The 13 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam in 2024: Famous & Unique Destinations
A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Plan Each of the Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
The Dutch capital offers numerous tourist attractions, but around Amsterdam, there are gorgeous towns and villages worth a visit.
We have selected the best destinations day trips from Amsterdam just for you. We will even share tips on how to visit each destination.
Is A Day Trip from Amsterdam Really Worth It?
It depends! If you only have 3 or 4 days in the city, then it might make more sense for you to focus on the main things to do in Amsterdam. While it might not be the biggest city in the world, there is still plenty to do and see that you’ll need a few days to cover.
However, if you have a day or even half a day extra to explore other cities and towns on Amsterdam day trips, you definitely don’t want to miss out. Some of the Netherlands’ most beautiful, iconic, and picturesque landscapes are just a short trip from Amsterdam. With about 30 min to 2 hours of travel by train, bus, or bike, you can easily visit amazing cities and make your trip to Amsterdam even more memorable.
How to Make a Day Trip from Amsterdam
One of the great advantages for visitors who want to explore the surroundings of Amsterdam is the ease of getting around the Netherlands. Whether by train, bus, rental car, boat, or bicycle, you can plan numerous Amsterdam day trips without much effort.
Below are some tips on private and public transport options in the Netherlands.
- On your own by train or bus: A train network connects the major Dutch cities and villages, allowing you to opt for a one-way ticket from Amsterdam to your chosen destination for day trips. You can use the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket, which allows you to use public transportation as much as you want and includes public transportation from the airport, within Amsterdam, and around Amsterdam. Read more about the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket here.
- Along with a guided tour: Numerous day trip destinations from Amsterdam can be comfortably enjoyed with a guided tour. This means that you don’t have to worry about planning, but you’ll still receive information about the history of the places and local culture. It’s a win-win! We have picked out the best day tours from Amsterdam that you can read more about below.
- On your own by rental car: With fantastic road infrastructure, the Netherlands offers perfect conditions for those who want to rent a car and take a road trip through the Dutch countryside. Here are tips on what to look out for when renting a car in the Netherlands for day trips.
What Are the Best Day Trips from Amsterdam?
Get to know each of the most incredible destinations for a day trip from Amsterdam, learn how to plan your Amsterdam day trips, and learn much more about the Amsterdam region and the Netherlands.
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01
The Windmill Village: Zaanse Schans
City in North Holland
The most picturesque town in the Netherlands is just 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station. Known as an open-air museum, Zaanse Schans offers many attractions, beautiful scenery, and excellent gastronomy. From Amsterdam, you can reach Zaanse Schans by train, car, bus, guided tour, boat, or even bicycle. There are many options for getting to Zaanse Schans, and the beautiful village can be explored comfortably in one day. For this reason, a day trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans is one of the most popular and recommended destinations.
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02
The Tulip Fields: Keukenhof
Park in Lisse
You can visit the world’s largest flower gardens between May and April at Keukenhof. Located only 40 minutes from Amsterdam, the Keukenhof garden is one of the great postcards of the Netherlands. Many guided tours and round-trip transportation take visitors comfortably to Keukenhof and return to the Dutch capitol of Amsterdam at the end of the day. Loving Travel has also prepared a complete guide to explain the history, highlights, events, and activities offered within the Keukenhof Gardens that can be viewed here.
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03
A Beautiful Historic Town: Haarlem
City in Netherlands
Much more than just an old town, Haarlem is a historic city that invites you to wander through its cobblestone streets adorned with remarkable buildings and hidden courtyards. Admire the stunning architecture of the Grote Kerk, a majestic Gothic cathedral at the heart of the city for your next day trips.
Enjoy retail therapy in charming boutiques and explore local markets. Relax in picturesque parks for fresh air and savor the culinary delights of cozy cafés and restaurants. Haarlem guarantees an unforgettable day trip from Amsterdam brimming with charm, history, art, and culinary experiences. Plus, a ride from Amsterdam City Center to Haarlem only takes about 20 minutes, and you’ll be able to witness the stunning Dutch countryside.
- A day trip on your own by bus: You can use the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket and board bus 80 which leaves from Amsterdam Station Zuid and Amsterdam, Elandsgracht and takes you to Haarlem Tempeliersstraat. – Book now
- A day trip on your own by train: You can buy only a train ticket which costs about 15 Euro (round trip). -Book now
- Along with a Guided Tour: This private tour takes you from Amsterdam to Haarlem and a guide reveals the whole history of Haarlem. – Book now
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04
Known as Amsterdam's Beaches: Zandvoort Beach & IJmuide Beach
Beach in North HollandOur highlight
Known as Amsterdam Beaches, Zandvoort Beach and IJmuide Beach are the destinations for visitors of Amsterdam who want to walk on the sand, practice sports like kiteboarding and sailing, or simply enjoy a nice summer day. The journey to the beach or the harbor takes about an hour by bus or train. This is included in the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket.
