouses or near the exotic glasshouses in the lush Hortus Botanicus gardens.

To make your proposal an even more special occasion, book a stay at one of the best Amsterdam hotels for couples, the 5-star Sofitel Legend The Grand , nestled between two canals in Centrum, one of the best Amsterdam areas to stay.

10. Splash out in Amsterdam’s fine-dining restaurants

With a world of cuisines at your fingertips in Amsterdam – from Indonesian rijsttafel feasts to über-hip Korean eateries and Surinamese roti joints – where should you head for that special romantic evening out? The city is also a powerhouse of fine dining, showcasing innovative restaurants like Michelin-starred De Kas, where organic tasting menus are created by chefs Jos Timmer and Wim de Beer in a light-flooded glasshouse.

Another of our recommendations is Bridges in Amsterdam Centrum. Here Executive Chef Raoul Meuwese conjures up classic French cuisine and multi-course tasting menus in elegant surrounds, or you can join the Chef’s Table in the kitchen to watch the brigade perform their gastronomic magic.

De Kas : Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE Amsterdam, open Tuesday–Sunday 12pm–4pm, 6pm–12am.
Bridges : Oudezijds Voorburgwal 147,1012 EX Amsterdam, open lunch Friday to Sunday 1pm–3pm; Dinner Thursday to Monday 6.30pm–10pm. Reservations only.

As you’ll see, the answer to the question, “Is Amsterdam nice for couples?” is a resounding “Yes!”. The city offers a wealth of memorable experiences that you’ll both treasure for a lifetime. The only problem is working out how to fit everything in!

P.S. Wherever your adventures take you, and whatever delightful beverages you may enjoy, we encourage you to drink responsibly. Here’s to a journey filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories!

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The 12 best day trips from European cities

Posted: 2 March 2024 | Last updated: 5 March 2024

<p>The best part of Europe is how close together everything is, which makes day trips very doable. Here are 12 amazing recommendations from the most popular European cities.</p>

The best part of Europe is how close together everything is, which makes day trips very doable. Here are 12 amazing recommendations from the most popular European cities.

<p>The classic Paris day trip, a journey out to the former stronghold of the French monarchy won’t disappoint. Make sure to book a time slot in advance to avoid lines at the palace. I recommend going early before the crowds become unbearable. After marveling at the interior, allow some time to wander the expansive grounds and have a picnic along the lake on a nice day.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/20_skin_hair_care_products_that_are_cult_favorites_022924/s1__38890309'>20 skin & hair care products that are cult favorites</a></p>

From Paris: Versailles Palace & Grounds

The classic Paris day trip, a journey out to the former stronghold of the French monarchy won’t disappoint. Make sure to book a time slot in advance to avoid lines at the palace. I recommend going early before the crowds become unbearable. After marveling at the interior, allow some time to wander the expansive grounds and have a picnic along the lake on a nice day.

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From Paris: Fontainebleau

Another classic day trip from Paris, Fontainebleau is often overlooked for the more popular Versailles. However, it can be a better alternative due to less popularity, which means fewer crowds. Additionally, Fontainebleau is arguably more impressive as it wasn’t ransacked during the Revolution; thus, more artifacts are available to view.

<p>Amsterdam is famous for nightlife and culture, but don’t forget how the rest of the country comes alive in the spring. There are numerous colorful fields, just a train and bike ride away from the capital. Remember to go in the morning before the lines pile up!</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/21_foods_that_surprisingly_taste_better_frozen_021124/s1__37739637'>21 foods that surprisingly taste better frozen</a></p>

From Amsterdam: Tulip Fields

Amsterdam is famous for nightlife and culture, but don’t forget how the rest of the country comes alive in the spring. There are numerous colorful fields, just a train and bike ride away from the capital. Remember to go in the morning before the lines pile up!

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<p>London’s closest castle (after Buckingham Palace, of course) is a quick train ride away from the capital. Take a tour, view the royal artifacts, enjoy the gardens, and explore the surrounding town — a perfect escape from the Big Smoke of the city.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

From London: Windsor Castle

London’s closest castle (after Buckingham Palace, of course) is a quick train ride away from the capital. Take a tour, view the royal artifacts, enjoy the gardens, and explore the surrounding town — a perfect escape from the Big Smoke of the city.

