When planning a trip to Amsterdam, you’ll find no shortage of museums, art exhibits, luxury hotels, and breathtaking sights to keep you entertained for days. However, if you’re eager to venture off the beaten path, Amsterdam’s neighboring cities offer unique experiences and must-see attractions that will transport you to a different world.
Day trips from Amsterdam are an excellent way to explore the Netherlands’ charming countryside, taking advantage of the country’s extensive and efficient public transportation network. You can easily reach these destinations by bus, ferry, or metro, experiencing more of what the region has to offer.
With that in mind, you should add these top 5 day trips from Amsterdam to your travel itinerary.
The Hague
The Hague, also known as Den Haag, is much more than the capital city of South Holland. It’s one of the region’s most densely populated cities, filled with mouthwatering eateries, must-see shops, and more. Despite the bustling crowds, its seaside location offers charming pedestrian-friendly streets and 11 kilometers of beautiful beaches.
Renowned as the world’s center for peace and justice, The Hague hosts significant landmarks like the Peace Palace, which houses key organizations, including the United Nations International Court of Justice. The Binnenhof, at the heart of Dutch politics, provides free tours, offering insights into centuries of governance.
Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Mauritshuis Museum, which houses masterpieces by Vermeer and Rembrandt. The Escher Museum, set in Queen Emma’s former Winter Palace, features M.C. Escher’s mind-bending works.
For a taste of local life, visit the Haagse Markt, one of Europe’s largest outdoor markets, or the seaside district of Scheveningen with its sandy beaches, lively pier, and popular seafood restaurants.
Zaanse Schans
Windmills are one of the quintessential symbols of Dutch culture, and the coastal town of Zaanse Schans is the perfect place to get up close and personal with these modern marvels.
Once you see this otherworldly city, you’ll likely feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Zaanse Schans prides itself on maintaining its authentic architecture, featuring tiny green and red houses, iconic windmills, and barns. Locals here are masters at their crafts, and the town offers some of the best cheese-tasting opportunities for traveling foodies.
Delft
If you’re want to add authentic Dutch pottery to your collection, a trip to Delft should be at the top of your list. Often described as a living museum of Dutch history and culture, Delft charms visitors with its quaint canals and artisan shops.
This charming city is the birthplace of the Netherlands’ iconic blue-and-white ceramic pottery, Delftware. Local makers have meticulously preserved the tradition of crafting these exquisite ceramics, allowing you to experience a piece of history firsthand. During your trip to the city, you’ll also find streets lined with bustling shops, cozy cafes, and everything you need to live like the Dutch for a day.
Giethoorn
Giethoorn is reminiscent of a fairytale, with well-preserved thatched roof houses and vibrant green spaces along its canals. Part of what makes Giethoorn so enduring is its simplistic way of life, which includes the absence of motor vehicles. The city’s lifestyle fosters a deep connection to nature as locals navigate the canals by boat, cycle along picturesque pathways, and leisurely walk between streets.
Beware, though: You might fall so in love with Giethoorn’s peaceful way of life that you never return home.
Keukenhof Gardens
Amsterdam’s charm extends beyond its iconic windmills and remarkable architecture to its world-famous tulips. Nestled in Lisse is the Keukenhof Botanical Gardens, a sprawling landscape filled with millions of local flower varieties.
Lovingly known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof has the distinction of being one of the world’s largest flower gardens, and more than 7 million bulbs are planted by its caregivers each year. While the gardens are gorgeous during any season, we recommend planning your trip during the spring months when its tulips have fully bloomed.
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