10 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam to Explore the Netherlands

Amsterdam is an incredible city, but if you're planning a weekend trip or looking for an easy day trip, there’s so much more to see in the Netherlands. From charming villages and cheese markets to coastal towns and modern architecture, these day trips from Amsterdam offer something for every kind of traveler. Best of all, most of these destinations are easily accessible by public transport, trains, or a short ride from Amsterdam Centraal Station.

Whether you're visiting the Anne Frank House or exploring hidden courtyards near Amsterdam Noord, set aside one day to venture beyond the city and into the Dutch countryside.

1. Zaanse Schans – Historic Windmills & Wooden Clogs

Distance: ~20 km | Travel Time: ~20 minutes by train

Just outside Amsterdam, this beautiful place takes you back to the 18th century. Zaanse Schans is known for its historic windmills, wooden houses, and Dutch workshops. Take a guided tour, walk along picturesque streets, and visit the nearby Cheese Museum. This is one of the best easy day trips from Amsterdam Central Station.

2. Giethoorn – The Dutch Venice

Distance: ~120 km | Travel Time: ~2 hours (train + bus)

Nicknamed the Dutch Venice, Giethoorn is a tranquil village with quaint streets and no roads—just canals. Rent a whisper boat and gently float through the residential parts of this peaceful town. Surrounded by nature, it's the perfect place to rest, relax, and enjoy the countryside. It’s an ideal one day trip for families and couples alike.

3. Keukenhof Gardens – Tulips & Color in Spring

Distance: ~35 km | Travel Time: ~40 minutes by bus/train

Open only in spring, Keukenhof is one of the world’s most famous tulip gardens. Wander through millions of blooming flowers, enjoy a peaceful stroll, and photograph the vibrant Dutch landscapes. This is a short trip that’s best enjoyed with family or friends during a sunny week in March to May.

4. Haarlem – Art, History & Hot Chocolate

Distance: ~20 km | Travel Time: ~15 minutes by train

Haarlem offers a blend of modern art, historic architecture, and lively streets. Visit the Frans Hals Museum, enjoy hot chocolate at a café near the market square, and take a scenic walk through the old town. This day trip is perfect if you enjoy art, culture, and a quieter pace outside of Amsterdam.

5. Volendam & Marken – Fishing Village Charm

Distance: ~25 km | Travel Time: ~1 hour by bus/ferry

These fishing villages are known for their wooden houses, seafood, and scenic harbor walks. Taste local cuisine, visit small museums, and learn about traditional Dutch costumes. Many guided tours from Amsterdam Centraal include a stop at both Volendam and Marken, making it a great day trip for tourists who want a taste of rural Netherlands.

6. The Hague (Den Haag) – Politics, Palaces & Beach

Distance: ~60 km | Travel Time: ~1 hour by train

Den Haag (or The Hague) combines impressive churches, art-filled museums, and a relaxed North Sea beach vibe. Explore political landmarks, then head to Scheveningen Beach for some water sports or simply to unwind. It’s one of the best full day trips from Amsterdam, especially during summer.

7. Delft – Blue Pottery & Hidden Courtyards

Distance: ~65 km | Travel Time: ~1 hour by train

Delft is famous for its blue pottery and peaceful quaint streets. Visit the New Church, explore hidden courtyards, and admire the city's historic architecture. A perfect day trip for those who love art and history, without the overwhelming crowds.

8. Utrecht – A Lively City with Canal Wharfs

Distance: ~45 km | Travel Time: ~30 minutes by train

Utrecht feels like a mini-Amsterdam, but with fewer tourists. Take a walk along unique canal wharfs, explore cozy bookshops, and enjoy street art or local performances. With a train station located in the city center, it’s one of the most convenient easy day trips from Amsterdam.

9. Rotterdam – Europe’s Hub of Modern Architecture

Distance: ~75 km | Travel Time: ~1 hour by train

Bold, urban, and full of energy—Rotterdam stands out with its modern architecture like the Cube Houses and the Markthal. Visit by train for a full day exploring Europe’s largest port, then take a boat tour or enjoy shopping near the harbor.

10. Alkmaar – Cheese Market & Beatles Museum

Distance: ~40 km | Travel Time: ~40 minutes by train

On Fridays in spring and summer, Alkmaar hosts the most iconic cheese market in the country. Pair your visit with the quirky Beatles Museum, then walk through the historic streets filled with shops and local cafes. It’s one of the best day trips from Amsterdam if you love music, history, and food.

