Day Trips from Amsterdam

With so many places to visit in Amsterdam, many travelers have never considered the possibility of discovering cities and iconic sites outside its borders. From exploring the cultural icons of the Netherlands to crossing into another very close country!

If you’ve already cycled around Amsterdam and are wondering what to see near the Dutch capital, you’re in luck, because in this guide we bring you five excursions from Amsterdam that will make your visit a truly unforgettable experience. Let’s get started.

Day Trip to Edam, Volendam, Marken, and Zaanse Schans

Traditional image in the village of Zaanse Schans

 

Visiting Amsterdam is quite a spectacle, but traveling to the capital of the Netherlands is the perfect opportunity to take half a day and go on a tour of the beautiful villages of the Dutch countryside, an unforgettable experience that will take you to explore its more rural side and in English.

Zaanse Schans

The first stop is Zaanse Schans, a beautiful village near Amsterdam that will leave you in awe with its historic collection of windmills, which are the main subjects in many tourists’ photographs. Don’t forget to take yours!

Now, you probably already know about the famous Edam cheese, with its characteristic ball shape and red paraffin rind, mild flavor, and slight nutty notes. Just imagine being in the famous Edam cheese market, savoring it over and over again. Isn’t that exciting?

Volendam, one of the most beautiful villages near Amsterdam

But that’s not all, as there is much to see in Volendam. When you ask yourself what to visit in Amsterdam and its surroundings, think of the picturesque De Dijk area, the Het Doolhof garden (with its must-see mazes), and the traditional cheese shop and clog factory, De Simonehoeve.

We finish with Marken, an island near Amsterdam where you’ll find iconic sites like the Grote Kerk, a neo-Renaissance church from the early 20th century, and the fishing port of Marken, adorned with typical fishermen’s houses.

Keukenhof, one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in spring

 

Did you know that approximately one-fourth of this northwestern European country is at or below sea level? It’s no wonder that dikes, along with windmills, are among the most common elements in the Netherlands. But let’s talk about another of the most typical Dutch things: beautiful Dutch tulips.

Also known as “the Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in the world and one of the best excursions from Amsterdam. It showcases over 800 types of tulips, as well as orchids, roses, and many other flowers that together create a unique color palette.

It has become one of the best places for tourism in Amsterdam and its surroundings, although it is only open for 8 weeks a year, from late March to mid-May. Plan your trip in advance!

Day Trip to Bruges from Amsterdam

 

If the question of what to see in Amsterdam in 3 days has been on your mind, how about we tell you that in just 1 day you can visit a nearby country? After 48 hours exploring activities in Amsterdam, you can head to the medieval jewel of Europe: Bruges in Belgium.

Whether you take the excursion to Bruges from Amsterdam or the Amsterdam-Bruges train, you will arrive in this city nicknamed “the Venice of the North.” Just like the canals in Amsterdam, the main structure of Bruges is also based on them.

Our recommendation is to visit the legendary Market Square, active since the year 958; admire the stunning views at Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay), climb the Bruges Belfry, and, of course, take a relaxing boat ride through the city’s inner canals.

Do a Free Walking Tour in Bruges and discover all these places on a budget!

Rotterdam and The Hague

The modern skyline of Rotterdam

 

Rotterdam is one of the most important and modern cities in South Holland and the second most populated city in the country. A must-stop is the Markthal, a market known for its impressive and colorful ceiling, ideal for trying typical Dutch food.

In this section, we include bitterballen, delicious and crispy meatballs served with spicy mustard; Broodje Haring, a sandwich with pickled herring; and stroopwafel, a cookie made with two thin waffle layers filled with caramel syrup.

Don’t miss one of Rotterdam’s icons, the famous cube houses, an architectural icon from the 1980s.

 

The cube houses of Rotterdam, designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom

 

The Hague from Amsterdam

The Hague, for its part, is the capital of South Holland, the seat of the country’s government, and the home of the Royal Family. During your visit, you can go to the iconic Mauritshuis museum, featuring paintings such as “The Anatomy Lesson” by Rembrandt and “Lamentation of Christ” by Rogier van der Weyden.

Additionally, the Japanese Garden in Clingendael, the Peace Palace, and the Louwman Museum await you, with its impressive collection of 250 antique and classic cars, including vehicles dating back to 1886 and vintage motorcycles.

Day Trip to Kinderdijk and Gouda

The bucolic landscape of Kinderdijk

 

Kinderdijk is a village near Amsterdam that, like Zaanse Schans, is known for its picturesque windmills and postcard-worthy landscapes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking to explore it, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site, as part of excursions from Amsterdam, is the perfect opportunity to learn about the fascinating struggle of the Netherlands over many centuries against rising water levels. It will leave you speechless!

We finish with Gouda, the Dutch city that gave birth to the world-famous cheese of the same name. Of course, you have to visit the Gouda Cheese Market, where the cheese wheels are displayed in the center of the square, and their distinctive smell mingles with different shades of yellow and orange.

Also, make sure to include a visit to St. John’s Church, famous for its design and beautiful stained glass; to Goudse Hout, a fantastic park ideal for nature lovers, and to the Kamphuisen restaurant, to enjoy a cold local beer.

 

If you’re wondering what language is spoken in the Netherlands, it’s Dutch. And while a little bit of English is enough to communicate with the locals, we recommend the best tours in Amsterdam in English so that the language barrier doesn’t ruin your vacation. See you very soon!