- The journey from Amsterdam to Zandvoort Beach takes about 50 minutes and can be done by train or bus. The journey includes a short walk of about 800 meters to reach the beach. Zandvoort Beach is included in the list of destinations in the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket.
- The journey from Amsterdam to IJmuide Beach takes about 1:20 hours and can be done by train or bus. The journey includes a short walk of about 1.3 km to reach the beach. IJmuide Beach is included in the list of destinations in the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket.
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05
The Port City of the Netherlands: Rotterdam
City in Rotterdam EN
For a day trip from Amsterdam, visiting even the grand and globally important Rotterdam is possible. Known for its innovative spirit, Rotterdam offers visitors a unique and dynamic experience.
Here, you can marvel at the iconic Erasmus Bridge, a symbol of the city, and explore the striking architectural wonders like the Cube Houses and the Markthal. You can also learn about the country’s history in world war II at this historic site. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural scene by visiting world-class museums like the Kunsthal and the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. You can also stroll along the bustling Witte de Withstraat, lined with trendy shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes.
- On your own by train to Rotterdam: Book
- With a guided tour to see the Hague, Delft, and Rotterdam: Book now
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06
The North Sea Harbor Villages: Marken, Volendam, and Edam
Städtereise in Edam-Volendam EN
North of Amsterdam are three historic towns: Marken, Volendam, and Edam. Because of their proximity, it is possible to visit all three in one day if you don’t want to see all their attractions. You can also choose just one of them to spend the day and get to know a charming Dutch village’s history, particularities, and curiosities.
Volendam is a Dutch town that surprises with its seafood dishes, wooden traditional houses, and numerous fishing boats in the harbor. Among the three villages, this is the largest and has numerous restaurants, souvenir stores, museums, a cheese factory, and a beautiful promenade to walk.
Edam is considered a medieval city, but you may also recognize that the famous Edamer cheese comes precisely from this region, so expect great cheese shops open all year. However, the most famous is the cheese market, which occurs every year from the beginning of July until the end of August.
Marken is an island connected to the mainland by a bridge known as an old Fishing Village. With historic houses and architecture barely changing in the last centuries, Marken is perfect for those who want to take pictures and see breathtaking landscapes. Although it is a small town, you will find some charming restaurants, museums, and shops here.
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07
A picturesque town: Bruges
City in Bruges
If you love Amsterdam, you will love Bruges. With beautiful canals and stunning architecture, a day trip to Bruges from Amsterdam can be easily made. Despite being almost 3 hours each way, Bruges is a must-visit destination for a day trip from Amsterdam. Several options for guided tours take you to Bruges and even include tourist attractions, such as chocolate tasting. The tour lasts a total of 12 hours.
On your own, the train or bus departs from Amsterdam Central Station and travels through the countryside for 2 hours and 45 minutes to Bruges Central Station. The first train leaves at 6 a.m., and the last one leaves Bruges at 11 p.m.
- On your own by train to Bruges: Book here
- With a guided tour to see the Bruges: Book here
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08
The United Nations house of justice: Den Haag
Städtereise in Den Haag EN
Den Haag, or simply the Hague, is not only the seat of the Dutch government but also the seat of the United Nations International Criminal Court of Justice. It’s home to numerous political meetings with world leaders in attendance, so don’t expect to find a little Dutch village, but a cosmopolitan city with many tourist attractions and an incomparable skyline.
The train ride from Amsterdam to Den Haag takes only 45 minutes. I consider Den Haag a beautiful city worth a day just for itself. However, there are some guided tours that include the Hague along with Rotterdam and Delft. If you are short on time but want to see three amazing cities, it is worth it. However, if you have a little more time, these three cities are worth visiting separately on single-day trips.
- On your own by train to Den Haag: Book here
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09
The Netherlands' Fairytale Village : Giethoorn
City in North Holland
Considered one of the most beautiful villages in the Netherlands, Giethoorn does not disappoint visitors. Often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” the village’s picturesque canals, charming thatched-roof houses, and peaceful ambiance create a picturesque setting. Exploring Giethoorn by boat, crossing quaint bridges, and immersing yourself in its tranquil beauty offer a truly memorable and authentic Dutch experience.
