8 Best Day Trips From Amsterdam

Guest Post by Taylor Beal from Traverse with Taylor

Looking for the best day trips from Amsterdam? I’ve got you covered!

Amsterdam is one of those cities that always pulls you back in. I’ve been there many times, and honestly, I fall in love with it all over again each visit. The canals, the cozy cafés, the bikes zipping past, listening to Dutch in every shop—it’s got that perfect mix of charm and cool. But here’s a little secret: the best part about Amsterdam might not even be in the city itself.

Every time I go, I always make sure to plan extra time for a few day trips. Trust me, the areas around Amsterdam are just as amazing as the city. Storybook towns and peaceful beaches, fairytale castles and fields of tulips that look like they’ve been painted: there’s so much to explore just a short trip away.

Hop on a train, rent a car, or even jump on a ferry, to find some unforgettable places in the Netherlands that are easy to reach in one day. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 8 of the best day trips from Amsterdam in 2025. We’ll cover what to do, how to get there, the best times to go, and I’ll throw in some hot tips I’ve picked up along the way about the good, the bad, and the totally unexpected!

So pack your day bag, grab your camera, and get ready to see what lies just outside the city!

Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

1. 🚲 Cycle the North Holland Canal

If you’re up for some fresh air and peaceful countryside, this bike ride is a must. It’s one of my favorite ways to escape the buzz of the city without going far. 

What to do:

Rent a bike near Central Station and follow the canal path into Waterland, a quiet area just north of Amsterdam. Along the way, you’ll pass cute villages like Zunderdorp and Ransdorp—with those classic Dutch houses and peaceful vibes. You can stop to take photos, chill on a bench by the water, or pop into a little café.

There’s even a windmill (called The Admiral) where you can stop for pics, and if you’re lucky, you might find a cheese farm open for a quick tasting. Yes—fresh Dutch cheese and biking. Pretty perfect combo if you ask me!

How to get there:

Take the train to the Amsterdam Central Station and rent a bike for the day. Next walk to the back of the station to catch the free ferry to Amsterdam Noord (look for the one going to Buiksloterweg—it runs all the time and takes just a few minutes). 

Once you’re across, hop on your bike and follow the signs toward the North Holland Canal and Waterland. The bike paths are safe, flat, and really well-marked, so you won’t get lost.

When to go:

Spring and summer (April to September) are the best times to do this ride. The weather’s nice, the fields are blooming, and it’s just a great way to enjoy the Dutch countryside. That said, if you’re dressed for it, you can do this ride in the fall too. Just check the weather before you head out!

🔥 Hot Tip:

Start early in the day so you’ve got time to explore without rushing. Pack a bottle of water and maybe a little snack, though you’ll find a few cute cafés along the way. Also, if you’re renting a bike, make sure it’s in good shape before you leave. And take a quick peek at Dutch biking rules—they’re not hard, but locals take cycling pretty seriously here!

2. 🌬️ Visit the Windmills of Zaanse Schans

Ready to feel like you’ve stepped into a painting? Zaanse Schans is that kind of place. It’s got those picture-perfect windmills, green wooden houses, and a peaceful riverside setting that just screams “classic Dutch countryside.” And the best part? It’s really easy to get to from Amsterdam.

What to do:

Wander through the village and take your time soaking in the views—it really does feel like a little open-air museum. You’ll find working windmills here, and a few are open for visitors. One of my favorites is De Kat, which still grinds pigments for paint (yep, the same kind artists used back in the day). Another cool one is the De Gekroonde Poelenburg, a sawmill that’s been buzzing away since the 1600s.

You can also stop by a cheese shop to sample some Dutch cheese (the smoked cheese is so good!) and pop into a wooden shoe workshop to see how clogs are made. Try on a pair for fun—you might be surprised how comfy they are.

There are also a few little museums, bakeries, and gift shops tucked around the village. Even if you don’t go into everything, just walking around is fun.

How to get there:

The easiest way to get there is by train. Head to Amsterdam Centraal Station and hop on a train to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans—it takes about 17 minutes. From there, it’s a short and pretty walk (about 15 minutes) to the village.

You can also catch Bus 391 from right outside Amsterdam Centraal. It takes about 40 minutes and drops you off right near the entrance, so it’s a great option if you don’t feel like walking.

When to go:

Zaanse Schans is open all year, but it’s at its best from April to September when the weather is nicer and the flowers are blooming. Try to go on a weekday if you can—it gets packed with tour groups on weekends and holidays.

🔥 Hot Tip:

You don’t have to pay to walk around the village, but some of the windmills and little museums charge a few euros to enter. If you want to visit several of them, look into getting the Zaanse Schans Card—it can save you a bit of money. Also, go early in the day before the big tour buses roll in. It’s way more peaceful that way, and you’ll get better photos too.

3. 🏰 Fort Pampus UNESCO Site

Looking for something a bit different from the usual day trip? Fort Pampus is a cool little adventure that’s totally off the beaten path. It’s a man-made island with an old fort, and it feels like you’ve stepped into a secret part of history—right in the middle of the water!

