Day Trips From Amsterdam – Top 7 Nearby Towns and Attractions
Last Updated on 21/04/2025
Day Trips from Amsterdam – Explore the top 7 must-see towns and attractions just a short trip from Amsterdam, including the iconic Zaanse Schans Windmill Village, the stunning Keukenhof Gardens, Alkmaar’s famous Cheese Market, the picturesque Kinderdijk, charming Giethoorn, as well as Rotterdam and The Hague. These are perfect choices for a day trip to discover more of the Netherlands beyond the capital.
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Amsterdam Day Trips & Attractions Map
This map includes must-visit day trip destinations from Amsterdam, along with city attractions and my recommended restaurants and food spots.
The map is set to English by default. Simply click on the 'Enlarge Map' icon in the top right corner to switch to your preferred language!
Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a meticulously crafted area that showcases the traditional village life of the Netherlands from the 18th and 19th centuries. The well-preserved windmills and wooden shoe factories offer visitors an in-depth understanding of Dutch history and culture. In addition to the famous Kinderdijk, Zaanse Schans is conveniently located near Amsterdam, making it an ideal choice for day trips from Amsterdam. Here, you can visit the windmills to learn about their operation and history, observe the traditional wooden shoe-making process, and explore museums and shops to discover Dutch cultural traditions and purchase souvenirs.
- How to Get to Zaanse Schans
- From Amsterdam Central Station, take a train to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, then walk about 15 minutes to reach the destination.
- How Long to Spend at Zaanse Schans
- Half-day
- Can be combined with Alkmaar for a full-day tour
- Free entry, but individual windmills and museums may charge a fee.
- Free Entry with I Amsterdam City Card
- Free Entry with GoCity Amsterdam
- If you want to travel conveniently, save time, or visit more places at once, you can join the following recommended day tours:
- Opening Hours
- Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Keukenhof
Keukenhof Gardens is renowned for its vibrant displays of tulips, hyacinths, and other spring flowers, making it a paradise for flower photography enthusiasts. Located just a short distance from Amsterdam, it’s a perfect spot for day trips from Amsterdam. Visitors can also explore various themed garden designs, offering a spectacular experience of Dutch horticultural artistry.
- How to Get to Keukenhof
- From Amsterdam Central Station, take the train to Schiphol Airport, and then transfer to bus 858, which goes directly to Keukenhof Gardens.
- Opening Hours
- It is open every year from March to May, with specific opening dates depending on the blooming season, usually from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM daily.
- Tickets need to be booked in advance, and prices vary depending on the season and events.
Alkmaar Cheese Market
The Alkmaar Cheese Market is one of the most famous cheese markets in the Netherlands, held regularly every summer since the 16th century. For those looking for unique day trips from Amsterdam, this market offers a chance to witness the traditional cheese trading and transportation process, immersing yourself in the rich cultural atmosphere. Additionally, the market offers a variety of Dutch cheeses and delicacies for you to taste and purchase, allowing you not only to enjoy delicious food but also to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and history of Dutch cheese.
- How to Get to Alkmaar Cheese Market
- From Amsterdam Central Station, take the train to Alkmaar Station, then walk for about 10 minutes to reach the market.
- How Long to Spend at Alkmaar Cheese Market
- Half Day
- Opening Hours
- Every Friday: 10:00 – 13:00 (from early April to the end of September).
- The Alkmaar Cheese Market is free to visit, but you can choose to participate in：
Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a famous water village in the Netherlands, known for its tranquil canals and car-free paths, earning it the nickname “Little Venice.” Ideal for those seeking day trips from Amsterdam, visitors can rent boats, join boat tours, or explore on foot or by bike, taking in the village’s serene charm and picturesque surroundings.
- How to Get to Giethoorn
- From Amsterdam Central Station, take the train to Steenwijk station, and then transfer to a bus to Giethoorn.
- Recommended Tour：
Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk is home to the best-preserved windmill cluster in the Netherlands, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. These 18th-century windmills were primarily used for water management, protecting the lowlands from flooding. As one of the top day trips from Amsterdam, visitors can enjoy the scenic Dutch countryside, tour the windmills, walk or cycle along the windmill routes, and even take a boat tour to admire the windmills and the surrounding beauty.
- How Long to Spend at Kinderdijk
- Including travel time, it’s recommended to set aside half a day
- How to Get to Kinderdijk
- Take a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Rotterdam Centraal
- Transfer to Tram 7 heading to Rotterdam, Erasmusbrug waterbus station
- From there, take Waterbus 21 to Kinderdijk
- The Kinderdijk windmill group is free to visit; however, there are two windmills open to the public. If you wish to gain an in-depth understanding of the interiors of the windmills, you can purchase tickets for entry.
- Opening Hours
- Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (April to October) and from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (November to March).
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands, known for its modern architecture and bustling port. A great option for day trips from Amsterdam, Rotterdam offers must-see attractions such as the Cube Houses, the Erasmus Bridge connecting the old and new city centres, and the Markthal (arch market).
- How Long to Spend at Rotterdam
- For city attractions alone, plan for at least half a day
- If visiting Kinderdijk as well, it’s recommended to set aside a full day
- How to Get to Rotterdam
- From Amsterdam Central Station, take a train to Rotterdam Centraal Station, which takes about 1 hour.
- Individual attractions and activities may incur additional charges. If you want to travel comfortably and visit more cities in a single day, consider the following day trips:
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- Day Trip from Amsterdam: Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague
- GoCity Amsterdam Includes the above tour
-
The Hague
The Peace Palace serves as the seat of the International Court of Justice, and the Hall of Knights is an important meeting venue for the Dutch government. For those looking for day trips from Amsterdam, The Hague also boasts the Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery, renowned for Girl with a Pearl Earring, along with many masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age and modern art.
- How Long to Spend at The Hague
- If you plan to thoroughly explore the museums, it’s recommended to allocate a full day.
- How to Get to The Hague
- From Amsterdam Central Station, take the train to Den Haag Centraal Station, which takes about one hour.
- Individual attractions and activities may incur additional charges. If you want to travel comfortably and visit more cities in a single day, consider the following day trips:
- Day Trip from Amsterdam: Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague
- GoCity Amsterdam Includes the above tour
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