You know what I’ve always found to be a shame? Many visitors to the Netherlands will fly into Amsterdam, frolic around with Stroopwafels stuffed in their cheeks, then not venture at all beyond the city’s glittering canals.

And I get it – the canals are great. The city is great. But considering all the cool things to do in the Netherlands, you’d be doing yourself a real disservice by not venturing a little further to see more.

Luckily, you don’t need to go far. There are loads of great Dutch gems to explore that make delightful day trips from Amsterdam.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a foodie with violent cravings for cheese, I’ve curated a list below of the most epic Amsterdam day trips you can conquer by train and bus. I hope you’re ready to explore the Netherlands beyond its well-tread capital!

And if you need a hand with the Dutch train system, be sure to read my guide on how to travel the Netherlands by train, step by step.

1. Zaanse Schans

Let’s start with a popular (and shamelessly touristy) pick.

If you want to walk straight into a Dutch postcard, Zaanse Schans is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam that you won’t want to miss! This delightful open-air museum shows you how a rural Dutch village would have looked around the 18th/19th century, with charming green windmills, pretty canals, and a dash of Dutch history all rolled into one delightful experience.

First things first in this tour of stereotypical Dutchness, the iconic windmills. Yes, you can actually go inside and see how they work. And if you’ve ever wondered how those Dutch wooden shoes (clogs) are made, then at Zaanse Schans, you can actually watch skilled craftsmen make them right before your eyes.

Beyond these classic experiences, Zaanse Schans is dotted with charming little houses, museums, and artisan shops where you can snag some unique souvenirs. Plus, if you’re a fan of cheese (who isn’t?), there are cheese factories that offer delicious tastings, as well as a little chocolate shop and a bakery museum with lots of sweet treats! Cheese, chocolate, pastries and windmills – what more could you ask for?

How to get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam: Catch a train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, this should take around 16 minutes. From Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station it’s a short 10-15 minute walk to the heart of Zaanse Schans.

2. Alkmaar

If you are all about that Dutch cheese (again, who isn’t???) then you will definitely want to visit Alkmaar, which is a little further north of Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam – meaning you could visit both in one day if you wanted to!

Alkmaar is famous for its traditional cheese market, a cheesy spectacle with cheese wheels stacked high, cheese carriers in old-fashioned wooden yokes, and a bustling market square filled with vendors… a true cheese lover’s dream come true. You can witness the age-old cheese trading tradition in action every Friday during the summer months.

Alkmaar also boasts a ridiculously picturesque historic centre with winding canals, stunning architecture, and cosy little cafes. Stroll along the cobbled streets, soak in the Dutch charm, and maybe indulge in some Dutch pancakes for the sake of cultural immersion.

And if you’re into history (or need a break from wolfing down dairy), the city is peppered with museums and cultural attractions like the Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar, the Dutch Cheese Museum (of course), or the Nationaal Biermuseum De Boom – yep, a beer museum. Alkmaar is also randomly home to an Elvis Presley museum and a Beatles museum, which is apparently the largest Beatles museum in the world! (Take that, Beatles activities of Liverpool!)

To plan your visit, be sure to check out this website for the dates of the upcoming cheese markets, which are held on Fridays between the end of March and the end of September. There are also some other special opening dates and times.

How to get to Alkmaar from Amsterdam: Catch a train from Amsterdam Centraal to Alkmaar, this should take around 35 minutes if you catch the Intercity (the fast train) or about an hour if you catch the Sprinter. From the train station, it’s about a 10-15 minute walk into the city centre and famous cheese market.

3. Haarlem

Long considered a less touristy version of the Netherlands’ capital city, Haarlem is like Amsterdam’s cool and artsy cousin. If you’re itching for a nearby day trip that’s Amsterdam vibes with a fraction of the crowds, then this is it.

First – the historic city centre is gorgeous, with cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and charming canals in abundance. With fewer attractions and must-sees than Amsterdam, you can take the pace a little slower with a leisurely stroll, snap some pics, and (of course) indulge in some fresh stroopwafels.