- On your own by train to Giethoorn: Book here
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10
A Visit to Medieval History: Muiderslot Castle
Historic Building in Muiden EN
Take a break from Amsterdam’s winding streets and canals and head 15 km south to Muiderslot Castle. The castle dates back to the 13th century and is a charming medieval site just a short drive from the city. Last restored in the 1950s, Muiderslot is now a national museum that presents tourists looking for a unique attraction with its medieval architecture, gardens, idyllic location, water shield, and historical exhibits to include in their travel plans for Amsterdam.
Tickets to Muiderslot Castle are included in many passes but can also be purchased separately. Since it is one of the biggest attractions in Amsterdam, tickets to Muiderslot Castle can sell out very quickly. Therefore, you should book your tickets for Muiderslot Castle well in advance. To get to Muiderslot Castle, you can use the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket.
- On your own by train to Muiderslot Castle: Book here
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11
The Pottery City: Delft
City in North Holland
With a fascinating view of the canals, you can walk through picturesque streets, cross wonderful bridges, and be enchanted by a city that seems to have stopped in time. Unlike Amsterdam, Delft is not yet so touristy and, therefore, maintains a more untouched vibe. For travelers, you can reach Delft by train from Amsterdam. Another alternative is to book one of the guided tours that visit Delft and other cities.
- On your own by train to Delft: Book here
- With a guided tour to see Delft: Book here
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12
Unesco World Heritage Site: De Beemster
City in North Holland
Beemster Polder, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases human ingenuity and nature’s beauty intertwined. Just outside Amsterdam, this reclaimed land boasts lush pastures, serene waterways, and historic windmills. Explore this Dutch masterpiece, where organized farmlands blend seamlessly with picturesque landscapes.
In the Village De Beemster, you can see the harmony of nature and human cultivation, appreciating the centuries-old efforts that have created a pastoral wonder. Beemster Polder’s serene charm offers a tranquil escape, allowing you to relish the artistry of agricultural innovation against a backdrop of quiet beauty. Another highlight of the village of De Beemster is that from here comes the milk responsible for one of the best cheeses: Beemster. Slightly less salty than Gouda, De Beemster cheese is produced from the milk of cows from this region.
- On your own by train to De Beemster: Book here
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13
Day Trip with Chocolate Tasing: Brüssel
Städtereise in Brussels
Embark on a remarkable day trip from Amsterdam to Brussels, just a few hours by high-speed train. Start early and catch the Thalys for a smooth journey, reaching Brussels in under two hours. Roam the historic Grand Place, admire Manneken Pis, and delve into paintings at the Magritte Museum to learn a little about art history. Savor Belgian delights at local eateries and explore the European Parliament area.
With efficient public transportation, a day trip from Amsterdam unveils Brussels’ treasures, immersing you in its captivating culture and architecture. You can opt for a day trip and take a train round-trip ticket from Central Station in Amsterdam. Some bus day tours include a chocolate tasting, a stop at the Atomium, and a city center tour.
- On your own by train to Brüssel: Book here
- With a guided tour to see Brüssel: Book here
MY RECOMMENDATION
Departing from Amsterdam, this guided tour passes through four iconic villages (Zaanse Schans, Marken, Voledam, and Edam). It includes time for you to see the highlights of each. There are 8 hours of tours, including a live guide in English and Spanish and an audio guide in multiple languages. The tour includes a cheese-making demonstration, a boat ride, and Dutch clog shoe production.
The Best Amsterdam Day Tours
Maybe what you least want during your vacation is to plan a mini trip to cities around Amsterdam. While it would be a shame to miss the opportunity to see famous canals, historic cities, and the Netherlands in-depth, we get it. To make things easy, these day tours depart from Amsterdam and offer you well-planned tours with the best of what the Amsterdam region (and Europe) can offer.
However, it should be noted that although super practical and comfortable, a day tour offers little flexibility. There are a few hours during the tour to explore the city alone. So, it is important to adjust your expectations to have a great day tour to the destination you like the most.