What to do:

Wander through the fort’s tunnels and explore the old rooms where soldiers once worked and lived. There are interactive exhibits, fun stories, and even secret passageways (great if you’re traveling with kids or just love a bit of mystery). You’ll learn all about how the fort protected Amsterdam from sea attacks back in the day—pretty wild stuff!

You can also head up to the rooftop for some awesome views of the IJmeer and even the edge of the Amsterdam skyline on a clear day. When you’re ready for a break, grab a drink or snack at the little café on the island. 

How to get there:

You’ve got two main options:

• From Amsterdam IJburg, take the ferry straight to Fort Pampus. The ride takes about 45 minutes and gives you some great views along the way. Make sure to check the schedule and book ahead, especially in peak season.
  
• Another option is to go from Muiden, a cute little town east of the city. The ferry from Muiden is a shorter ride—around 20 minutes. You can get to Muiden by bus or car from Amsterdam, so it’s really easy to combine both spots in one trip.

When to go:

Fort Pampus is open from April to October, and that’s when ferries are running and everything’s open. Try to visit on a weekday if you can—it’s a lot quieter and easier to enjoy at your own pace.

🔥 Hot Tip:

Want to make a full day of it? Pair your visit to Fort Pampus with a stop at Muiderslot Castle, which is just across the water in Muiden. They go perfectly together for a fun, history-packed day.

4. 🏙️ Visit the Nearby City of Haarlem

If you want to experience a smaller, more relaxed version of Amsterdam—with just as much charm—Haarlem is the perfect pick. It’s full of cute streets, historic buildings, and cozy spots to grab a coffee or beer. It’s close enough for a quick trip, but far enough to feel like a mini getaway.

What to do:

Start at the Grote Markt, the main square in the heart of the city. It’s surrounded by beautiful old buildings and buzzing cafés. It’s the kind of place where you can just sit back, sip a drink, and watch the world go by.

Pop into St. Bavo’s Church (also known as Grote Kerk) right on the square. Inside, you’ll find a massive organ that Mozart actually played when he was ten years old. No big deal.

Want something more meaningful? The Corrie ten Boom House tells the powerful story of a family who hid Jewish people during WWII. The tour is short but moving—definitely worth it.

And if you love boutique shopping, Haarlem’s Gouden Straatjes (“Golden Streets”) are full of independent shops and little gems. Think handmade jewelry, local design, and cute gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

How to get there:

This one’s really easy. Just grab a train from Amsterdam Centraal to Haarlem—they run every 10 minutes or so, and the ride takes around 15 minutes. Once you arrive, everything is walkable from the station.

You can also take a bus, but the train is faster and simpler.

When to go:

You can visit Haarlem any time of year, but spring is especially nice—especially if you’re planning to check out the nearby tulip fields. It’s also a fun city during local festivals, so take a peek at the events calendar if you want to catch something special.

🔥 Hot Tip:

Beer lovers, this one’s for you: don’t miss Jopenkerk, a brewery inside an old church. The beer is amazing, and the vibe is incredible.

5. 🧀 Visit Gouda and Its Traditional Cheese Market

If you love cheese—or even if you just kinda like it—Gouda is a very fun day trip. This little city has that classic Dutch charm with canals, cobblestone streets, and old buildings. But the real star here is, of course, the cheese.

What to do:

Time your visit for Thursday morning between April and August, and you’ll catch the Gouda Cheese Market in full swing. It’s like stepping back in time. Farmers and cheese traders dressed in old-fashioned clothes show off big wheels of cheese and seal deals with a good ol’ fashioned handclap (seriously). There’s music, market stalls, and loads of photo ops—it’s fun and totally unique.

While you’re in town, don’t miss the Gouda Cheese Experience. It’s an interactive museum where you can learn how Gouda cheese is made, try your hand at being a virtual cheese farmer, and yes—taste plenty of samples.

Make sure to wander around the city center too. The Town Hall is a total showstopper with its pointy towers and pretty square. And if you’ve got time, check out St. John’s Church (Sint Janskerk). It has gorgeous stained-glass windows and is definitely worth a look.

How to get there:

Getting to Gouda is easy:

• From Amsterdam Centraal, take a train to Gouda—it takes about 50 to 55 minutes, and then it’s a short 15-minute walk to the market square.
  
• If you’re driving, it’s a pretty simple route via the A12 or A20 highways. There are a few good parking garages near the center like Klein Amerika and Vossenburchkade. Just follow the signs when you get close.

When to go:

The cheese market only runs from early April to late August, and only on Thursday mornings from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. 

🔥 Hot Tip:

Want to pack even more into your day? Grab the Gouda Combination Ticket, which gives you discounted access to the Cheese Experience, St. John’s Church, and even a syrup waffle factory (yep, the sweet kind with gooey stuff in the middle). You can get it at the tourist info center in town.

