Amsterdam is arguably one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe and I consider myself fortunate to live here. With its gorgeous canals and historic canal houses, world-class museums, vibrant nightlife and top-notch restaurants, there are lots of things to do in Amsterdam. For returning visitors, I highly recommend visiting other places near Amsterdam as there is so much to see within an hour’s train or car journey from Amsterdam. From picturesque medieval towns to the famous tulip fields, national parks, castles and windmills, there’s a plethora of interesting places to visit near Amsterdam. Here are my recommendations for places you can visit as day trips from Amsterdam:

18 day trips from Amsterdam

I’ve chosen these places as they can easily be visited as a day trip from Amsterdam by means of public transport (train/bus) or on a tour. All of these places are within 1.5 hours from Amsterdam. Due to their proximity to Amsterdam, cheaper hotel prices and frequent train/bus connections, some of these places such as Utrecht, Haarlem, Leiden, Amersfoort, Alkmaar and Rotterdam are great alternatives as a base from which to visit Amsterdam. To get to these places, check Google Maps, the Dutch train service or hire a car. Search for flights to Amsterdam with KLM.

1. Utrecht

One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and just 30 minutes away, Utrecht is the perfect day trip from Amsterdam. There are many things to see in Utrecht but I recommend a leisurely wander around this gorgeous city. You can also go on a scenic canal cruise, visit the iconic Dom Church and Tower and enjoy a drink or meal at the Oudegracht canal, one of the most beautiful canals in the country! If you love architecture, you won’t want to miss Utrecht.

How to get there: Utrecht is about a 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station. Search for hotels in Utrecht. More Utrecht info.

2. Leiden

Leiden is home to the country’s oldest university (Leiden University, since 1575), centuries-old buildings and the famous Leiden Botanical Garden (founded in 1590 and where the tulip was first introduced in Western Europe). Leiden University is still one of the top universities in Europe, having produced 13 Nobel prize winners, and with students from around the world, creates a vibrant, international atmosphere in the city. Leiden is also famous as the birthplace of Rembrandt and played a pivotal role in the Dutch revolt against the Spanish occupation in the 16th century.

These days, visitors can stroll around the picturesque canals, cosy lanes and the city’s ‘hofjes’ (courtyards), visit the Leiden Botanical Garden (Hortus Botanicus Leiden), the Burcht (Castle) of Leiden and the Pieterskerk (which is especially interesting for American visitors due to its connection with the earliest Pilgrims). One hotel in Leiden I can recommend is the Boutique Hotel d’Oude Moorsch.

How to get there: Leiden is about a 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station. Search for hotels in Leiden. More Leiden info.

3. Haarlem

Haarlem is another historic city that’s perfect for a day trip from Amsterdam. It’s a joy to walk along the beautiful medieval cobblestone streets and charming canals but there are more things to see in Haarlem. The Cathedral of Saint Bavo is one of the must-sees in Haarlem. This Gothic cathedral in the city centre is famous for its 18th century Müller Organ; the likes of Händel and Mozart once played this world-famous organ. Haarlem is also home to important art museums such as the Teylers Museum and the Frans Hals Museum, dedicated to the famous master. Another must-visit is the historic De Adriaan Windmill (dating from 1779). If you plan to stay in Haarlem, I can recommend Amrath Grand Hotel Frans Hals (across from the St. Bavo), or Boutiquehotel Staats or Hotel Lion D’or (both situated near the station).

How to get there: Haarlem is a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station. Search for hotels in Haarlem. More Haarlem info.

4. Delft

Delft is a gorgeous town situated between The Hague and Rotterdam. Famous the world over for its blue ceramics and as the birthplace of the artist, Johannes Vermeer, Delft is an easy day-trip from Amsterdam. Stroll around the canals (in the summer months the location of an open-air antique market), visit the Vermeer Centre and see how Delft Blue ceramics are made in this lovely city. In addition, I recommend visiting the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) where the burial vault of the Dutch Royal family is located. A guided walk of Delft shows visitors the many fascinating aspects of this city. Read more about things to see in Delft.

