Thinking about taking a day trip from Amsterdam? Wat leuk! (How nice!) While there is heaps to see in the Dutch capital, you can discover even more outside the city. 

Picking what to do and see in a short time can be confusing and complicated — but we have some top travel recommendations, no matter what you want to explore!

Here are 19 of the best day trips you can take from Amsterdam, sorted by distance. 😉

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Day trips less than 30 minutes from Amsterdam

If you won’t be in the city for long, a 30-minute day trip from Amsterdam is perfect for getting out of the city for a day. Here are our best picks for nearby towns and cities. 

1. Zaanse Schans: a picture-perfect town of windmills

A trip to the Netherlands would be incomplete without seeing windmills — and there’s no better way to see them than in the historical town of Zaanse Schans.

This quaint village gives visitors a clear impression of Dutch life in the 17th and 18th centuries.

READ MORE | The perfect weekend trip from Amsterdam: How to spend two days in the Zaan region

From cheese and dairy factories to traditional windmills and historical museums, you’ll live, breathe, and experience the old Zaan style of living. Classic!

2. Haarlem: the river city

An ideal day trip from Amsterdam, Haarlem is located between the Spaarne River and coastal dunes — did someone say beach? 🏖

This city has everything: bustling markets and shopping streets, plenty of family-friendly cultural activities like museums, comedy clubs, concerts, and restaurants offering a world of cuisines.🍴

If you’re looking for a change of scenery but still want to have lots of activities to do, Haarlem is the place for you. 

3. Broek in Waterland: a village fit for sea captains

Broek in Waterland made a name for itself back in the 16th century — a popular vacation destination for sea captains! 🧑🏻‍✈

If you’re looking for a getaway from the big city, Broek in Waterland is the definition of an idyllic Dutch town. 

READ MORE | The 10 best authentic Dutch villages that you have to visit

With a population of barely 3,000, this village has quiet streets and picturesque surroundings. 🌿

Its standout feature is its traditional wooden houses, with more than 80 of them considered National Heritage Sites. 

There are also lots of biking and walking routes nearby. If you’re looking to get some fresh air and exercise while on a day trip from Amsterdam, check out the biking tours around the town!

4. Marken: a former island in the Zuiderzee

Marken was separated from the Dutch mainland in the 13th century by a storm, becoming an island in the Markermeer lake. ⛈️ 

Residents of the town built wooden houses on artificial hills to prevent further flooding damage. To this day, these picturesque homes remain a popular cultural attraction. 

Only nine kilometres in area, you can easily walk across the whole island.

On your walk, you can visit the cosy town harbour or enjoy the scenic route of fields, forests, and the lakeshore. 🚣🏼

This town has historical connections to Volendam, so you could make it a longer day trip from Amsterdam and visit two towns with one ferry. 😉

5. Volendam: a traditional Dutch fishing town

Volendam is the best-known fishing village in the Netherlands. You can visit the old harbour full of traditional Dutch ships, many of which are still in use! 🎣

This day trip from Amsterdam would be incomplete without trying some of their lekker (tasty) fish delicacies. You can finally conquer your fear of raw herring and smoked eel, or stick to the classic kibbeling (deep-fried codfish). 

Volendam is also one of the few towns where you can experience traditional Dutch clothing.

It’s surely the most recognisable traditional Dutch costume, with charming hats and clogs (not everyone wears them, so they’re extra special). You can even wear the clothes yourself for a souvenir picture!

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Day trips less than one hour from Amsterdam

If you have a little more time on your hands, you can check out these day trips away from Amsterdam!

They’re just a tad further from the Dutch capital, but you’ll see some beautiful monuments and sites if you make the trip. 

6. Hoorn: the pearl of the IJsselmeer

Hoorn is located by the IJsselmeer, an artificial sea-turned-lake in Noord-Holland. This harbour town has a lively centre with plenty of shops, terraces, and restaurants to enjoy.

If you’re looking for an authentic Dutch maritime village, Hoorn is the place to go. 