<p>Admittedly a bit far as a day trip from Dublin, but if you can swing it, you won’t regret the decision. The straight-down bright green cliffs are a great viewpoint for Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. You’ll get plenty of exercise on the walk to make the long drive worth it!</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/the_20_best_places_to_visit_in_croatia_that_arent_dubrovnik_021224/s1__38816399'>The 20 best places to visit in Croatia that aren’t Dubrovnik</a></p>

From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher

Admittedly a bit far as a day trip from Dublin, but if you can swing it, you won’t regret the decision. The straight-down bright green cliffs are a great viewpoint for Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. You’ll get plenty of exercise on the walk to make the long drive worth it!

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<p>Many prefer this adorable Medieval town to Belgium’s capital, Brussels. The quaint cobblestone streets, college-town feel, and an ambiance on even the rainiest day make it a wonderful place to spend some time. Wander a beer museum, visit a tasting room, and enjoy a stroll along the canal.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

From Brussels: Bruges

Many prefer this adorable Medieval town to Belgium’s capital, Brussels. The quaint cobblestone streets, college-town feel, and an ambiance on even the rainiest day make it a wonderful place to spend some time. Wander a beer museum, visit a tasting room, and enjoy a stroll along the canal.

<p>The Bavarian Alps are unlike any other part of Germany and make a great day trip from Munich. You can take a gondola up Germany’s highest point, the Zugspitze, hike or ski the trails, or just enjoy lake views. Bonus — don’t forget to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle on the way back to the city. </p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/20_tips_for_growing_a_thriving_herb_garden/s1__38937070'>20 tips for growing a thriving herb garden</a></p>

From Munich: the Bavarian Alps

The Bavarian Alps are unlike any other part of Germany and make a great day trip from Munich. You can take a gondola up Germany’s highest point, the Zugspitze, hike or ski the trails, or just enjoy lake views. Bonus — don’t forget to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle on the way back to the city.

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<p>Hungary’s main lake is located about an hour and a half from Budapest. You can drive yourself for a day of relaxation or take a tour. But know these typically last all day, upwards of eight hours. You can wander the town or just tan at the beach. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

From Budapest: Lake Balaton

Hungary’s main lake is located about an hour and a half from Budapest. You can drive yourself for a day of relaxation or take a tour. But know these typically last all day, upwards of eight hours. You can wander the town or just tan at the beach.

<p>This UNESCO World Heritage site is just a couple hours from the Greek capital. It’s a must-visit if you’re a history or archeology buff. In ancient times, the town was known as the home of the Oracle, Delphi, and a naval stronghold. These days, it houses some of the most impressive ruins in the country.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/18_worldwide_destinations_perfect_for_nature_lovers_021524/s1__38973641'>18 worldwide destinations perfect for nature lovers</a></p>

From Athens: Delphi

This UNESCO World Heritage site is just a couple hours from the Greek capital. It’s a must-visit if you’re a history or archeology buff. In ancient times, the town was known as the home of the Oracle, Delphi, and a naval stronghold. These days, it houses some of the most impressive ruins in the country.

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<p>Glacial lakes might not be what typically comes to mind when you think of Bulgaria, but these natural wonders are just a couple of hours from the capital. Set amongst the Rila Mountains, they make a perfect nature escape for a day of hiking or just cooling off far from the city.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

From Sofia: Seven Rila Lakes

Glacial lakes might not be what typically comes to mind when you think of Bulgaria, but these natural wonders are just a couple of hours from the capital. Set amongst the Rila Mountains, they make a perfect nature escape for a day of hiking or just cooling off far from the city.

<p>Ronda is a wonderful respite to nearby Malaga. Split by the El Tajo Gorge, the town's dramatic appearance is just one piece of its appeal. Walk the Puente Nuevo, the “New Bridge," and others that connect the two sides of the town. Once you’ve had enough exercise, visit the historic bullring or go wine tasting in the surrounding hillside.</p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/how_old_are_these_20_iconic_snack_food_companies_021124/s1__23223418'>How old are these 20 iconic snack food companies?</a></p>

From Malaga: Ronda

Ronda is a wonderful respite to nearby Malaga. Split by the El Tajo Gorge, the town's dramatic appearance is just one piece of its appeal. Walk the Puente Nuevo, the “New Bridge," and others that connect the two sides of the town. Once you’ve had enough exercise, visit the historic bullring or go wine tasting in the surrounding hillside.