But there’s still plenty to see for tourists, with an excellent art scene among other highlights. The Frans Hals Museum for instance is an absolute must-visit for art enthusiasts, showcasing some beautiful Dutch Golden Age masterpieces.

There’s also the stunning St. Bavokerk – a huge Gothic church containing the impressive Müller organ. Dating from 1738 this incredible organ has been performed on by both Händel and Mozart.

For quirkier museums, don’t miss out on Het Kleinste Museum Van Haarlem (the smallest museum in Haarlem) where tiny rotating collections are displayed in an art gallery window, or Het Dolhuys (part of the Museum of the Mind), which sounds like a cute dollhouse museum but is actually a psychiatry museum in a 16th-century former mental institution! Fun!!!

BONUS: Haarlem has a much more traditional feeling Christmas market than any of the ones in Amsterdam, so it’s especially worth a visit during the festive season.

How to get to Haarlem from Amsterdam: You can reach Haarlem by train from Amsterdam Centraal in about 18 minutes. From the station, it’s about a ten-minute walk into the city centre.

4. Keukenhof

For flower lovers who time their visit for the Spring season, Keukenhof is probably THE best day trip to do from Amsterdam… if your idea of fun is staring at floral arrangements until your eyes blur (which honestly, mine is).

Keukenhof Gardens are known as Europe’s most extravagant gardens, with millions (yes, MILLIONS) of flowers planted across 32 acres of perfectly sculpted gardens. Open for only 8 weeks in the Spring, sure it gets outrageously crowded, but it’s definitely worth visiting at least once (especially when combined with a visit of its nearby tulip fields).

Of course, even if you visit in the summer when Keukenhof Gardens are closed (bummer, I know), the nearby Keukenhof Castle is still worth visiting, with gorgeous gardens, a children’s petting farm, a cafe and the LAM art museum all on the grounds. Plus, it’s totally free!

And those iconic tulip fields that surround Keukenhof? Well, they usually transform into dahlia fields in summer, bursting with more vibrant blooms. So, it’s a win-win any time of year! Well, maybe not in the middle of winter…

How to get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam: You can either book a tour with transport included or catch a train from Amsterdam Centraal to Schiphol Airport and from there catch the Keukenhof Express (Bus 858) from Schipol Airport’s bus station, which is located in front of the airport. I’ve also written a whole guide on how to easily visit Keukenhof if you want more options. However, when the Keukenhof Gardens aren’t open, you’ll need to get Bus 361 from the airport to Lisse Centrum, and from there walk around 25 minutes to Kasteel Keukenhof – or get an Uber!

5. Leiden

Leiden is like a quirky, brainy mini-version of Amsterdam, and trust me, it’s a day trip that’s worth its weight in cheese (and that’s saying something)!

First off, the historic charm is off the charts. The city is like a living, breathing history book with its cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and buildings that look like they’ve been plucked straight from a Dutch painting. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, which is probably why The Miniaturist series was mostly filmed here as a stand-in for 17th-century Amsterdam.

Leiden is also home to one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and it’s where the legendary Rembrandt was born. Visitors can take a peek inside the studio where he learned how to draw, paint and make etchings from his first mentor Jacob van Swanenburgh.

There are plenty of other excellent museums in Leiden, including the National Museum of Ethnology, the National Museum of Antiquities, Rijksmuseum Boerhaave (a science museum) and Museum de Lakenhal which also includes works by Rembrandt along with history about the city of Leiden.

And did I mention the Leiden canals? They’re not as crowded as Amsterdam’s, which means you can hop on a boat, take a leisurely cruise, and soak up the peaceful vibes without the tourist frenzy.

How to get to Leiden from Amsterdam: Trains from Amsterdam Centraal to Leiden Centraal take around 35 minutes and leave every 30 minutes. The train station is a leisurely 10-15 minute stroll from the centre of Leiden.

6. The Hague

The Hague (or Den Haag in Dutch) is the “Haguenificent” surprise waiting just a short journey from Amsterdam! This city is like the sophisticated older sibling of the Dutch city family who’s got it all – culture, politics, and a side of beachy bliss.

