germany day trips from amsterdam

About The Netherlands

Best day trips from amsterdam to germany (2023 guide).

Millions of tourists come to the Netherlands and Amsterdam every year. They would like to see the beautiful capital and other wonderful sights in the Netherlands. For many tourists from large countries, it is unusual to be able to visit the neighboring country quickly and easily. This makes a visit to the Netherlands even more attractive. From Amsterdam, you can make trips to, for example, Belgium or Germany. For all the people who would like to make a trip like this, we made the "Best places to visit in Germany from Amsterdam" 2023 guide.

A weekend escape or an overnight trip to neighboring Germany can be easily done from Amsterdam. From Dusseldorf to Dortmund, you can go anywhere nearby without breaking the bank or taking up too much of your free time. This allows you to discover even more beautiful places.

There are so many German cities that you can consider traveling to from Amsterdam. But in this article, I will only list the best places to visit in Germany from Amsterdam for a trip over the weekend. To find out more about traveling to Germany, explore this article with me.

Best Places to Visit in Germany From Amsterdam

You do not need to go on an arduous journey to have a fun or relaxing weekend abroad. You can do so by visiting your neighboring country too. So, why not take a weekend trip to Germany?

This article is, therefore, interesting for both Dutch and tourists staying in the Netherlands. This way, tourists visiting the Netherlands can easily discover even more of Europe during their trip. But many Dutch people also like to visit a city in Germany regularly.

The travel connection between Germany and Amsterdam is affordable and convenient. Moreover, Germany has a lot to offer, so you can get to know their culture, visit beautiful cities and, last but not least, taste the German beers.

I have listed below 5 German cities near Amsterdam that you can visit for an overnight trip.

While planning your weekend gate away from Amsterdam, you cannot miss Cologne, the cultural hub of West Germany. The 2000-year-old city is only 2 hours and 48 minutes from Amsterdam by train, making it perfect for an overnight trip nearby.

The Romans built the city on the bank of the river Rhine around the 1st A.D. The same city rebuilt itself after it was flattened during WW2. Hence, the whole city is a shrine to history. Remnants from the Roman era to the World War, you will find it all here.

Amidst the grungy city, you will find medieval churches and buildings. The Gothic churches and Roman towers, in contrast to modern sterile concrete buildings, will make exploring the city feel like traveling through time.

If you stroll through the city’s Altstadt (Old Town), you will stumble upon Romanesque old churches like the Great St. Martin , alleyways filled with traditional homes, historical monuments and fountains, and much more. You can check out these traditional colored houses of Cologne as they have been turned into quaint boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and cafes.

Taking the route down the Old Town and the Rhine, you will also find the towering landmark of Cologne, the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Mary. This breathtaking cathedral is a masterpiece of medieval High Gothic architecture. Built over a time spanning 600 years, this cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site today.

Ascending over 500 steps from the roof of the Cologne Cathedral, South Tower, you will get an exquisite panoramic view of the Rhine and the Hohenzollern Bridge. If you want a closer look at the illuminating bridge, hop on the Rhine River cruise at night. The nighttime view of the historic city from the Rhine won’t disappoint.

Relish the sweet delicacies and design your chocolate bar at the Cologne Chocolate Museum. Before leaving the city, do not forget to try out the famous Kölsch beer.

Escape your monotonous life by exploring the rustic German city Münster over the weekend. You will not find the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam here, nor streets teeming with tourists. Having stated that you will find no shortage of interesting places to visit at leisure in Münster.

After you reach Münster, take a tour through Prinzipalmarkt. Along with rows of Renaissance-themed limestone buildings, you will find the significant landmarks of the city, the City hall, St. Paulus Dom, and St. Lambert Church. At the Prinzipalmarkt, you will not only take in Münster's glorious past but also explore the designer shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

You can admire medieval and high Gothic architecture while visiting St. Paulus Dom and the City Hall of Münster. The high arches, gables, and all-over elegant architecture of the City Hall are sure to stop you in your tracks. The proud twin towers, giant clock, numerous murals, statues of Jesus, and the 12 apostles of St. Paulus Dom make it a sight to behold.

If you want to enjoy a peaceful day out in Münster, head over to Lake Aasee. Here you can laze around, stroll, or go boating. You can enjoy a nice picnic with your family in the park or visit the zoo nearby. If you are traveling solo, why not have a quiet date with a book at any of the coffee shops around the lake?

Enjoy your blue sky spring holidays around blossoming flowers in the park of Burg Hülshoff. The 16th-century Renaissance castle that used to be the home of poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff. You can get an audio-guided tour through the castle and explore various artifacts of the famous poet.

Like Amsterdam, Münster, too, has a nice network of cycling paths. To feel at home without any work-related worries, you can cycle around and explore Münster in peace. At night you can check out a few of the 1000 pubs of Münster and end your day with some quality German beer.

3. Heidelberg

Visit Germany’s oldest university town, Heidelberg, in 4 hours, 57 minutes by train from Amsterdam. Check out for yourself why it was called the most inspiring city in Germany and a City of Literature in 2014 by UNESCO.

On your weekend gate away from Amsterdam, explore the rich literary history and medieval architecture of Heidelberg, Germany. Start exploring the historic city from its narrow main street, Hauptstrasse, and move on to the Old Town.

Strolling through the Hauptstrasse, you will stumble upon several medieval buildings, churches, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. At the south of the Hauptstrasse, you will find the Universitätsplatz, which dates back to the 18th century. Your introduction to the literary history of Heidelberg will start from here.

A visit to Heidelberg University and a stroll through the Philosopher’s Way will fill you with inspiration. The city houses the oldest university in Germany and one of the strongest research centers in Europe. Notable German scholars such as Franz Boas and Max Weber are alumni of this university.

The main attraction near the Old Town is The Heidelberg Castle. This 16th-century castle is a masterpiece of German Renaissance architecture. If you visit Heidelberg between June to August, you will be able to catch the various festivals and fireworks that take place in the courtyard of this castle.

Heidelberg Castle Festival featuring choral music, opera, jazz, folk, and eclectic music, is one of the most famous events that occur here. From the castle, you will also get a spectacular view of the Old Town below. You can reach the castle via a cable car or take a 15-minute walk from the Old Town.

The appeal of Heidelberg does not end here. Besides the Castle and the Old Town, you can visit Heiligenberg Hill or the parks around the Neckar River. Along the Neckar River, you will find a well-famed Old Bridge, which has been immortalized in several paintings and poems. From here, you can quietly marvel at the scenic view of Heidelberg.

Opposite the Neckar River and bridge, you can climb the Heiligenberg Hill. Walk along the bridge and Philosophers' Way, and you will soon find the hill. On top of the hill, you will find the ruins of St. Michael monastery and get another glimpse of German history.

If you want to let loose on an overnight trip to a foreign country, Hamburg, Germany, is the place to visit. Here, you can get the best of both worlds. Enjoy wild nights partying at Reeperbahn and serene Sunday morning strolls at the St. Pauli Fischmarkt.

The laidback and liberal nature of Hamberg can be most felt in its red-light district, Reeperbahn. Head over to one of the many bars at this wild party strip and get yourself some drinks, and have a good time.

Reeperbahn is not only famous for its wild parties visited by world-famous DJs but also the Beatles. Yes, you have read right. The Beatles used to play in the Reeperbahn strip while they rose to fame. If you are a major Beatles fan, you are going to love the Beatles tour of Hamburg.

If you are looking for a slightly less crazy night out, head over to Sternschanze district. Try out the craft beers of Altes Mӓdchen. In Hamburg, you can drink beer in the morning while relaxing at the Alster Lake. You can drink beer pretty much everywhere in Hamburg, as there is no prohibition of drinking alcohol on the streets.

Like Amsterdam, Hamburg is also a port city. Except Hamberg has more canals than in Amsterdam . You cannot leave Hamburg without taking a canal tour around the world’s largest warehouse district, Speicherstadt. The view of the illuminated red brick, Neo-Gothic buildings standing on timber-pile foundations is spectacular at night.

On your way to the Speicherstadt district, visit the Chocoversum. Explore the real-life Willy Wonka’s Chocolate factory, learn the art of chocolate making, and design your custom-made chocolate bar in Chocoversum. Try the local delicacies of Hamburg at the Sunday Fischmarkt. The herring and fish sandwich here is exquisite.

5. Dortmund

Whether you are a football fanatic wanting to visit one of the largest stadiums in Europe or a history buff wishing to stroll through an ancient city, you can get the best of both worlds in your weekend escape to Dortmund, Germany.

Dortmund is popular for its several wooded open spaces and parks. You should visit Westfalen Park, the largest park in Dortmund. Here you can visit the Dortmund Zoo, Botanischer Garten, or ascend the Florianturm, the 212-meter Television Tower. While there, you should try out the revolving restaurant in the tower.

Other than football and open parks, there is so much more to explore here in Dortmund. Take a stroll on the pedestrian-friendly streets of Dortmund and explore the medieval architecture of old buildings and churches. You will stumble upon 12th and 13th-century churches such as St. Reinold’s and St. Mary’s.

If you are into vintage vehicles, check out the Local Transport Museum of Dortmund. Here you will find trams dating back to the early 1900s. Another museum you can check out is the Museum of Art and Culture which features 17-18th century Folk art, 19th-century music, gold coins, and other old artifacts.

Best Day Trips to Visit Germany From Amsterdam

Don’t have the time and energy to plan out a whole weekend trip? No problem, just hop on a train on Amsterdam Central and take a day trip to the nearest German city. Aachen and Dusseldorf are the two nearest German cities I recommend for a day trip from Amsterdam.

1. Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is only 224 kilometers (139 miles) from Amsterdam, and it will take you only 2 hours and 11 minutes by train to reach there. It is closer to Amsterdam than Cologne, making it a shorter journey from Amsterdam. The short journey there makes it ideal for a day trip.

You will discover that most of the tourist attractions of Düsseldorf are found along the Old Town or Alstadt road. Located on the East of the Rhine, the Rhine is surrounded by the Schloss Benrath palace and St. Lambertus Church, and many other medieval buildings.

Düsseldorf is not only a place for the history buff but also for the shopaholic. It is the fashion capital of Germany. If you are looking for posh designer shops, you will have no shortage.

Again if you are looking for a fun night out, the central district of Düsseldorf offers a variety of pubs to choose from. It is ironically nicknamed the oldest and longest bar in the world. Here, you will find over 300 bars and restaurants concentrated in small areas.

If you are looking for a relaxing day trip abroad, Aachen is for you. This city in West Germany is 228 kilometers (141 miles) from Amsterdam, and it takes about 3 hours by train to reach Aachen from Amsterdam.

The city began as a thermal spa for the Romans, moving on to becoming a capital under the Roman emperor Charlemagne. Today, the thermal spas in Aachen still boast their past glory. Relax and soak in Carolus Thermen spa.

With the Aachen special cookies printed in hand, you can stroll around the Old Town, discovering all that the city has to offer. Somewhere in the city square, you will find items from an archaeological excavation housed inside a free showcase building. Some of these items date back to the Neolithic age.

The main tourist attraction of this West German city is the Aachen Cathedral which dates back to 813 AD. Being one of the oldest and most stunning Cathedrals in Europe, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, you can view the grave of Charlemagne, the octagonal-shaped Palatine Chapel, and the stained glass dome.

After visiting the Cathedral, you can check out the medieval Gothic-styled City hall. Then end your day trip with local beer from the cozy café beside the City Hall.

How to Get to Germany from Amsterdam?

You can travel comfortably and conveniently to Germany from Amsterdam via train, bus, car, and plane. If you take the train, you can reach most of the nearby German cities within 4 hours.

Traveling by bus to nearby German cities is the most affordable option. But traveling by train or plane is much more comfortable and time-saving.

Ticket prices fluctuate enormously and are affected by various factors. For example, prices differ per provider, but the travel period also influences ticket prices. It is therefore advisable to look for tickets in advance, that way they are often a lot cheaper.

As mentioned, you can often visit beautiful places close to home. This certainly applies to people from the Netherlands or tourists staying in the Netherlands.

It is very easy to discover parts of Europe from the Netherlands relatively quickly and cheaply. Germany is therefore extremely suitable to visit from the Netherlands. It is close by, there are beautiful cities, and you still get to know new cultures.

Hopefully, this article, "Best places to visit in Germany from Amsterdam, " has helped you to decide which German city you will be visiting next from the Netherlands.

Leo van den Berg

8 Epic Day Trips to Germany From Amsterdam (By Train, Bus + Car)

Wondering what day trips to germany from amsterdam are doable i’ve got you covered.

Amsterdam’s location makes it well-situated for taking day trips to Germany- especially via public transport! In this post, you’ll find a review of the best day trips to Germany from Amsterdam, and I’ll also cover how to get to each place and what to do there.

Typically the best way to day trip to Germany from Amsterdam is by train or by car, especially since the Amsterdam Centraal Train Station is so well-connected to other cities.

Keep in mind that some German cities are far from Amsterdam. As a day trip, you will only want to visit places that are within 2-3 hours away so that you still have time to explore.

For example, Cologne makes a great day trip as you can get there within 2.5 hours, whereas cities like Berlin are more than 6 hours away and would require more time than a day trip .

My Picks: Top 3 Amsterdam to Germany Day Trips!

#1 Pick: Cologne (Amazing history!) #2 Pick: Dusseldorf (Beautiful castle!) #3 Pick: Aachen (Thermal spas!)

A view of the Cologne Cathedral at night with the water in the foreground.

Best Day Trips From Germany to Amsterdam Comparison Table (By Bus, Train, and Car)

The beautiful bridge and cathedral at Cologne in Germany. This is one of the best Day Trips To Germany From Amsterdam.

1. Cologne, Germany (#1 Best German Day Trip from Amsterdam)

🚆 By Train : 2.5 hours | 🚌 By Bus: 3 hours 45 minutes | 🚗 By Car: 2 hours 45 minutes

The most popular day trip to Germany from the Dutch capital of Amsterdam is an excursion to Cologne. Cologne is a 2,000-year-old city along the Rhine River that is best known for its cultural scene, gothic architecture, and for its iconic cathedral. The Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known worldwide for its Gothic architecture and towering twin spires.

The city of Cologne also has a charming old town which is worth visiting, especially during the holiday season when the Christmas markets fill the streets.

Top things to do in Cologne:

✅ Visit the Cologne Cathedral

✅Try Kolsch beer, which originated in Cologne

✅See the pastel-colored buildings in the old town

✅ Admire the modern art at Museum Ludwig

✅Check out the Hohenzollern Bridge

The Easiest Way to get to Cologne: Train

There are several direct trains between Cologne and Amsterdam, which makes taking the train the best option from Amsterdam. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.

The center in Dusseldorf, Germany, as seen from the river at sunset.

2. Dusseldorf, Germany

🚆 By Train : 2 hours | 🚌 By Bus: 3 hours | 🚗 By Car: 2.5 hours

Dusseldorf is best known for being a fashion capital and for its art and music scene. The city also mixes historic architecture with quirky postmodern buildings, which adds to its unique atmosphere.

Dusseldorf has an amazing food and drink scene, with traditional bars in the old town and several restaurants along the Rheinuferpromenade, Dusseldorf’s riverfront promenade.

Top Things to Do in Dusseldorf:

✅ Visit the traditional bars in the Altstadt (Old Town)

✅ Go up the Rheinturm (Dusseldorf’s tallest tower) for incredible views

✅ Visit Schloss Benrath, a baroque-style castle

✅ Visit the luxury shops of Koenigsallee

✅ Relax in the gardens of Nordpark

Easiest Way to get to Dusseldorf From Amsterdam: Train

The best way to get from Amsterdam to Dusseldorf is by train. There are several direct trains available between the 2 cities, and the journey takes around 2 hours and 8 minutes, making this an easy Germany day trip from Amsterdam.

The skyline in Koblenz, Germany at dusk. This is one of the best Day Trips To Germany From Amsterdam.

3. Koblenz, Germany

🚆 By Train : 3 hours 40 minutes | 🚌 By Bus: 6 hours | 🚗 By Car: 3.5 hours

Situated along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, the city of Koblenz is a beautiful town surrounded by Rhine Valley wine vineyards and landscapes that look like they couldn’t possibly be real.

Koblenz is known for its rich history, wine production, and medieval castles. Another highlight is the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) monument, which is where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers join together.

Top Things to Do in Koblenz On a Day Trip:

✅ Wander the streets of the Old Town (a “must” in any European town, really!)

✅ Go wine tasting

✅ Check out the Deutsches Eck

✅ Ride the Koblenz Cable Car up to the Fortress of Ehrenbreitstein

✅ See Stolzenfels Castle

Easiest Way to Get to Koblenz: Train

The train is the easiest way to get to Koblenz and takes around 3 hours and 38 minutes each way. The train does require one change, which is usually in Cologne (So, you could totally make this a two-stop day!).

The fabulous cathedral in Aachen, Gemany, one of the oldest in Europe. This is one of the best Day Trips To Germany From Amsterdam.

4. Aachen, Germany

🚆 By Train : 2.5 hours | 🚌 By Bus: 3.5 hours | 🚗 By Car: 2.5 hours

Aachen is a German city with a lot of historical significance , as it was the home to Charlemagne , who became the first Holy Roman Emperor in 800 AD.

Today, it is worth visiting to see the Aachen Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe. Aachen is also known for its spas, which are a cultural tradition that dates back to the thermal baths in times of Roman occupation.

Top Things to Do in Aachen:

✅ Visit the Aachen Cathedral

✅ See the Aachen Town Hall

✅ Learn about Germany’s history at the Centre Charlemagne

✅ Relax at Carolus Thermen, a thermal spa

Easiest Way to Get to Aachen: Train or Car

The easiest way to get to Aachen is by car or train. The train takes around 2.5 hours, with most routes requiring 1 change in Sittard. Similarly, the drive to Aachen from Amsterdam is around 230 km (142 miles) and takes around 2.5 hours.

Pictoresque Monshau in Germany has many beautiful timbered houses like this one by the stream.

5. Monshau, Germany

🚆 By Train : 4.5 hours | 🚌 By Bus: 5 hours | 🚗 By Car: 3 hours 15 minutes

Although a little bit longer of a day trip if you’re coming from Amsterdam, Monschau is one of those off-the-beaten-path destinations that just might be worth it! Monschau is a historic town in Germany near the Belgian border. It is best known for its half-timbered houses, medieval castle, and well-preserved old town, which was left mostly untouched by World War I and World War II .

The town was also an important part of the textile trade in the 17th century, and another popular attraction is the Rotes Haus (Red House) which was a 17th-century mansion of the textile-industrialist Scheibler family.

Top Things to Do in Monshau:

✅ See the half-timbered houses in the old town

✅ Explore the Monschau Castle

✅ Try local mustard at the Mustard Mill Monschau

✅ Visit the Rote Haus

Easiest Way to get to Monshau: Car

The best way to visit Monshau is by car, which is 267 km (165 miles) from Amsterdam and takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes.

The city center in Essen Germany where coal was historically mined.

6. Essen, Germany

🚆 By Train : 2 hours | 🚌 By Bus: 4.5 hours | 🚗 By Car: 2 hours 15 minutes

At first glance, Essen might not seem like an epic day trip location from Amsterdam. But it totally is! Essen is known for its industrial history, specifically coal mining. While coal is no longer mined here, the city has several historical sites related to the industrial times. One of the most famous of these sites is the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex , a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing industrial architecture.

Top Things to Do in Essen:

✅ Visit the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex

✅ Explore the Red Dot Design Museum

✅ See modern art at the Museum Folkwang

✅ Relax at Grugapark Essen

Easiest Way to Get to Essen: Train

The train is the best way to get to Essen from Amsterdam. The journey is around 2 hours and requires only 1 change at Duisburg.

The Rhine river which goses through Bonn, Germany. This is Beethoven's birth place.

7. Bonn, Germany

🚆 By Train : 3 hours | 🚌 By Bus: 4.5 hours minutes | 🚗 By Car: 3 hours

Bonn is the perfect place to visit for those who enjoy classical music, as the city is the birthplace of Beethoven. One of the best things to do is Beethoven House Museum, which honors the famous composer. Bonn is also known for its historic old town which is located along the Rhine River.

Top Things to Do in Bonn:

✅ Visit the Beethoven House Museum ✅ See the Altes Rathaus and Enjoy the Outdoor Square

✅ Explore the sites of Old Town, like the Bonn Minster

✅ Check out the Haus der Geschichte, a museum of contemporary German history

Easiest Way to Get to Bonn: Train or Car

The best way to get to Bonn is by train, which takes 3 hours and makes 1 change in Cologne. Another option is to drive, which also takes around 3 hours.

The old town in Munster Germany along the river. The greenery is quite surprising along the river's edge here.

8. Munster, Germany

🚆 By Train : 3.5 hours | 🚌 By Bus: 3 hours 15 minutes | 🚗 By Car: 2 hours 50 minutes

Munster is known for its historic old town, featuring landmarks like the 13th-century St. Paulus Dom Cathedral, St. Lamberti Church, and its Prinzipalmarkt, a market square surrounded by gabled houses. Munster is also known for its bicycle culture and is considered one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities.

Top Things to Do in Munster:

✅ Visit the Prinzipalmarkt

✅ Explore Burg Hülshoff, a 16th-century castle

✅ Go for a bike ride around Lake Aasee (Epic Views!!)

✅ See the Muhlenhof Open-Air Museum

Easiest Way to Get to Munster: Car

The quickest way to get from Amsterdam to Munster is by car. The drive is 229 km consisting of mostly highway, and takes close to 3 hours each way.

FAQ: Day Trips to Germany From Amsterdam

What german city is closest to amsterdam.

Essen is the closest major German city to Amsterdam, with a distance of 208 km (129 miles). There are also a few towns near the Dutch-German border, such as the town of Emmerich, which is only 134 km (83 miles) from Amsterdam.

What is the Easiest German City to get to from Amsterdam?

Cologne is the easiest German city to get to from Amsterdam, due to its proximity to the Dutch-German border. Cologne is located 266 km (165 miles) from Amsterdam, and several direct trains run daily between the two cities, making it the best choice for a day trip from Amsterdam to Germany.

Is There a Direct Train from Amsterdam to Germany?

There are direct trains that go from Amsterdam to the German cities of Cologne and Dusseldorf . The journeys take between 2-2.5 hours. There are also direct trains from Amsterdam to Frankfurt, but the journey is closer to 4 hours, which might be too long for a day trip from Amsterdam.

How Many Hours from Germany to Amsterdam?

It takes 1.5 hours to reach the German border by car from Amsterdam. You can also take the train from Amsterdam and reach the closest major German city, Essen, in about 2 hours.

Is Amsterdam close to Munich?

No, Amsterdam is not close to Munich. Munich is located in Southern Germany, and Amsterdam is located in the Northern part of the Netherlands. Getting from Amsterdam to Munich would take between 8-9 hours depending on whether you drive or take the train. Therefore, Munich is not an option for a day trip to Germany because it is too far away.

Are Germany and Amsterdam close?

The German border is about 2 hours away from Amsterdam. Essen is the closest German city to Amsterdam.

Wrapping Up: Day Trips From Amsterdam to Germany By Bus, Train, and Car

There are many options and reasons for taking a day trip to Germany from Amsterdam. Taking a day trip to Germany allows you to experience another culture in just one day, which is perfect if you don’t have more time outside of your Amsterdam itinerary to explore another country as a whole. So, whether you want to explore a charming German town like Monshau or see a larger city like Cologne, there is sure to be a great day trip option for you.

Taylor Beal, owner and author of Traverse With Taylor, has been traveling in Europe for more than a decade and helps others explore Europe easily through amazing guides and itineraries. She has adventured through more than 20 countries, searching for the best experiences, must-try foods, and delicious beers! She spends a lot of time in Scotland and Amsterdam, two of her favorite places! Taylor is also a Holocaust educator focused on raising awareness around WWII historical sites.

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Amsterdam Day Trips to Germany: Exploring the Neighboring Country

2024-03-07 2024-03-07

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital city of the Netherlands, is not only a great destination in itself but also serves as a perfect base for exploring the neighboring countries. One of the most popular day trip options from Amsterdam is to visit Germany. With its rich history, diverse landscapes, delicious food, and charming cities, Germany offers a unique experience just a short journey away. In this guide, we will highlight some of the best day trips from Amsterdam to Germany.

1. Cologne (Köln)

Cologne, located just a few hours away from Amsterdam, is renowned for its stunning Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and is the most-visited landmark in Germany. Take a stroll along the Rhine River, explore the charming Old Town, and visit the famous Fragrance Museum (Museum Farina) to learn about the history of perfume production. Don’t forget to try a glass of Kölsch, the local beer specialty!

2. Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is a modern and cosmopolitan city known for its fashion, art, and vibrant nightlife. Start your day with a visit to the stunning Königsallee, a luxurious shopping boulevard. Explore the historic Altstadt (Old Town) with its charming cobblestone streets, traditional beer halls, and the landmark Rheinturm (Rhine Tower) offering panoramic views of the city. If you’re a fan of modern art, don’t miss the Museum Kunstpalast.

Located in the northwestern part of Germany, Münster is a picturesque city with a rich historical past. Discover its beautiful preserved old town, which is home to the famous St. Paulus Cathedral and the historical Town Hall (Rathaus). Rent a bicycle and explore the city like a local, as Münster is known as the bicycle capital of Germany. Nature lovers can enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the Aasee lake.

Aachen, a city close to the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands, is famous for its historical significance and architectural wonders. The impressive Aachen Cathedral, the burial place of Charlemagne, should not be missed. Take a walk through the charming streets of the old town and visit the Elisenbrunnen, a beautiful neoclassical columned fountain. Indulge in some delicious Aachener Printen, a type of gingerbread cookie local to the region.

5. Duisburg

Duisburg, located in the western part of Germany, is known for its industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Visit the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, a former blast furnace turned industrial park that offers breathtaking views and a variety of exciting activities like climbing and diving. Explore the inner harbor and take a leisurely boat ride along the Rhine. Duisburg is also home to the Legoland Discovery Centre, a perfect destination for families.

Located on the banks of the Rhine River, Bonn is a city rich in history and culture. As the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, Bonn honors its famous composer with attractions like the Beethoven House and the Beethoven Monument. Visit the beautiful Poppelsdorf Palace and its botanical gardens, and take a stroll along the lively shopping street of Bonngasse. Bonn is also home to several world-class museums, including the Museum Koenig and the House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany.

These are just a few of the many exciting day trip options from Amsterdam to Germany. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, nature, or culture, Germany has something to offer for everyone. Plan your day trip and embark on an adventure exploring the vibrant cities and beautiful landscapes just across the border.

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Comments (1)

Carolyn Metzker

We are going on a seven night cruise to Netherlands and Belgium that comes back on August 9, 2025. after that we were looking to spend some time in the western region of Germany around Cologne and were wondering if there’s any shorter tours in that area. If they didn’t leave from Amsterdam, we could possibly take a train or plane into Germany and meet it There.

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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!

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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

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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Germany Travel Guide

Travel from Amsterdam to Germany: 8 Suggested Train Routes and Map

The Netherlands is one of the countries located on the border with Germany , making it an excellent option to combine a travel itinerary between the two countries.

Check out our list of 8 destinations in Germany for you to combine in a travel itinerary by train from Amsterdam .

If you need more inspiration, check out our complete article with suggested itineraries to travel around Germany .

Travel from Amsterdam to Germany by Train

1. train from amsterdam to cologne.

Cologne is the largest city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and is located 262 km (162.79 miles) from Amsterdam .

The city is an excellent train gateway from Amsterdam to Germany .

Top Attractions and Sights in Cologne

Cologne Cathedral
Kölner Seilbahn
Cologne Chocolate Museum
Museum Ludwig
Rheingarten

Where to stay in Cologne

Hyatt Regency Köln – Elegant hotel option close to the banks of the Rhine overlooking the cathedral and great value for money. The rooms are cozy and have a TV, kettle, and minibar. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool.

Courtyard by Marriott Cologne – Hotel with modern facilities located approximately 15 minutes from the cathedral. The rooms are decorated in light tones and have a TV, electric kettle, and work desk. The hotel has a gym.

Train from Amsterdam to Cologne: 2h37m – direct train – Price: 38 Euros

2. Train from Amsterdam to Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is a German city on the banks of the Rhine and can be easily accessed by train from Amsterdam , making it a good option for a day trip.

The distance between Düsseldorf and Amsterdam is 225 km (139,809 miles).

Top Attractions and Sights in Düsseldorf

Rheinpromenade
Old Town Hall
K20, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen
Kunsthalle Düsseldorf
Rhine Tower
Königsallee
Museum Kunstpalast
Schloss Benrath

Where to stay in Düsseldorf

Ruby Luna Hotel Dusseldorf – Modern, great value-for-money hotel in the center of Düsseldorf . Rooms are equipped with a TV and a work desk.

Hyatt Regency Düsseldorf – Luxurious hotel on the banks of the Rhine in the Middle Harbor district . The rooms have a TV, work desk, and coffee machine.

Train from Amsterdam to Düsseldorf: 2h14m – direct train – Price: 34 Euros

3. Train from Amsterdam to Hannover

Located 375 km (233,014 miles) from Amsterdam , Hannover is another entry option to combine a travel itinerary from the Netherlands .

And from Hannover , it is possible to combine several itineraries with other cities in Germany .

Top Attractions and Sights in Hannover

Neues Rathaus
Marktkirche Hannover
Herrenhäuser Gärten
Landesmuseum Hannover

Where to stay in Hannover

Courtyard by Marriott Hannover Maschsee – Hotel on the shores of the lake, close to the Landesmuseum Hannover and approximately 15 minutes from the Mitte area . Rooms have a TV, electric kettle and work desk.

YORS Boutique Hotel – Boutique hotel at a great value, located close to Central Station and the Mitte area . The rooms have a TV and desk and work.

Train from Amsterdam to Hannover: 4h18m – direct train – Price: 60 Euros

4. Train from Amsterdam to Berlin

Berlin , the capital of Germany , is located 656 km (407.62) from the Dutch capital . There are direct train options that connect the cities.

Amsterdam and Berlin are among the most popular cities to visit in Europe .

Top Attractions and Sights in Berlin

Brandenburg Gate
Berlin Cathedral
Museum Island
Berliner Fernsehturm
Reichstag Building
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Potsdamer Platz
Berlin Wall Memorial

Where to stay in Berlin

Grand Hyatt Berlin – Luxury hotel in Berlin with an indoor pool with panoramic views and modern facilities. The rooms are equipped with a TV, coffee maker, and minibar.

ibis Berlin Mitte – Budget hotel option in the Mitte region of Berlin with great reviews by many travelers. The rooms have a TV and a work desk.

Train from Amsterdam to Berlin: 6h25m – direct train – Price: 148 Euros

5. Train from Amsterdam to Frankfurt

Frankfurt is home to the largest airport in Germany and is also an option to combine an itinerary departing from Amsterdam .

The city has a charming historic center, and due to its location, it offers excellent options for day trips.

Frankfurt is located 439 km (272,782 miles) from Amsterdam .

Top Attractions and Sights in Frankfurt

Goethe House
Iron Footbridge
MAIN TOWER Aussichtsplattform
Historisches Museum Frankfurt
MUSEUM MMK FÜR MODERNE KUNST
Städel Museum
Frankfurt Cathedral
Alte Nikolaikirche

Where to stay in Frankfurt

Sofitel Frankfurt Opera – Luxury hotel located in the heart of historic Frankfurt just a short distance from the elegant Goethestraße street. The rooms are equipped with a TV, coffee maker, and minibar. The hotel has a year-round indoor pool.

NH Collection Frankfurt City – Hotel with modern facilities in the center of Frankfurt . All rooms have a TV, coffee machine, and minibar.

Train from Amsterdam to Frankfurt: 3h53m – direct train – Price: 80 Euros

6. Train from Amsterdam to Bremen

Bremen is a city in northern Germany located about 4 hours by train from Amsterdam .

It’s a great destination to combine an itinerary with cities like Lübeck , Hamburg , Kiel , and Rostock .

Top Attractions and Sights in Bremen

Bremen Town Hall
Petri Dom Bremen
Kunsthalle Bremen
Weserburg | Museum of Modern Art
Bremer Weserwehr
Universum Bremen

Where to stay in Bremen

Dorint City-Hotel Bremen – 4-star hotel located close to numerous attractions. Rooms are equipped with a TV, desk, and electric kettle.

prizeotel Bremen-City – Budget hotel option close to Central Station with excellent evaluation by several travelers. The rooms have a TV and a work desk.

Train from Amsterdam to Bremen: 4h05m – 1 change – Price: 45 Euros

7. Train from Amsterdam to Koblenz

Koblenz is a city located at the junction of the Moselle and Rhine rivers and is 354 km (219,965 miles) from Amsterdam .

Top Attractions and Sights in Koblenz

Deutsches Eck
Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
Basilica of St. Castor
Schloss Koblenz
Stolzenfels Castle

Where to stay in Koblenz

Fährhaus – Modern hotel on the banks of the Moselle with great reviews. All rooms have a TV, coffee machine, and minibar. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool.

Trierer Hof – Hotel located right in the heart of Koblenz . The rooms have a TV and a work desk.

Train from Amsterdam to Koblenz: 4h08m – 1 change – Price: 50 Euros

8. Train from Amsterdam to Hamburg

Hamburg is located in northern Germany 464 km (288,316 miles) from Amsterdam . It is one of the main tourist destinations in Germany .

Top Attractions and Sights in Hamburg

Hamburg Townhall
Elbphilharmonie Hamburg
Michael’s Church
Miniatur Wunderland
CHOCOVERSUM – Hamburgs Schokoladenmuseum
International Maritime Museum
Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg

Where to stay in Hamburg

Ruby Lotti Hotel Hamburg – Highly rated hotel located in the center of Hamburg . The rooms are modern and have a TV and a work desk.

Hotel Hafen Hamburg – Hotel located near the banks of Elbe . The rooms have a TV and minibar.

Train from Amsterdam to Hamburg: 5h04m – 1 change – Price: 50 Euros

Trains from Amsterdam to Germany Maps

Train from amsterdam to cologne map.

Train from Amsterdam to Düsseldorf Map

Train from Amsterdam to Hannover Map

Train from Amsterdam to Berlin Map

Train from Amsterdam to Frankfurt Map

Train from Amsterdam to Bremen Map

Train from Amsterdam to Koblenz Map

Train from Amsterdam to Hamburg Map

Book Your Trip

Book your accommodation.

Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.

Book Your Flight

Find cheap flights to Germany by using Momondo . Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many of budget carriers.

Book a Train Ticket

Check the train routes and schedules with Omio . Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com .

Germany vs The Netherlands (Overview, Travel and Cost of Living)

40 Popular Train Routes in Germany

10 Best Palace & Castle Hotels on Rhine River Germany

10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations

German States Map

German States and Regions

11 Amazing Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train

Posted on Last updated: March 18, 2024

Home » Destinations » Netherlands » Amsterdam » 11 Amazing Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train

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Planning a trip to Amsterdam and are thinking about side trips? Keep scrolling for my list of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train worth adding to your Netherlands itinerary!

This list of day trips from amsterdam by train was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

If you’re visiting the capital city of the Netherlands, taking short trips from Amsterdam couldn’t be easier!

The Netherlands is a super small country, measuring only slightly larger than the state of Maryland. It shares borders with Belgium and Germany and is world-renowned for excellent public transport.

Taking day trips from Amsterdam by train is the quickest and most convenient way to escape the city.

Plus, you have lots of options! Whether you want to explore another city or another country, see tulips, or see windmills, there are plenty of places to visit near Amsterdam by train.

This guide will not only give you some great suggestions for day trips by train from Amsterdam, but it will help you plan the logistics for a fun, stress-free side trip.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Amsterdam blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Amsterdam with kids.

Popular Amsterdam Tours/Activities

Day Trip to Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn (easy way to day trip without any stress)
Van Gogh Museum Kid-Friendly Private Tour (includes skip-the-line tickets)
Family-Friendly Amsterdam Private Tour (it’s customizable and a great way to get kids interested in history)
The Upside Down Amsterdam (fun, Instagram museum for families)
Flytographer photo shoot (they are easy to book are really affordable)

Kid-Friendly Amsterdam Hotels

Radisson Blu (great location with lots of family room options)
Pulitzer Amsterdam (lots of kid-friendly amenities plus family room options)
Volkshotel (unique hotel near Oosterpark and the Deppermarkt)
Amsterdam Marriott Hotel (offers family rooms near the Van Gogh Museum)
Conservatorium Hotel (spacious rooms in the Museum District)

Want to Rent a Bike in Amsterdam? One of the best places to rent a bike in Amsterdam is MacBike Bike Rental because they usually have the cheapest rates and fantastic customer service. Check rates here .

Day Trip to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam (Windmills)

Windmills are an iconic fixture in the countryside all over the Netherlands, so taking an Amsterdam windmills tour during your city break is a great idea. But some of them are in quite rural locations.

Zaanse Schans, Netherlands. Beautiful landscape with ancient windmills on a sunny day.

Luckily, you can take a super quick and easy touristy day trip to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam. We did this on our last trip to Amsterdam and I couldn’t believe how close it was to the city.

This is a historic neighborhood of the small town of Zaandam which has the look and feel of an 18th-century Dutch village.

There are windmills, authentic period houses, artisan workshops, and beautiful canal-side views. It’s the perfect family day out! Get a discounted Zaanse Schans card .

How To Get From Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans by Train

From Amsterdam Sloterdijk station, take a direct Sprinter service to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, which takes around 12 minutes. These services depart roughly every 15 minutes and cost around €4.60 one-way when booked in advance.

From the train station, the windmills are a 15-20 minute walk or a short taxi ride away.

Rotterdam Day Trip from Amsterdam

Rotterdam is a port city in the Netherlands and was almost entirely reconstructed after World War II.

Beautiful square inside yellow cube houses in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Taking a Rotterdam day trip from Amsterdam will allow you to experience a thoroughly modern Dutch city with skyscrapers, futuristic bridges, and high-tech museums.

You can visit vintage ships, browse markets, see some incredibly innovative modern architecture, and take a cruise around Rotterdam’s canals.

How To Get From Amsterdam to Rotterdam by Train

Taking day tours from Amsterdam to Rotterdam couldn’t be easier. From Amsterdam Centraal station, take a direct Intercity Direct or Thalys service to Rotterdam Centraal station.

This train journey takes around 40 minutes and leaves every 30 minutes. One-way tickets for this journey cost an average of €17.80 when booked in advance.

Day Trip from Amsterdam to Gouda

One of the best day trips from Amsterdam for foodies has to be Gouda. Its namesake cheese is beloved and widely available around the globe, but there’s something special about eating it in the city where it’s made.

Canal and houses in Gouda by day, Netherlands

In Gouda, you can visit the cheese market in Markt Square which still has a 17th-century Goudse Waag (cheese weighing station). There’s also the Gouda Cheese Museum and it really is just a pretty, charming city to walk around.

How To Get From Amsterdam to Gouda by Train

From Amsterdam Centraal station, hop on the direct Sprinter service to Gouda station which takes around 50 minutes.

There are plenty of other services that require you to change trains at Utrecht, but direct trains leave often enough every 30 minutes. It’s ideal for day train trips from Amsterdam.

Tickets for this one-way journey start at €13.60 when booked in advance.

Amsterdam to Delft Day Trip

Is fancy dinnerware and pottery more your vibe than chomping on cheese? Delft is the perfect day trip from Amsterdam for you!

Panoramic aerial view of Delft in a beautiful summer day, The Netherlands

Delftware is hand-painted blue and white pottery and is still manufactured in the town. You won’t have issues finding authentic souvenirs to take home on your Amsterdam to Delft day trip.

Aside from the pottery, it’s also the hometown of Dutch master painter Johannes Vermeer and has ties to Dutch royalty. There are lots of historic tombs and buildings to explore here.

How To Get From Amsterdam to Delft by Train

From Amsterdam Sloterdijk station, catch the direct Sprinter service to Delft station. This journey is just under an hour and the service leaves approximately every 30 minutes.

One-way tickets for this journey start from €15.60 when booked in advance.

Day Trips from Amsterdam to Brussels

Belgium’s capital city is somewhere you could spend an entire weekend. But if you’re short on time and want to see another bustling European capital during your trip, a Brussels day trip from Amsterdam is the perfect compromise.

Image of tulips at Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels.

Check out the historic Markt Square, the beloved statue of Mannekin Pis, and all the comic book street art around the city too.

How To Get From Amsterdam to Brussels by Train

Taking a train for an Amsterdam to Brussels day trip will last around two hours regardless of whether you catch a direct train or not.

Direct trains to Brussels-Zuid-Midi station from Amsterdam Centraal station depart roughly every 60 minutes. You can take an Intercity Direct, Thalys, or even a Eurostar train. If you do have to change trains, it will either be in Rotterdam or Antwerp.

Depending on which train company you book with, tickets for this journey cost around €26.

Giethoorn Day Trips from Amsterdam

Giethoorn isn’t one of the easiest day trips from Amsterdam by train but it’s definitely doable. You won’t regret it if you love quaint, charming, car-free villages either! Our family loved it!

Is Giethoorn worth visiting as an Amsterdam day trip? See what top family travel blog Marcie in Mommyland says! Image of a cute canal town in the Netherlands

Taking Giethoorn day trips from Amsterdam is becoming a more and more popular option because it’s a stunningly beautiful place.

It’s filled with thatched-roof houses dating back hundreds of years, miles of cycle paths, and so much lush greenery. Check out our guide to Giethoorn Netherlands .

How To Get From Amsterdam to Giethoorn by Train

From Amsterdam Centraal station, catch a Sprinter or Intercity service to Almere Centrum station. Then, hop on an Intercity service to Steenwijk Station . At the station, you take the 70 bus to Giethoorn’s Blauwe Hand bus stop or you can get a taxi as it’s only a 15-minute ride.

In total, this journey takes around two hours and 20 minutes. You’ll have an early start but it’ll be worth it!

Day Trips from Amsterdam to Bruges

Looking to take day trips from Amsterdam to Belgium but don’t want to visit another big city? You should head to Bruges.

The canals of Bruges (Brugge), Belgium on a sunny day.

Like Amsterdam, Bruges is also famous for its picturesque canals. But it’s a much smaller city with cobbled streets and houses that wouldn’t look out of place in a fairytale.

Some of the top things to do in Bruges include climbing the Belfry in Markt Square, taking a canal tour or carriage ride , and joining brewery tours .

How To Get From Amsterdam to Bruges by Train

From Amsterdam Centraal station, take a Thalys service to Brussel-Zuid/Midi before hopping on an IC service to Brugge station. This entire journey takes around three hours and 15 minutes depending on how long you have to wait for your connection in Brussels.

These trains depart from Amsterdam every 60 minutes and tickets for this trip start from €30 one-way.

Essen Day Trips from Amsterdam

While it’s easier to visit Belgium, taking day trips from Amsterdam to Germany is absolutely possible if you’d rather head north.

And one of the best places to visit in Germany is Essen, a small city compared to its neighbors Dusseldorf and Cologne. Unlike those sprawling metropolises, Essen is the perfect size to explore in one day.

There are folk museums, heritage trails, and lots of gardens in Essen as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex is one of the most important industrial sites in the world and totally free to visit.

How To Get From Amsterdam to Essen by Train

From Amsterdam Centraal station, catch a high-speed ICE International service to Duisburg Central Station in Germany. This journey takes around two hours.

Then it’s a simple, 20-minute S-Bahn metro ride to Essen Central Station . You could also catch another ICE service between these two German stations, or a regional train.

These trains leave Amsterdam approximately every two hours and tickets start from €18.90 one-way.

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Day trips from amsterdam to haarlem (tulips).

Haarlem is the best day trip from Amsterdam if you’re on a budget or want to visit somewhere super close to Amsterdam.

Medieval Adriaan Windmill in Haarlem the Netherlands at sunset

It’s a medieval city with cobblestone lanes and just so happens to be at the center of the tulip bulb industry. Hire bicycles in Haarlem during the tulip season of late March to early May and cycle outside of the city to see the most vibrant, floral fields.

How To Get From Amsterdam to Haarlem by Train

From Amsterdam Sloterdijk station, take a direct Intercity or Sprinter train to Haarlem Station . These trains depart every nine minutes, only take 10 minutes, and cost around €5.80 for a single journey.

Utrecht Day Trips from Amsterdam

Utrecht is a cool, university town and one of the best trips from Amsterdam you can take by train. With its impressive 14th-century Gothic cathedral and new college buildings, Utrecht is a beautiful blend of old and new.

old historical garden atCastle de Haar Netherlands Utrecht on a bright summer day, young couple men and woman mid age walking in the castle garden Utrecht

Check out the university’s botanic gardens and stop by one of the quirky museums like Spoorwegmuseum , an interactive rail museum housed in a former station.

How To Get From Amsterdam to Utrecht by Train

From Amsterdam Centraal station, either hop on a direct ICE International or Intercity train to Utrecht Centraal station.

Or, get a direct Intercity train from Amsterdam Amstel station to Utrecht Centraal station. Both services are very frequent (every 15 to 30 minutes) and take between 20 to 30 minutes. Ticket prices for this journey one-way start from €9.40.

Day Trips from Amsterdam to The Hague

Many overlook The Hague when planning Amsterdam day trips as they dismiss it as too industrial or corporate.

Binnenhof Palace - Dutch Parlament in the Hague (Den Haag). Netherlands (Holland)

It’s understandable when you learn that many travelers here are business travelers heading to the UN’s International Court of Justice.

But there are so many other things to see and do! It’s the seat of the Dutch Parliament which is a beautiful complex of Gothic buildings. Even the King’s workplace, Noordeinde Palace, is in The Hague.

And like the rest of the Netherlands, this city sits upon a picturesque system of canals with tulips growing from window boxes. There are also lots of gardens and The Hague even has a beach! You won’t regret 1 day in the Hague !

How To Get From Amsterdam to The Hague by Train

There are several ways to get to The Hague from Amsterdam, but these are the two most convenient routes. From Amsterdam Sloterdijk station, catch a direct Sprinter train to Den Haag Centraal station. You can also catch direct Intercity and Sprinter trains from Amsterdam South Station too.

Both of these options depart around every 30 minutes and take approximately 40 minutes. Single tickets for this journey start from €14.

Amsterdam Day Trips FAQs

What is the most scenic train ride from amsterdam.

One of the most scenic train rides from Amsterdam would be the journey to the city of Maastricht in the southernmost tip of the Netherlands.

This train journey takes you through the heart of the Dutch countryside, past traditional windmills, historic towns, wide open fields, and beautiful waterways.

What cities can I visit from Amsterdam?

From Amsterdam, you can easily visit a multitude of cities both within the Netherlands and in neighboring countries, thanks to an extensive and efficient train network. These include Rotterdam, Haarlem, Utrecht, and The Hague.

Where is Amsterdam central station?

Amsterdam Central Station, also known as Amsterdam Centraal, is located in the heart of the city center. It is situated on Stationsplein, directly across from the historic city center.

It’s within walking distance of many of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions, such as the Royal Palace, the Anne Frank House, and the Red Light District.

Is it worth visiting the Dutch countryside?

Absolutely, the Dutch countryside is well worth a day trip visit. It provides a stark contrast to the busy city life of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or The Hague.

The countryside is characterized by its iconic, picturesque landscapes, with windmills, tulip fields, dykes, and charming villages.

Where can I find a gouda cheese market near Amsterdam?

The city of Gouda, world-renowned for its namesake cheese, hosts a traditional cheese market. It’s located about an hour away from Amsterdam by train ride and is perfect for cheese lovers.

Where is an open-air museum near Amsterdam?

The Zaanse Schans, located just north of Amsterdam, is a popular open-air museum. It’s a well-preserved historic village that showcases traditional Dutch crafts, culture, Dutch history, and architecture.

Is it possible to visit the Keukenhof Gardens for a day trip?

Yes, during spring you can take a train from Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport, and then catch the Keukenhof Express bus. The journey to this Dutch town usually takes just over an hour.

What about a day trip to Belgium from Amsterdam?

It’s possible, but keep in mind the train journey to Antwerp or Brussels will take around 2-3 hours one way. If you start early, you can still enjoy a full day in either city.

Can I visit the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk from Amsterdam?

Yes, you can take a train to Rotterdam and then a bus to Kinderdijk, or a direct bus from Amsterdam, but the trip takes around 2 hours.

Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train Wrap Up

Planning day trips from Amsterdam by train could not be easier. With so many other beautiful cities, lush green countryside, and cultural places near Amsterdam by train, you can’t go wrong no matter where you choose to visit.

It might not be possible to take a day trip from Amsterdam to Luxembourg or many German cities.

But often, the best Amsterdam day tours are the closest and cheapest places to travel and they will make your European vacation all the more exciting.

Looking for more tips for visiting Amsterdam? Check out our list of the best kid-friendly Amsterdam hotels , how to spend 3 days in Amsterdam with kids , top Amsterdam travel tips , is Giethoorn worth visiting , how to find affordable Amsterdam photographers , best things to do in Zaanse Schans , and the top things to do in Amsterdam with kids !

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Home » Travel Guides » The Netherlands » 15 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

15 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, and it’s not hard to see why.

With picturesque canals, narrow townhouses and a whole host of cultural gems to enjoy Amsterdam really has something for everyone.

The Netherlands is a welcoming and versatile country but one that is seldom explored, for the jewel that is Amsterdam quickly captures the hearts of all who visit.

Outside of the elaborate, winding canals and away from the inspiring Museum District lies a wealth of countryside, cities and coastlines.

The Netherlands is a well connected country so getting around is no problem.

Leaving you no excuses to not get out and experience this great nation.

Let’s take a look at the best day trips from Amsterdam.

1. Keukenhof

Easily one of the most iconic landscapes in the Netherlands, if not all of Europe, is the grand Keukenhof tulip garden.

Undoubtedly the world’s largest flower garden Keukenhof is home to over 15 km of footpaths and spans over 32 hectares of colourful, blooming parkland.

Naturally, Keukenhof is best visited in the spring months when the flowers have burst from their buds.

Not only a tulip garden there are also rows upon rows of bright yellow daffodils and perfect pink, purple and peachy hyacinths too.

The theme for Keukenhof is ‘Romance in Flowers’ and it’s simply wonderful.

You need not be a budding botanist or avid gardener to enjoy Keukenhof, its beauty is indisputable.

2. Zaanse Schans & Edam

Zaanse Schans is a small, historic village home to a series of the Netherland’s most famous windmills.

Featuring in all the major guidebooks and probably the most photographed landscape in the country a morning visit to Zaanse Schans provides you with the opportunity to capture this iconic landscape for yourself.

The windmills are strategically placed along the banks of the River Zaanse and you can learn about the history and importance of these buildings by chatting to locals or hiring a guide.

In the afternoon travel on to Edam, a town world-renowned for its cheese production.

Get sampling all the different varieties and learn how this cheese is made and how its distinct flavour is created.

3. Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the Netherland’s second largest city and in many ways mirrors Amsterdam but in so many others is so very different.

No trip to Rotterdam would be complete without visiting the Euromast, a literal and metaphorical highlight.

Zoom straight up to the top of the towering 185m building in a rotating glass elevator.

You’ll have never experienced anything quite like it, that’s for sure.

From the top you can look out over Rotterdam’s picturesque cityscape.

Once your feet are firmly back on the ground take a stroll along the riverside, it is the Maas River than flows through Rotterdam.

Head out to the Old Port and marvel at the yellow cube houses.

There are some wonderful cafes and restaurants in Rotterdam to explore.

4. Marken & Volendam

Marken and Volendam are two gems of Northern Holland.

Marken is a remote fishing town that is best known for its preserved traditional Dutch culture.

Get ready for clogs galore.

In Marken you can visit a traditional shoe maker and learn this ancient craft, even pick out a pair or two to take home with you.

The winding streets are charming indeed and there are colourful townhouses and scenic stop offs aplenty.

The best way to get from Marken to Volendam is via the Marken Express Boat which offers wonderful views of IJsselmeer Lake.

Volendam is well set up for tourists and one of the best places to stock up on souvenirs.

It is a quaint fishing village that hasn’t lost any of its rustic charm.

For some travellers Bruges became a must-visit city when the film ‘In Bruges’ hit the big screens back in 2008. Bruges is a truly wonderful city that provides, much like Rotterdam, a contrast and a compliment to Amsterdam and sees you cross into neighbouring Belgium.

Brug Square is an appropriate starting point and from there you can branch out to observe the Town Hall, the Belfort and other classic, historical Belgian buildings.

In the Church of Our Lady you can observe one of the true artistic masterpieces still preserved today.

Michelangelo’s ‘The Madonna of Bruges’ hangs perfectly famed in this deeply spiritual church.

The Cathedral of San Salvador and the Old Beaterio can also be squeezed into a whistle-stop day trip to Bruges from Amsterdam.

6. Giethoorn

Giethoorn is a classic Netherlands village that is picture perfect in every way.

A real hidden gem a visit to Giethoorn gives you an insight in to the lives of Dutch people.

Another village in the Netherlands that features a complex series of canals Giethoorn is best explored by gondola.

The whole village can be experienced in the space of an hour when cruising.

Once seen from afar spend the afternoon strolling around the pathways of Giethoorn, photograph the perfectly restored farmhouses and take in the aroma of the fresh flowers.

The gardens of Giethoorn are simply divine, it’s clear to see that the locals pride themselves in the landscaping of their humble plots.

7. Bourtange

Another jewel of North Holland is Bourtange, famed for it’s beautiful fortress.

Once used by the Dutch army the Bourtange fort is built in the shape of a star and lies within the village itself.

Built in 1593 it is one of the oldest buildings in the Netherlands.

Steeped in historical significance the fort was constructed at the request of William the I of Orange and was designed to gain control over the singular road that lead from Germany to Groningen which was under the control of the Spanish.

It is possible to team a trip to Bourtange with a visit to Giethoorn if you are short on time.

Delft is yet another of the Netherland’s canal-crossed cities that is not to be missed.

Lying in the South Holland region Delft is known best as the home of Delftware, handmade white and blue pottery.

A university city, Delft has a young and diverse community that is reflected in the laid back and welcoming feel of the place.

During a day trip to Delft you can visit the Nieuwe Kerk that houses the tomb of William of Orange.

You can visit the Vermeer Centre that features, unsurprisingly, the masterpieces of Vermeer.

Oude Kerk and the Museum Het Prinsenhof should not be missed either.

9. The Hague

Located on the North Sea coast of the Netherlands lies the city of The Hague.

The Hague is the International City of Peace and Justice and is home to the UN’s International Court of Justice and the Peace Palace too.

Overflowing with modern and historical cultural significance The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and home to the Dutch royal family too.

Should you wish to get to grips with the history and cultural heritage of the Netherlands as a whole then The Hague is a great starting point.

The Mauritshuis features masterpieces by groundbreaking artists like Andy Warhol, Rembrandt and Vermeer and is a must-visit for any budding art critic.

10. Brussels

If you’re keen to tick off another European country during your visit to Amsterdam then consider a full day trip to Brussels.

A long day trip but nonetheless worthwhile, Brussels can be reached from Amsterdam by train or by drive.

Not to miss attractions and hotspots include the Atomium, the Royal Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

When in Brussels you’d be a fool not to sample some of the traditional waffles, chocolates and beer.

In all fairness you could skip the historical highlights altogether and indulge in a food tour of the Belgian capital city.

Don’t leave without stocking up on chocolates to take home.

11. Kröller-Müller Museum

The Kröller-Müller Museum is home to the world’s second largest collection of works by Van Gogh.

An art gallery with a vast sculpture garden the Kröller-Müller Museum deserves a day all of its own.

Located in Hoge Veluwe National Park in Otterlo the Kröller-Müller Museum lies just under 100 km away from Amsterdam city centre.

Thanks to the Netherland’s highly effective road network you can reach the Kröller-Müller Museum in under 90-minutes.

If you’re short on time or want a jam-packed day then coupling the Kröller-Müller Museum with a visit to Giethoorn is more than doable.

12. Kinderdijk

Kinderdijk is home to the UNESCO World Heritage windmill that is so very often the picture postcard image of the Netherlands.

The Kinderdijk windmill complex earned UNESCO status in 1997 and has fast become one of the must-visit destinations in the Netherlands.

Featuring all the rural and rustic charm you’d expect from the Dutch countryside Kinderdijk features dykes, pumping mills and of course the giant windmills themselves.

Thanks to its UNESCO status this vulnerable area will be protected forever more.

Kinderdijk is an example of Dutch ingenuity in all its glory.

It is possible to visit Kinderdijk and The Hague all in one day trip from Amsterdam should you be short on time.

13. Batavia Stad

Batavia Stad is the leading outlet shopping mall in the Netherlands and lies just outside Amsterdam city centre.

Home to over 250 brands across 150 stores Batavia Stad offers you the opportunity to shop ’til you drop.

There is a shuttle bus that ferries shoppers from the city centre to the outlet mall throughout the day, free of charge.

Named after the great ship, Bratavia, there is a lot to explore.

There are cafes and restaurants aplenty should refreshment be in order throughout the day.

Batavia Stad is an open air outlet so in the drizzly winter months you may want to bring an umbrella with you.

You are a fan of cheese? Then be sure to tick off not only the town of Edam but Gouda too.

Gouda cheese is perhaps even more widely adored than Edam.

Naturally, no trip to Gouda would be complete without visiting the Gouda Cheese Market that opens in Markt Square every Thursday morning.

The Church of St John is a magical church that is famed for its exquisite stained glass windows.

Dual layered, each window depicts a different scene.

Markt Square is still very much worth a visit even when the Gouda Cheese Market is not on.

The Gouda Stadhuis was constructed back in 1448 and is a prime example of perfectly preserved gothic architecture.

15. Utrecht

Placed in the heart of the Netherlands is the university city of Utrecht.

In the winter months when the canals freeze over it is possible to ice skate through the city.

De Haar Castle is a remodelled medieval style castle in the centre of the city that feature magnificent gardens and traditional architecture.

If you’re travelling with children then the Railway Museum is an interactive and educational way to experience Utrecht as is the Museum of Speelklok.

Much like the Gouda Stadhuis, in the main Domplein square in Utrecht you will find the Cathedral of St.

Martin another incredible example of 14th-Century gothic architecture.

15 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam:

Zaanse Schans & Edam
Marken & Volendam
Kröller-Müller Museum
Batavia Stad

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15+ Best Day Trips from Amsterdam (towns, tulips & more!)

By: Author Charlotte

Posted on Last updated: 11th May 2024

Categories Netherlands

Last Updated on 11th May 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

Amsterdam is a vibrant city plentiful with things to see and do, but you can visit most of the main spots within a few days. The question is, have you ever ventured further out? Beyond the lively capital there is so much to explore and experience, giving you a true taste of Holland. From medieval castles to tulip fields, in this guide, we’ll run through the best day trips from Amsterdam (and how to get to each of them)…

Getting around the Netherlands

Lisse & dutch tulip fields & keukenhof, zaanse schans , muiderslot castle, alkmaar cheese market.

Everything in the Netherlands is situated fairly close to one another so most of the places mentioned are easily visited by public transport, and less than an hour away! I would personally not rent a car since public transportation (buses, trains, and trams) is so easy to use and is also pretty affordable.

You can even now check in and out of public transport in most of the Netherlands with a contactless debit card, credit card or via your mobile phone and ov-chipcard (eliminating the need to buy a paper ticket in most cases- just verify this before you travel with a station staff member).

If it’s your first time in the Netherlands, check out our suggestions for how to spend one day in Amsterdam and our top Amsterdam travel tips .

Best day trips from Amsterdam

Rotterdam is a modern city, characterised by its imposing skyline, it’s the second largest city in the Netherlands and definitely gives visitors a different feel to that of Amsterdam.

Admire the innovative architecture! The city was flattened by bombs in WW2, therefore Rotterdam essentially had to rebuild everything. With a chance to reinvent itself, the city is now flourishing with experimental and progressive architectural structures, with some architects calling it “the city of the future” as it consciously makes use of climate-adaptive designs.

Rotterdam city is also home to the largest seaport in all of Europe! This bustling hub of activity is

Whether its wandering around the city and exploring all the museums filled with amazing art and history, or enjoying some delicious Dutch delicacies in the array of restaurants.

There’s so much to see in Rotterdam! Here are just a few top suggestions for your trip:

Cube Houses ( Blaakse Bos ), an intriguing design of a housing complex.
Markthal , grab a bite to eat in this iconic piece of architecture and look up at the huge artwrok that covers the ceiling.
Delfshaven , visit one of the few areas of historic Rotterdam that survived the bombings.
We Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen , an art museum with lots to see.

Looking for more Rotterdam inspiration? Check out our one day in Rotterdam itinerary ! The easiest way to get from Amsterdam to Rotterdam is by taking the local train and the journey takes around forty minutes.

Free & Self-Guided Rotterdam Walking Tour, Holland, the Netherlands. How to spend one day in the Dutch city of Rotterdam! (Cube Houses, Markthal, Oude Haven, etc)

Located south of Amsterdam you can find one of the best kept secrets of the Netherlands, The Hague. An energetic city, rich with history, culture and art, it’s definitely worth the trip!

The city has a fantastic culinary scene offering visitors a wide range of cuisines, with amazing options for those who prefer a plant based diet! Coffee culture in The Hague is also extremely popular, plentiful with trendy cafes, its the perfect place to sip on some caffeine and get a buzz for exploring.

Let yourself be taken in by the city! Visit Mauritshuis and admire masterpieces by artists to the likes of Rembrandt and Vermeer, this art gallery is home to some of the best Dutch paintings. Or, experience history and visit the impressive building The International Court of Justice ( peace palace ).

If all of the above hasn’t already swayed you to visit, this treasure of a city also has 11km of golden sandy beaches on its doorstep, making it a popular destination for a day of sunbathing or swimming when the weathers hot.

Top things to make sure you see when visiting The Hague:

The Girl with the Pearl Earring , the famous painting is hidden in the art museum, Mauritshuis.
De Passage Den Haag , an impressive arcade filled with independent shops and eateries you have to check out!
Peace Palace , home to the International Court of Justice.
Scheveningen , ( the beach! ) this modern seaside resort is filled with bars and a promenade.
Vegan food & Coffee , the city is bountiful with places you have to try out.

If you need more to persuade you or just to read further in depth of what the city has to offer, view our Hague travel guide . Otherwise, you should know that the easiest way to reach The Hague is by taking a direct train from Amsterdam to The Hague. Journey times are around forty five minutes if you opt for a direct train.

The charming city of Haarlem, much like a lot of the Netherlands, has great cafe culture, restaurants and beautiful streets to explore, but something that sets Haarlem apart is its vast amount of museums!

Bursting with history and culture, the city is home to some of the best in the Netherlands, with over 10 different museums to explore, you could spend a whole day alone simply learning and viewing world-famous art.

Haarlem is also regularly regarded for its shopping! From fashion to vintage, the city is bustling with special boutiques, markets and some high end fashion chains. Amsterdam to Haarlem is one of the quickest and easiest day trips from Amsterdam via public transportation as the time you’ll spend on the train is just 13 minutes!

For lovers of tulips, the Netherlands, and beautiful gardens, Keukenhof is a must-see while in Holland. Open for just a few weeks each year, this sprawling space can be found close to the town of Lisse and is an easy day trip from Amsterdam.

Situated on the fringes of the town of Lisse, one thing you should note before visiting Keukenhof is that, in spite of what many blogs and online magazines would have you believe, the space is actually a gardens, as opposed to a field full of tulips.

Keukenhof is one of my favourite places to visit in Europe in the spring and is a must-see any time you’re in the Netherlands during this period. Unfortunately there’s no train station at Keukenhof and so you’ll have to take a train followed by a bus. If you want all the transportation details taken care of for you, consider booking a guided excursion to Keukenhof from Amsterdam like this one.

If you’d like to see some tulips to pose with/ snap photos with but don’t necessarily want to go to a garden, then another great alternative is to check out The Tulip Barn , which is on the outskirts of the village of Hillegom .

Purple and red tulips with yellow daffodils in Keukenhof

Hands down, one of my very favourite cities in the Netherlands is that of Leiden, a paradise for culture lovers and the birthplace of Rembrandt, this city is filled with hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered!

Abundant with museums to visit, the city is brimming with culture everywhere you look! The Wall Poems of Leiden ( Muurgedichten ) are a romantic place to start, where over 120 hand painted poems can be found on the city walls, all in a range of different language and scripts.

Leiden is also home to the oldest botanic gardens in the Netherlands, in fact, one of the oldest in the world! You can enjoy venturing on the nature trails and really feel as though you have left the city for a brief moment.

There’s so much to uncover in Leiden which is why we have a guide to the best things to do in Leiden and the best hidden gems of Leiden, where you can pick out your favourite spots and start planning your trip!

In order to get from Amsterdam to Leiden, the easiest option is to get the train. You can get a direct train from Amsterdam’s Sloterdijk station to Leiden. The journey time is roughly 30 minutes.

Why You Must Visit Leiden, The Beautiful University City of Holland, The Netherlands

If you’re looking to experience the Dutch countryside, look further than Zaanse Schans! This dreamy little neighbourhood just north of Amsterdam is everything you think of when picturing the Netherlands.

Quaint and unique, Zaanse Schans is adorned with the iconic symbol of the Netherlands, windmills! Seeing these traditional wooden Dutch windmills offers a real glimpse into the country’s rich industrial heritage. While you are able to visit all year round, the best time to go so you can climb inside the windmills themselves is during the months of April-October.

While visiting you can explore Zaan’s heritage in the Zaans Museum or delve even further into windmill’s at a museum focused solely on the windmill history, The Zaansche Mill.