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<p>Located just a couple of hours from Prague, this charming town is like a mini version of the capital city, where everything is much more walkable. The crown jewel however is the castle and surrounding grounds, which are very well preserved.</p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Did you enjoy this slideshow? Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

From Prague: Cesky Krumlov

Located just a couple of hours from Prague, this charming town is like a mini version of the capital city, where everything is much more walkable. The crown jewel however is the castle and surrounding grounds, which are very well preserved.

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The Ultimate 2024 London, England Travel Guide

The ultimate London, England travel guide will answer all your questions about your upcoming holiday to this beautiful city.

There are a lot of reasons why holidaymakers never stop talking about London. The age-old capital is a world-renowned spot where life, music, arts, and culture are vibrant despite its cloudy sky. London is not as flashy as Paris or as romantic as Venice. But its mellow atmosphere makes for an urban getaway rivalling any other European city .

You can have a wondrous trip around the city visiting all kinds of exciting attractions, like the London Eye, and iconic historical buildings like the Buckingham Palace. You can also have a trip that is as calm and peaceful as an afternoon tea party by spending your days visiting some of London’s gigantic collection of art galleries and museums.

This London travel guide will show you how to plan your perfect trip around the city and give you tips on where to stay, how to get around and how to check all the attractions, all without spending a ton!

London Travel Guide: The Entry Requirement

London, England Travel Guide - entry requirement

London is one of the most famous destinations in Europe. Photo by Mistervlad on Adobe Stock.

Like any other city in the UK, entry to London requires valid travel documents (a passport, a VISA) to be presented at the airport or any other port of entry. On one hand, you might also have to answer questions regarding the purpose of your visit, the duration of your stay and any other travel arrangements you’ve made prior to your arrival.

Make Sure Your Passport Is Valid

A valid passport is one that is at least 6 months away from the expiration date. Whether you’re accessing London, England, by air, boat, bus or train, as long as you’re coming in from another country, you will have to present your valid passport when asked by the border patrol. Any London travel guide will tell you the same.

As of late, England has no restrictions against a specific nationality on a passport. But immigration laws are constantly updating, so make sure to visit official websites before booking your London trip.

Visa Ready for London Travel

People from some countries might need to get a visa to enter England. The duration of your stay and your travel purpose also determine whether you’ll need a visa.

For European Citizens

Citizens of EU and EEA countries can enter and stay in London, England, without a visa. This includes countries like France, Spain, Germany, and Italy. Citizens of Russia, Turkey and Ukraine may need to apply for a visa.

For USA Citizens

US citizens can travel to London, England, without a visa for short-period stays such as for tourism and business meetings for up to 6 months.

For Asian Citizens

The requirements vary for different Asian countries. Generally, strong passport holders like those in Japan, Singapore and South Korea can visit London for tourism purposes without a visa for up to 6 months.

For other Asian countries, it’s advisable to check England’s latest visa requirements on their official site before embarking on your journey to this city of dreams.

How Many Days Do You Need In London, England?

London, England Travel Guide - How many days in London - CabinZero

A good London trip can be 3 to 7 days long. IG: @jillianmorkan

If London is not the only stop on your travel checklist, 3-4 days in this gem of capital is an ideal enough length. A 3-day stay in London allows you to visit just enough famous attractions with a bit of extra time to squeeze in a short shopping spree and food tour.

CabinZero’s Advice : Since many top attractions in London can be crowded on weekends, it’s best to plan your 3-4-day trip during the weekdays to avoid taking too long to get around or queuing in a long line.

If London is your only stop in England or in all of Europe, you can aim at a 7-day trip. This is a perfect length for those who want to enjoy the majority of London’s most iconic attractions, go shopping or dining, and spend the last day and a half exploring the outskirts of the city, where many historic castles and fairy-tale-like villages reside.

CabinZero’s Advice : Save the attractions for weekdays and a trip to the outskirts for the weekend.

Knowing The Best Time To Visit London, England

When people ask what the best time to visit London, England is, what they actually mean is, “When is it not raining in London so that I can visit?”.

With the reputation of being a rainy country year-round, it’s hard to pinpoint which months are completely dry and which are not . But it’s the rain that makes this old city so unique. If you’ve never been caught in a London drizzle, you might as well just say you’ve never been to London at all!

