15 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam, Netherlands
Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by Lauren Allen
Looking for the best day trips from Amsterdam? I don’t blame you! Booking a tour or going on a self-guided adventure is a great way to see more of the Netherlands.
From charming villages and tulip gardens to bustling cities and everything in between, this country has it all! But which locations are really worth your time and how easy is it to get from A to B?
I’ve taken countless day trips from this popular European city, using train routes, buses and ferries to discover some of the top spots in the Netherlands. While some are incredibly easy to access, others are worth the longer journey.
This guide will help you make the most of your time by visiting some of the most amazing places near Amsterdam – some of which most tourists haven’t even heard of. To make things even easier, I’ve also listed them in order of travel time via public transport.
From famous landmarks to hidden gems, you won’t want to miss these Dutch treasures…
Incredible day trips from Amsterdam
Here are some of the best places to visit on a day trip from the Dutch capital:
1. Haarlem,
Travel time: 15 – 20 minutes
How to get there: Direct intercity trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Haarlem every 10 minutes (ish).
Province: North Holland
Haarlem is perhaps the easiest day trip from Amsterdam. It’s also home to some of the country’s top attractions. For example, you can visit the Teylers Museum (the oldest museum in the Netherlands), take a tour of Windmill De Adriaan and admire the work of Frans Hals.
Furthermore, Haarlem is known for its food scene with Michelin-starred restaurants like Ratatouille Food & Wine, ML and Cheval Blanc. And if you’re in the mood for a beer, head to the Jopen Brewery. Located inside a former church, it’s a nice spot for a drink after a busy day of sightseeing.
I won’t sugarcoat it, though. You’ll need more than a day to see the top landmarks in Haarlem.
Top tip: If accommodation in Amsterdam is out of budget, consider staying in Haarlem instead. I’ve done this in the past, as the hotels were much cheaper.
2. Zaandam and Zaanse Schans
Travel time: 15 – 50 minutes
How to get there: Direct intercity trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandam every 10 minutes (ish). From Zaandam, the bus to Zaanse Schans takes around 25 minutes.
Province: North Holland
Ever seen that cool building on social media that resembles a Lego set? That’s the Inntel Hotel in Zaandam and it’s one of the most unique buildings in the Netherlands!
Beyond the famous (and very picturesque) hotel, Czar Peter House is the second-oldest museum in the country and is worth adding to your itinerary! Despite its location, you can get a free ticket if you have an Iamsterdam City Card.
After exploring Zaandam, take the bus to Zaanse Schans. It may be touristy, but it’s one of the top places to learn more about Dutch culture. You can visit the Zaans Museum, cruise past the windmills on a boat tour, go inside some working windmills and much more. Find out more in my guide to the best activities in Zaanse Schans.
3. Broek in Waterland and Monnickendam
Travel time: 20 – 40 minutes
How to get there: Bus services run from Amsterdam Centraal to Broek in Waterland every 5 – 10 minutes.
Province: North Holland
Over the past few years, I’ve spent several weeks cat-sitting in Monnickendam. This is exactly how I’ve managed to visit so many places in the Netherlands without spending a small fortune on hotels.
Monnickendam is delightful, but it receives barely any tourists. This is ideal if you’re looking to escape the chaotic crowds in Amsterdam. During your time there, you can learn more about the local area at Museum de Speeltoren, visit The Great Church and enjoy a drink with views of the harbour.
Just one stop away on the bus, Broek in Waterland is just as lovely. With only a few thousand residents, it’s a nice spot to get off the beaten path. In summer, you can even go on boat rides and have picnics by the water. Bliss!
4. Edam, Volendam and Marken
Travel time: 25 – 50 minutes
How to get there: Bus services run from Amsterdam Centraal frequently throughout the day.
Province: North Holland
I’ve personally been to Edam, Volendam and Marken on separate day trips. However, you can visit them all in one day if you’re short on time. In fact, it’s quite common for tour companies to combine all three (and Zaanse Schans) on guided tours.
That said, it’s just as easy to visit as an independent traveller, which also comes with the advantage of planning your own itinerary. For instance, each town and village has its own museum that helps you learn more about the destination. I’ve been to all three – Edam Museum, Volendams Museum and Marken Museum.
There are other things to do in each place, though, like admiring the views from Kwakelbrug in Edam, getting your picture taken in traditional clothing in Volendam and watching the sunset from Marken Lighthouse.
If you’re on a guided tour, your time will be more limited. But it’s a good way to see more of the Netherlands in a short space of time.
Top tip: Get daily travel tips by becoming a member of my Netherlands Facebook group.
5. Utrecht
Travel time: 30 minutes
How to get there: Direct intercity trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Utrecht every 10 – 15 minutes.
Province: Utrecht
Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and it’s also home to the tallest church in the country – The Dom Tower. During your time in the city, you can climb the 465 stairs to the top of the tower to admire stunning views over Utrecht.
If you’re more into museums, head to The Railway Museum, Museum Speelklok or the Nijntje (Miffy) Museum.