Final Tips for the Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

• Start early from Amsterdam Centraal or Central Station to make the most of your one day.
• Most places are reachable within two hours by public transit or train.
• For countryside escapes, consider renting a car or booking a guided tour.
• Don’t miss tasting local cuisine, like Dutch pancakes or hot chocolate near canals.
• If you have limited time, choose destinations close to Amsterdam Noord or Centraal Station.

FAQs

What is the best day trip from Amsterdam?

One of the best day trips from Amsterdam is a visit to Zaanse Schans, just 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal Station. This charming Dutch village features historic windmills, traditional wooden houses, and a cheese museum, making it a perfect one day trip for travelers seeking a glimpse of the Dutch countryside without straying far from the city.

How many days in Amsterdam is enough?

Spending 3 to 4 days in Amsterdam is ideal to explore its highlights, including the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam Noord, and scenic canal cruises. This duration also gives you time for a short trip or even a guided day tour to nearby destinations like Haarlem or Volendam.

What cities are close to Amsterdam by train?

Here are the best cities reachable by train from Amsterdam Centraal Station for a perfect day trip:

• Haarlem – 15 minutes, known for its lively streets, art museums, and cafes
• Utrecht – 30 minutes, features quaint streets and hidden courtyards
• Rotterdam – 1 hour, famous for modern architecture and harbor views
• The Hague (Den Haag) – 1 hour, seat of the Dutch government and home to stunning beaches
• Delft – 1 hour, offers historic architecture and beautiful canals
• Alkmaar – 40 minutes, don’t miss its traditional cheese market
• Leiden – 35 minutes, full of rich history and charming canals

What to visit in the Netherlands besides Amsterdam?

Top places to visit in the Netherlands other than Amsterdam:

• Zaanse Schans – Windmills, clog workshops, and cheese tastings
• Giethoorn – The peaceful Dutch Venice, with whisper boat rides
• Volendam & Marken – Traditional fishing villages with authentic Dutch vibes
• Keukenhof Gardens – Springtime flower wonderland near Lisse
• Kinderdijk – UNESCO-listed site with rows of historic windmills
• The Hague – Government center, beach access, and modern art museums
• Hoge Veluwe National Park – Nature trails, wildlife, and the Kröller-Müller Museum

What other cities to visit when in Amsterdam?

If you’re based in Amsterdam, consider easy day trips to these nearby cities:

• Rotterdam – A hub of modern design, shopping, and food
• Utrecht – A blend of history, canal walks, and local charm
• Delft – Known for Delft Blue pottery, historic architecture, and markets
• Haarlem – Great for a stroll through market squares and boutique shopping
• Leiden – Home to one of the oldest universities and beautiful hidden courtyards
• The Hague – Explore art museums, impressive churches, and beachside vibes
• Alkmaar – Visit the world-famous cheese market and walk the picturesque streets

How many days in the Netherlands is enough?

To experience both Amsterdam and the broader Dutch countryside, plan to spend 7 to 10 days in the Netherlands. This allows time for day trips from Amsterdam, visits to famous cities like Rotterdam and The Hague, and even relaxing in coastal areas along the North Sea.

What is the prettiest part of the Netherlands?

Giethoorn is often called the prettiest part of the Netherlands, thanks to its canal-side homes, whisper boats, and residential feel. Other beautiful regions include the tulip fields of Lisse, the windmill park in Kinderdijk, and the hidden courtyards of Leiden.

What to see in the Netherlands in one day?

If you're planning a one-day trip from Amsterdam, consider this full-day itinerary:

• Morning: Take the train to Zaanse Schans for windmills, cheese, and clogs
• Midday: Head to Volendam, a fishing village with local seafood and quaint streets
• Afternoon: Visit Marken, known for its wooden houses and peaceful harbor
• Evening: Return to Amsterdam for a stroll near the Anne Frank House and enjoy hot chocolate by the canal

All destinations are reachable within two hours using public transport, perfect for a fun, family-friendly one-day tour.

What is the best month to go to the Netherlands?

The best time to visit the Netherlands is in April or May, when the tulip fields are in full bloom and attractions like Keukenhof Gardens are open. Spring offers mild weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant landscapes, making it the ideal season for day trips from Amsterdam and outdoor sightseeing across the country.

Conclusion

No matter where you go, these day trips from Amsterdam will show you a different side of the Netherlands—from windmills and tulips to beaches and modern cities. They’re ideal for a short trip, a relaxing weekend trip, or a full-day adventure.