Known as the political heart of the Netherlands, the International Court of Justice calls this place home. You can even take a peek at the Peace Palace, where they do all that world-changing stuff. Plus, if you’re into art, the Mauritshuis Museum has some epic masterpieces to ogle, including Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.

Of course, the Hague knows how to keep it classy and quirky. The Binnenhof, with its medieval charm, feels like a movie set, and you can explore the Dutch parliament right there. And, if you don’t have much time to explore the rest of the country, you can see the whole (*almost) of the Netherlands in miniature at Madurodam!

And… if you fancy a beach day, Scheveningen Beach is just a tram ride away, with sun, sea, sand and a giant seaside Ferris Wheel.

How to get to The Hague from Amsterdam: It takes between 48 minutes to an hour to reach Den Haag Centraal from Amsterdam Centraal by train, and you may need to switch trains at Schiphol. Within 10-15 minutes you can walk from the Hague train station to the heart of the city.

7. Rotterdam

If you’re up for an Amsterdam day trip that feels like a breath of fresh, modern air, Rotterdam is where you’re guaranteed a Rotter-damn good time (sorry).

After all, Rotterdam is a city of reinvention. After being heavily bombed during World War II, they went bold and modern instead of rebuilding in traditional Dutch style, resulting in a city unlike any other in the country. While here, you can even visit the Netherlands’ first skyscraper, the White House, and see where it all began.

Of course, there’s also the wildly photogenic yellow Cube Houses, ripped straight from a sci-fi movie. Completed in 1984, each cube house is placed on a hexagonal pylon, then perched at an odd angle which is meant to optimise the living space (and make cool photos).

There’s also the Euromast Tower (like the Eiffel Tower’s cooler, Dutch cousin) which offers panoramic views of the city.

And a highlight for me is the city’s vibrant food scene, which covers the entire foodie spectrum with options from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. Don’t miss out on the Markthal, an arched building with a famous food hall underneath a very impressive ceiling mural.

How to get to Rotterdam from Amsterdam: It takes between 38 minutes to an hour and 18 minutes, depending on which train or trains you take (try to get an Intercity Direct for the quickest time), to reach Rotterdam Centraal from Amsterdam Centraal. Like most of these Dutch cities, it’s about a 10-15 minute walk from the station into the city centre!

8. Amersfoort

The charming Dutch town of Amersfoort is the perfect day trip from Amsterdam, and here’s why you should have it on your radar.

First of all, Amersfoort’s historic city centre is a jaw-dropper with picturesque canals, centuries-old buildings, and cobblestone streets straight out of a fairy tale. Visiting is like stepping back in time (I realise I’ve been saying that a lot but it’s actually true!), and every corner is a postcard-worthy moment waiting to happen.

And history nerds, fret not – Amersfoort has you covered on the historical front as well! The city is known for its well-preserved medieval city walls, and yes, you can actually walk along them! Plus, there’s the Koppelpoort, a stunning medieval gatehouse.

But it’s not all about history – Amersfoort has a vibrant arts scene too, with art galleries, cosy cafes, and unique boutiques to rummage through. And, the Mondrian House (where Piet Mondrian was born) is of course a highlight for anyone who’s into modern art.

How to get to Amersfoort from Amsterdam: It takes about 40 minutes to reach Amersfoort Centraal from Amsterdam Centraal, and from the station, it’s about a 20-minute walk into the city centre or famous Koppelpoort.

9. Utrecht

Next up on the list is one of my favourite Dutch cities – Utrecht, a wonderland of pretty canals and stunning medieval architecture… with a fraction of Amsterdam’s crowds, and a nice injection of youthful energy thanks to its student-centric population.

Highlights include the iconic Dom Tower, an imposing masterpiece that is climbable for those who dare (with views are worth it), along with its picturesque canals like the Oudegracht (Old Canal), which is lined with two-story canal-side warehouses that date back centuries – today converted into spaces for restaurants, bars and shops.

Of course, Utrecht is not just about its rich past; it’s a city that thrives on culture and creativity, with art galleries, theatres, and music venues in abundance. Learn more in my full list of things to do in Utrecht.