You can also check out historical monuments like the historic ship, 16th-century warehouses, the 16th-century defence tower, and the Oosterkerk (Eastern Church) for fishers and sailors!

If you want to get active, you can try some water sports (though we can’t guarantee comfortable water temperatures 🥶) or take a walk on the beach and through the dunes around the area. 🚶🏻

7. Leiden: the city of arts and sciences

With the canals and architecture to rival Amsterdam, Leiden might be one of the most underrated places for a day trip from Amsterdam.

We should know — it’s home to our headquarters and one of our favourite Dutch cities! 😉

A walk through the city centre will show you all the trendy restaurants, bars, and cafés on offer.

Leiden is also home to cute, unique shops where you can buy handmade ceramics, old-fashioned mechanical wristwatches, and vintage records. 

A university city since 1575, Leiden has been a prominent centre of art and science worldwide.

The inner city is full of museums and historical buildings, such as the Leiden Citadel and the old city gates. It was also home to more Dutch artists than you might expect — Rembrandt, Steen, and more! 👨🏼‍🎨

Plenty of trains pass through Leiden, making it a convenient day trip from Amsterdam. 😌

8. Utrecht: the very centre of the Dutch mainland

Utrecht is the Netherlands’ bright, beating heart, connecting the east to the west at the centre of the Netherlands.

Built around the Dom Tower, you can see this spectacular monument from all around the city — so you’ll never get lost.

The historic city is surrounded by an old moat called De Singel, built for defence in the 12th century.

One of the most special parts of Utrecht is its unique terraces: landings right next to the canals, which are lined with bars and restaurants. 

With lots of places to shop and eat, cultural spots like museums and concert halls, access to nature, and beautiful inner-city sites, you won’t run out of things to do in Utrecht. 

This city is a super convenient day trip from Amsterdam because of the direct intercity train (the fast train that runs between cities) that runs every 4 hours. The journey is less than 30 minutes! 🚅

9. Rotterdam: a city with an unmatched skyline

A city of skyscrapers, bright buildings, and modern facades, Rotterdam is the metropolis of the Netherlands. 🏙

Rotterdam was heavily bombed during World War II, which is why you see far less iconic Dutch architecture from the 17th century, like in Amsterdam or Leiden.  

The city has a thriving nightlife scene, sophisticated shopping streets and markets, hip cultural attractions, and a wealth of good food.

Rotterdam might be best known for its expansive port and the iconic skyline that graces the river Maas. ⛴

It’s also a convenient day trip from Amsterdam, with direct intercity trains running every 15 minutes from the central station!

10. The Hague: city of justice

The Hague is the political capital of the Netherlands, making it a perfect pairing for a day trip from Amsterdam, the cultural capital.

This Dutch city, filled with historical monuments and museums, is the only major city with a beach and has an international scene second to none in the Netherlands. 

You can enjoy a beautiful city centre with places to eat and shop to your heart’s desire, or perhaps go hiking in one of many scenic locations in the Hague, like the Haagse Bos. 

If you’re looking to dip your feet in the (albeit freezing) sea, look no further than Scheveningen Pier.

It’s the perfect place to sit by the beach, grab a drink, and enjoy the sea, whether it’s doing water sports or just lounging. 🙂

11. Delft: home to Vermeer and Delft Blaauw

Delft has an international reputation as the hometown of Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer and as the originator of Delft Blaauw (Delft Blue) pottery.

It is the definition of a full-sized city with a small-town feeling — gezellig! 🔵

The city boasts beautiful architecture and historical sights like the Eastern Gate from the old city walls to the New Church of Delft.

If you’re curious about experiencing another student city, Delft’s busy nightlife will keep you up on your feet all night long. 💃🏻

12. Gouda: the birthplace of iconic Dutch cheese 

Which came first, the cheese or the city? For Gouda, the city is the namesake for this world-famous cheese. 🧀

It’s a surprisingly old city with plenty of monuments and buildings dating back to the 13th century, like the city hall (formerly surrounded by a moat) and St. John’s Church. 

The city is quaint, but the centre bustles with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés.