Taste some Dutch cheese! Catharina Hoeve is a 17th century cheese farm that will give you the full authentic experience of cheese-making, and you’ll get the chance to try some for yourself.

In order to reach Zaanse Schans, you’ll want to take a train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans (17 minutes) and then walk for around twenty minutes to reach the windmill. Another option is to book a Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken Day Trip guided tour like this one.

Just a short train ride away from Amsterdam, located in the mouth of the Vecht River is one of the best preserved castles in all of the Netherlands, surrounded by water and gardens, the construction of this impressive castle began over 700 years ago!

Muiderslot Castle was built by the water for a very specific reason as it is part of four Dutch water-based defence line. Visitors can view of water shield pavillion situated just behind the castle, and go underground to learn more about how the Dutch used water as a means of fortification.

You can explore the interior of the castle, and if you’re a true history fanatic its recommended to take the guided tour as you’re likely to be taken into rooms that aren’t open to the public!

Wandering through the gardens is tranquil and really gives you the feeling as though you’ve stepped back in time. If you get hungry from all the exploring, there’s a lovely cafe in the courtyard terrace.

The easiest way to get to Muiderslot is by heading to Amsterdam IJburg where you can take the Amsterdam Tourist Ferry! A pricier yet easy option where the details are taken care of for you is this Private Day Trip to the Dutch Castles.

If you’ve ever heard of Edam before it’s likely thanks to the cheese, however there are lots of reasons why you should take the time to visit this little canalside Dutch town!

Surrounded by charming countryside, Edam is only a short bus journey from Amsterdam, making it the perfect day trip spot. There’s plenty to see in this friendly and picturesque town, the town has a few museums ( The Edam Museum, of course! ) a beautiful town hall, and many shops and cafes.

Edam’s main draw to visitors is of course, cheese. Every Wednesday in July and August, visitors can experience the tradition that lives on, as local farmers come together to create a reconstruction of the market as it was previously held in Edam until 1922.

Like many of the other medieval towns in the Netherlands, the easiest way to get from Amsterdam to Edam is by train. There are direct trains from Amsterdam Noord (easily reachable from Centraal) to Edam and the total journey time is around 50 minutes.

Yet another destination probably known better by its cheese, is Gouda, the cheese city of Holland. This gorgeous medieval city has a wondrously rich past, just waiting to be explored!

Situated in the heart of Gouda on its main square is the town hall, Stadhuis, built in1450 this beautiful architecture is the oldest Gothic city hall in the whole of the Netherlands. It has since been transformed into a museum.

Wander around the picturesque cobbled streets and canals of the city, you’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale! The historic charm of this town is easy to fall in love with and you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised by its hidden gems, one not to be missed is the catholic church, Oud-Katholieke Kerk, hidden behind the facade of a Dutch house.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Gouda cheese isn’t the only thing the city is known for, in fact one of its most famous exports is Siroopwafels ( a Dutch delicacy ).

One of the best places to visit when in Gouda is Kamphuisen Syrup Waffle factory, where you can experience the sweet warmth of delicious crisp waffles and learn more as to how the factory has remained so popular since 1810.

And of course, you wouldn’t have really visited if Gouda if you don’t taste Gouda cheese! This cheese accounts for well over half of Dutch cheese exportation each year, making it a staple of the Netherlands heritage.

Step into the world of all things Gouda cheese and visit the Gouda Cheese Experience, this must-see attraction when visiting gives visitors a feel and taste of the importance this cheese has had.

There’s a lot to see in Gouda, and while it does make for the perfect day trip from Amsterdam, you may want to consider exploring the city over several days to see the best of it. For more inspiration, check out our guide to the best things to do in Gouda . There are direct trains from Amsterdam Centraal to Gouda, with the journey time being around 50 minutes.

Here's why you need to visit Gouda, the cheese city of Holland, the Netherlands on your next Dutch adventure. How to visit the city of Gouda and what to do once there; admire the canals, enjoy the cheese culture, visit the town museum, and more!

The charming village of Giethoorn, known as the ‘Venice of the Netherlands’ is world-famous thanks to the fact that it has no roads!

Imagine tranquil stretches of canal, thatched-roofed houses dating back to the 18th century and leafy green pathways. This little treasure lies north east of Amsterdam and is the perfect day trip to soak up Dutch beauty.

Home to around 2,800 people, you may be wondering how the residents get around! Boats, walking, and cycling are the modes of transport here, only adding to the storybook vibe of this enchanting little village.

Wandering around by foot is lovely, but the best way for visitors to truly experience Giethoorn is by renting a boat and enjoying a scenic sail down the waterways.

While it may be tempting to stay outdoors all day, don’t miss out on checking out the museums in Giethoorn, Olde Maat Uus ( bringing history and tradition to life ) and De Oude Aarde ( fossils, gemstones and minerals, perfect for lovers of geology! ) are both well worth the visit.

A journey from central Amsterdam to Giethoorn village via public transportation will take around two to two and a half hours, making it one of the longer day trips from the city.

You have to take a train and then a bus. The quickest way is to organise a car transport service or renting your own vehicle. Another easy option is to book a guided tour to Giethoorn like this one.

One of the prettiest cities in the Netherlands, best-known for its production of Delft blue ceramics, is the Dutch delight Delft!

Delft blue, or ‘ Delftware ‘ is the blue-and-white pottery that has become a symbol of the Netherlands, and put the city on the map for its ceramic industry and exportation.

Home to the 17th century painter Johannes Vermeer, undoubtedly Delft’s most famous resident, who painted ‘Girl With the Pearl Earring’. Visitors can now visit Vermeer Centrum Delft , a centre dedicated to his life and works.

The city feels a lot calmer than the bustle of Amsterdam, you can enjoy exploring the hidden cobbled pathways and canals, and find yourself stumble across interesting architecture like that of the Delft City Hall, an impressive Renaissance-style building with beautiful stonework.

Interested in visiting? Read on for an insiders guide to some of the best things to do when in Delft and the best hidden gems of Delft . Otherwise, you should know that you can get a direct train from Amsterdam Sloterdijk to Delft in around 55 minutes.

Visiting Bierhuis De Klomp, The Oldest Bar in Delft, The Netherlands

The windmills of Kinderdijk are probably the most famous and most photographed windmills of the world!

Visitors from all over the world come to experience this unique piece of history, that is in fact so valuable its listed as a World Heritage Site.

The Dutch have always been clever in dealing with the water that surrounds them and Kinderdijk is proof of this, as the people have used innovative technologies to keep the soil dry, and learnt how to live together with water.

If you want to get to know a very different side of the Netherlands that you won’t find in the cities, then this rich historical and iconic landmark makes for the perfect day trip to visit from Amsterdam! In order to get from Amsterdam to Kinderdijk, you’ll need to get a train to Rotterdam followed by a waterbus to Kinderdijk.

The city of Utrecht can be found in the heart of the Netherlands, brimming with beautiful canals, parks and lively restaurants, the city has been described as a cosier ( but much quieter ) version of Amsterdam.

The city itself is compact and easy to get around, you can find yourself taken in by the historical charm and medieval atmosphere as many of the buildings around the city date back to the middle ages.

Considered the symbol of Utrecht is the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the whole of the Netherlands, where visitors can take a guided tour to the top and enjoy views of the city.

Indulge in the culinary culture of terraced restaurants and cute cafes! There’s plenty of great spots where you can tuck in to some delicious local food or try a craft beer by the canal.

Utrecht is also home to an energetic music scene, with an array of DJs and gigs all throughout the year, the cities lively nightlife makes its the perfect place to go out dancing late into the night!

There’s lots to do when visiting Utrecht, so here are just a few top suggestions:

Enjoy a picnic at the park! Utrecht is filled with green spaces to sit and relax in
Visit Rietveld Schroder House , an architectural wonder worth seeing
Go to a craft beer bar, there’s no place better to drink beer than by the canal! Here are a few suggestions of where to go for craft beer: De Morgenster , Kafe Belgie , Olivier Belgian Beer Cafe .
Immerse yourself history , there are plenty of museums to visit, even one solely on railway history!
Go see a gig at Tivolivredenburg , a unique contemporary music complex for all kinds of entertainment.

This quintessentially Dutch city will give you a true experience of life in the Netherlands, its friendly, romantic and full of life, definitely not one to miss when visiting Holland!

The easiest way to reach Utretch is by taking the train. There are regular direct trains from Amsterdam Sloterdijk to Utrecht and the journey time is around 50 minutes.

For a real glimpse into Dutch tradition, you have to visit a cheese market. The best place to experience this is the beautiful town of Alkmaar where the Alkmaar Cheese Market takes place, an extraordinary spectacle with cheese as far as the eye can see!

The cheese market in Alkmaar opens annually 10am-1pm from the last Friday of March to the last Friday of September and Tuesday evenings 7-9pm in July and August ( with other various cheese related events happenings throughout the months ) on the Waagplein square.

The atmosphere of the market is cheery and vibrant, happening every year for over 400 years now, there’s no need to try and picture it as the lively demonstrations of cheese carriers and samplers make you feel like you’re back in time! The easiest way to reach Alkmaar is to take a direct train and the journey time is only 37 minutes!

This beautiful Dutch town is only a short 30 minute train from Amsterdam, rich with history and a scenic harbour area, there’s plenty to see!

Walking around is definitely the best way to soak up the town, where you can see Renaissance revival architecture dotted throughout. Filled with cosy cafes, restaurants and shops to explore, De Waag is a stunning building to look at and is now a restaurant for visitors to dine in.

A must when visiting Hoorn is seeing De Roode Steen ( Red Stone ) which quite literally describes the bloody history of the punishments that took place on this square in the middle ages.

Hoorn has five harbours in total, the old harbour area feels like walking back through time as you admire the parked ships and 17th century Dutch houses that sparkle in the waters reflection.

Small and easy to visit, Hoorn is the perfect day trip away from the crowds for a quieter experience of the Netherlands. This is also one of the easiest train day trips from Amsterdam as trains run on a regular basis between Amsterdam Centraal and Hoorn and the journey time is around 35 minutes.

This is probably the best theme park you’ve probably never heard of! If you’re a thrill seeker then this might be high on your list of things to do. Efteling is an enchanting fantasy-themed amusement park, with attractions that reflect themes of ancient myths, legends, fairytales and folklore.

Unfortunately Efteling is around two hours away from Amsterdam, making it one of the longer day trips from Amsterdam included here. You can get there by train, but you have to change in Tilburg or in ‘S-Hertogenbosch.

The beautiful town of cobbled streets and gorgeous architecture is a bit further away, but worth the trip if you have the time when visiting Amsterdam.

In the neighbouring country of Belgium, this charming city is characterised by its red brick buildings, winding canals and medieval architecture. Located on the main square you can visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a church which houses a relic of the holy blood allegedly touched by Joseph of Arimathea.

You may recognise the Minnewater Bridge, also known as The Lake of Love bridge, arguably the most romantic spot of the city and seen in the famous In Bruges film. In fact, as the title suggests, you can see all of the filming locations when visitng the city.

Bruges isn’t too overwhelming in size, making it the perfect destination for a day trip, and we’ve done the planning for you! Read A One Day in Bruges Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal for top tips on what to do , when in Bruges.

Whether you take public transportation or rent a car, the journey time will be just under three hours each way. You can also book a guided tour like this one.

Though a little further away than some of the other day trips from Amsterdam, if you have the time to visit Brussels, you won’t be disappointed!

The capital city of Belgium is situated in the very heart of the country and this stunning city has a lot to offer, known for its culture of museums, delicious cuisine, markets and chocolate!

For those with a sweeter tooth, you can visit the Museum Of Cocoa And Chocolate, learning about the tradition of chocolate making and production, you’ll also get a chance to taste some of the finest Belgian chocolate you’ll ever have!

Lovers of history and architecture can take in the historical sights of the city like the striking St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral of Brussels ( free to visit! ), or the Coudenberg Palace, which once towered over the city.

The city is filled with green spaces, so if you want to take some time out from the built up areas you can enjoy a stroll in one of the many parks.

There’s something for everyone in Brussels, we’ve put together a suggested one day guide that will help you get the best out of your trip and ensure you are prepared! In order to get between Amsterdam and Brussels, you’ll want to book a high speed train, which will take around two hours.

Secrets of Brussels. Looking for the most unusual things to do in Brussels Belgium? here's your ultimate guide to hidden gems and secret spots in Brussels!

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Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks. Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh, she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world!

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8 EASY Weekend Trips from Amsterdam to Other Countries

January 21, 2018

Why would you want to take a weekend trip from Amsterdam? So many reasons! You could live in Amsterdam as we do. Perhaps you are a local or an expat that lives in the Netherlands and it’s easy to get to Amsterdam as a starting point. Maybe you are in the city for work for an extended period of time and you want to make the most of the experience. Or maybe you are making Amsterdam your base for a longer European adventure!

This post contains affiliate links.

Whatever your personal reason for wanting to use Amsterdam as your jumping off point, there are an amazing amount of quick weekend trips to be had that are short flights or train journeys from Amsterdam. It’s super easy to get around Europe thanks to a well-connected central train station and an easy (and cheap to get to) international airport.

Related: Day trips from Amsterdam

Weekend trip #1 // Amsterdam to London

How to get there: Quick flights ( Check flight prices ) are about 50 minutes or the international train, the Eurostar takes just over 4.5 hours. Though a new and faster line is coming. Exciting times!

Somehow, I actually don’t write much about London even though I go often as it’s one of my favorite places to go from Amsterdam. Last year I went four times! It is such an interesting and large place with so much going on. I’ve taken a couple of food tours: one in SoHo and one by the London Bridge so that I could get introduced to proper British food. Every time I go, I try to make a reservation for an afternoon tea. I like Scoff & Banter Tea Rooms because of the variety and fancy-pants factor, but we did try the Alice in Wonderland one too. Sadly, I enjoyed the show part of it over the actual eating part. At least it was fun!

There are so many neighborhoods that I keep exploring and finding new ones. I’ll walk around and think “I could live here.” Then I go to another part of the city and think, “Nope, this is the perfect spot.”.

Weekend trips from Amsterdam: London - Little Venice

Then, I laugh at myself because I’ll never be able to live in the center of London! Besides, I’m perfectly happy with the house we bought in Amsterdam . To be fair, I never thought that could happen either. Isn’t life a funny thing?

Anyway, back to London. If you like history there are plenty of museums and even non-museum places to enjoy. But sometimes it’s nice to just look at the city. Look at Buckingham Palace. Look at the Parliament Building. Look at Tower Bridge. Other times it’s nice to dive into the culture on Carnaby Street, or in SoHo. Walking in the area of Little Venice is so nice and relaxing and climbing up Primrose Hill is perfect for an awesome view.

With so many options, you might want to think about what kind of accommodation you want before you even start looking. But check out a full listing of hotels to see what fits you best. This is such an easy trip from Amsterdam when you fly from Schiphol airport to London City Airport because you are already in the city!

Hint: Stay near a subway or train station and stay farther out to pay a little less but not be too inconvenienced.

Weekend Getaway #2 // Amsterdam to Paris, France

How to get there: Quick flight ( Check flight prices ) about 1 hour and 15 minutes or the Thalys train that takes 3 hours and 18 minutes.

I try to do this every year so I’m definitely partial to this one. Even though I’m not in love with Paris like many people are, I still love visiting as a weekend getaway from Amsterdam.

Yeah, I don’t understand myself either. Then again, I love to eat real French food every once in a while and my favorite tea brand is there! There’s just something about walking around Paris. The best thing is when you discover your spots…the places you like the most for whatever reason.

One of my favorite things that I’ve done in Paris was to grab an eclair, go to the big grassy area called Esplanade des Invalides with Edna and hang out. So simple, yet so nice.

It’s always nice to get a good view of the iconic landmarks in Paris. Though I haven’t put together a post on this, Edna did! She also has a lot of article on Paris in general, so definitely check those out. Stay an extra day and make a long weekend out of the trip!

Weekend Excursion #3 // Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland

How to get there: Quick flight ( Check flight prices ) about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

For a quick weekend trip, hopefully, you’d be able to just take a carry-on. In that case, there are always super cheap flights to get there. It’s also very quick and easy to get to the city from the airport by bus so you don’t waste time.

If you like old town centers and bridges that give you the most incredible views, Basel will not disappoint. Even in the winter when most people don’t think to come to Europe it is such a beautiful place no matter when you are able to visit. Being able to walk around and see so many beautiful places and buildings makes it a great escape. The pace is calm and there is plenty of places to eat and drink once you are ready for a break.

If you stay in a Basel hotel, you get the Basel pass which gives you free public transit and discounts around town. Now, that’s a nice bonus and adds a bit of value to your trip.

Weekend Getaway #4 // Amsterdam to Lisbon, Portugal

How to get there: Quick flight ( Check flight prices ) about 3 hours which isn’t bad for a long weekend.

There are so many flights from Amsterdam to Lisbon, but also, it’s a quick ride from the airport to the center of town.

Weekend trip from Amsterdam: Lisbon, Portugal

I don’t know about you, but everyone I know has been talking about Lisbon for the past year. It’s for a good reason! With the pretty great weather, amazing food, and the treat of Vinho Verde, it’s a great place to be.

Take a food tour to discover the flavors of Portugal , make a reservation at a delicious restaurant that is known for their seafood, and grab a drink and sit waterside to enjoy the sunshine. It’s one of those places that you can easily find touristy things to do , or just sit back and relax.

Weekend Trip #5 // Amsterdam to Berlin, Germany

How to get there: Quick flight ( Check flight prices ) about an hour and 25 minutes.

Oh, Berlin! Berlin is such a popular destination for so many reasons. It has a great vibe, clubbing, its own unique culture, and the food scene is definitely growing. Summer is the best time to go since festivals in parks being very popular. Food trucks, music, and green grass all come together to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Hardly seems fair to think about if you are currently experiencing not-so-friendly weather.

For a weekend away, there are a ton of possibilities of what to get into , but I’ll leave that part up to you. What’s awesome about Berlin is that the variety makes it so that there is something for all us travelers. Indoor museums, outdoor events, historical significance, and so on. It’s easy to go back for multiple trips and always have something new to discover. Discover the best place to stay that fits you best!

Weekend Trip #6 // Amsterdam to Warsaw, Poland

How to get there: Quick flight ( Check flight prices ) about 2 hours

Warsaw isn’t always the first place that comes to mind for a weekend trip, or even as a short break from Amsterdam. But with a direct flight, a stunning old town, a castle and lots to see, why wouldn’t you go? Since a weekend isn’t super long and you want to have your money stretch farther, it’s a good thing it’s cheap to get from the airport to the old town center (less than €1) by bus and takes less than one house. If you’re more concerned about time than money, a taxi or Uber is always an option as well.

Agness in Warsaw’s old town.

Our friend Agness from eTramping.com has put together a full post here on A Wanderlust For Life on what to do in Warsaw over a weekend . Don’t forget about the food! Over on their blog, they have a drool-worthy post of their favorite Polish dishes .

Weekend Trip #7 // Amsterdam to Groningen, Netherlands

How to get there: By train( Check train prices ) about 2 hours

We all love Amsterdam, it’s just one of those places you have to experience. But when you want to see stunning Dutch architecture in a small city with lots of energy, but without all the tourists, Groningen is a perfect weekend getaway from Amsterdam. It’s a university town, so it’s incredibly lively without being overwhelming. See the full post we wrote up about planning a weekend in Groningen .

You easily get that local feeling by simply strolling down the street. When you start getting peckish, pop into one of the many restaurants available. Because it’s a city with a younger population, the offerings range from traditional to eccentric. There’s something for everyone here. I found it to be a super relaxing place to be with plenty to do if you want, but nothing that gives you FOMO. It’s a nice balance.

Find the right accommodation for you in Groningen.

Weekend Trip #8 // Amsterdam to Hamburg, Germany

How to get there: Super-quick flight ( Check flight prices ) about an hour long.

You may notice that this is the second time I’ve mentioned Germany, but Hamburg is quite different (and pretty far) from Berlin. It’s one of those places that truly surprised me with how cool it really is. You’ll find some great activities to do and areas to visit. My favorite is down by the water, but the old town with its stunning buildings is pretty spectacular as well.

This probably isn’t a shock to anyone, but one of my favorite parts was the variety of food. We ate at so many amazing spots all over the city, from pulled pork bbq to fine dining, to a breakfast worthy of getting up early, this city has it all. Read about all our favorite spots including things to do in our post all about a weekend in Hamburg . Don’t forget to find a place to lay your head down each night.

Wh ile there are many great options all over Europe, I really think these are perfect for quick trips to be able to get a nice taste of that city. Visitors to Amsterdam can use the city as a hub and still get a really great European experience while exploring more cultures, food, and iconic sights. And those who are local have easy access to great travel opportunities just by living in or around a city like Amsterdam.

I hope I have inspired you! Whether you are taking weekend trips from Amsterdam, or from where you are right now, take the opportunity to use a weekend to explore something new. 🙂

What do you think? Would you take quick trips to these places or do you have other ideas?

Wishing you love and travels!

Hi! I’m Jessica, an American who made Amsterdam her home in 2014. I share European gems through food and memorable experiences. Want to know more? Head to my about page or check out my YouTube channel .

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12 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

By Becky Griswold · Last updated on May 20, 2024

With all the many exciting things to see and do in Amsterdam , it is no wonder that the city ranks as one of the world’s top tourist destinations. However, not venturing outside of the city would mean missing out on amazing experiences and sights such a 400-year old cheese-weighing tradition, a medieval village and the world’s largest flower garden.

With plenty of train and bus connections, tourists can easily plan day trips to see some of these hidden gems. Check out these great day trips from Amsterdam .

12. Utrecht

Utrecht is a good place for visitors to delve into the Netherlands’ past. This ancient city has been the religious center of the country since the eighth century. It was once the most important city in Holland until it was surpassed by Amsterdam in the Dutch Golden Age (17th century).

Not too many visitors venture the 50 km (31 miles) off the beaten path from Amsterdam, but more travelers should make the time to come to this historic city. It’s been called the most beautiful canal city in Europe – take that, Venice! A city known for independent thinking and creativity, Utrecht is perfect for visitors who enjoy the sidewalk café life, while looking up at the surrounding Gothic buildings.

Shoppers definitely will like the Hoog Catharijne, Holland’s largest indoor mall. Plus, this quintessential Dutch city, which exudes Old World charm, is easily traversed in a day on foot.

Getting to Utrecht

The easiest way to get to Utrecht is to take a train from Amsterdam Central Station ; it takes just under half-an-hour to get from one to the other. The Intercity train leaves very regularly.

Cheese lovers will naturally want to gravitate to Edam, the small town where the famous cheese originated. This pale yellow round cheese, which comes wrapped in a red paraffin coat, was the world’s most popular cheese in the 14th to 16th centuries because it doesn’t spoil.

Spoilage is not a problem these days, because this smooth popular cheese doesn’t last long enough around the kitchen to go bad. Wednesday is a great day to visit Edam, a half-hour drive from Amsterdam, because the traditional cheese market happens then, with participants wearing traditional garb. If it’s a Wednesday in July or August, so much the better, because farmers bring their cheese to market loaded on boats or horses.

Edam was once a shipbuilding city, with ships carrying cargo that included Edam cheese because it could be traded for exotic spices. The city’s other main draw is the Edam Museum that is located in a 400-year-old residence.

Getting to Edam

As it is only a half hour bus ride away, getting to Edam from Amsterdam couldn’t be easier. As such, it makes for a very easy day-trip.

The picturesque city of Leiden is a must-see for its scenic, tree-lined canals that are marked with old windmills, wooden bridges and lush parks. A boat ride down one of these lovely canals makes for an unforgettable experience.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Leiden such as the numerous museums that range from science and natural history to museums dedicated to windmills and Egyptian antiquities. Pay a visit to the Hortus Botanicus to see its sprawling botanical gardens and the world’s oldest academical observatory. Admire the beautiful architecture of the 16th century Church of St. Peter and check out its association with several historic people, including American pilgrims.

Getting to Leiden

Lying to the southwest of Amsterdam on the way to The Hague, it only takes 40 minutes by train to get to Leiden.

9. Giethoorn

Travelers who don’t have time for Italy but don’t want to miss out on a canal ride should head to Giethoorn, a quaint Dutch village known as “Little Venice” or “Venice of the Netherlands.” Pretty much the only way to get around this traditional Dutch village is by boat or by walking from island to island – Giethoorn boasts 180 bridges.

The village is especially popular with Chinese tourists – upwards of 200,000 Chinese visit Giethoorn with its 2,000 residents annually. Giethoorn is quite picturesque with red-thatched houses lining the canals.

The village is quite peaceful, with no loud noises, making it a perfect day getaway from Amsterdam, about 120 km(75 miles) away in another world. Visitors can glide over the water trails at their own pace since motorboats are available for rent – the boats have quiet electric motors so as not to disturb the serene ambiance.

Getting to Giethoorn

A nice way to get to know Giethoorn better is to take a guided tour around its scenic canals and beautiful islands. With a boat tour included, as well as ample time to explore the village at your leisure, it makes for a lovely day out. See prices

8. Rotterdam

Nearly 800 years ago, a dam was built on the Rotte River on the North Sea; a city grew up around it. That city became Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe, not surprising since the Rhine, Scheldt and Meuse rivers provide access to central Europe. Just 80 km (50 miles) from Amsterdam, Rotterdam offers so many things for visitors to see and do .

Because much of Rotterdam was destroyed during WWII, the architecture is varied. Travelers can take a harbor cruise to absorb the spectacular skyline. More great views of the city can be found atop Euromast, at 606 feet high, one of the highest towers in the country.

American history buffs may want to visit Pilgrim Fathers Church where the pilgrims worshipped before departing for Plymouth Rock and the New World. Travelers of all ages will enjoy the zoo and a ride on a coach that’s a motor vehicle one minute and a boat the next.

Getting to Rotterdam

From Amsterdam, it couldn’t be simpler to get to Rotterdam; an Intercity train will whisk you there in just an hour and fifteen minutes.
To make the most of their time in the country, many people decide to take a guided tour around Rotterdam. Some of them even include stops at the neighboring cities of Delft and The Hague – both are well worth visiting if you have the chance. See prices

A 40-minute train ride from Amsterdam will bring visitors to Alkmaar and its famous cheese market tradition that dates back to 1593. Every Friday between April and September, visitors can watch while costumed cheese traders re-enact a centuries-old practice of weighing more than 2,000 cheeses, stacking them on sled-style carriers and loading them onto trucks.

This colorful and lively event is so popular and fun to watch that it draws about 100,000 spectators annually. What’s more, there are plenty of stalls surrounding the market where visitors can buy Dutch cheeses like Gouda and Edammer.

Getting to Alkmaar

As the famous cheese market lies right in the center of Alkmaar, it is straightforward to get there by public transport from Amsterdam. Visitors need to take an Intercity train to Alkmaar from Amsterdam Central Station; this only takes 40 minutes.
Another option is to take a guided tour; this not only takes you around the bustling cheese market, but also includes a stop at the lovely windmill village of Schermerhorn. See prices

6. The Hague

With all the government buildings located here, visitors might think The Hague is the capital of the Netherlands. It’s not – Amsterdam is the constitutional capital even though the cabinet, the legislature and the Supreme Court are located in this coastal city.

The city also is home to most embassies and 150 international organizations, including the International Court of Justice. All this bureaucracy aside, however, a visit to The Hague will keep visitors busy. Only an hour’s drive from Amsterdam, the city has a vibrant night life centered around its three main squares.

Not to be missed in the city center is the Binnenhof, a complex of 13th century waterside Gothic buildings where the Dutch parliament meets. Other sights to enjoy include Madurodam, a miniature Dutch city; Mauritshuis, with its paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer; Beelden aan Zee, an underground sculpture museum, and shopping in boutiques around the Grote Marktstraat.

Getting to the Hague

From Amsterdam Central Station, The Hague is around 50 minutes away by train.
If you don’t have much time, you may want to consider taking a guided tour, as some of them take you not only around The Hague, but also to neighboring Delft and Rotterdam. See prices

When travelers to the Netherlands think of Delft, their thoughts most likely turn to the pretty blue and white pottery the city is famous for. This tin-glazed pottery has been made here since the 16th century; it is based on Chinese ceramics. Vases, bowls and plates are especially popular, so this is a place to stock up on souvenirs.

But there’s more to do in this canal city than shop for pottery. There’s the Oude Kerk where Johannes Vermeer is buried, and the Nieuwe Kerk, where members of the Dutch royal family are buried. The Renaissance-style ornate Delft City Hall is across from the Nieuwe Kerk; today its where civil wedding ceremonies are held.

Other sites include the old weighing house and an 18th century windmill that was restored to working order in 2013. Hungry travelers can snack on Scheve Jantjes, a butter cookie that comes in a Delft blue tin container.

Getting to Delft

Just over an hour from Amsterdam by train, Delft is an effortless and convenient day trip.
To come away with a greater understanding of both fabulous cities, many people opt to take a guided tour, as this enables you to see all the main sights in just one day. See prices

Bruges is a well-preserved medieval town in the northern region of Belgium surrounded by beautiful canals and old city walls. This postcard-perfect town makes an ideal day trip from Amsterdam because of its fabulous attractions and activities.

Meander along the cobblestone paths of the city center to explore the historic walls and gates. Climb the stairs of the high tower at the Belfort Grote Markt to hear the bells ring and see wonderful views of the area. Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which claims to contain a vial of blood belonging to Jesus Christ.

Tour the Brewery De Halve Maan to see how Belgian beer is processed and be rewarded with a free drink. Savor free samples of delicious Belgian chocolate at the Choco-Story Museum. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage around the old city.

Getting to Bruges

From Amsterdam Central Station, you can take either an hour and fifteen minutes fast Thalys train to Antwerp , or a slightly slower Intercity train, which takes just under two hours. At Antwerp, you then board a direct train to Bruges, which takes about an hour.
A more convenient option is to sign up for a guided tour; this takes you directly to Bruges in a private coach. See prices

3. Volendam

Want to experience authentic Dutch heritage? Hop on a bus in Amsterdam and travel 30 minutes north to the charming fishing village of Volendam. Visitors can walk around the bustling harbor to see colorful boats and have photos taken of themselves dressed in Dutch costumes with striped clothing, high-pointed bonnets and wooden clogs.

A stroll around the old village offers many attractive sights such as historic houses built on stilts and a beautiful 17th century church. Visit the Volendam Museum to learn about the village’s history and see artifacts, vintage furnishings and folk art.

Getting to Volendam

Located on the beautiful Ijselmeer lake, Volendam is just a 30-minute bus journey away from Amsterdam Central Station.
Many people who visit Volendam also combine it with a trip to the marvelous outdoor museum of Zaanse Schans. The best way to do this it to take a guided tour, as a private coach then takes you between the two. See prices

2. Zaanse Schans

Step back into Dutch history with an excursion to Zaanse Schans . Located 20 minutes from Amsterdam in the city of Zaanstad, the neighborhood of Zaanse Schans is a living, outdoor museum containing an impressive collection of historic windmills and other buildings. Here at this popular tourist attraction, visitors can learn about traditional Dutch life and watch various demonstrations such as cheese-processing, coffee-grinding and clog-making.

There is even a wonderful pancake restaurant here where visitors can dine on hearty Dutch food. Buy souvenirs here like cheeses, clogs and miniature Zaanse houses. For a special treat, see all of Zaanse Schans with a scenic ferry ride around the area.

Getting to Zaanse Schans

From Amsterdam Central Station, visitors wishing to take a trip to the Zaanse Schans have a couple of options. By bus, it is around a 40-minute journey on the Rnet-bus 391, and this runs every 15 minutes. By train is a bit quicker, as it only takes 20 minutes, but as the nearest station is Zaandijk-Zaanse Schans, you then need to walk the last 15 minutes.
Another way to see the fabulous outdoor museum is to take either a half-day or full-day guided tour. This will teach you all about the history of the place, as well as enable you to sample local products and witness how traditional wooden clogs were made. As part of the tour, visitors also get to check out the charming village of Volendam. See prices

1. Keukenhof Gardens

No list of day trips from Amsterdam would be complete without including the world’s largest flower garden, located near the small town of Lisse. Attracting more than 800,000 visitors annually, Keukenhof Gardens showcases an 80-acre complex of remarkable gardens that are designed in various themes such as the English Garden, Japanese Garden and Historical Garden.

Planted every year with seven million flower bulbs, these gardens explode into spectacular beauty each spring. To see and capture stunning photographs of these flower gardens, plan a trip during the open season that begins mid-March and ends mid-May. Situated across from the gardens is the Keukenhof Castle, which is opened year-round and frequently hosts events like festivals, music concerts and medieval fairs.

Getting to Keukenhof

Located just a short distance away from the center of Amsterdam, the majestic Keukenhof Gardens are just under an hour away from the capital by bus or train. When heading to the gardens, it is a good idea to buy a Combiticket; this includes entrance to the gardens as well as the public transport to get there and back.
To avoid the hassle of getting there by public transport, many people prefer to take a tour to Keukenhof Gardens; this includes direct transport and means you can enjoy the tulips at your leisure without having to worry about the journey back to Amsterdam. See prices

Map of day trips from Amsterdam

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Reader interactions.

May 10, 2018 at 8:49 pm

What about Haarlem. I visited this place while i stayed in Amsterdam last October and loved this place. Its only a 15min train ride away from Amsterdam. after that you could also visit Zandervoot an Zee which is on the same train line and only another 20mins and see a beautiful dutch beach.

May 18, 2017 at 3:35 am

Keukenhof is incredibly beautiful. I made a lot of pictures until my mobile was full and the camera ran out of battery. Make sure you have enough space and battery for making the photos! Well, I think the food and drink inside are quite expensive. If you could bring some yourself can save the budget. It also saves time if you buy the ticket online and don’t have to waste your time over there for buying the ticket…. The Zaanse Schans is also lovely. You may spend your money to buy some tickets. However, you do not need to do it! I bought no ticket and just wandered around the place…already happy and enjoy 🙂

January 27, 2016 at 5:50 am

The Zaanse Schans looks out of this world, so beautiful. We are planning on going on a bike trip through The Netherlands this year, do any of you know a organizer which provides a tour via the Zaanse Schans?

August 12, 2013 at 1:17 pm

Keukenhof is definitely worth a day trip from Amsterdam. Avoid the crowds by renting a bike and cycling off into the nearby tulip fields.

March 18, 2013 at 9:14 am

We have spend a lot of time in Holland, inviting friends from Canada to visit us and we showed them around. The most disappointing part has been the trips we made from Blaricum, where we rented a home, to Volendam. Some years ago we saw many of the Volendam population walk around in their traditional costumes,but on our last visit we have noticed that VERY FEW folk wear them anymore. Don’t the Volendam entrepreneurs realize that the reason tourist come to visit is to see them wear their local traditional clothes. Last visit we saw only ONE man in a store wear his costume. This was , to say the least, very disappointing.

The best international day trips from Amsterdam

Updated On 17th November, 2020

Amsterdam is a city that stole my heart many years ago, and every time I return, something is different. There are always new things that pop up, new adventures to be had, and new places to explore. It’s every-changing, ever-growing and impossible to get bored there, from seeing the landmarks, going for brunch in Amsterdam , enjoying the nightlife Amsterdam has to offer , and going on day trips in the Netherlands and international day trips, too.

Check out my complete guide to exploring Amsterdam here.

One of the best things to do in the Netherlands is to get on a train or rent a car and see more of this beautiful country. As I discovered during my 4-day road trip in the Netherlands , there is so much more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam. See all the best day trips from Amsterdam here .

But, since Amsterdam is such an amazing transport hub, it’s perfectly located for seeing more of Europe too! These international day trips from Amsterdam are sure to add something different to your trip, a bit of variety and more opportunities for adventure.

The travel time for these day trips from Amsterdam is based on taking the train from Amsterdam, since most people are unlikely to hire a car for a city break. You can check the best routes and times using Citymapper. For more useful travel apps to put on your phone, check out this blog post.

However, while renting a car can be an additional cost, it can significantly cut your travel time and allow you more time to explore. Weigh up the cost of renting a car (compared to relatively cheap public transport) and the flexibility you get with a car and decide which transport you’d prefer! And who doesn’t love a European road trip ?!

The 8 best international day trips from Amsterdam...

1. Cologne, Germany

Famous for the fantastic museums and galleries, as well as the beautiful architecture, Cologne in Germany is one of the best and most recommended international day trips from Amsterdam.

Things to do in Cologne:

Climbing Cologne cathedral for a panoramic view
Museums and galleries, including the chocolate museum!
Meander around the colourful old town
An afternoon or sunset picnic on the banks of the Rhine

If you’re feeling festive or travelling in December , Cologne have some pretty good Christmas markets if you wanted to turn your trip into a multi-city Christmas market road trip! Check out my Christmas market road trip itinerary here.

2. Aachen, Germany

This historical city is most famous for its iconic cathedral. Aachen is quite small and most of the things to do are tightly compacted into the city centre, making it the perfect place to explore in a day and the perfect day trip from Amsterdam! It’s also another German city famous for its Christmas markets.

Things to do in Aachen:

Visit the iconic cathedral
Enjoy coffee at Aachen Markt, the main square
Marvel at the medieval city gates
Learn about the history of Aachen in the many museums
Try Aachen Printen, the famous local biscuits

3. Dusseldorf, Germany

Despite being a less-visited city in Germany, Dusseldorf is well-located for a day trip from Amsterdam. This buzzing metropolis is the perfect blend of classic culture and contemporary chaos,

Things to do in Dusseldorf:

Drink the local Altbier in a traditional Bier Halle in the Altstadt (Old Town)
Take a Rhine river cruise and go sightseeing
Marvel at the modern art in museums and on the streets

4. Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp is the locals’ favourite city in Belgium. Why? Here you can be anyone and do anything. Antwerp caters for everyone, whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or looking for a luxury break. And the train between Amsterdam and Antwerp is so fast, it’s easily the most accessible international day trip from Amsterdam.

Things to do in Antwerp:

Have lunch at Grote Markt
Admire the architecture, including the cathedral and even the train station!
Shopping and coffee on Meir street
Visit Steen Castle

5. Brussels, Belgium

Belgium’s capital is another fantastic city to visit while you’re in the Netherlands, and at just under two hours by train, it’s the perfect international day trip from Amsterdam. Check out my complete guide to Brussels here .

Things to do in Brussels:

Get an iconic photo at the Grote Markt.
Visit the Belgian Comic Strip, a lane full of murals in the city centre
Meander around the quaint old town
Marvel at the historic architecture
Try the Belgian cuisine: fries, waffles, chocolate, beer and mussels!

Check out the best things to do in Brussels here.

3 days in Belgium: Brussels, Bruges & Ghent

6. Ghent, Belgium

I really enjoyed my day trip to Ghent, and would go back in a heartbeat. Definitely one to visit if you’re looking for somewhere underrated, that perhaps isn’t a huge capital city! See what I did during my day trip to Ghent here.

Things to do in Ghent:

Marvel at the architecture as you wander along the riverside
Visit the stunning Gravensteen Castle, taking in the panoramic view from the top
Grab something to eat at Vrijdagmarkt
Soak up the sun in Citadel Park
Enjoy a canal cruise

7. Bruges, Belgium

This quaint city is a little on the far side from Amsterdam for a day trip, but completely managable if you get up early and come back late! Having said that, I loved Bruges and if you have the time in your itinerary for an overnight stay, it’s worth it. See what I did during my day trip to Bruges in this post.

Things to do in Bruges:

Climb the Belfry Tower
Grab something to eat or a souvenir at Brugge Markt (Christmas Markets are here in the festive season!)
Visit the Lake of Love with someone special
Get lost in the cobbled streets
Indulge yourself with Belgian chocolate!

3 Cities in 3 days... My Solo Adventure through Brussels, Bruges and Ghent | Belgium | Where's Mollie? A travel and adventure lifestyle blog

8. Paris, France

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that you can fit Paris into a day. There is so much to see and do here, that yes, you should absolutely spend a whole weekend here, if not longer. However, if time is tight you can get a little taste of what Paris has to offer in a day trip from Amsterdam.

Things to do in Paris:

Get iconic tourist snaps with the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Cathédrale de Notre-Dame and the Louvre
Visit the Louvre and marvel at the art work
Window shopping on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées
Have lunch in the Latin Quarter
Wander the streets of Le Marais, Rue des Martyrs
Escape the hustle and bustle in the Palais-Royal Gardens
Rent bikes and sightsee as you cycle
Enjoy Paris from the Seine on the Bateau Mouche

Check out my Paris bucket list here.

Have you been on an international day trip from Amsterdam?

Where are your favourite day trips from Amsterdam? Anywhere you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Passionate about adventure and creativity. Currently enjoying the sunshine while teaching English in southern Italy.

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The best day trips from Amsterdam, the Netherlands

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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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7 Days Visiting Paris & Amsterdam

Alaina Gregerson

https://www.foratravel.com/guides/Y6VFR7/7-days-visiting-paris-and-amsterdam-alaina-gregerson

Arts & Culture

City Travel

Sightseeing

A view from a Parisian rooftop with the city lit up below at night, the Eiffel Tower shining with lights in the distance.

Curator’s statement

Paris and Amsterdam are two of the most visited cities in Europe annually. With an endless list of sites, monuments and neighborhoods to explore, it can be overwhelming to narrow it down for a 7-day trip. This specific itinerary highlights the unique, early Spring highlights of both cities. Whether it is a couple's trip, girl's trip or solo travel, this itinerary will give you the highlights and flexibility to make the most of your trip!

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Customized travel planning for your style

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Where to stay

Stylish hotel on the banks of the Seine with a trendy rooftop bar and picturesque city views.

$100 hotel / resort credit.

Breakfast daily.

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Hôtel Edgar & Achille

A boutique hotel blending Parisian elegance with modern charm, offering a refined stay in the heart of the city.

Late check-out whenever possible.

Upgrade whenever possible.

The Hoxton, Amsterdam

Stylish hotel with quirky charm in a canal house on the Herengracht canal in central Amsterdam.

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Canal House - part of A Curious Group of Hotels

Stylish boutique property overlooking the Keizersgracht canal with chic rooms.

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Daily breakfast.

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Hôtel L'Eldorado Paris

Hôtel L'Eldorado Paris is a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Paris, offering vintage elegance and a cozy atmosphere amidst the city's vibrant Montmartre district.

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Day 1: Arriving in Paris

If you are flying to Paris from the States, you will most likely land in Paris in the morning after a red-eye flight. From the airport, head to your hotel to drop off your luggage and start exploring. Going for a walk, and breathing in the fresh air will do wonders for your jet-lag!

Paris is broken up into 20 arrondissements. Each arrondissement has its own character and vibrancy to explore. Starting out in your local arrondissement will give you a lay of the land around your home-base for the next few days. Find your local patisserie and grab a ham & cheese baguette to take along on your walk.

After spending the morning getting to know your local arrondissement, take in the city with a tour! From a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus to private tours via bike, walking or van, a city tour is the best way to get your footing in the city. Find the tour that fits you best by contacting your Fora travel advisor.

An early night in will help with the time change! Remember to hydrate, limit caffeine late in the day and you will be ready for the rest of your trip in the Central European Time Zone!

Day 2: Café & the Louvre

Start your first full day in Paris at a local café. Experience one of the best parts of Paris with their wonderful café culture. Grab an espresso and pain au chocolat, and watch the bustle of the city start to pick up as the morning moves on.

Head to the Arc de Triomphe for the best view of Paris. Some may say the Eiffel Tower has the best view. However, insiders know that the best view of Paris is actually from the roof of the Arc de Triomphe! Get a ticket to walk to the top, which is sometimes included in your tour ticket from Day 1, and take in Paris from above. Beware - There are a lot of steps to get up to the top, but it is well worth it!

Make your way to the Louvre. Spend your afternoon winding through the countless exhibits and installations. The Louvre can be overwhelming, so grab a map and create a game plan so you can see your highlights!

Note - Make sure to book your time slot ahead of time to avoid long lines & waits.

Give your legs a rest and see the City of Lights come alive! Take a sunset cruise on the Seine. You can find 1-hour guided cruises, dinner cruises, private tours , and more to fit your travel style. Check out the variety here!

Day 3: Local Neighborhoods & Catacombs

Following a busy day of exploring Paris, enjoy a slow morning strolling through Le Marais. This neighborhood is a favorite among local Parisians with a rich history, great restaurants and blocks of shops to explore. Spending time in Le Marais in the morning means you miss the crowds that grow in the afternoon!

After a baguette lunch, take a quick taxi or metro ride to the Left Bank to explore the Catacombs of Paris . The Catacombs are on the no-miss list for Paris. They are full of history that is largely skipped. You will get a break from the heat and a unique, up-close perspective of Paris' vast history. Make sure to get tickets from the official Paris Catacombs website!

Make your way through the historical and wonderfully artistic Left Bank neighborhoods after your Catacombs visit. Head north from the Catacombs entrance to Jardin du Luxembourg. Take a break around the Grand Bassin, play chess on the large boards in the park or walk through the sculpture gardens fully experience one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. Head east to Pantheon or northwest to the St. Germain neighborhood and let yourself wonder and stumble upon the countless hidden gems!

Day 4: Bye Paris, Hi Amsterdam!

Take the morning to have your last espresso at a Parisian café and your favorite pain au chocolat before heading to Amsterdam. Multiple high-speed trains travel between Paris and Amsterdam daily. Jump on a midday train, which will last just under three and a half hours.

From the train station, get to your hotel to drop off your luggage if you make it before check-in. Amsterdam is one of the most walkable cities. You can see the best of the city on your own two feet (or wheels!). Just as in Paris, take time to explore your neighborhood. Nothing is too far away in Amsterdam, so you will find yourself moving through neighborhoods quickly!

Cap off your first day in Amsterdam with a sunset canal tour. Seeing the city from the canals will provide a unique perspective that is unparalleled! Check out the many options. Amsterdam might not be the City of Lights, but the city lights up when the sun goes down in a way you don’t want to miss.

Day 5: Local Eats & Museums

Amsterdam is known for many things. At the top of that list has to be the amazing museums. Take in Amsterdam and the Netherlands' history with a museum day. Start your day with a visit to the Anne Frank House. Tickets to the Anne Frank House are sold on their official website and are released every Tuesday for the following six weeks. Make sure to set your reminder to get tickets and the time slot you want!

After the Anne Frank house, make a lunch stop for some Dutch classics of bitterballen, kroketen, kibbeling or frietjes. Make your way to Museumplein, which is home to a bustling park and two of the city’s best known museums. The Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum should be at the top of your list of options. The Van Gogh Museum is home to the largest collection of Van Gogh artwork and tells the story of the artist’s life in a way unlike any other. Rijksmuseum has over 8,000 works of Dutch art and history. These aren’t the only two museums in Museumplein, so be sure to check out the many options to fit your style the best! The museums all require reservations, so be sure to purchase your tickets early.

Additional Days: Day Trips

Depending on the time of year you are visiting, there are great half or full-day trips from Amsterdam. During the Spring, a trip to Keukenhof Gardens is a must. Numerous tour groups will take you directly from the city center to the gardens with skip-the-line tickets!

Outside of tulip season, you can take a trip to the countryside and explore the windmills, cheese makers, canals and clog-making, all of which have shaped Dutch culture. Find the trip that fits your style through a Netherlands tour .

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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Paris and travel to Amsterdam . Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my itinerary, Seasonal Splendor: A Traveler's Guide to the Vibrant Japan Seasons .

10 Last-Minute Summer Trips You Can Still Pull Off

Welcome to the InsideHook Guide to Summer, a collection of recommendations on everything worth doing, drinking, eating, watching and otherwise enjoying between now and Labor Day. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

Summer is just around the corner. And while it’s expected to be one of the busiest travel seasons yet , that shouldn’t preclude last-minute types and jet-setters who have an open weekend or two on the calendar from going somewhere great. If you fall into either camp, don’t fret! There are plenty of epic spots to visit this summer that don’t require a ton of legwork to make happen. Domestic destinations like Chicago and Providence never disappoint. Bermuda is an easy and relatively inexpensive flight from most East Coast airports. Even longer-haul trips like Athens and Lisbon are doable with the right mindset (and maybe some airline miles).

Ahead are 10 trips that you can still pull off before swimsuit season:

Athens, Greece

While the logistics of island-hopping around the Cyclades might be a bit complicated (private yacht or ferry…decisions, decisions), the choice to board a direct flight to Athens is not. Once you touch down in the capital of Greece, the history lesson commences. Tour ancient landmarks like the Acropolis and the Parthenon as well as the National Archaeological Museum solo or hire a guide through a company such as ToursbyLocals (it’s even doable last-minute). Thanks to classic gyro and souvlaki shops, you don’t need to stress about making dinner reservations. With any luck, the well-located Perianth Hotel might even have a room available.

Chicago, Illinois

An American Airlines hub (which translates to frequent and affordable flights), Chicago is an awesome city any time, but it’s particularly awesome in the summer when great weather makes spending time outside an exceedingly appealing prospect. Besides the bevy of outdoor attractions — from architecture river cruises and foodie walking tours to snapping photos in front of the Bean and enjoying the sunshine in Millennium Park — there are tons of fun seasonal events, including the Chicago Air and Water Show in August. Because of the abundance of hotels and restaurants, it’s not hard to snag a reservation to eat or stay somewhere great even a few days out.