Or, if you’re an art and design buff like me, make your way to Rietveld Schröder House. Designed in the 1920s, Truus Schröder lived there until 1985. This distinct home is known for its use of primary colours and unique features like moving walls. I found this museum so interesting and it’s easy to see why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.
About 30 – 60 minutes away from central Utrecht (depending on your transportation method) is Castle De Haar. It’s one of the most impressive castles in the Netherlands, so it’s well worth adding to your bucket list.
6. Breukelen
Travel time: 30 – 45 minutes
How to get there: Direct intercity trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Breukelen every 10 – 20 minutes.
Province: Utrecht
About 15-20 minutes from Utrecht by train, Breukelen is one of the Netherlands’ hidden gems. I spent some time here a few years back and I loved every minute. With picture-perfect homes and cosy cafes around each corner, it offers a relaxing day trip from Amsterdam.
In terms of things to do, you can stroll along the Vecht River, visit Galerie Peter Leen for some local art or treat yourself to a spot of shopping.
Fun fact: The borough of Brooklyn in NYC was named after Breukelen. Pretty cool, huh?
7. Leiden
Travel time: 40 – 60 minutes
How to get there: Direct intercity trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Leiden every 10 – 15 minutes.
Province: South Holland
Bursting with charming canals, historic buildings and fab attractions, you can easily spend a day (or more) in Leiden and not get bored. In fact, it’s one of my favourite Dutch cities!
During my day in Leiden, I wandered through Hortus Botanicus, went on a canal cruise, visited Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, admired views of Molen De Valk and watched the sunset from Burcht van Leiden. However, there’s still so much I want to see and do in the city that I will 100% be back in the future.
Fun fact: Despite living and working in Amsterdam for so many years, Rembrandt was actually born in Leiden.
8. Rotterdam
Travel time: 45 minutes
How to get there: Direct intercity trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Rotterdam every 10 – 15 minutes.
Province: South Holland
Perhaps one of the most popular day trips from Amsterdam, Rotterdam is worlds apart from the Dutch capital. It was heavily bombed during World War II, which destroyed much of the city.
When it came to rebuilding Rotterdam, they started from scratch with modern and forward-thinking structures that made the city what it is today. These days, it’s a must-see for architecture enthusiasts visiting the Netherlands with iconic buildings like the cube houses and De Markthal.
Luckily, you can still stroll through the historic neighbourhood of Delfshaven, which survived the bombings of the 1940s.
Looking for more info? I wrote a full guide to spending a day in Rotterdam.
9. Delft
Travel time: 60 minutes
How to get there: Direct intercity trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Delft every 5 – 15 minutes.
Province: South Holland
Delft is another must-see city in the Netherlands, especially if you’re into arts and crafts. During your fun-filled day trip, you can visit the Royal Delft Factory to see how these iconic ceramics are made. This was the best thing I did in Delft, as I loved seeing the process from start to finish!
Beyond this renowned attraction, there’s plenty more to keep you busy. You can hit up the New Chruch and Old Church, wander through independent shops or go to a museum like Vermeer Centrum.
While you can easily see a lot on a day trip to Delft, you could easily base yourself there for 3 – 5 days. If you opt for the latter, you may want to visit Gouda – one of several Dutch cities known for its cheese.
10. Den Haag (The Hague)
Travel time: 60 minutes
How to get there: Direct intercity trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Den Haag every 5 – 15 minutes.
Province: South Holland
If you like art as much as I do, don’t skip The Hague on your next trip to the Netherlands. Boasting incredible galleries like the Mauritshuis, Kuntsmuseum and Escher in the Palace, you could entertain yourself for days on end.
But even if you don’t like art, there’s so much to see and do. You can check out miniature models of Dutch landmarks at Madurodam, tour the Peace Palace or stroll through the Japanese Garden. Or, if you fancy chilling out all day, head straight to the beach.
Ultimately, there’s something to suit most interests in The Hague!
11. Muiden and Muiderslot Castle
Travel time: 75 minutes (ish)
How to get there: Take the train from Amsterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Amstel. From there, catch the 320 bus to Muiden P+R, then walk for around 30 minutes.
Province: North Holland
Home to Muiderslot Castle, Muiden is 75 minutes away from Amsterdam via public transport. And while the journey is a bit of a faff, it’s well worth it.
Originally constructed by Count Floris V and rebuilt by Albert the First of Bavaria, the castle is an absolute masterpiece. I had a lovely time strolling through the colourful garden, admiring the grand rooms and checking out the views over the water.
But visiting Muiderslot Castle isn’t the only thing to do in Muiden. You can also explore Forteiland Pampus and Westbatterij, amongst other things.
12. Eindhoven
Travel time: 80 minutes
How to get there: Direct intercity trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Eindhoven every 10 – 20 minutes.
Province: North Brabant
In my opinion, Eindhoven is one of the coolest cities in the Netherlands. It’s a massive hub for design, technology and creativity. Like Rotterdam, it’s also home to unique buildings, such as The Blob and the Next Nature Museum.
