Day Trips from Amsterdam – Best Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train

I’m excited to share my love for Amsterdam and the incredible day trips you can take from this vibrant city. My journey with exploring the beautiful surroundings of Amsterdam started a few years ago when I first visited the Netherlands. After spending a few days in the heart of Amsterdam, I quickly realized that there was so much more to explore beyond the city limits. From charming villages to historical landmarks, the best experiences often lay just a short distance away.

Since then, I’ve made it a point to take at least one day trip from Amsterdam every time I visit. Whether it’s by train, bus, or car, I’ve learned that these day trips offer a chance to experience the true essence of Dutch culture, history, and natural beauty. If you’re in Amsterdam for a few days and want to explore beyond the city, keep reading—I’m about to share the best day trips from Amsterdam that will make your trip unforgettable.

Best Day Trips from Amsterdam: A Personal Guide

1. Day Trip to Zaanse Schans: The Iconic Windmills

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing traditional Dutch windmills, Zaanse Schans is the place to go. Only about 40 minutes from Amsterdam, this open-air museum is a well-preserved village that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard. During my visit, I walked along the picturesque streets, visited the windmills, and learned about the historical significance of wind power in Dutch society. The best part? You can even climb to the top of a windmill and enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside!

What to Do:

• Visit the working windmills
  
• Explore the Dutch clog-making workshops
  
• Discover traditional Dutch cheese-making
  

How to Get There: A short 40-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, and you’ll find yourself in a world of windmills and history.

2. Day Trip to Keukenhof Gardens: A Floral Wonderland

As a lover of nature and photography, one of my favorite experiences in the Netherlands has been visiting Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse. Located about 30 minutes from Amsterdam, Keukenhof is home to millions of flowers, including the famous Dutch tulips. I visited during the spring season, and the gardens were in full bloom—bursting with color and beauty. It was an incredible sight that I’ll never forget!

What to Do:

• Explore the vast gardens filled with tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths
  
• Take beautiful photos in the themed gardens
  
• Enjoy the flower shows and exhibitions
  

How to Get There: You can take a bus or train from Amsterdam to Keukenhof. It’s a short and easy trip, especially if you visit during the tulip season.

3. Day Trip to Haarlem: A Charming Dutch Town

Haarlem, just 15 minutes from Amsterdam by train, is a charming, historic town that often gets overlooked by tourists. But I’ve found it to be one of the most delightful day trips from Amsterdam. The town is full of beautiful canals, cobblestone streets, and stunning architecture. I loved walking around the Grote Markt square and visiting the iconic Grote Kerk (St. Bavo’s Church). Haarlem is also home to the Frans Hals Museum, which showcases Dutch Golden Age art.

What to Do:

• Stroll around the Grote Markt square
  
• Visit the Frans Hals Museum
  
• Explore the historic windmill in the center of town
  

How to Get There: Trains run frequently from Amsterdam Central Station to Haarlem, and the journey is only around 15 minutes.

4. Day Trip to Giethoorn: The Venice of the Netherlands

Giethoorn is a quaint village in the Dutch countryside, often referred to as the “Venice of the Netherlands” due to its picturesque canals and serene atmosphere. I visited Giethoorn by taking a train to Steenwijk and then a bus to the village. The experience was magical! No cars are allowed in the village, so you can explore the canals by boat or walk along the wooden footbridges. It’s one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I’ve ever visited.

What to Do:

• Rent a boat and cruise along the canals
  
• Walk or bike along the footbridges
  
• Enjoy the charming cafés by the water
  

How to Get There: Take a train from Amsterdam to Steenwijk (about 1.5 hours), then a bus to Giethoorn.

5. Day Trip to Marken & Volendam: Two Charming Fishing Villages

Marken and Volendam are two picturesque fishing villages located on the IJsselmeer, just an hour from Amsterdam. I visited these towns in one day, and the experience was truly special. Marken is known for its traditional wooden houses and peaceful atmosphere, while Volendam has a lively harbor with colorful boats and seafood restaurants. I loved exploring both towns, trying local fish dishes, and soaking in the scenic beauty.

What to Do:

• Visit the traditional wooden houses in Marken
  
• Explore the Volendam harbor and taste fresh seafood
  
• Take a boat ride between Marken and Volendam
  

How to Get There: You can take a bus or a combination of train and ferry to visit both Marken and Volendam.

6. Day Trip to Rotterdam: Modern Architecture & Culture

If you’re a fan of modern architecture and design, Rotterdam is the perfect day trip. A short 40-minute train ride from Amsterdam, Rotterdam offers a completely different vibe compared to the more traditional parts of the Netherlands. I loved exploring the futuristic Cube Houses and visiting the impressive Markthal, a food market housed in a giant arch. Rotterdam also has a rich art scene, with plenty of museums and galleries to explore.

What to Do:

• Visit the Cube Houses and the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum
  
• Explore the Markthal and try local Dutch delicacies
  
• Walk along the beautiful Erasmus Bridge
  

How to Get There: Trains from Amsterdam to Rotterdam are quick and frequent, with the journey taking just under 40 minutes.

Best Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train

Many of the best day trips from Amsterdam can be easily reached by train. The Dutch railway system is efficient, affordable, and well-connected, making it easy to explore the surrounding cities and towns. Whether you’re heading to Haarlem for a relaxing day or taking a trip to Rotterdam for modern architecture, the train is often the best option for a hassle-free experience.

Popular Day Trips by Train:

• Zaanse Schans (40 minutes)
  
• Haarlem (15 minutes)
  
• Rotterdam (40 minutes)
  
• Utrecht (30 minutes)
  

Day Trip to Amsterdam from London

If you’re based in London and planning a quick getaway to Amsterdam, you might be interested in a day trip from London to Amsterdam. While a day trip might sound rushed, it’s possible with the Eurostar high-speed train. The journey takes about 4 hours, and you’ll have enough time to explore Amsterdam’s famous landmarks, like the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh Museum.

What to Do:

• Visit the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum
  
• Take a canal cruise
  
• Explore the Jordaan district
  

How to Get There: The Eurostar offers direct trains from London to Amsterdam, with travel time just under 4 hours.

Conclusion: The Best Day Trips Await You

Amsterdam is a fantastic city, but there’s so much to explore beyond its limits. Whether you’re looking for nature, culture, or history, the Netherlands offers an incredible variety of day trips that are easy to reach from Amsterdam. I’ve enjoyed each of these trips and I highly recommend them to anyone visiting Amsterdam. This city is not more expensive like a London. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Dutch countryside, picturesque villages, and vibrant cities that surround this beautiful metropolis.