Santa Monica, California

It’s easy to fly into LAX from virtually anywhere in the country and either rent a car or just hop in an Uber to Santa Monica . Straddling the line between city break and seaside vacation destination, this SoCal hotspot has all the restaurants, shops and walkability (yes, a place to clock steps exists in greater Los Angeles) typically associated with the latter but with the bonus of picture-perfect summer weather, beaches and classic amusements. When not catching rays on the sandy shoreline, cruise the Marvin Braude Bike Path (a.k.a the Stand), and stop by the Santa Monica Pier for a ride on the iconic Ferris Wheel followed by some funnel cake and fresh seafood. After a fun-filled day, snooze in style at Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts .

Tulum, Mexico

It used to be a pain to get to Tulum, but the opening of an international airport changed that. Now it’s a breeze to reach the boho beach town in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. With a laid-back pace, you don’t need to plan much at all — save maybe a yoga class (although most welcome drop-ins) or a half-day tour of the Sian Kaʼan Biosphere Reserve. Otherwise, just spend the day lazing on a palapa-shaded lounge on the white, sandy Caribbean coastline, sipping margaritas and diving into the turquoise water of hidden cenotes. When the hunger hits, mosey over to a local taqueria or restaurant. If you feel like learning more about ancient Mayan culture, rent a bike and peddle over to the well-preserved ruins.

Vancouver, Canada

Situated on the west coast of Canada, a straight shot up from Seattle (for reference, it’s about a three-hour drive), Vancouver is a dynamic and diverse seaport that’s brimming with cinematic beauty, culture and incredible food. Walking along the waterfront, the harbor, mountains and forested island come into frame, creating a visual that’s (not surprisingly) cemented itself into movie stardom and earned the city the nickname Hollywood North. Once you’ve tuckered yourself out exploring the many parks, galleries and museums, head to Granville Island Market to feast on seasonal produce and fresh-baked bread or take a bite out of the excellent restaurant scene. Whether you’re craving Vietnamese pho or elevated Pacific Northwest fare, it’s all up for grabs — err, bites.

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s capital is the first stop for many travelers. Not only does Lisbon play host to the country’s largest airport, but it’s an energetic and endlessly photogenic city with loads for travelers to eat, see and do. History buffs can fill days visiting Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and Castelo de S. Jorge. Foodies have a smorgasbord of delicious things to devour at the many casual local eateries that don’t require reservations, as well as Time Out Market Lisboa. The Lisbon Botanical Gardens and Parque Eduardo VII are lovely places to spend time outside. Have a little extra time and want to see the coastal side of things? Consider a day trip to the nearby seaside towns of Cascais and Ericeira. Pro tip: Omio takes the guesswork out of booking buses to both.

How to Spend 7 Perfect Days in Lisbon

Amsterdam, netherlands .

Unlike so many destinations in Europe, Amsterdam never gets too hot. In fact, the weather in the summer is picture-perfect for sightseeing, biking around the city, checking out the many excellent museums, doing a little shopping around De 9 Straatjes and enjoying the many green spaces — especially Vondelpark. And since it stays light well into the evening hours, you can really pack a lot into a quick weekend trip. When planning a last-minute trip, you might not be able to do a private canal cruise, but it’s always possible to nab a seat on a group tour — and the views are just as splendid. Hungry? Dig into some local favorites like fries, bitterballen and herring. Before calling it a night, stop for a digestif at one of the many cool cocktail bars.

While most of the Caribbean shuts down for the summer, Bermuda, which sits off the coast of North Carolina, shores up for its best months for weather and enjoying the natural beauty and vibrant local culture. The ideal tropical island alternative with virtually no hurricane concerns, it’s prime for fun in the sun and outdoor recreation. Miles of gorgeous beaches await for those looking to relax on the sand and swim in the water. Fans of undersea thrills can explore shipwreck dive sites. You’ll find excellent golf courses and a terrific restaurant scene, particularly in the capital of Hamilton. The perfect way to end the day? Sipping sundowners at a breezy bar. Not sure what to order? Try a Dark ‘n Stormy — it’s the national cocktail. Admittedly, it’s also pretty hard to pass up the rum swizzles from The Swizzle Inn .

Providence, Rhode Island

Missed the boat booking that summer trip to Newport and Narragansett? Providence — just a 30-minute drive from some of Rhode Island’s most beloved beach retreats — is a great choice for a last-minute getaway. It has the robust array of things to do that you get from a city but with plenty of small-town charm and friendliness sprinkled into the mix. For a dose of culture, head to the RISD Museum, admire the mansions of College Hill or do a self-guided art tour. The calendar is jam-packed with events such as Rhode Island’s Annual PrideFest Celebration & Illuminated Night Parade on June 15 and nightly light installations in Waterplace Park. Outdoor attractions include kayaking along the urban waterways, strolling the Providence Riverwalk and visiting Roger Williams Park Zoo .

North Fork, Long Island

Everything in the Hamptons may be booked months in advance, but over on the low-key North Fork of Long Island, it’s way more doable to plan a last-minute escape. The bucolic 30-mile-long peninsula supplies a down-to-earth charm and a more chill atmosphere. Fishermen bring fresh catch to the restaurants daily, so diners always have a choice of great seafood as well as produce grown at nearby farms. Wine lovers can sip crisp rosé at local vineyards. For something a bit more go-with-the-flow, it’s easy to fill a few hours just wandering around the quaint town of Greenport . And there are some charming accommodations — notably the Sound View Greenport and The Harbor Front Inn — to wind down at the end of the day.

More Like This

The gallon jug cocktail is the “it” drink of summer, a guide to the 11 most beloved regional hot dog styles in the united states, 11 cocktails that prove whiskey is ideal for summer drinking, every summer blockbuster since 1975, ranked.

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The post 10 Last-Minute Summer Trips You Can Still Pull Off appeared first on InsideHook .

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Macron begins the first state visit to Germany by a French president in 24 years

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, right, with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier his wife Elke Büdenbender arrive to attend the democracy festival to mark the 75th anniversary, near Berlin, during Macron’s three-day state visit to Germany, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (Kay Nietfeld, dpa via AP)

BERLIN — President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday started the first state visit to Germany by a French head of state in 24 years, a three-day trip meant to underline the strong ties between the European Union’s traditional leading powers ahead of European Parliament elections in which far-right parties in both countries hope for gains.

The visit was originally meant to take place last July but was postponed at the last minute due to rioting in France following the killing of a 17-year-old by police.

While Macron is a frequent visitor to Germany as Paris and Berlin try to coordinate their positions on EU and foreign policy, this is the first state visit with full pomp since Jacques Chirac came in 2000. Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are being hosted by Germany’s largely ceremonial president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

It is “proof of the depth of the friendship between France and Germany” that Macron is visiting as Germany celebrates the 75th anniversary of its post-World War II constitution and before it marks the 35th anniversary in November of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Steinmeier said.

Steinmeier is holding a state banquet for Macron at his Bellevue palace in Berlin on Sunday evening before the two presidents travel on Monday to the eastern city of Dresden, where Macron will make a speech, and on Tuesday to Muenster in western Germany. The state visit will be followed later Tuesday by a meeting between Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and ministers from both countries at a government guest house outside Berlin.

Germany and France, which have the EU’s biggest economies, have long been viewed as the motor of European integration, though there have often been differences in policy and emphasis between the two neighbors on a range of matters.

That was evident earlier this year in different positions on whether Western countries should rule out sending ground troops to Ukraine. Both nations are strong backers of Kyiv.

Macron on Sunday said there has frequently been talk of problems in Franco-German relations over the decades, but “France and Germany together have accomplished extraordinary things — they have been at the heart of this Europe.” He contrasted that with the countries’ history of war against each other until 1945.

He renewed a warning that Europe could “die” if it fails to build its own robust defense as Russia’s war in Ukraine rages on, or if it fails to undertake major trade and economic reforms to compete with China and the U.S.

Ahead of the European Parliament elections next month, Macron said that “fear of a changing world” is feeding a rise of the far-right in Europe.

“When we let these fears transform into anger, that feeds extremes,” he said, advocating “respect” in listening to people’s worries and greater “efficiency” in dealing with their problems.

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IMAGES

17 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam (& Tips for How to Visit)
17 Best Day Trips From Amsterdam Worth The Effort
11 Amazing Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train (2023)
17 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam (& Tips for How to Visit)
17 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam (& Tips for How to Visit)
17 Best Day Trips From Amsterdam Worth The Effort

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10 Best Day Trips From Amsterdam || Day Trips Netherlands || Hindi
Amsterdam Travel Guide
Ultimate guide to explore Tulip Fields near Amsterdam
Zaanse Schans and Zaandam day trip from Amsterdam
Welcome to IJmuiden and Zandvoort!
🇳🇱 Amsterdam Netherlands Walk 4K 🏙 Walking Tour 4K ☀️ 🇳🇱 (Sunny Day)

COMMENTS

Best Day Trips From Amsterdam To Germany (2023 Guide)
1. Cologne. While planning your weekend gate away from Amsterdam, you cannot miss Cologne, the cultural hub of West Germany. The 2000-year-old city is only 2 hours and 48 minutes from Amsterdam by train, making it perfect for an overnight trip nearby.
Best Day Trips To Germany From Amsterdam (By Train, Bus + Car)
1. Cologne, Germany (#1 Best German Day Trip from Amsterdam) 🚆By Train: 2.5 hours | 🚌 By Bus: 3 hours 45 minutes | 🚗 By Car: 2 hours 45 minutes. The most popular day trip to Germany from the Dutch capital of Amsterdam is an excursion to Cologne. Cologne is a 2,000-year-old city along the Rhine River that is best known for its cultural scene, gothic architecture, and for its iconic ...
Epic Day Trips from Amsterdam to Germany: Everything You Need to Know
Embarking on day trips from Amsterdam to Germany unravels a tapestry of experiences, blending the allure of beautiful cities with the serenity of the Dutch countryside and the rich history of ...
7 Day Trips From Amsterdam to Germany
Below are seven day trips from Amsterdam to Germany that deserve to be on your itinerary. Take a look. ... Day trip to Germany: Distance, miles: By Train: By Bus or Car: Düsseldorf: 141: 2 hr 08 min: 2 hr 40 min: Aachen: 143: 3 hr 28 min: 5 hr 21 min: Cologne: 163: 2 hr 38 min: 4 hr 40 min: Koblenz: 220:
Roadtrips from the Netherlands to Germany: a guide to your summer
Exploring Cologne. Cologne's close proximity to Maastricht makes it a popular road trip destination for anyone who lives in the south of the Netherlands. The city has many beautiful corners to discover and these things should definitely be a part of your road trip to Cologne itinerary: Definitely the city of cool. Image: Pixabay.
10 Best Germany Tours & Trips from Amsterdam
Germany Tours & Trips from Amsterdam. Find your perfect adventure! We have 74 tours of Germany that start in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The most popular month is October, and tour lengths range between 5 and 16 days. ... Price per day $120 From US $843. View tour Download Brochure Save and compare this adventure ...
21 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam, Netherlands
15. Muiderslot Castle. Muiderslot Castle is an 11th Century castle in Muiden, Netherlands, just 30 minutes from the Amsterdam bus station. The castle has its moat and is a great day trip for kids, as Muiderslot has a lot of interactive exhibits for kids and costumes that the kids can try on!
Amsterdam Day Trips to Germany: Exploring the Neighboring Country
In this guide, we will highlight some of the best day trips from Amsterdam to Germany. 1. Cologne (Köln) Cologne, located just a few hours away from Amsterdam, is renowned for its stunning Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and is the most-visited landmark in Germany.
24 Best Day Trips From Amsterdam
Planning a Trip to Scotland. 1. Netherlands Open Air Museum. 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.
Cologne Private Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam 2024
from $27.53. Amsterdam, Netherlands. Private Customizable Day tour (+/-8 hrs) from Amsterdam. 2. from $396.46. Price varies by group size. Amsterdam, Netherlands. Anne Frank Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter. 6,632.
19 best day trips from Amsterdam: the ultimate travel guide
16. Groningen: the hidden gem of the north. 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. 🗼
Travel from Amsterdam to Germany: 8 Suggested Train Routes
Train from Amsterdam to Düsseldorf: 2h14m - direct train - Price: 34 Euros. Book Here. 3. Train from Amsterdam to Hannover. Hannover, Germany - Photo Credit: op23. Located 375 km (233,014 miles) from Amsterdam, Hannover is another entry option to combine a travel itinerary from the Netherlands.
11 Amazing Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train
How To Get From Amsterdam to Delft by Train. From Amsterdam Sloterdijk station, catch the direct Sprinter service to Delft station. This journey is just under an hour and the service leaves approximately every 30 minutes. One-way tickets for this journey start from €15.60 when booked in advance.
15 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
Let's take a look at the best day trips from Amsterdam. 1. Keukenhof. Source: shutterstock. Keukenhof. Easily one of the most iconic landscapes in the Netherlands, if not all of Europe, is the grand Keukenhof tulip garden.
Europe 7-Day Tour from Amsterdam: Germany, France, Belgium 2024
from $38.72. Amsterdam, Netherlands. Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Live Guide and Onboard Bar. 3,443. from $24.28. Amsterdam, Netherlands. Amsterdam Luxury Boutique Boat tour with Unlimited Beer and Wine. 139. from $16.54.
Unmissable day trips from Amsterdam
Visit on a Saturday, when a weekly market springs up around the Grote Kerk, surrounded by quaint cafes and restaurants with buzzing terraces. Top tip: Haarlem is only a 20-minute train ride away from Amsterdam. More about exploring Haarlem. From windmills to beaches and historic castles to tulip fields, there's so much to be discovered in the ...
10 Best Europe Tours & Trips from Amsterdam
Europe Tours & Trips from Amsterdam. ... Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium +9 more Age Range 10 to 80 year olds ... Make a note that it says on the last day the end of services is after breakfast. Actually, after the city tour in Paris the day before the end of the ...
15+ Best Day Trips from Amsterdam (towns, tulips & more!)
For lovers of tulips, the Netherlands, and beautiful gardens, Keukenhof is a must-see while in Holland. Open for just a few weeks each year, this sprawling space can be found close to the town of Lisse and is an easy day trip from Amsterdam. Situated on the fringes of the town of Lisse, one thing you should note before visiting Keukenhof is ...
8 EASY Weekend Trips from Amsterdam to Other Countries
Weekend Trip #5 // Amsterdam to Berlin, Germany. How to get there: Quick flight ( Check flight prices) about an hour and 25 minutes. Oh, Berlin! Berlin is such a popular destination for so many reasons. It has a great vibe, clubbing, its own unique culture, and the food scene is definitely growing.
12 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam (+Map)
With plenty of train and bus connections, tourists can easily plan day trips to see some of these hidden gems. Check out these great day trips from Amsterdam. On this Page. 12. Utrecht. 11. Edam. 10.
The best international day trips from Amsterdam
Enjoy coffee at Aachen Markt, the main square. Marvel at the medieval city gates. Learn about the history of Aachen in the many museums. Try Aachen Printen, the famous local biscuits. 3. Dusseldorf, Germany. 2h 10. Despite being a less-visited city in Germany, Dusseldorf is well-located for a day trip from Amsterdam.
9 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train You Need to Know
8. Brussels (Belgium) Travel Time: 2 hours. Estimate Cost One Way: €25. Route: Open in Google Maps. 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.
7 Days Visiting Paris & Amsterdam
Day 4: Bye Paris, Hi Amsterdam! Take the morning to have your last espresso at a Parisian café and your favorite pain au chocolat before heading to Amsterdam. Multiple high-speed trains travel between Paris and Amsterdam daily. Jump on a midday train, which will last just under three and a half hours.
10 Last-Minute Summer Trips You Can Still Pull Off
Amsterdam. never gets too hot. In fact, the weather in the summer is picture-perfect for sightseeing, biking around the city, checking out the many excellent museums, doing a little shopping ...
Macron makes plea to defend democracy on Germany state visit
While Macron is a frequent visitor to Berlin, the trip is the first state visit in 24 years following a trip by Jacques Chirac in 2000 and the sixth since the first post-war state visit by Charles ...
Macron begins the first state visit to Germany by a French president in
President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday started the first state visit to Germany by a French head of state in 24 years, a three-day trip meant to underline the strong ties between the European Union ...
Hadrian's Wall is changing what we think about the Roman Empire ...
That meant Hadrian's Wall was a cultural melting point, with cohorts from modern-day Netherlands, Spain, Romania, Algeria, Iraq, Syria - and more. "It was possibly more multicultural because ...