However, that doesn’t mean the city is always as soggy as a milk-dipped biscuit. Even though it rains year-round in England, most of the time, it’s a drizzle. And there are, of course, months when the weather is milder. (nevertheless, it’s never a bad idea to have a brolly at hand ).

London, England Travel Guide - CabinZero

April-May and September-October are perfect months to visit London. IG: @martamyska

Between April and September : This is the best time to travel to London, England . Daylight hours are longer during these months, making it a good opportunity to explore the city. There are also plenty of outdoor events and festivals taking place during this period, so you can sprinkle an extra bout of fun on top of your usual attraction-visiting itinerary.
June, July and August : international tourists’ favourite time to visit London. These months are perfect for those who love people. It’s also when festivals and events are in full swing around the city.
April-May/September-Octobe r: these low tourist seasons are typically calmer. Things also tend to be a bit cheaper, so if you’re conscious of your travel budget, consider visiting London in these months.

Overall, London is rainy year-round, so you will not get a clear timeframe completely free of rain. But there are still months that are more ideal for travelling than others.

Is December A Good Time To Visit London?

How does that song go again? It’s the most wonderful time of the year~ .

That’s right. The only exception is a Christmas holiday in London . It’s the time when London comes to life with all the avant-garde Christmas decorations and sparkling lights.

In fact, despite the crowd and the cold, many people flock to enjoy a Christmas getaway in London because of how beautiful and unique it is. The bubbly, exciting and merry atmosphere of this festive season is a jolly charm of London that you can enjoy.

A Guide To How To Plan Your London Trip

Amongst the things that you shouldn’t be asking yourself when you arrive in London, one of them is, “Hmm, what do I do now?”. Of course, there are those who like to just go with the flow and don’t plan ahead, but a trip is only truly hassle-free, safe and fun if you have a clear idea about where you want to visit, what you want to do and how you can do it.

It saves time. And it saves some money as well. Better spend more time at home preparing than to waste time on holiday doing things you should’ve done at home, isn’t it?

To begin planning your trip, you should consider the following things:

How Can I Get To London, England: A Walkthrough Guide

London, England Travel Guide - Transportation - CabinZero

A well-planned London trip saves you a ton and allows you to explore many places at the same time. Photo by Sergii Figurnyi - stock.adobe.com

Flying to London is a great chance to see Heathrow, one of the world’s most famous airports. It’s 15 miles (24 km) from central London and is itself an attraction.

From Heathrow, you can travel to the city centre by bus, the Heathrow Express, and the London Underground (Piccadilly Line). The journey will take around 30-60 minutes.

Another option that is closer to central London is the London City Airport, which is only 9 miles (14 km) away.

British Airways , Virgin Atlantic , and Emirates are favoured airlines bound for London from major European cities If you look around a bit, you can get your hands on some really amazing flight deals.

And speaking of deals, if you have a tight budget for your London travel trip , then picking a cheap flight deal, and simplifying your luggage to avoid extra charges might be a good idea. Our cabin bags collection is one of the options you can find for your trip.

Getting To London By Train

A train journey is a special part of most European holidays. The Eurostar , the most well-known railway service, operates high-speed journeys from major European cities to London, England.

You can catch a Eurostar in cities like Brussels, Paris , Amsterdam and even Geneva. The trains arrive at London St. Pancras International Station.

CabinZero’s tip for saving money : book your tickets in advance , and don’t forget to compare prices on multiple websites. Early tickets are often cheaper. If you’re planning a multiple-stop journey, consider buying a package.

Getting To London By Bus And Ferry

If you’re visiting London from nearby countries like France and Belgium, going by bus and ferry is also a great way to add a bit of adventure to your London trip. By ferry, you can access London through ports like Dover or Harwich. Then you can take a train or bus to London.

Bus is by far the cheapest and most flexible option. Multiple bus companies operate trips from major European cities to London, like Flixbus , Eurolines , and Megabus with economy tickets.

What To Do In London, England: Must-have On Your England Travel Itinerary

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” - Samuel Johnson. Credit: @paja.berka

The majestic London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in England. With an impressive history, vibrant art and music scene, and diverse attractions, London is truly a gift that keeps on giving to globetrotters. No single London, England, travel guide can capture it all (but we will try anyway!).

There are many things to see, do, and shop in London. Regardless of how long you’re planning to stay in London, you can always find fantastic, fun and fabulous things to do in this city.

Visit Iconic Landmarks Of London

Explore the Tower of London to learn about its history.
Admire the architecture of Buckingham Palace and witness the Changing of the Guard .
Take a ride on the London Eye for stunning views of the city.

Enjoy The History And Arts In London

Visit the British Museum to see ancient artefacts from around the world.
Explore the Tate Modern for contemporary art exhibitions.
Discover the National Gallery to view famous masterpieces.

Stroll Beautiful Parks And Outdoor Spaces Of London

Relax in Hyde Park and enjoy boating on the Serpentine Lake .
Stroll through the beautiful Kensington Gardens , home to Kensington Palace.
Take a walk along the South Bank and enjoy the views of the Thames River.

Enjoy Wonderful Performances In London

Catch a world-class theatre performance in the West End district where world-renowned theatres, like the Lyceum Theatre and Gillian Lynne Theatre, reside.

Explore Historical Sites Of London

Wander around the historic Westminster Abbey , where British monarchs are crowned.
Visit the Palace of Westminster to see the iconic Big Ben clock tower.
Explore the Churchill War Rooms to learn about Winston Churchill's life and legacy.

Feast Local Delicacies In London

Sample diverse cuisines at Borough Market , one of London's oldest food markets.
Experience the eclectic street food scene in areas like Brixton or Shoreditch .
Enjoy traditional afternoon tea in renowned establishments like The Ritz or Claridge's .

Did you know London is also known as the city of foodies? Photo by Monkey Business - stock.adobe.com

Shop To Your Heart’s Content In London

Visit iconic shopping streets like Oxford Street and Regent Street where popular malls, flagship stores, and high street shops are.
Drop by art and crafts stalls in Covent Garden to support local artists.
Shop til you drop at the largest shopping centre in Europe, Westfield Stratford City , for luxury goods or enjoy a multiplex cinema.

How To Get Around London: Essential Travel Guide And Tips

There are two popular options to get around London, England. One is to rent a car ; the other is using public transportation . Between these two, the best way to get around London is by public transport.

It’s a marvellous chance to explore the public transport system of London, which is one of the most iconic in the world, if not to say one of the oldest in history. The most famous of it all is The London Underground , which is also referred to as “the Tube” by Londoners.

Also, it can be a cheaper option than renting a private vehicle as you only have to pay for the trips you take and not the entirety of your stay.

Cheap Way To Get Around London - Getting An Oyster Card

The London Oyster card is a smart card to pay for public transport in London, including buses, trams, the Underground, and some national railway services within the London fare zones.

For a tourist, the London Oyster card is a hassle-free way to use public transport. You can buy an Oyster card at ticket machines at bus, train, tram and tube stations around London.

You can also purchase an Oyster card from an Oyster card shop or online through the Transport for London official website.

What Type Of London Oyster Card Should I Buy?

For a short holiday, purchase the Visitor Oyster Card , a must-know tip for every London travel guide. Apart from being able to receive it at home before your trip, you can also earn a few discounts on attraction tickets. For an extended stay (a month or more), it’s better to get a Regular Oyster card .

A London Oyster card works like any standard public transport ticket. You can top it up at a ticket machine, online or at an Oyster Ticket shop. And you swipe your card as you go from station to station.

The best way to get around London is by public transport. Photo by DavidPrado on Adobe Stock.

Best Hotels To Stay In London, England

No London travel guide is completed with a list of the best hotels to stay in for your trip. But choosing the right hotel in London can be a headache if you have no idea which area you want to stay in and what price range is perfect for your travel budget.

Here are some of CabinZero’s recommendations in the East, West and Central London areas.

Hotels in East London for fans of chic and hip style

The Hoxton , Shoreditch : A trendy hotel in the vibrant Shoreditch neighbourhood.
Town Hall Hotel & Apartments : A luxury boutique hotel housed in a restored Edwardian town hall in Bethnal Green.
One Hundred Shoreditch : A hip hotel with stylish rooms and a lively atmosphere.

Hotels in West London, where historical meets contemporary

The Kensington Hotel : A sophisticated hotel located in one of London's most desirable neighbourhoods, Kensington.
The Dorchester : A legendary luxury hotel overlooking Hyde Park in Mayfair.
K West Hotel & Spa : A contemporary hotel offering excellent amenities in the trendy Notting Hill area.

