
Have you ticked all the ultimate highlights in Amsterdam? Are you getting tired of the constant crowds in the city? Then it is time to get out of the city and explore these best day trips near Amsterdam. Embark on a delightful day trip from Amsterdam and immerse yourself in the historic charm of Haarlem, experience the traditional Dutch countryside at Zaanse Schans, and savor fresh seafood in the picturesque harbor of Volendam. Wander through enchanting fishing villages like Marken and explore the centuries-old university city of Leiden. Delight in the tranquility of Edam and the vibrant ambiance of Utrecht. Unveil the unique essence of each town, just a short journey away from the bustling heart of Amsterdam.
Haarlem
|
The first delightful destination is Haarlem. Located just 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam, Haarlem is a picturesque town with cobblestone streets, beautiful canals, and historic architecture. The Grote Markt square is a must-visit, lined with cafes and the stunning St. Bavo’s Church.
|
Zaanse Schans
|
Zaanse Schans is a must-see even if you are in and around Amsterdam for just a few days. This open-air museum is only a short journey from Amsterdam and is a true Dutch countryside experience. Zaanse Schans is known for its well-preserved windmills, traditional wooden houses, and artisanal craft shops. Do try the delicious hot chocolate in one of the chocolate shops. You can make your own drink and discover all about chocolate production.
|
Volendam
|
Volendam is another delightful destination that will not disappoint you. Famous for its traditional Dutch fishing boats and charming harbor, Volendam offers a glimpse into traditional Dutch life. Make sure to try some delicious fresh seafood here.
|
Marken
|
Accessible by boat or road from Amsterdam, Marken is a small and enchanting fishing village. It is a great place to wander around, admire the traditional wooden houses, and enjoy the serene waterfront views.
|
Leiden
|
Leiden is a delightful town located about 45 km from Amsterdam. This charming town is known for its rich history and is one of the oldest university cities in the Netherlands. The historic center is filled with picturesque canals, lovely bridges, and well-preserved buildings, creating a charming atmosphere. It is a perfect option for a day trip from Amsterdam. Alternatively, you could consider spending more time here as it has amazing museums well worth exploring.
|
Best Day Trips Near Amsterdam: Edam
|
This cheese heaven makes for another delightful day-trip destination from Amsterdam. Known worldwide for its delicious Edam cheese, this small town exudes a peaceful ambiance with its canals and historic buildings. Take a stroll around the town center to soak up its traditional charm. And, of course, do try some delicious cheese while strolling through this charming town.
|
Utrecht
|
While not a small town, Utrecht is a beautiful city that can be reached in about 30 minutes from Amsterdam by train. Its unique canals, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere make it a wonderful day-trip destination. Sample some delicious bites along the canals and make sure to check out the St. Martin’s Cathedral or Dom Church. Standing at a height of 112 meters, the Dom Tower is the iconic symbol of Utrecht and the tallest church spire in the Netherlands.
|
Best Day Trips Near Amsterdam: Map
Our other articles
Interested in exploring other parts of the Netherlands? We have collected all our articles at our The Netherlands page or check out our destinations page to explore other countries.
Best Day Trips Near Amsterdam: Plan your trip
Inspired to explore the best day trips near Amsterdam for yourself? Find your flight to the region via Skyscanner. We use them all the time to compare flights between different operators.
We always look first on Booking.com for accommmodation. 99% of the the time we end up finding exactly what we want. Airbnb.com has all sorts of accomodations too.
Getting a rental car is cheap and that flexibility to get you whenever and wherever you want is just adding so much to your holiday experience. In general, we always start our search at Rentalcars.com to find the best deal from a huge selection of rental agencies. Alternatively we suggest you to have a look at 9292.nl where you can find all public transport connections for The Netherlands. With all the suggested destinations in this post being reachable within a short timespan, public transport might be an easier alternative to car travel.