6. 🎨 Visit Delft – Don’t Miss the Royal Delft Museum and Paint a Ceramic Tile

If you love charming little towns with canals, old churches, and a creative vibe, then Delft should be on your list. This is the home of the famous blue-and-white pottery you’ve probably seen before—called Delftware—and you can actually try painting some yourself!

What to do:

Start with the Royal Delft Museum, where you can see how those beautiful blue ceramics are still made by hand, just like they’ve been doing since the 1600s. There are artists working on real pieces, exhibits that explain the whole process, and tons of amazing pottery on display—from tiny tiles to huge vases.

And here’s the fun part: you can paint your own ceramic tile! They run workshops Tuesday through Sunday at 2 PM, and it’s open to anyone aged 7 and up. You’ll get to use the traditional blue paint and create your own design (don’t worry, they guide you through it). After it’s fired, your tile becomes the best souvenir to take home. Just make sure to book ahead online—spots fill up fast!

Then take some time to explore Delft’s old town. It’s very walkable and filled with little bridges, cafés, and beautiful buildings. Stop by the Markt (main square), check out the Town Hall, and if you’re into royal history, visit the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), where members of the Dutch royal family are buried.

How to get there:

• From Amsterdam Centraal, take a train to Delft. It’s a smooth and comfy ride that takes around 55 to 60 minutes.
  
• If you’re driving, Delft is easy to reach via the A4 motorway. There’s good parking around the center, so you won’t have to stress about finding a spot.

When to go:

Delft is lovely any time of year, but if you’re planning to do the tile painting workshop, make sure you go between Tuesday and Sunday. Spring and summer are great seasons for strolling the canals and soaking up the sunshine.

🔥 Hot Tip:

After your workshop, grab a bite or a coffee at Brasserie1653, right inside the museum. It’s a cozy place with good food, and it’s a great way to unwind before heading back to the city.

8. 🇧🇪Go to Belgium and Visit Bruges 

If you’re up for a little cross-border adventure, spending the day in Bruges is totally worth it. This Belgian gem feels like a real-life fairy tale, with cobblestone streets, dreamy canals, medieval towers, and some of the best chocolate you’ll ever eat. It’s got that magical, romantic vibe—but it’s also super fun and walkable, so you can see a lot in one day.

What to do:

Start in the heart of the city at Markt Square, where colorful buildings and the towering Belfry of Bruges set the scene. If you’re feeling brave, climb the 366 steps to the top for some pretty epic views (and yes, your legs will be sore after, but it’s worth it).

Next, make sure to take a canal boat cruise. The canals in Bruges are way more intimate than in Amsterdam and feel like something out of a storybook. Instead of cruising past tall townhouses and city life, in Bruges you glide past medieval buildings, tiny bridges, and ivy-covered walls. It’s quieter, cozier, and kind of magical- it’s different enough that you won’t feel like you’re doing the same thing twice.

You have to stop for some Belgian chocolate—there are tons of artisanal shops where you can pick up pralines, truffles, and other goodies. And don’t leave without grabbing a waffle (loaded with toppings, of course).

If you’re into history or architecture, check out the Basilica of the Holy Blood. It’s a small but beautiful chapel said to hold a relic of Christ’s blood. Even if that’s not your thing, the building itself is stunning.

How to get there:

• By train: From Amsterdam Centraal, you’ll need to transfer in Brussels or Antwerp. The whole trip takes around 3 to 3.5 hours each way, so it’s best to catch an early morning train to give yourself plenty of time in Bruges.
  
• By car: Driving takes about 3 hours depending on traffic. Parking can be a little tricky in the old town, but there are parking garages just outside the center with easy walking access.
  
• Guided tour: If you don’t want to worry about trains or directions, there are day tours from Amsterdam that include transport and a guide. It’s an easy, stress-free option, especially if you just want to sit back and enjoy the day.

When to go:

Bruges is beautiful all year, but spring and summer are especially nice for walking and canal cruising. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends, so it’s a good idea to go midweek if you can.

🔥 Hot Tip:

The streets in Bruges are gorgeous but super cobbled, so wear comfy walking shoes—your feet will thank you. Also, while most places take cards, it’s handy to have a bit of cash for smaller shops or snack stands.

Best Day Trips from Amsterdam: The Wrap-Up

The beauty of being in Amsterdam isn’t just what’s in the city—it’s how easy it is to escape it. You can be eating cheese in a tiny village, painting pottery in a royal workshop, or strolling a medieval square in another country—all before dinner.

The little towns, hidden gems, and seaside escapes just beyond the city are full of surprises. You don’t need a huge plan—just a bit of curiosity and maybe a train ticket.

So go on, take the detour. These are the kinds of side trips that make your whole trip even better.

About the Author: Taylor Beal, author of Traverse With Taylor, is a travel blogger with a passion for exploring Europe and making travel easier for others. She has spent years discovering the best of destinations like Amsterdam, Scotland, and historic sites across the continent. Through her blog, she shares expert tips and firsthand experiences to help travelers plan with confidence.

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Happy travels!