Day Trips from Amsterdam

Top 10 Excursions in Holland - Best Day Tours from Amsterdam

Would you like to see what else the Netherlands has to offer? From Amsterdam you can easily join different tours and excursions. An overview of the most popular day trips from Amsterdam to attractions in Holland such as the Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken and Delft.

Top 10 Day trips from Amsterdam

1. Zaanse Schans – Windmills & Dutch Traditions

^{Windmill at Zaanse Schans}

^{Day trip from Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans}

Located just 20 kilometers from Amsterdam, the Zaanse Schans instantly takes you back to the Netherlands of centuries past. Rows of iconic windmills, traditional wooden houses and historic craft workshops make this one of the most popular day trips from Amsterdam. While visiting Zaanse Schans, you can taste Dutch cheese, watch clogs being made and enjoy a relaxing walk along the River Zaan. It’s a place where Dutch history truly comes alive and where you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities. Whether you’re interested in culture or simply want a relaxing escape from the city, Zaanse Schans offers a perfect mix of nostalgia and authentic Dutch traditions. Choose one of the tours below to plan your visit:

• Day trip from Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans only
• Day trip from Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans + Volendam & Marken
• Recommended: Day trip from Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans + Volendam, Marken & Edam
• Day trip from Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans + Keukenhof (mid-March to mid-May only)
• Day trip from Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans + Giethoorn

2. Volendam & Marken – Charming Fishing Villages

^{The harbor of Volendam}

^{Marken is a short boat trip from Volendam}

The traditional fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, located about 25 kilometers from Amsterdam, feel like stepping straight into a postcard. Volendam is known for its colorful houses and lively harbor, where you can sample freshly caught fish such as herring or kibbeling while strolling along the waterfront. From there, a short ferry ride brings you to Marken, a peaceful village with quiet lanes and authentic wooden houses built on former islands. This relaxed day trip from Amsterdam offers a wonderful glimpse into traditional Dutch life by the water. Read more about visiting Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam.

3. Keukenhof – A Springtime Tulip Paradise

In spring (mid-March to mid-May), a visit to Keukenhof is a true explosion of color. Located in the town of Lisse, about 40 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam, this world-famous flower park showcases millions of tulips and other spring flowers arranged in beautifully designed gardens. As you stroll along winding paths and charming bridges, every corner reveals a new photo opportunity. For flower lovers, nature enthusiasts and photographers alike, Keukenhof is an unforgettable day trip from Amsterdam. Read all about visiting Keukenhof from Amsterdam.

4. Giethoorn – Venice of the Netherlands

^{Day trip to Giethoorn}

^{Giethoorn, the Venice of the Netherlands}

Giethoorn is often called the “Venice of the Netherlands”, and once you arrive, it’s easy to see why. Cars are almost nonexistent here; instead, small boats glide quietly through canals lined with thatched-roof farmhouses and charming wooden bridges. You can rent a whisper boat yourself or join a relaxing canal cruise to explore the village from the water. Giethoorn is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy an idyllic, almost fairy-tale setting. Located about 120 kilometers from Amsterdam, the journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

📌 Tip: It’s highly recommended to book one of these guided bus tours, as Giethoorn does not have a fast or direct connection by public transport.

5. Rotterdam - Modern architecture in the 2nd city of the Netherlands

^{Skyline of Rotterdam in the Netherlands}

^{The famous cube houses in Rotterdam}

Rotterdam offers a completely different experience compared to Amsterdam. The city is known for its modern architecture, impressive skyline and the largest port in Europe. Visit the Markthal, explore the famous cube houses and be sure to join a harbor cruise (more information and tickets). Rotterdam also has a vibrant food scene and plenty of lively cafés. The city feels energetic and creative, making it a great choice for travelers curious about the modern, innovative side of the Netherlands. A day trip to Rotterdam is easy by train, with a travel time of just 40 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station (book your train tickets).

6. The Hague - Politics, palaces and beach

^{The Hague}

^{The Binnenhof, the political heart of the Netherlands}

In just 50 minutes, you can reach The Hague by train, the political center of the Netherlands. In The Hague, you can admire the Binnenhof and royal palaces, and visit museums such as the famous Mauritshuis (more information and tickets). Afterwards, relax on the beach at Scheveningen or take a walk along the lively boulevard. The Hague perfectly combines royal elegance with a laid-back coastal atmosphere (book your train tickets).

7. Delft - Historic canals and Delft Blue pottery

Delft is charming and relaxed, known for its picturesque canals and the famous Delft Blue pottery. Stroll through historic streets, visit centuries-old churches or stop by workshops where traditional ceramics are still made today. Delft feels authentic and unhurried, with an atmosphere that invites you to wander at your own pace and enjoy local cafés and sunny squares. For travelers who appreciate culture and history, Delft makes an excellent day trip from Amsterdam. By train, Delft is just 60 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station, and there are also enjoyable day tours from Amsterdam that often combine Delft with other highlights such as The Hague or Rotterdam.

8. Haarlem - Frans Hals

A wonderful day trip just 15 minutes away by train is Haarlem. This compact and atmospheric city is known for its lively Grote Markt and the impressive St. Bavo’s Church. Wander through narrow streets filled with small boutiques and be sure to visit the Frans Hals Museum. Haarlem is quieter than Amsterdam but offers the same charm, with a more personal and relaxed feel. It’s an ideal destination for an easy day trip on your own and a great way to escape the crowds of the capital.

9. Utrecht

^{The Dom Tower of Utrecht}

^{Medieval canals and atmospheric wharf cellars}

Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, known for its unique medieval canals and atmospheric wharf cellars filled with cafés and restaurants along the water. Climb the iconic Dom Tower for panoramic views over the city and discover hidden courtyards as you wander through the historic streets. Another great way to explore Utrecht is by joining this canal cruise. Utrecht has a relaxed and charming atmosphere and is perfect for a day trip, as you can reach the city in just 30 minutes on a direct train from Amsterdam (book your train tickets).

📌 Tip: If you have access to a car, combine your visit to Utrecht with De Haar Castle, the largest castle in the Netherlands, located just a few kilometers outside the city.

10. Alkmaar - Cheese Market

^{The historic center of Alkmaar}

^{Visiting the Alkmaar cheese market}

Alkmaar is famous for its traditional cheese market, where traders weigh and sell cheese in a ritual that has remained unchanged for centuries. The famous Alkmaar cheese market takes place from April to September, usually on Fridays from 10:00 to 13:00. The historic city center, with its narrow streets and lively squares, is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Taste different cheeses, shop for souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant market atmosphere. Alkmaar can be reached in just 40 minutes by train from Amsterdam.

11. Extra: Bruges in Belgium

If you’re willing to travel a bit further, Bruges in Belgium is a wonderful option for a day trip. From Amsterdam, the journey takes about 2.5 hours by bus. This beautifully preserved medieval city is known for its picturesque canals, cobbled streets and charming market squares. Stroll past romantic bridges, visit historic churches and treat yourself to Belgian chocolate and beer in one of the cozy cafés. Bruges feels like a fairy tale and offers a completely different experience from Dutch cities. Through one of the providers below, you can book a guided tour from Amsterdam: