Amsterdam is beautiful, no doubt about it. But there is so much more to see in the Netherlands and its neighboring countries. So, take a few memorable day trips from Amsterdam and explore other favorite and lesser-known parts of Western Europe.
Last updated: June 14, 2025
9 Beautiful Day Getaways from Amsterdam
One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Amsterdam knows how to satisfy its visitors. From endless picture-perfect canals to well-preserved 17th-century buildings and some of the best museums, the city is every traveler’s dream destination.
Yet it wasn’t a part of the ultimate European adventure until I spent 4 days exploring Amsterdam’s picturesque landmarks. It took several additional day trips from Amsterdam to immerse myself into Dutch culture and see a bit of Belgium before I was utterly smitten by this special corner of Europe.
In addition to its close proximity to a profusion of stunning places, affordable and easy ways of reaching your next destination make day-trip adventures from Amsterdam not only possible, but mandatory. You can rent a car and drive as far and as long as you want. Trains and buses that depart from Amsterdam Centraal Station and Amsterdam Sloterdijk are another great option to plan your day getaway.
I used everything – public transportation, guided tours – but driving to fit a few full and half days trips from Amsterdam in my itinerary and can’t recommend them more.
INCREDIBLE DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM YOU SHOULD PLAN FOR
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM: THE NETHERLANDS
1. Zaanse Schans
An open museum, the village of Zaanse Schans is located about 25 minutes aways from Amsterdam, making it a perfect full or half day excursion. The village is not authentic, but was built to revive the old traditions and customs of Dutch culture. What’s inside Zaanse Schans, however, is as original as it can get. Many artifacts were gathered all over the country and shipped to the village where they were assembled and preserved.
With that being said, a day trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans introduces you to quintessential Holland. Think Dutch traditional windmills, including the world’s last paint windmill, authentic green houses, a wooden shoe workshop, and a cheese farm.
Make sure to stay long enough to see how wooden clogs are made. And by all means, climb to the upper level of one of the windmills to see the whole village in full view.
How to Get: You can get to Zaanse Schans in a speedy, convenient, or affordable way. If you start your day trip at Amsterdam Central Station, take a bus 800/801 (if in doubt, always ask a station associate). Buses leave for Zaanse Schans every 15 minutes. Alternatively, look into some guided tours with pickup from Amsterdam.
2. Lisse
From mid-March to the beginning of May, locals as well as visitors of Amsterdam plan countless getaways to see famous tulip fields. Located about 50 minutes away, Lisse is an ultimate spring day trip from Amsterdam.
While the city offers other remarkable attractions, such as the nearby Keukenhof Castle and the Museum de Zwarte Tulp, the Keukenhof garden steals the show. Every spring, it attracts hordes of flower lovers with over 7 million blooming tulip bulbs.
TIP: Rent a bike and explore many flowery fields during your day trip from Amsterdam like a local.
3. Utrecht
Better known as the Little Sister of Amsterdam, Utrecht is one of the favorite day trip destinations from Amsterdam. Quieter than the bustling capital, the city doesn’t lack in traditions and vibrancy. Home to the largest university in the Netherlands, Utrecht focuses on its younger residents with their unique student culture. Thus, expect to find endless cute cafes, cheaper food options, and a huge shopping district here.
Things to Do: Two things you must do in Utrecht: wander along its wide canals and climb the famous Dom Tower. Keep in mind that the latter has 464 steps you need to conquer to see the city from above.
Utrecht’s Castles: Make sure to include some of the castles in and around Utrecht in your one-day visit from Amsterdam. Some castles such as De Haas Castle and Zuylen Castle may ask for separate longer excursions.
How to Get: Take a train from Amsterdam Central Station. The journey takes less than 30 minutes.
4. Leiden
The Netherlands is packed with gorgeous cities perfect for a day trip from Amsterdam. After Utrecht, Leiden is the second destination in the country to immerse yourself into the college atmosphere. With Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, the city caters primarily for the younger generation.
Something for Everybody: Nevertheless, its centuries-old architecture, ample museums, canals, and hofjes or inner courtyards inspire travelers of all ages and from all walks of life.
5. The Hague
Not the most popular destination with international visitors, The Hague is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam to enjoy Dutch culture and art. The third largest city in the country and the seat of the Dutch government, it preserves much of its historical heritage. Countless museums and medieval buildings further emphasize its cultural importance.
Unique Attractions: As the only big city on the North Sea coast, The Hague invites you to brave the cold breeze and water of Scheveningen Beach.
6. Delft
Small in size, Delft is one of those day trips from Amsterdam that you want to visit in combination with other nearby towns. Delft is famous for its hand-painted blue-and-white pottery. But what keeps visitors coming back for more, are the town’s medieval structures, picturesque canals, and hump-backed bridges.
7. Haarlem
When you don’t feel like going too far, Haarlem is your best take on the relaxing day trips from Amsterdam.
How to Get: It takes about 15 minutes to reach the city by a train that departs from Amsterdam Central Station.
Things to Do: The place exceeds all your exceptions. To say it simply, Haarlem has it all: the famous museums, hidden courtyards, boutiques and antique shops, trendy restaurants, and a medieval church. Want more? Rent a boat and enjoy quintessentials Dutch canals without the typical crowds of Amsterdam.
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM: BELGIUM
8. Antwerp
The neighboring Belgium also offers some of the best day trips from Amsterdam. One of my most memorable getaways from the capital of the Netherlands was Antwerp. One of the main cultural centers of the country, the port city is located on Belgium’s River Scheldt. So, it was so cold in early November that at first I almost regretted leaving significantly warmer Amsterdam that day.
How to Get: I took a less than 2-hour bus ride from Amsterdam Sloterdijk in the morning and returned to Amsterdam in the evening.
Things to Do: Despite cold weather, Antwerp was such a cute, fairytale city with more sites and attractions to explore than you have time for. First thing first, wander around and admire Antwerp’s Flemish Renaissance architecture symbolized by the Grote Markt. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure to feast on delicious Belgian waffles preferably with world-famous Belgian chocolate on top.
9. Brussels
Similar to Antwerp, Brussels asks for an early start of your day trip from Amsterdam.
How to Get: Depart from Amsterdam Sloterdijk or Amsterdam Centraal around 8:00 a.m. to allow enough time to explore the city.
Things to Do: As the capital of Belgium, Brussels is as busy as Amsterdam. The main landmark of the city is the Grand Place, a central square surrounded by opulent guild houses, the City Hall, and the Maison du Roi.
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM: GERMANY
- Essen (2 hours away from Amsterdam by train, 2 hours 15 minutes by car)
- Dusseldorf (2 hours away from Amsterdam by train, 2 hours 30 minutes by car)
- Cologne (2.5 hours away from Amsterdam by train, 2 hours 24 minutes by car)
Final Thought
Amsterdam is a stunning city. I must admit, it’s one of the most beautiful European cities I’ve been to. But with all its attractions, it’s easy to forget about the rest of the Netherlands and the neighboring countries. I hope these 9+ day trips from Amsterdam have ignited your curiosity and given you a few ideas where to go and what to see outside the capital of the Netherlands.