With so many great things to do in Eindhoven, there’s plenty to keep you busy. During your time there, don’t skip Strijp-S – an area full of bold street art, quirky shops, bars and restaurants. Interestingly, it was once called the Forbidden City, as only Philips employees could enter.
Beyond funky buildings and cultural hubs, you can visit a wide range of museums. For example, Van Abbemuseum is a must-see for art lovers and the Philips Museum gives a fascinating glimpse into Eindhoven’s industrial past.
13. Keukenhof Gardens and Lisse
Travel time: 90 minutes
How to get there: Catch the Keukenhof Express from Amsterdam RAI. Find out more in my guide to visiting Keukenhof Gardens.
Province: South Holland
If you’re heading to Amsterdam in spring, you’re likely hoping to see the nearby tulip gardens. And honestly, I don’t blame you.
Keukenhof Gardens is renowned for its well-maintained colourful blooms and it’s a beautiful sight to see with your own eyes. I’ve been twice and it blew me away each time!
However, it’s not the only place worth seeing in the local area. You can also visit The Tulip Experience, FAM Flower Farm and De Tulperij. Or if you’d prefer, you can hit up Kasteel Keukenhof, Huys Dever or the LAM Museum. The choice is yours!
14. Giethoorn
Travel time: 90 minutes+
How to get there: The journey from Amsterdam to Geithoorn via public transport typically requires multiple changes, which is why it’s easier to rent a car or visit on a guided tour.
Province: Overijssel
Known as the Venice of the North, Giethoorn is a picture-perfect village in the province of Overijssel. The thatched roofs and absence of cars in its historic centre make Giethoorn feel like a fairytale destination. Instead of roads, you’ll find canals lined with charming cottages, little wooden bridges and lush gardens.
The best way to experience Giethoorn is from the water. You can either rent a boat yourself (if you feel confident enough) or join a guided boat tour. But it’s worth noting that it can get extremely crowded depending on the time of year.
And while it’s one of the busiest times to visit Giethoorn, the village is particularly beautiful in summer. Keep that in mind if you’re currently planning a trip to the Netherlands.
15. Kinderdijk
Travel time: 2 hours
How to get there: Like Giethoorn, the journey from Amsterdam to Kinderdijk is a bit more complicated. However, it is possible and I’ve done it myself! Check out this post on my Facebook page for more information.
Province: South Holland
Home to nineteen windmills, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinderdijk is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by canals and the Dutch countryside, it’s one of the most stunning landscapes in the Netherlands.
The windmills were built in the 18th century to help drain excess water from the land, but they’re now an iconic attraction, bringing in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Adult tickets for Kinderdijk will set you back €19.50, which includes a boat tour, a trip to the pumping station, audio tours and indoor access to two windmills. It’s well worth paying to go inside the windmills and learn more about their past, but you can also roam the grounds free of charge if you’re travelling on a budget.
I absolutely loved my time at Kinderdijk, so much so that I’d visit again. It felt like such a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam!
How to get around in the Netherlands
Getting around in the Netherlands is pretty straightforward and although you could rent a car for the ultimate freedom, the public transport network is amazing.
As someone who spends a lot of time in the country and doesn’t drive, I’ve had no issues getting to my chosen destinations. It sometimes takes a little longer, but it’s never stopped me from going where I want to go.
If you’re planning to visit a few spots over 1 – 3 days, you may want to consider the Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket. With this handy pass, you can use trains, buses, trams and metro services in Amsterdam and the surrounding areas.
Although you can’t use it everywhere, you can use it to get to Haarlem, Zaandam, Zaanse Schans, Broek in Waterland, Monnickendam, Edam, Volendam, Marken, Muiden and Keukenhof Gardens.
But it’s worth noting that it won’t always save you money. Think about where you want to go and check the cost of those journeys before buying the travel ticket. That way, you know you’re getting the cheapest price regardless!
If you’ve done all that and it seems like the best deal, you can buy an Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket online. I’ve used the card on multiple occasions and it’s always been super convenient.
For up-to-date schedules and train times, see the NS website. And remember, cycling is a good way to get around in the Netherlands. If you feel confident enough, you could rent a bike and use it to get between nearby towns like Broek in Waterland and Monnickendam.
An eSIM can help you stay connected on the road, which is ideal for navigating public transport with Google Maps. Luckily for you, I think I’ve found the best eSIM for Europe…
FAQs
Some of the closest cities to Amsterdam are Haarlem, Utrecht, Leiden, Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague.
There are lots of nice towns and villages near Amsterdam, like Broek in Waterland, Monnickendam and Edam.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are loads of fantastic day trips from Amsterdam and this list is not exhaustive. While the capital is situated in North Holland, the Netherlands is a relatively small country, which makes it easy to venture into other provinces.
Whether you’re on the hunt for windmills, tulip fields, picturesque canals or vibrant cities, the possibilities are endless! These locations give you the chance to see more of the Netherlands without spending the whole day on public transport.
Plus, you’d be surprised how many of these places you can visit if you have a week (or longer) in Amsterdam. Happy day tripping!
Got a bit longer to spare? Check out these weekend trips from Amsterdam!