Check out the weekly Markt (market) on Thursdays and Saturdays and the first Fairtrade Street in the Netherlands, where all street food is sustainably produced and sold!

13. Schiedam: home to the world’s tallest windmill

Yep, you heard that right! While there are windmills all around the Netherlands, Schiedam has the tallest traditional windmills of all, standing at 26.6 metres. 🍃

Tall windmills for a tall group of people, it seems. 🤷🏻

Schiedam is also known for being the Netherlands’s gin capital, with the city producing the most jenever (also known as Dutch gin) in the country.

There are also several museums where you can see the production process. 🍸

Apart from windmills and gin, you can visit Gothic cathedrals, 14th-century churches, and history museums, creating an excellent combination of culture and recreation in one day trip from Amsterdam!

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Day trips over an hour from Amsterdam

If you’re looking to get out of the region and visit a far-off place (for Dutch standards), here are some longer day trips from Amsterdam!

14. Dordrecht: a historic trading port

Dordrecht is the oldest city in Holland (we mean the old province of Holland and not the so-called “country”!).

There are plenty of cultural spots, including seven churches and several historical monuments-turned-museums. 

While most of the Netherlands is surrounded by canals and dikes, water and boats make a unique part of Dordrecht’s cityscape. 

As an old trading port, there are plenty of historic boats scattered around the old harbours connected by canals. On your day trip from Amsterdam, check out the canal network and catch a boat tour! 🚤 

15. Tilburg: Dutch textile central

Tilburg is the second-largest city in Noord-Brabant and is known for turning old into new. ✨

Originally famous for its textile industry, the city has now made a name for itself for its energetic street art, world-class museums, urban scene, and as one of the greenest cities in the Netherlands. 

Don’t miss a trip to the LocHal library, a former warehouse converted into a library and the 2019 World Building of the Year!

If you go on a day trip from Amsterdam in July, Tilburg hosts a 10-day fair that draws more than a million visitors each year. 🎡

16. Groningen: the hidden gem of the north

Despite being far away from most big cities, Groningen attracts many travel buffs, making it the perfect day trip from Amsterdam if you really want to get out of your surroundings. 

Groningen has a compact city centre with restaurants and shops, beautiful sites like the Martini Tower and Grote Markt, and contemporary art museums. 🗼

As a student city, Groningen has exciting nightlife — plenty of clubs and bars included. 😉

Along with an energetic centre, quiet countryside surrounds Groningen city, which you can enjoy.

You can hike on one of the beautiful trails through the dunes and along the coast or take a cycle route around artificial hills, forests, and old forts. 

17. Den Helder: city of the sun

Surrounded by water on three sides, Den Helder is a maritime city at heart.

At the northernmost point of the Dutch coast, the city has many naval sights, including the largest naval base in the Netherlands. 

Den Helder boasts a rich history with the largest Dutch naval base, a historic harbour, and fascinating marine attractions, including the North Sea Aquarium and three museum ships (museums housed in historic ships from the Dutch Navy!). 

If you’re seeking nature and scenery, the city has a wide variety of landscapes — you can take a refreshing hike around the dunes and polders surrounding the Wadden Sea. 

18. Giethoorn: Venice of the Netherlands

A picture-perfect landscape, Giethoorn is an almost entirely car-free village, replaced with boats and, of course, bicycles.

READ MORE | 14 glorious things to do in Giethoorn

You don’t want to miss a boat tour around this scenic town or a pleasant hike around the area. 🚶🏻

Giethoorn is a Dutch town through and through — with winding canals, countless boats, and quaint, matching houses, it doesn’t get more gezellig than this. 🧘🏻

19. Bourtange: the medieval fortress village

While the name suggests a beautiful rural town in France, Bourtange is actually in the Netherlands! Although it might be the longest day trip from Amsterdam yet. 

This small village in the north is a perfectly restored medieval fortress town, built in the shape of a star. ⭐️

With a population of 430 people, there isn’t much room for proper shopping, but you can check out smaller quirky shops with Delfs Blaauw pottery, candles, other gifts, and trinkets. 