Hotels in Central London, with stunning views and a bustling atmosphere

The Savoy : A historic and iconic hotel located in Covent Garden with luxurious rooms and stunning views of the River Thames. Often featured on various London, England, travel guides.
The Langham , London : A grand Victorian-era hotel situated near Oxford Street and Regent Street.
The Ned : A stylish hotel housed in a former bank building in the heart of the City of London, featuring several restaurants, bars, and a rooftop pool.

Your Guide To Travel London On A Budget

London - all the historical attractions, the fancy afternoon tea and dessert, and the world-class shopping centres! While they make for a wonderful holiday, they can give your pockets a hard time if you don’t know how to plan ahead, with or without the right travel guide. To save your money, it starts even before you arrive in London. Here’s how:

Smart Packing Saves Money On A London Tour

The smarter you pack, the more you save. Credit: Wysłano z

Packing smartly should be the number one tip on your London travel checklist. Space-optimising packing techniques help you downsize your luggage. And the smaller and lighter your luggage is, the less you have to pay at the airport and on the train.

Another point is that big luggage takes up space on public transport, meaning that if you’re carrying your overweight and oversized luggage around London a lot, you’re going to have to rely on private transport.

CabinZero’s Advice: Try travelling with only carry-ons. Most airlines charge checked bags when flying economy, so to save money, opt for a carry-on-only trip. Not only can this save money, but it can also save you the hassle of having to move around with too much stuff.

A good carry-on bag can give you the same exact comfort in packing just as much as a checked bag does. For example, CabinZero’s classic backpacks , which can fit just about anywhere - planes, trains and buses.

If you’re flying with a specific airline, you can check to see which cabin-sized bag you should travel with here .

Public Transport For The Win!

There’s nothing that can beat public transport in terms of cost. It’s the best way to navigate your way around London as a tourist. Stay outside central London. Look for hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnbs in Zones 2 or 3. You'll save on rent and still have easy access to central attractions via public transport.

You can save money since tickets are relatively cheap. You can save even more money if you have convenient public transport cards, like the London Oyster card.

Just hop on whenever, and hop off wherever. You don’t have to worry about parking fees or rental fees, and if you’re not carrying a zealous and suspicious number of bags, you are good to go without paying for your baggage.

Almost All London Museums Are Free: Essential London Travel Tip

Beautiful water-resistant backpacks inspired by the V&A are perfect for your London adventure .

A London trip without visiting a museum? We don’t think so! And visiting a museum in London is not as costly as you might think at all. A great London travel guide will tell you this: the majority of them are free for everyone .

Big names like the British Museum, the Victoria And Albert Museum, the National History, and the Tate Modern all offer free entry to their permanent collection . Start your museum-hopping journey at the iconic British Museum , where the most impressive collection of historical artefacts are.

After that, give your eyes a feast of stunning decorative art and design at the Victoria And Albert Museum . Since you’re at the V&A, give your London trip a sprinkle of style by shopping at CabinZero's V&A Collaboration line . It features beautifully patterned backpacks with art inspired by the museum itself . Call it an artsy twist to the already beloved classic backpacks!

The backpacks are sleek-looking with a pop of traditional art-inspired patterns. With high water-resistant rates and multiple pockets for storage, they are perfect for the London weather year-round.

You can plan a day of museum-hopping, and it will cost you almost nothing. Just keep in mind that even though many museums in London are free, some require you to book a ticket in advance.

For special collections or temporary exhibitions, it’s usually not free. You will need to buy tickets to enter. However, third-party apps such as Klook often have bundles where you can enjoy a special exhibition along with other attractions around London at a discounted price.

Travel Hassle-Free With The Ultimate London Travel Guide

We hope our 2024 London, England Travel Guide can give you a clear idea of what to do, where to stay and how to make the most out of your London getaway.

If you find this article useful, don’t forget to hit that like button and share it with your friends. We are big fans of your travel experience (in fact, that’s what we’re here for!), so don’t hesitate to reach out via social media or the comment section to tell us your wonderful stories.

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh

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Here are five different ways how to travel from London to Amsterdam. 1. Eurostar Train. Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers. The best way to get from London to Amsterdam is on a Eurostar train. As I have crippling flight anxiety, this is my preferred method of travel (when I have a choice).
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