Amsterdam is a city of many delights, with its magical canals, charming streets, world-class museums, gourmet delights, and romantic vibes. Once you’ve explored the city’s abundant treasures, it is a great idea to plan for a few day trips from Amsterdam to explore some amazing destinations that are located just a few hours away from the city. While Zaanse Schans & Keukenhof Gardens are gorgeous & extremely popular, there are numerous quieter fairytale towns like Lieden, Utrecht, Giethoorn and Haarlem soaked in history, culture and natural beauty. Here are some of the best destinations including day trips from Amsterdam to other countries, for a fulfilling and exciting vacation.
10 Easy Day Trips From Amsterdam In 2024
These 10 places near Amsterdam will let you wander, explore, and discover the myriad exciting experiences that await you near the city of canals. Take a look.
1. Zaanse Schans
This is one of the most wonderful day trips from Amsterdam in winter that allows you to experience the life of an 18th-19th century Dutch town, just 20 minutes away from the bustling capital city. With an impressive collection of historic windmills and green wooden houses, this open-air museum showcases the industrial past of the region. You can watch cheese-making & clog making demonstrations along with pewter casting and barrel making. Wrap up your visit by sampling the delicious pancakes at the local restaurant and a visit to the museum.
Distance from Amsterdam: 20 Kilometres. It is well-connected by bus and train.
Must-see places: Zaans Museum, De Kat, Wooden Shoe Workshop, De Zoeker, Museum Shop Albert Heijn
Must Read: Guess Which European City Gets The Title Of World’s Most Liveable City This Year!
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2. Bruges
A day trip from Amsterdam to Belgium is on the itinerary of most travelers looking to explore more European countries in the vicinity. Amsterdam to Bruges day trip should be on one’s list. You can’t help being smitten by the dreamy canals, quaint cobbled streets and romantic atmosphere of Bruges. The perfectly preserved fairytale town charms visitors with its historical churches, lively markets, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Stroll along this beautiful city, unraveling its pretty secrets as you spend a few hours here. When in the Netherlands, do not miss out on a day trip from Amsterdam to Bruges.
Distance from Amsterdam: 248 Kilometres; takes 2 hours 40 minutes by train.
Must-see places: Markt, Belfry of Bruges, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Groeningemuseum,
Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan, Church of Our Lady
Suggested Read: 33 Best Places To Visit In Amsterdam On Your Amazing Trip
3. Rotterdam
The second largest city in the country is amongst the top choices for fantastic day trips from Amsterdam. Having risen from the ashes of World War II bombings, this phoenix city will impress you with its cool architecture and awesome vibes. To get a sense of this vibrant city you must visit the massive bustling Markthal, admire the architecturally innovative Cube houses and the quirky Pannekoekstraat. You can also take a cruise around the Rotterdam harbour, the largest port in the world.
Distance from Amsterdam: 78 Kilometres
Must-see places: Cube house, Erasmusbrug, Diergaarde Blijdorp, Euromast, Market Hall, Kunsthal
Suggested Read: A View From This Europe’s Tallest Skyscraper Will Leave Your Jaw Dropped!
4. Giethoorn
Just an hour’s drive away from the capital, this picture-perfect village makes for one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by car. With its tranquil canals lined by thatched roof houses, Giethoorn transports you to a world where time stands still as you admire its surreal beauty. Aptly christened the Venice of Netherlands, this charming place is best explored either on foot or a rented boat gliding along the water.
Distance from Amsterdam: 120 Kilometres
Must-see places: Weerribben-Wieden National Park, Museum Giethoorn’t Olde Maat Uus, Gloria Maris Schelpengalerie
5. Leiden
With its picturesque canals and bridges, Lieden is a calmer and more charming version of the capital city. As it takes just about 25 minutes to reach here, it is one of the easiest day trips from Amsterdam by train. Locally known as the University town, Leiden is home to the country’s oldest university and some world-class museum including Museum de Lakenhal displaying workds by famous Dutch masters. Hop on to a rented bicycle and soak in the tranquillity of this peaceful town with some gorgeous restaurants and coffee shops.