How to get to Utrecht from Amsterdam: It takes about 25 minutes on the train to reach Utrecht Centraal from Amsterdam Centraal. The train station is very central too, so you’ll be right in the heart of the city within a ten-minute walk!

10. Castle de Haar

For those seeking fairytale vibes, the enchanting Castle de Haar is another worthwhile day trip near Amsterdam that’s worth the effort to reach.

The original castle on this site dates back to the 14th century, but the real transformation happened in the late 19th century when the castle was restored and rebuilt in Neo-Gothic style by the famous Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers. The result? A dreamy and romantic castle fit for a storybook.

Inside, you’ll be transported to a world of luxury with opulent rooms, tapestries, and artwork. Outside, there’s a vast park surrounding the castle, complete with lakes, bridges, and even a charming chapel.

What’s more, Castle de Haar regularly hosts events and exhibitions, so there’s always something interesting happening here. From Christmas markets to fantasy festivals, there’s no shortage of fun and culture to soak up.

How to get to Castle de Haar from Amsterdam: Unfortunately, it’s a bit of a hassle to get to Castle de Haar if you don’t have access to a car, but it is doable! After catching the train from Amsterdam Centraal to Utrecht Centraal you’ll then need to change to a train going to Woerden, but get off at Station Vleuten, which takes about 12 minutes. From Vleuten you can catch a bus to the Haarzuilens, Eikslaan/Kasteel stop (which will take around seven minutes) and then walk about 20 minutes to reach the castle entrance. Make sure you use the 9292.nl to plan your public transport, or perhaps see if you can get an Uber from Utrecht or Vleuten!

11. Den Bosch

Hold onto your stroopwafels because Den Bosch, or ‘s-Hertogenbosch if you think you can wrap your mouth around the official name, is the ultimate Amsterdam day trip for history lovers.

Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, the centrepiece of this historical gem is the magnificent St. John’s Cathedral, a picturesque Gothic church that took centuries to complete.

But beneath the old city is where things get even more interesting, thanks to the city’s hidden network of canals called the Binnendieze. These canals wind their way through tunnels and under buildings, offering a unique perspective of the city’s history that you can enjoy through a boat tour.

The city is also the birthplace of Hieronymus Bosch, the famous Dutch painter known for his surreal and fantastical works. You can immerse yourself in his mind-boggling creations at the Hieronymus Bosch Art Center.

And for foodies, there’s a special treat to try here as well – the Bossche Bol – a heavenly concoction of pastry, chocolate, and whipped cream.

How to get to Den Bosch from Amsterdam: It takes around 50 minutes to an hour to reach the ‘s-Hertogenbosch train station from Amsterdam Centraal. From the station it’s then about a ten-minute walk into the centre of the city.

12. Giethoorn

Finally, there’s beautiful Giethoorn, an enchanting village often referred to as the “Venice of the North”.

Truthfully, this spot would have made the top of my list if it weren’t for the fact that it’s a very long day from Amsterdam, so best done as an overnight trip (which will help you dodge crowds too).

Still – for those who take the time to venture out here, the effort is completely worth it. What makes Giethoorn truly special is that there is no car access within the heart of the village itself. Instead, you’ll find picturesque wooden footbridges and paths, making it a tranquil destination best explored on foot, bike or, better yet, traditional whisper boat. And explore you will, because this is one of the most magical little villages that the country has to offer.

Admittedly, it’s popular here, so you can expect plenty of crowds, but there’s a reason for that! Giethoorn is impossibly cute, with lots to do. You can read my full guide on things to do in Giethoorn for more.

How to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam: Catch a train (or two) from Amsterdam Centraal to the town of Steenwijk, which will take around an hour and 50 minutes. From Steenwijk you can catch Bus 70 to the Giethoorn, Dominee Hylkemaweg station, which will take about 20 minutes. From there it will take you about five minutes to walk to the main canal of beautiful Giethoorn. Obviously, this will be a long day, but as it’s one of the most popular destinations in the Netherlands, I couldn’t leave it out!

Did we miss any of your favourite Day Trips from Amsterdam?

Let us know in the comments!