If you’re short on time and want to pack as many sights in as possible, you can opt to join a full-day tour of Delft, The Hague and Rotterdam.

How to get there: Delft is a 1 hour train ride from Amsterdam. Search for hotels in Delft. More Delft info.

5. Spring tulip fields

The famous tulip fields of South Holland and the Keukenhof Gardens are a short drive from Amsterdam. Situated around the towns of Lisse and Hillegom, southwest of Amsterdam, the tulip fields are a sight to behold each spring. I recommend joining a tour that includes a drive around the fields and a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens. This tour includes a visit to a flower bulb farm, whilst this tour combines the tulip fields, Keukenhof Gardens with a visit to historic Delft. Alternatively, you can make your way to Lisse or Hillegom by train and hire a bicycle to see the tulip fields on your own. The best month to see the tulips is April (around mid- to late-April is best).

Note: please refrain from crossing the tulip fields on your own without the owner’s permission, and disturbing/plucking the flowers.

6. Rotterdam and the windmills of Kinderdijk

Rotterdam is a vibrant city that’s unlike other cities in the Netherlands. During WWII, the city suffered devastating bombings and the post-war reconstruction didn’t do much aesthetically. However, in the past decade or so, Rotterdam has experienced somewhat of a renaissance. Beautiful skyscrapers have created a new skyline and the culinary and cultural landscape has blossomed. Countless new urban, cultural and tourism-related initiatives have made Rotterdam a fascinating city to visit.

There are stunning museums such as the world-class Booijmans van Beuningen and the KunstHal (contemporary art), the equally-stunning Markthal (central market), the vibrant Witte de With Quarter (with its many bars and restaurants) and the famous Cube Houses, a Rotterdam icon. Visitors can go on a harbour tour to see Europe’s largest port or join a architecture walking tour to discover Rotterdam’s architectural gems. There are lots of things to see in Rotterdam that will keep you busy for one or more days.

From Rotterdam, visitors can take the Waterbus to another UNESCO World Heritage site: Kinderdijk. This site, with its nineteen 18th-century windmills, is famous the world over. If you’re short on time, you can opt to join a tour from Amsterdam that includes both Rotterdam and the Kinderdijk windmills or only the Kinderdijk windmills. If you have several days to spare, check out my road trip around the Delta region of Central Netherlands (which also includes Rotterdam and Kinderdijk).

How to get there: Rotterdam is about 1 hour by train from Amsterdam. Search for hotels in Rotterdam. More Rotterdam info.

7. Gouda

World famous for its cheese, Gouda is a beautiful town to visit and explore. The Markt (Market Square), with the iconic 15th century Stadhuis (Town Hall), the Waag (weighing house) and the weekly cheese market (every Thursday morning), are the main attractions for most day-trippers, but I recommend spending more time wandering around the town. The best way to get to know Gouda is to simply stroll around its picturesque canals and streets. Or you can join a two-hour walking tour of the historic city. 

Don’t miss the Sint Jan Church, the longest church in the Netherlands and home to stunning stained glass windows. Read more about things to see in Gouda.

How to get there: Gouda is easily reached by car from Amsterdam (1 hour) and Rotterdam (30 minutes). You can also get to Gouda by train: <1 hour from Amsterdam Central or Schiphol Airport (via Utrecht or Rotterdam), and ±20 minutes from Rotterdam Central. Search for hotels in Gouda. More Gouda info.

8. Amersfoort

Amersfoort is a charming medieval city with picturesque canals, old city walls and quaint houses. Situated less than an hour away by train, Amersfoort is another great day trip from Amsterdam. The historic city centre is very compact so you can stroll around at a leisurely pace to soak up the medieval atmosphere. Interesting places to visit in Amersfoort include the Koppelpoort (one of the medieval city gates), Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren (Our Lady tower, the 3rd tallest church tower in the Netherlands), the Muurhuizen (beautiful houses along the old city wall) and the Mondriaan House (the birthplace of the famous Dutch artist). Read more about things to do in Amersfoort.