We have selected the best day tours from Amsterdam:
Most Popular Day trip to Zaanse Schans | My Favorite Day Tour to Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken | Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague | Day Tour to Giethoorn | Day Trip to Bruges | |
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Transportation
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Transportation | Bus | Bus | Bus | Bus | Bus |
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Duration
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Duration | 3,5 hours | 5, 5 hours | 10 Hours | 9 Hours | 12 Hours |
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Destinations
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Destinations | Zaanse Schans | Zaanse Schans Marken Volendam | Rotterdam | Giethoorn | Bruges |
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Departure
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Departure | Amsterdam Central Station | Amsterdam Central Station | Amsterdam Central Station | Amsterdam Central Station | Amsterdam Central Station |
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Guide
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Guide | Live | Live & Audio Guide | Live Guide | Live Guide | Live Guide |
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Live Guide
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Live Guide | English, Spanish, German | Live tour guide: Spanish, English | English, Spanish | English, Spanish | English, Spanish |
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Attractions
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Attractions | With the All-inclusive Option: Visit a traditional Marker house | 1-Hour Rotterdam cruise with live guide | Boat tour in Giethoorn | ||
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Price
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Price | 30 EUR | 38 EUR / 53 EUR | 79 EUR | 79 EUR | 79 EUR |
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Website
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Website | |||||
What is the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket?
By train, you can visit many of the favorite destinations for a touristy day trip from Amsterdam. Here is the main information about this transportation card for Amsterdam and surrounding cities:
- The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket works unlimited during the period of use.
- You choose whether you want an Amsterdam & Region Ticket for 1, 2, or 3 days.
- The period of use is counted in consecutive days from the first day of use.
- The day count starts at 0:00 a.m. and ends at 4 a.m. the next day. For example, activating your 2-Day Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket on a Saturday at 8 a.m. will be valid until Monday at 4 a.m. You can use your ticket for a whole weekend or two consecutive days of your choice.
- In addition to all transportation within the city (bus, metro, tram, and ferry), the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket allows you to travel to and from Schiphol Airport, as well as to the picturesque villages of Zaanse Schans, Beemster Volendam, Edam, and Marken. In the flowering period, you can also visit the famous tulip fields at Keukenhof.
Which Day Trips from Amsterdam Are Included in the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket?
Below you will find some top travel destinations that fit into a day trip from Amsterdam. All of them are part of the Amsterdam Region and can be reached with the Amsterdam & Region Day Ticket. Here, you have an overview of the cities that are part of the region and how to get to each of them.
- Zaanse Schans City Center & Windmills – Bus 391 and Bus 891
- Keukenhof & FloriWorld – Bus 357 and 358
- Harlem City Centre – Bus 80 and Bus 346
- IJmuiden Beach & Harbour – Bus 382
- Zandvoort Beach – Bus 80
- De Beemster – Bus 305
- Edam Smalltown Harbour – Bus 314
- Volendam Smalltown Harbour – Bus 316
- Monnickendam Smalltown Harbour – Bus 315
- Marken Smalltown Harbour – Bus 315
- Hoorn Historical Centre – Bus 314
The Most Asked Questions About Day Trips from Amsterdam
What are the most popular day trips from Amsterdam?
The most popular day trips from Amsterdam include visits to cities like Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht and exploring charming villages like Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Giethoorn. Day trips from Amsterdam are great options for getting to know the surroundings of Amsterdam and more about Dutch culture.
How do I get from Amsterdam to these day trip destinations?
Amsterdam day trip destinations can be easily reached from Amsterdam by train, bus, or organized tours. Train connections are frequent and efficient, while buses and tours offer convenience and informative guides. With the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, you can use public transportation within and between the cities and towns you want to visit.
Are guided tours recommended for day trips from Amsterdam?
Guided tours are highly recommended for day trips from Amsterdam as they provide informative commentary, hassle-free transportation, and well-planned itineraries. They also offer convenience and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for visitors. There are many guided tours from Amsterdam to many cities, but booking your chosen dates for the trip in advance is essential.
Are the day trip destinations accessible by public transportation?
Yes, many Amsterdam day trip destinations are accessible by public transportation. Trains and buses connect Amsterdam to various cities and villages, making it convenient to explore these destinations independently.
Are day trips from Amsterdam suitable for families with children?
Yes, day trips from Amsterdam are suitable for families with children. Many destinations offer family-friendly attractions, such as interactive museums, outdoor activities, and scenic landscapes that cater to different age groups.
What are the approximate travel times for day trips from Amsterdam?
Travel times vary depending on the destination. For nearby cities like Rotterdam or the Hague, the travel time by train is approximately 1-1.5 hours. Visiting villages like Zaanse Schans or Volendam takes around 30-45 minutes by train or bus.
Can I do a day trip from Amsterdam in the winter months?
Yes, day trips to any destination can be visited year-round. While some outdoor activities may be limited during winter, cities and museums remain open, offering indoor attractions and festive winter experiences.
Do I need to book a ticket for day trips from Amsterdam in advance?
It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially for guided tours and popular attractions. This ensures availability, saves time queuing, and provides a hassle-free experience for day trippers.
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