Plan for these incredible day trips from Amsterdam to explore the rich culture, history, and centuries-old traditions of the Netherlands.
Last updated: June 26, 2025
Culture-Infused Escapes from Amsterdam
During all my travels, I try to steal at least a sneak peek into the cultural heritage and learn about centuries-old customs and traditions of the place I visit. Some destinations require a deeper look to uncover their authenticity obscured by the veil of western trends.
Amsterdam was nothing like that. From the moment I exited the Schiphol Airport until the minute I boarded my plane to Dublin, the city served as a tireless guide, unveiling Dutch culture one custom at a time. I enjoyed the city’s fairytale architecture, flower stalls galore, bicyclists claiming half of the road, and delicious food with traditional Dutch flavor.
Yet with all this effort to preserve cultural authenticity, the capital of the Netherlands only shows the tip of the iceberg. To dive deeper, you need to leave Amsterdam for these Dutch culture-inspired day trips.
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN DUTCH CULTURE
1. Zaanse Schans
The beautiful village of Zaanse Schans is located about twenty minutes away from Amsterdam. Compact and small (it takes no more than an hour to walk around), the place is a real treasure when it comes to displaying Dutch culture. From well-preserved historical houses to working windmills, Zaanse Schans transports you back in time. It tells you stories about the old times and shows the lifestyle of the Dutch countryside.
When planning a cultural day trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, be sure to stop at the Kooijman Wooden Shoe Workshop and learn the secrets behind making traditional clogs, Dutch wooden shoes.
For years, cheese lovers have been lured to the village by Cheese Farm “De Catharina Hoeve“. Through its cheese-making demonstration and free cheese tasting, the farm gives you a crash course in Dutch culture and cuisine.
2. Edam
Food is the main reason behind a day trip from Amsterdam to Edam. When you think of Edam, cheese comes to your mind. What else can you expect from a place that has been exporting the famous Dutch cheese since the Golden Age?
During a visit to Edam, you are welcome to explore the 18th century cheese warehouses and try some of these Dutch delicacies. To burn calories after having a cheese extravaganza, take a walk through cobblestone streets, admire charming drawbridges, and stop at the Edam Museum.
3. Volendam
Located within a cycling distance from Amsterdam, Volendam is the most popular cultural day trip for fishing enthusiasts. The most famous fishing village in the country, Volendam entertains its locals and visitors with picturesque harbor, packed with old Dutch ships, the Volendams Museum, and the Cheese Factory Volendam.
Furthermore, Volendam is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam to see some locals still favoring traditional Dutch clothes.
4. Marken
Marken is another beautiful day trip from Amsterdam to immerse yourself in the Dutch culture of the 17th century. The highlight of this excursion are little wooden houses built on artificial hills to prevent being flooded. Other interesting things to do in the village include the Marken Museum and the old Wooden Shoe Factory.
5. Keukenhof Gardens
Along with the working windmills and traditional clogs, the Netherlands is proud of its tulips. In spring when the flowers bloom, locals and guests of Amsterdam leave the city to spend a day in the fields, soaking up the aesthetic beauty and cherishing every moment of this facet of Dutch culture.
iSet in Lisse about thirty minutes away from Amsterdam, the Keukenhof Garden is the best place to witness Dutch love for flowers. Over seven million flower bulbs find their home in the gardens yearly. The best time to visit the Keukenhof Gardens is April and May.
READ MORE: 9+ Incredible Day Trips from Amsterdam You Must Take