How to get there: the direct train service from Amsterdam Central Station to Amersfoort takes about 35 minutes. Search for hotels in Amersfoort. More Amersfoort info.

9. Naarden Vesting

Located approximately half way between Amsterdam and Amersfoort is the historic town of Naarden (map). Naarden is famous for its star-shaped fortress (Naarden Vesting) which is best seen from the air. This charming town makes for a lovely stop to stroll around its cobblestone streets, browse around the many antique shops and art galleries, and wander along the fortress walls. Read more about things to see in Naarden Vesting.

10. Hoge Veluwe National Park and Van Gogh

The Hoge Veluwe is the largest national park in the Netherlands, with mile after mile of woodlands, sandy dunes and heathland. The park is popular with the Dutch who come here to hike, spot wildlife and picnic. In its heart lies, extraordinarily, the world’s second-largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world (after the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam)! The Kröller-Müller Museum is one of the country’s most prominent museums and houses an impressive collection of Van Gogh, Renoir, Cezanne, Monet and many other famous artists. The museum is surrounded by expansive parklands filled with sculptures and other art installations. A visit to the museum can easily be combined with a walk or bike ride in the national park. You can join a tour from Amsterdam to the Kroller-Muller Museum or a tour that combines both the park and the museum.

11. Het Loo Palace

This 17th century Dutch royal palace reopened in 2023 after a ten-year renovation. Located at the edges of the Hoge Veluwe National Park, the Dutch Baroque Het Loo Palace provides visitors with insights to the history of the Dutch royal family. The opulent rooms as well as the beautiful ornamental gardens make this day trip more than worthwhile. From Amsterdam, take a train to Apeldoorn, then hop on the bus to Paleis Het Loo (journey time: <2 hours).

12. The historic towns north of Amsterdam

The region north of Amsterdam has many quaint, historic towns which make for a perfect day trip from Amsterdam. During the Dutch Golden Age (17th century), some of these towns such as Volendam and Edam, rose to prominence as important fishing, trading and shipbuilding posts. If you have a car, I recommend driving to Durgerdam, just across the Ij-Harbour, and continuing along the Markermeer coast to the island of Marken (connected to the mainland by a dike). From here, it’s a short drive to the historic towns of Monnickendam, Volendam and Edam (famous for its cheese).

You can opt to continue further north to another historic town: Hoorn, which has a beautiful historic centre and is the location of the Westfries Museum (that showcases the Dutch Golden Age). This region can also be explored as part of a road trip around the Markermeer from Amsterdam. If you have more time, why not add a Friesland road trip in the north of the country to your itinerary?

You can also rent a bike in Amsterdam and cycle the same route to Durgerdam (cross the Ij-Harbour by means of the free ferry from Amsterdam Central Station to Ijplein, then cycle to Durgerdam) and continue north along the Markermeer lake towards Monnickendam and/or Marken.

There are also tours from Amsterdam you can join such as this full-day tour that covers Marken, Volendam, Edam and the famous windmill village of Zaanse Schans.

13. Vecht River and Haarzuilens

The Vecht River is a picturesque river that lies southeast of Amsterdam. Along its banks are quaint towns such as Muiden, Weesp and Loenen aan de Vecht, as well as historic villas and castles built by wealthy merchants and aristocrats. There are various beautiful Dutch castles to visit such as the medieval Muiderslot (or Amsterdam Castle), Nijenrode (a beautiful castle that is now home to a renowned university) and the fairy-tale like De Haar Castle in Haarzuilens.

The stretch of the Vecht River between the towns of Loenen aan de Vecht and Breukelen, with its stunning villas, is especially photogenic. From there, cross the A2 highway to the charming village of Haarzuilens and the imposing De Haar Castle (approximately 30 minutes drive from Amsterdam). The best way to explore this region is by car (or bicycle for the very active) but you can also opt for a tour which covers some of these castles and towns.