Distance from Amsterdam: 47 Kilometres
Must-see places: Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, Hortus Botanicus Leiden, Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Molen de Valk, Corpus, Duinrell, Burcht van Leiden
Suggested Read: Top 9 Places To Visit In Zagreb To Savor The Best Of South Europe
6. Keukenhof Gardens
No list of day trips from Amsterdam would be complete without a mention of Keukenhof, aptly called the Garden of Europe with its 7 million plus rainbow-hued flowers spread across 32 hectares. Mid-April is the best time to visit this spectacular show put up by Nature every spring, when most of the flowers including tulips are in full bloom. You can marvel at the various themed areas like the English Garden, Historical Garden & Japanese Garden and also stop by for a coffee break at the numerous cafes.
Distance from Amsterdam: 40 Kilometres
Entrance fee: 16 Euros/adult
Must-see places: Stichting Kasteel Keukenhof, Black Tulip Museum, Haarlemmermeerse Bos
7. Gouda
The Gouda is famous the world over through its eponymous cheese, this lovely town is also worth a visit for its rich history and architecture. The popular cheese market is held every Thursday in the spring and summer months in the Gouda Markt Square. The Saint Jan Church has the distinction of being the tallest church in Netherlands and well-known for its stunning stained glass work. The impressive Town Hall and the beautiful facades of Gouda houses are also a sight to behold.
Distance from Amsterdam: 76 Kilometres. Trains take just about 50 minutes to reach there.
Must-see places: Sint Janskerk, De Goudse Waag, Museum Gouda, Reeuwijkse Plassen
Suggested Read: 15 Offbeat Destinations In Europe That Are Straight Out Of Fairy Tales
8. Brussels
If the temptation of exploring another gorgeous European capital city gets the better of you, it’s a great idea to plan a day trip from Amsterdam to Brussels. Though a little hectic, it is totally worthwhile if you leave early morning so that you can explore the city’s many wonders. Admire the architectural marvels of Brussels and explore the quirky and classy museums as you dig into Belgian chocolates and waffles.
Distance from Amsterdam: 202 Kilometres
Must-see places: Atomium, Grand Place, Mannekin Pis, Town Hall, St Michael & St. Gudula
Cathedral, Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Belgian Comic Strip Centre
9. The Hague
Undoubtedly one of the best day trips from Amsterdam in Netherlands, The Hague is home to Dutch royalty and the seat of government. Though not as touristy & popular as the capital city, Hague has many aces up its sleeve with its impressive art museums, stunning palaces and rich culture. The fantastic collection of Golden Age masters at the Mauritshuis is rivalled only by the Rijksmuseum, while the gorgeous Peace Palace and waterside Binnenhof leave you awed by their architecture.
Distance from Amsterdam: 64 Kilometres
Must-see places: Mauritshuis, Madurodam, Binenhoff, Peace Palace, Duinrell, Escher in the Palace, Scheveningen Beach
Suggested Read: 31 Festivals In Europe That Will Up The Fun Factor Of Your Euro Tour
10. Utrecht
With its picturesque streets and charming canal-side cafes, Utrecht makes for one of the most relaxed & fulfilling day trips from Amsterdam. Home to the largest university in Netherlands, the city is vibrant and chic owing to the large student population. You can marvel at the many beautiful churches and museums, and also explore the wonderful shopping options at this laidback, dreamy version of Amsterdam.
Distance from Amsterdam: 42 Kilometres
Must-see places: De Haar Castle, Dom Tower, Centraal Museum, Railway Museum
Along with these amazing options, Kinderdijk makes for a superb day trip from Amsterdam to visit the windmills. You can also plan for a day trip from Amsterdam to Paris if you do not have enough time to explore the French capital.
Further Read: 10 Best Airports In Europe For An Enjoyable Journey To Your Dream Destination
So now that you have so many places to see, make sure you plan your Europe trip with TravelTriangle in such a way that you can easily explore the beauty in and around Amsterdam. After all, a road trip is all that you need to take!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips From Amsterdam
Which are the closest countries to the Netherlands?
You can also take day trips from Amsterdam to Germany and Belgium as they are close to the country.
Where can I see windmills in Amsterdam?
One can see windmills in Amsterdam in Zaanse Schans.
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