6 Of The Best Day Trips From Amsterdam (How To Visit + Things To Do!)

Planning a trip to the Netherlands? If so, here are 6 of the best day trips from Amsterdam that everyone needs to check out!

Amsterdam is a city of canals, culture, and charm—but beyond its picturesque streets lies a world of incredible destinations just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re craving historic towns, stunning tulip fields, or serene countryside escapes, these 6 best day trips from Amsterdam will add an unforgettable twist to your Dutch adventure.

With the Netherlands’ efficient train and bus network, exploring beyond the city is easy and convenient. From the storybook village of Giethoorn, where boats replace cars, to the windmill-dotted landscapes of Zaanse Schans, each of these day trips from Amsterdam by train or car offers a unique experience. 

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know, from how to visit these top day trip destinations to the best things to do once you arrive. Whether you’re a culture lover, or simply looking for a break from city life, these easy day trips from Amsterdam promise breathtaking sights, and rich history, a winning combination.

I hope that in this guide I can inspire you to add some (or even all!) of these day trips from Amsterdam to your itinerary. Get ready to discover the best places to visit near Amsterdam—because some of the Netherlands’ best experiences lie just beyond the city limits!

This post is all about day trips from Amsterdam!

FAQs about day trips from Amsterdam

What cities are close to Amsterdam by train?

Several beautiful cities are just a short train ride from Amsterdam, making them perfect for quick getaways. First is Utrecht, only 25 minutes away, which offers stunning canals, historic architecture, and a lively café scene. Second is Haarlem, often called a smaller, quieter Amsterdam, which is just 15 minutes away and boasts charming streets, museums, and great shopping. If you’re interested in history, The Hague is only 50 minutes by train and is home to the Dutch government and famous art museums. Lastly, for a seaside escape, head to Rotterdam in under an hour and enjoy its modern skyline, vibrant food scene, and impressive harbor. These cities are easy to reach and provide a fresh perspective on the Netherlands. 

I unfortunately haven’t been to any of these cities yet, although I have heard wonderful things about them all. We visited The Netherlands for a long weekend. Therefore, I wanted to focus our time on the most unique day trips that I felt made The Netherlands such a stunning destination. If you have more time on your trip, then definitely consider adding at least Utrecht and Rotterdam to your itinerary as they are crowd favorites! 

What countries are easiest to get to from Amsterdam?

Amsterdam’s central location makes it an excellent hub for exploring nearby countries quickly and conveniently. Belgium is an easy option, with Brussels and Antwerp accessible in under two hours by train. In addition, the beautiful historical cities of Ghent and Bruges are also considered to be popular day trips from Amsterdam. That being said, I would recommend visiting Belgium for at least a full weekend as there is so much to do in this beautiful country.

In addition to Belgium, Germany is also close, and you can reach Düsseldorf or Cologne in just over two hours. Lastly, if you’re looking for a scenic journey, take the Eurostar train to Paris, which only takes about three and a half hours. Although once again, I would recommend taking a weekend trip to enjoy the city. 

Where is a good day trip from Amsterdam? 

There are many incredible day trips from Amsterdam, but Zaanse Schans is a top choice for a classic Dutch experience. Just 20 minutes away, this picturesque village features iconic windmills, wooden houses, and cheese-making demonstrations. If you prefer nature, Giethoorn, known as the “Dutch Venice,” offers peaceful boat rides through charming canals. I would even go as far as to say that all of the day trips from Amsterdam featured in this post are amazing options that everyone should see!

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a wide range of beautiful neighborhoods to choose from as your base. Although you may not be planning to spend much of your time in the city, where you stay can heavily influence your experience as it will often determine the activities you do in the mornings and evenings. Below you can find a quick overview of the main neighborhoods and who they are best suited for.

Centrum (best for first-time visitors)

If you want to be in the heart of the action, Centrum is ideal. This area includes the famous Canal Belt, Dam Square, and the Red Light District, putting you within walking distance of top attractions. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore Amsterdam’s iconic sights with ease. However, it can be busy and touristy, so expect higher prices and lively streets.

Jordaan (best for cafe and culture lovers)

For a charming, romantic stay, Jordaan is one of the city’s most picturesque areas. Known for its narrow canals, boutique shops, and cozy cafés, this neighborhood is perfect for couples or travelers looking for an authentic Amsterdam experience. It’s quieter than Centrum but still close enough to major sights like the Anne Frank House.

De Pijp (best for foodies and young travelers)

Trendy and diverse, De Pijp is a fantastic choice for food lovers and those seeking a local vibe. Home to the famous Albert Cuyp Market, international restaurants, and hip cafés, this district has a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. It’s an excellent option if you want to experience Amsterdam beyond the tourist hotspots.