14. Giethoorn

Giethoorn, the ‘Venice of the Netherlands, is a popular day trip from Amsterdam. This historic village is famous the world over for its charming canals, 170+ bridges and thatched roof houses. The only mode of transport around this village is by boat.

Giethoorn is a very popular tourist attraction so I only recommend visiting the village during the off-peak seasons. From Amsterdam, it’s about a 1.5 hour drive or 2 hours by public transport (train/bus) to Giethoorn. You can also join a day tour from Amsterdam. Read about things to do in Giethoorn.

15. Zwolle and Hattem

Zwolle is an ancient city northeast of Amsterdam that experienced its Golden Age in the 15th century. The city thrived on trade and joined the Hanseatic League (a commercial and defensive confederation that encompassed major merchant cities in northern Europe, from the Baltics, Scandinavia and Germany to the Netherlands) in the 13th century.

The capital of the province of Overijssel, Zwolle is a lovely town to explore on foot. Major highlights include the Museum de Fundatie (with its extraordinary ‘egg’ atop a historic palace), the Sassenpoort (a 15th century tower gate), the Grote Kerk (Big Church), the Peperbus church tower and remnants of the ancient city walls. Zwolle also has the distinction of having the best restaurant in the country: De Librije, an excellent 3-Michelin star restaurant.

Just across the Ijssel River lies the picturesque town of Hattem. Hattem makes for an interesting side trip from Zwolle if only to walk around its charming streets. For art lovers, this small town is home to the Anton Pieck Museum dedicated to the famous 20th century artist. There are frequent buses from Zwolle Station to Hattem (about 30 minutes).

How to get there: there are frequent trains from Amsterdam Central Station to Zwolle. The direct train service takes about 1 hour. Search for hotels in Zwolle. More Zwolle info.

16. Arnhem

Arnhem is, similar to Zwolle, another historic riverside city that was a member of the Hanseatic League. Situated east of Amsterdam near the border with Germany, Arnhem is a gorgeous city spread out across gentle rolling hills, which is quite uncharacteristic for the mostly low-lying, flat landscape of the Netherlands. The historic city centre is easy to explore whilst the suburbs, with its beautiful parklands, are home to famous attractions such as the Burgers Zoo (one of the largest in the country) and the Openlucht Museum (Open-air museum). Arnhem is also the eastern gateway to the Hoge Veluwe National Park.

How to get there: Arnhem is about 1 hour by train from Amsterdam Central Station. Search for hotels in Arnhem. More Arnhem info.

17. Alkmaar

This historic city – Alkmaar gained city rights in the 13th century! – is located about a 45-minute drive northwest of Amsterdam, or a 35+ minute train ride from Amsterdam. Famous for its traditional cheese market, held every Friday morning (April to September) at the Waagplein (Waag square), Alkmaar also has picturesque canals, beautiful houses and laid-back cafés to entice visitors to explore more of the city. Read more about things to see in Alkmaar. Alkmaar can also be used as a base to explore the countryside of North Holland.

Join a walking tour (+cheese market visit). Search for hotels in Alkmaar. More Alkmaar info.

18. Dordrecht

Perhaps one of the most under-rated cities in the Netherlands, I recently re-discovered Dordrecht and found an absolutely charming city on an island at the confluence of five rivers. The city is a bit more than an hour’s drive from Amsterdam (1.5 hours by train). Dordrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and has a rich trading history that’s reflected in its beautiful houses and picturesque harbours. If possible, I recommend spending the night there to truly experience Dordrecht’s charm. Read about things to do in Dordrecht.

Search for hotels in Dordrecht. More Dordrecht info.

There you go! These are my suggestions for Amsterdam day trips. I hope you’ll venture out from Amsterdam and visit some of these places.