We recommend exploring the medieval architecture, which you’ll find all over the city. From fortified walls and traditional houses to windmills, visiting Bourtange is like visiting a village-sized museum!

20. Texel: a Dutch island escape

For a breath of fresh air on your day trip from Amsterdam, hop on a ferry to Texel: the largest of the Wadden Islands in the north of the Netherlands.

Just a short trip from the mainland, this island is a perfect escape from city life, offering stunning nature, charming villages, and plenty of activities for every type of traveler.

One of the best ways to explore Texel is by bike — with over 140 kilometres of cycling paths, you can easily ride through Duinen van Texel National Park, a breathtaking coastal reserve with dunes, forests, and heathlands.

Beach lovers can relax on De Koog, one of Texel’s most famous beach towns, or take a mudflat walking tour during low tide to experience the seabed up close. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or craving a beach day, Texel is for you.

21. Zierikzee: historic harbour vibes

For a mix of history, seaside beauty, and authentic Dutch culture, Zierikzee is a hidden gem worth discovering on a day trip from Amsterdam.

Located in Zeeland, this medieval town boasts over 500 monuments, including the impressive Sint-Lievensmonstertoren, which you can climb for panoramic views of the coastline.

A stroll through the picturesque harbour brings you past centuries-old fishing boats, and a visit to the Maritime Museum will teach you all about the town’s seafaring past.

Foodies, you’re in luck: The region is famous for its seafood, so don’t miss the chance to indulge in fresh Zeeland oysters, mussels, or lobster at a waterfront restaurant.

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How to get around the Netherlands for day trips

There are a couple of ways to get around for day trips in the Netherlands, depending on what you’re comfortable with: taking public transport, hiring a car, or cycling. 

Using Dutch public transport for day trips

Public transport in the Netherlands is reliable and easy to use. Most cities have trains, trams, and buses, and some, like Rotterdam and Amsterdam, even have metros and ferries. 

If you’re travelling between cities, you can buy many types of (cheap) train tickets. The day ticket is the most common and accessible ticket to travel on any train during off-peak hours.

READ MORE | 21 beautiful towns in the Netherlands that aren’t Amsterdam

If you’re travelling within a city, you can buy tickets for trams, buses, and metros at ticket kiosks that are usually located around the stop.

Alternatively, you can use your bank card to access the full range of Dutch transport. Use it like a travel pass by scanning it at any transport terminal.

The Netherlands also has an extensive public night transport system that you can use.

If you are staying in Amsterdam for longer and would like to take us up on a number of our day trip suggestions, an OV-chipkaart (public transport card) might be the thing for you.

You can usually buy an anonymous OV-chipkaart in any major train station. Just go to the NS service desk and ask to buy one! The staff would be happy to direct you further on how to load balance on your very own OV.

Hiring a car to visit Dutch towns and cities

There are five major car rental companies where you can hire a car: Avis Budget, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt.

If you’re flying into Schiphol Airport, you can rent a car from one of these companies directly at the airport. You can either pre-book a car or just go with the flow and see what’s available upon arrival!

If you’re arriving in Amsterdam by another means, these car rental companies have rental locations across the city. 

Biking on a day trip from Amsterdam

Biking around your desired day-trip city is a great way to get a feel for Dutch cycling culture! 

READ MORE | 17 reasons why biking is king in the Netherlands

If you have a personal OV chipkaart (only available to residents of the Netherlands), you can go full circle and rent an OV-fiets.

The NS has set up bicycle rental locations at most train stations, bus and metro stops, which you can rent for a few hours at a time.

However, if you only have an anonymous OV-chipkaart or none at all, try renting a bicycle from one of the many options in Amsterdam. Different types of bicycles are available for hourly/daily rates.

You don’t need to bike like a seasoned Dutchie, but be extra careful while driving on the bike paths in Amsterdam’s city centre (and mentally prepare for locals yelling at you for being in their way).

What’s your favourite spot for a day trip from Amsterdam? Leave some suggestions in the comments!

Day trips from Amsterdam: frequently asked questions