For an American, visiting Amsterdam can be a fantastic experience – quite literally. It sparks the imagination and transports you to a Dutch fairytale.
While the canals call you to explore this idyllic city, remember there is much more to see. Venture out to nearby cities and towns, and you will find the charm and beauty of these locations are worth the trip.
Here are the best Amsterdam day trips by train, so you can make the most of your European holiday.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Olena_Z. Image Location: Delft, Netherlands
Delft, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal to Delft: from 45m
Ready to explore a city known for its iconic blue and white pottery? Delft is a charming spot brimming with history and character. Stroll through its cobblestone streets and make sure to visit the Royal Delft factory to see how the famous ceramics are crafted.
But there’s more! Delft is also famous for its beautiful canals, historic buildings, and the Nieuwe Kerk, where members of the Dutch royal family are buried. As you wander around, don’t miss out on the local coffee scene.
Here are a few must-visit spots for a caffeine fix in Delft:
- Koffie & Zo: Located at Peperstraat 17, this cozy coffee shop is known for its stellar brews. People rave about it as the “Best coffee in Delft!”
- TAZZ - de koffiebar van Delft: For those craving a great espresso, TAZZ at Markt 58 is the spot. This espresso bar offers fantastic coffee and a welcoming vibe.
- Kek - De koffiebar van Delft: Head over to Voldersgracht 27 and enjoy the coffee bar that’s got everyone talking. It’s often hailed as the place where people had “the best coffee in the Netherlands.”
Haarlem, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal to Haarlem: from 15m
Once a major North Sea trading port, Haarlem is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture. Wander through its medieval cobblestone streets and admire the gabled houses. Visit the Frans Hals Museum to see works by the famous Dutch Golden Age painter. Modern galleries, quirky museums, and a bustling market square make Haarlem a delightful day trip.
Don’t miss the chance to explore Haarlem's hidden hofjes. These secret courtyards, like Hofje van Bakenes or Hofje van Oorschot, are peaceful oases tucked away behind unassuming doors. Originally built as housing for elderly women, these hofjes feature beautiful secret gardens and charming historical architecture.
Zaanse Schans, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans: from 17m
Step into the past at Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum that brings traditional Dutch life to colorful, windmill-filled reality. Wander among the historic windmills — they’re Instagram gold! — and pop into the clog-making workshop where you can watch wooden shoes come to life.
Don’t miss the chocolate factory — yes, it smells as amazing as you’re imagining. And for a quirky touch, visit the Zaanse Time Museum to see how the Dutch kept track of time back in the day.
This picturesque village offers a fascinating look at Netherlands’ industrial heritage and is a perfect family-friendly destination.
Image Credit: Getty Images, neirfy. Image Location: Binnenhof, The Hague, Netherlands.
The Hague, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal to Den Haag HS: from 48m
A visit to the capital of South Holland province should include the Mauritshuis, a museum filled with fine Dutch paintings, including Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Get a guided tour of the Peace Palace, which houses the United Nations’ International Court of Justice. The Peace Palace also holds works of art from around the world and has a beautiful historic garden.
Finally, stroll the promenade at Scheveningen beach, and enjoy seafood and drinks while watching the waves.
Utrecht, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal to Utrecht Centraal: from 23m
Utrecht is a lively university city where old meets new in the coolest ways. Its canals, lined with wharf cellars that have been converted into cozy cafés and unique shops, are unlike any others in the Netherlands. For a truly unique perspective of the city, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore these split-level canals up close.
Don’t miss climbing the Dom Tower for killer panoramic views, then dive underground with the DOMunder tour to uncover ancient Roman and medieval secrets.
Fancy some tunes? Museum Speelklok’s got you covered with self-playing musical instruments that’ll blow your mind. And if you’re up for a short trip, check out De Haar Castle just outside the city — it’s like stepping into a fairy tale.