Oud-West (best for families)

If you prefer a more residential feel while still being close to attractions, Oud-West is a great choice. This area is home to Vondelpark, perfect for families or those who love outdoor spaces. It also offers a mix of stylish boutiques, great restaurants, and a quieter atmosphere compared to Centrum.

Amsterdam Noord (best for budget travelers)

For a unique, up-and-coming vibe, Amsterdam Noord is a fantastic option. Just a short free ferry ride from Central Station, this neighborhood features trendy bars, modern architecture, and creative spaces like the A’DAM Tower. It’s great for budget-conscious travelers who want a stylish but affordable stay.

Renting a car vs. using public transport

When it comes to exploring various day trips from Amsterdam, the public transport network will take you a long way! You can technically visit all of the places below using either trains or busses, as well as other famous cities in The Netherlands. That being said, a few of the spots on this list will be slightly harder to reach via public transport. Giethoorn is the one day trip from Amsterdam where I would recommend joining a guided tour or renting a car. This is because the journey to Giethoorn is quite long and can be complicated if you use public transportation. 

Either way, I will be providing you with details on how to get to all of the day trips from Amsterdam listed below! While I personally relied on public transportation, I did opt for a guided tour to Giethoorn to make the journey easier. If you’re planning to visit more ‘off the beaten path’ spots in The Netherlands, then perhaps renting a car will be a good idea. When it comes to car rentals I have always relied on Sunny Cars! I have always found the cheapest prices with them, and they have the best customer service I have ever experienced (+ insurance is automatically included in the price). Click here to check out their rental options!

When to visit Amsterdam 

Overall, the best time to visit Amsterdam for day trips depends on what you want to see and experience. Each season offers something unique, from colorful tulip fields in spring to cozy canal-side cafés in winter. However, the most popular and comfortable months for exploring are April to October, when the weather is mild, and transportation options are plentiful. For the list of best day trips from Amsterdam listed below, I recommend visiting in Spring. However, you can also visit most of these in the summertime if that season suits you better!

Spring (March to May) is ideal if you want to see the famous Keukenhof Gardens and endless tulip fields in bloom. The weather is cool but pleasant, and popular spots like Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn are less crowded before peak summer. However, spring showers are common, so pack an umbrella!

Summer (June to August) is the warmest and busiest season, making it perfect for seaside trips to Volendam and Marken or exploring the Dutch countryside. In addition, long daylight hours allow for more time to enjoy destinations like Zaandam. However, popular spots can be crowded, and hotel prices are higher.

6 Best Day Trips From Amsterdam

1. Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is a charming, open-air museum village that feels like stepping back in time to the Dutch Golden Age. Just a short trip from Amsterdam, it’s famous for its historic windmills, wooden houses, and traditional crafts like cheese-making and wooden clog carving. Visitors can explore working windmills, stroll along scenic canals, and learn about Dutch heritage in museums and workshops. The village offers a peaceful escape from the city, with picturesque views and plenty of photo opportunities.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just soaking in the countryside, Zaanse Schans is a must-visit Dutch experience. In my opinion, if you’re only going to take one day trip from Amsterdam – then this needs to be it! For more information about how to visit Zaanse Schans and things to do check out my detailed blog post linked below! 

Read more: Zaanse Schans Windmills: Must-See Day Trip from Amsterdam

How to get to Zaanse Schans: 

Public Transport:

From Amsterdam Centraal, you can take the bus number 800 going to Zaanse Schans. The bus stop at the railway station is rather large, but you should be able to find your bus at stop H. After around 22 minutes get off at Zaandam, Zaanse Schans, and you will be right by the entrance to the village. If you prefer taking the train then you can also take the Sprinter going to Uitgeest. Ride the train for 4 stops until you reach the Zaandijk Zaanse Schans stop. From here it’s a 20 minutes walk to Zaanse Schans.

Car:

If you visit by car keep in mind that the museums here are open between 09:00 – 17:00. When arriving at Zaanse Schans, you can typically find a lot of parking spaces at the “Tourist Coach & Bus Parking“. Although the name doesn’t suggest that it’s for private vehicles, you can easily park here. The location is conveniently set right next to the entrance to Zaanse Schans. The only downside is that parking costs here are rather expensive. While prices are subject to change, you can expect to pay 15 euros for parking regardless of how much time you spend here. 

Guided Tour: 

The last way you can visit Zaanse Schans is by visiting on a guided tour! This is the option that we went for and I’m really happy that we did. It was wonderful to have a guide explain to us the history of this unique Dutch village on our way. Then, when we arrived, we could freely explore the village with all of the context we needed to know to fully appreciate this place! 

2. Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof Gardens is a breathtaking floral paradise and one of the most famous spring attractions in the Netherlands. Located just outside Amsterdam, it features over seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in vibrant, perfectly landscaped displays. Open only from mid-March to mid-May, it is by far the best place to visit during tulip season!

While the gardens get crowded on a daily basis, this is for good reason. I have personally never been to a prettier garden! We spent nearly 5 hours here and I enjoyed every moment of it. There are also a variety of attractions at Keukenhof Gardens such as the iconic windmill and stunning lakes scattered around the park. Out of all of the day trips from Amsterdam highlighted in this post, Keukenhof Gardens was my favorite. Check out my blog post below for ultimate guide for visiting Keukenhof Gardens!

Read More: How to visit Keukenhof Gardens

Pro Tip: On your day trip to Keukenhof plan to spend a few hours cycling around the Bulb Region around Lisse to enjoy all of the tulip gardens! You can find details on how to do this at the end of this post!  

How to get to Keukenhof Gardens:

Public Transport:

When it comes to visiting Keukenhof Gardens by public transport, I highly recommend using the shuttle services that are offered by Keukenhof Gardens! When booking your ticket online, you have a choice of buying a combi-ticket that includes transport to and from the gardens. The prices for these tickets are typically 36.5 euros (for adults) which includes the transport and entrance fees to the garden.

Car:

The gardens are about 35 km from Amsterdam and take approximately 40 minutes by car. Ample parking is available near the entrance for €6 per day, but it can fill up quickly during peak times, so definitely arrive early if you want to come here by car. 

Guided Tour:

There are a lot of guided tours offered to Keukenhof Gardens. Taking a guided tour here is a great way to make your visit completely hassle-free! In addition, many of the tours combine a visit to these magical gardens together with other popular day trips from Amsterdam. One of the most common combinations is Keukenhof Gardens and Zaanse Schans. You can find the best guided tours below! 

3. Giethoorn

Giethoorn is a storybook village that feels like it belongs in a fairytale, making it one of the most magical day trips from Amsterdam. Known as the “Dutch Venice,” this peaceful destination is famous for its charming thatched-roof cottages, wooden bridges, and winding canals instead of roads.

The best way to explore is by whisper boat, canoe, or gondola, gliding through the tranquil waterways while soaking in the stunning scenery. With no cars in the village center, Giethoorn offers a quiet, relaxing escape from city life. Whether you’re enjoying a scenic boat ride, visiting cozy cafés, or strolling along flower-lined paths, this picturesque Dutch gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly unique experience. Check out my blog post below for a full guide on how to visit Giethoorn!

Read More: Day trip to Giethoorn

Pro Tip: Giethoorn has become very popular in the last few years. Therefore, if you plan on visiting I highly recommend opting for springtime. I have heard that in the summer there are days with insane traffic jams of boats due to the sheer amount of visitors – so I recommend avoiding coming in peak season!

How to get to Giethoorn:

Public Transport:

To get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam Centraal take the train to Zwolle. Once at Zwolle find bus number 70 and get off at Busstop Dominee Hylkemaweg in Giethoorn. This stop is the village center which will make it a convenient bus stop spot. When planning to arrive by public transport, plan for the jouney to take roughly 2.5 hours, with one way ticktes costing roughly 25 euros. Prior to your visit make sure to check the local 9292 Dutch public transport website for available trains and buses!  

Car:

Giethoorn is a car-free village. However, there is a large parking lot right by the village that is completely free! When visiting, make sure to navigate to “Parkeerplaats Giethoorn“. It takes roughly 15 minutes to walk to the village center from the parking lot making it a convenient spot to park for the day. If you want to park even closer to the village then you can also park at “Middenbuurt P1“. Please note that this is a paid parking, and it costs roughly 6 euros for a day ticket.

Guided Tour:

The last option, and perhaps the easiest way to visit Giethoorn is by booking a guided tour. This is actually how we visited and I thought it was perfect! By joining a guided tour you don’t need to worry about how to get to Giethoorn or where to park. 

4. Zaandam

Zaandam is a vibrant Dutch city where you can find some seriously impressive architecture, making it a fantastic day trip from Amsterdam. Just a short train ride away, Zaandam is best known for its colorful, stacked-house architecture, especially the striking Inntel Hotel, which looks like a real-life puzzle of traditional Dutch homes.

Honestly, there is not a whole lot to do in Zaandam. That being said, I still highly recommend planning to spend 1-2 hours here exploring the area near the train station. This is where you can find the most unique architecture you will likely see in all of The Netherlands. Lately, Zaandam has been called the “Lego City” on social media due to its unique structures. I think this is the perfect definition of what to expect and therefore recommend a quick trip here on your visit to The Netherlands. 

