Discover the delights of tulips, cheese and windmills near the Dutch capital
Amsterdam is just a hop, skip and a jump from some of Europe’s best-loved sights. Lose yourself in the winding streets of Bruges or float downstream on a canal boat in pretty Giethoorn. There’s seriously moreish cheese in the markets of Gouda and, of course, you’ll get to see Holland’s iconic windmills in action.
So get your clogs on and read about our favourite Amsterdam day trips:
1. Go boating in peaceful Giethoorn
Known as the ‘Dutch Venice’, Giethoorn is one of the most famous day trips from Amsterdam. It’s a peaceful car-free village less than two hours from the city by bus, where you can enjoy peaceful countryside views, waterways, and gardens.
Klook Tip: Make sure your phone is fully charged for all those #prettiestvillageineurope snaps you’ll be taking!
To make the most out of your trip, you can take a Giethoorn Day Tour with Traditional Boat Cruise, which already includes a tour along the famous canals Amsterdam is known for — plus free time for exploring!
2. Discover the world-famous windmills of Zaanse Schans
No trip to the Netherlands is complete without a windmill selfie. Stretched along the River Zaan, the open-air museum of Zaanse Schans has not one but six windmills still hard at work! It’s one of the most famous day trips from Amsterdam since it’s just 15-20 minutes away by car.
This village is an immersive look into Dutch culture, so it’s worth exploring with a local guide. If this sounds up your alley, you can consider a Zaanse Schans Windmill Village with Cheese Tasting and Clog Factory tour!
Zaanse Schans is also chock-a-block with traditional wooden houses, barns and shops dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Curious about how clogs are made? See for yourself at the clog museum!
Now, if you want to pair Zaanse Schans with other locations (perfect if you’re only in Amsterdam for a few days and want to maximize your time) you definitely can. This Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn Small-Group Tour brings you to both, well, you guessed it — Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn!
Apart from a 1-hour boat ride in Giethoorn, you can enjoy a Guided Cheese Experience, Wooden Shoes Workshop and Diamond Demonstration Tour in Zaanse Schans. How’s that for a fun-filled day?
3. Stroll along the cobbled streets of Bruges
One of the top day trips from Amsterdam, medieval Bruges is brimming with winding lanes and a maze of working canals. On a Bruges Guided Tour From Amsterdam,you’ll pop across the border to Belgium (a 2.5-3-hour journey by bus) and kick off with a guided tour of the historic centre.
After that, you have a free afternoon to take a cruise or check out the Groeninge Museum to check out works from famous Flemish artists. Wash it all down with a craft beer at the Biermuseum. The bar has an uninterrupted view over the Market Square!
4. Get a bird’s-eye view of Rotterdam’s skyscrapers
The vibrant port of Rotterdam, easily reached on the Amsterdam to Rotterdam train which can take just about 40 minutes on direct journeys, is renowned for its bold modernist architecture, including the yellow cube houses and horseshoe-shaped Market Hall.
When you’ve explored on foot or by bike, take in the cityscape from the top of the Euromast Tower – if you dare! It’s 185m tall and has views of up to 30km from a deck reached by a revolving elevator.
For skip the queue access up to the Euromast (plus visits to Delft, The Hague, and the Madurodam Miniature Park), you can check out this Grand Holland Full Day Tour and explore fuss-free.
5. Take a cheesy trip to Alkmaar
Cheese is a REALLY big deal in the Netherlands. To find out why, join a cheese market tour from Amsterdam. You’ll visit the Alkmaar (40 minutes away by bus), and learn about the classic handjeklap (hand clapping) negotiation method.
After a guided walk, explore the market to see locals in traditional costumes selling their vast, wax-covered rounds. It’s so worth getting extra luggage weight allowance so you can take them home with you!
7. Hang out at Volendam’s historic harbour
If you’re looking to level up your itinerary even more, another option is this Volendam, Marken & Windmills of Zaanse Schans Tour. Here, you get access to not only Zaanse Schans, but to the traditional fishing villages of Volendam and Marken as well. Here, you’ll find red-roofed houses straight out of a postcard, old Dutch ships, and modern fishing vessels at anchor.
These three neighborhoods let you experience what life is like in the Dutch countryside, so if you want a change of pace from the city, definitely check these out. ✨
8. Find fine china in Delft
If you’re looking for a peaceful day trip away from Amsterdam, Delft is for you! Here you’ll find the Vermeer Centrum Delft where you can view works by Johannes Vermeer, the painter behind the Girl with the Pearl Earring. You’ll also find medieval Nieuwe Kerk, a 109-metre tower built between the 14th and 16th century, that offers views as far as Rotterdam.
To make the most out of your trip, this Day Tour to Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague Incl. Royal Delft Factory is well worth considering. Here, you pair a visit to Delft for its fine china and market square, along with Rotterdam and the Hague, the administrative and royal capital of the Netherlands.
9. Seek peace and justice in The Hague
The Hague may be a centre for politics but it’s also a pretty city, crisscrossed with canals and set behind an expansive beach. Take time to explore the city’s best-known landmark, the Peace Palace. Finished in 1913, the palace was built with contributions from many nations and was intended to celebrate pacifism. It still houses the International Court of Justice, which you can
This Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague Small Group Tour from Amsterdam is another option if you’re looking to visit all three cities comfortably.
10. Snap insta-worthy photos at the Keukenhof Gardens
If you’re in the Netherlands from March to May, this is one of those day trips from Amsterdam that make a great addition to your itinerary. The gardens are only open during the spring season, so it’s best to secure your Keukenhof Gardens Ticket with Hop-on Hop-off Bus from Amsterdam ahead of time.
Apart from fast-track tickets to the gardens, you also get round-trip bus transfers. Did we mention that the buses leave every 30 minutes — so feel free to take things at your own pace. 😌
Life’s made better with Gouda and Edam from Amsterdam
Cheese aside, there are plenty more to discover in Amsterdam, the Dutch capital! Stay connected throughout your trip with a Europe eSIM and kickstart your journey fuss-free with a private airport transfer.
FAQs on Day Trips from Amsterdam
What are the most popular day trips from Amsterdam for first-time travelers?
Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Haarlem, Utrecht, and Rotterdam are top choices, offering everything from classic windmills to modern architecture within easy reach of the city.
How easy is it to take the Amsterdam to Rotterdam train for a day trip?
Very easy! Trains run frequently, and the journey takes about 40–75 minutes depending on the service, making Rotterdam a straightforward and stress-free day trip.
Which Dutch towns and villages are best for a quick escape from Amsterdam?
Zaanse Schans, Haarlem, Edam, and Marken are ideal for short getaways, each offering a different side of Dutch culture without long travel times.
Are guided day trips from Amsterdam worth the price?
They can be, especially if you want transportation, timing, and highlights handled for you—guided trips are convenient for first-time visitors with limited time.
How much time do you need to explore cities like Rotterdam or Utrecht on a day trip?
A full day is enough to see the main sights, enjoy a meal, and get a feel for the city, though you’ll barely scratch the surface of what each has to offer.
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