How to get to Zaandam:

Public Transport:

Since Zaandam is located just 15 minutes away from Amsterdam Centraal, it only makes sense to visit by public transport. From Amsterdam Centraal simply take the Sprinter or Intercity train for 2 stops. After around 12 minutes you will arrive at Zaandam train station. The main architectural area starts just out of the train station so you won’t need to walk far to see the main attractions in Zaandam! 

5. Volendam

Volendam is a charming Dutch fishing village with colorful wooden houses, a lively harbor, and a rich maritime history, making it a perfect day trip from Amsterdam. The heart of the town is its scenic harbor, where fishing boats bob in the water and waterfront cafés serve fresh seafood, including the famous Dutch herring. Strolling along the harbor, you’ll find local shops, traditional bakeries, and museums that showcase Volendam’s unique heritage.

For a taste of local life, wander into Doolhof, the village’s oldest and most picturesque neighborhood. This maze of narrow alleys and quaint houses offers a peaceful escape from the busier waterfront, with hidden courtyards and charming architecture around every corner. Photographing the Doolhof neighborhood was by far my favorite thing to do in Volendam! 🥺

For more information on how to visit Volendam and things to do check out my blog post below!

Read More: Volendam & Marken – day trip from Amsterdam

How to get to Volendam:

Public Transport:

To get to Volendam you need to get to Amsterdam Noord which is easily accessible with the city metro (line 52). You will find several bus platforms outside of the metro station. Simply look for line 110 to Volendam-Edam which departs roughly every 30 minutes. It takes just around 20 minutes to reach the city center of Volendam and I recommend getting off at “Julianaweg-Centrum”.

Car:

If you’re coming by car then I would recommend parking at the parking lot in Central Volendam. It is conveniently located and offers underground parking. A day ticket here costs €9 which is fairly ticket for The Netherlands. The only thing to note is that the parking garage is open between 07:00 – 21:00!

Guided Tour:

If you want to visit a mix of villages in this part of The Netherlands then consider taking a guided tour! Many tours will take you to Volendam, Marken, and Edam. This is a great combination of idyllic fisherman villages north of Amsterdam. You can find the best tour options below!

6. Marken

Marken is a unique Dutch village with a rich maritime past, offering a peaceful and picturesque escape from city life. Once an isolated island in the Zuiderzee, Marken retains its traditional fishing village charm, with quaint wooden houses, winding footpaths, and a serene waterfront setting. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, it feels like a world of its own, where time moves slower and history is woven into every street.

A highlight of any visit is Marken’s historic harbor, where you can watch boats come and go while enjoying fresh seafood at a cozy café. My favorite part of visiting Marken was strolling through the side streets. Along the way I stumbled across horses and sheep, and many picturesque spots! Another fun thing to do in Marken is to admire the locals’ gardens (from a distance of course). Several gardens here featured a variety of fun statues that made it all the more charming 🥰. 

For a more detailed guide on how to visit Marken and things to do make sure to check out my detailed blog post linked below!

Read More: Volendam & Marken – day trip from Amsterdam

How to get to Marken:

Public Transport:

When it comes to visiting Marken from Volendam, I recommend taking the local ferry. This is a great way to enjoy the views of both villages as well as a nice breeze. The Volendam Marken Express sails daily with the first ferry departing from Volendam at 11:00, and the last ferry coming back from Marken at 17:30. A return trip costs €16 per person and if you want to bring a bike with you it costs another €4 return. 

Car:

If you want to visit Marken by car, then it takes around 20 minutes to reach this (almost) island. Although Marken is surrounded by water, it does have a single road connecting it to the mainland. If you drive here then you can park at the main parking lot however prices are a little steep at €3 per hour. Alternatively, you can keep your car in Volendam and take the ferry to Marken (more on that below!). 

Guided Tour:

If you’re only visiting the Netherlands for a few days, then it can be a good idea to combine a visit to Volendam and Marken with another spot. This way you maximize your time and ensure you see as much as possible! While many tours combine Volendam and Marken with Edam, I would recommend combining them with Zaanse Schans. This is because Zaanse Schans is very different from both Volendam and Marken, making it a more unique experience. Click here for the best tour to Volendam, Marken, and Zaanse Schans. 

That concludes my guide to the 6 best day trips from Amsterdam for tourists. I hope that you decide to add all of these day trips to your itinerary when visiting The Netherlands! While Amsterdam is beautiful, I highly recommend venturing out to experience the stunning Dutch countryside. From the dreamy tulip display at Keukenhof Gardens to the canals of Giethoorn, there truly is something for everyone! 

This post was all about the 6 best day trips from Amsterdam (how to visit + things to do!)