Read also: Bridges and brews: a Eurail expedition down the Rhine
Keukenhof, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal to Sassenheim: from 33m, plus bus/taxi ride
If picture-perfect Holland is what you crave, tulips bloom from around late March to mid-May — and Keukenhof tulip gardens is the place to see approximately seven million of these flowers.
Be warned: tickets to see the Keukenhof tulip fields sell out far in advance, with next season’s ticket sales on the Keukenhof webshop starting in mid-October.
There are several ways to get there from Amsterdam;so with good planning, millions of beautiful buds await.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Gouda, Netherlands
Gouda, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal to Gouda: from 50m
Famous for its cheese, stroopwafels, and charming canals, Gouda is a sensory delight. Start your day at the weekly market and witness the traditional cheese trading. Stroll the picturesque streets, marvel at the 15th-century city hall, and don’t forget to check out the stunning stained glass windows in St. Janskerk.
Feeling hungry? Grab a cozy lunch at Lunchcafé Juuls on Markt 10 or dive into some delicious vegan dishes at Miss Nice Banana.
For a sweet treat or a hearty bite, Brownies&downieS Gouda is the place to be. Want more hidden gems? Museum Gouda is packed with historical treasures, and the peaceful De Goudse Hout park is perfect for a nature escape.
Volendam, Netherlands
Amsterdam to Volendam: from 30m by bus 316
Volendam is a charming fishing village near Edam that’s like stepping into a postcard of traditional Dutch life. Stroll through the cute streets, hit up the local fish market, and dig into some fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant. The chill vibes and gorgeous surroundings make it the perfect getaway from city chaos.
While you’re there, take a boat tour to see the village from a different perspective and maybe spot some local wildlife. Visit a clog-making workshop and try your hand at crafting those iconic wooden shoes — you’ll end up with a cool souvenir or at least a funny story. And if you love cheese, a quick trip to nearby Edam for some of their famous cheese is a must.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal: from 39m
While the other cities give you a glimpse into the past, Rotterdam is looking forward. Since much of the city was destroyed during WWII, the city now has some of the most beautiful modern architecture. To get a good view of the city, go up the Euromast observation tower.
Have some lunch at The Markthal, a modern horseshoe-shaped building featuring an arch covering, which offers a fun take on the market square.
If you are more interested in old Holland, you can take a quick bus trip to Kinderdijk village, where you can get a classic Dutch windmill experience.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Nijmegen, Netherlands
Nijmegen, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal to Nijmegen: from 1h 27m
As the oldest city in the Netherlands, Nijmegen boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times. Start your adventure in the historic city center, where cobblestone streets and ancient buildings transport you back in time.
Swing by the Valkhof Museum for a dose of Roman artifacts and medieval treasures. For a unique twist, check out the muZIEum, where you can experience what it’s like to be visually impaired through interactive exhibits.
Don’t miss the beautiful parks, like Kronenburgerpark. for a serene stroll or a lazy picnic. Rent a bike and ride along the scenic Waal River, or even take a boat tour. The stunning views and fresh air will make you fall in love with Nijmegen.
Kinderdijk, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal + bus to Kinderdijk: from 1h 40m
For a quintessential Dutch experience, head to Kinderdijk, a village famous for its 19 windmills. These iconic structures, dating back to the 18th century, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and offer a glimpse into the Netherlands’ rich history of water management. Stroll along the paths and enjoy the stunning views of the windmills against the backdrop of the Dutch countryside.
For a fun twist, check out Museummolen Nederwaard, where you can see how millers lived back in the day — climbing to the top is a workout with a view! And if you’re a nature enthusiast, don’t miss the birdwatching spots near the quiet waterways and reed beds, where you can spy on local wildlife and pretend you’re on a Dutch safari.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium.
Brussels, Belgium
Amsterdam Centraal to Bruxelles-Midi: from 1h 53m
A treasure-trove for gourmands, Brussels delights the palate with its many delectable dishes. Known for seafood, waffles, fries, beer, and chocolate, you will have no trouble finding top-tier restaurants to relax in or street food to carry while exploring some Art Nouveau architecture.
Some notable sights to visit include the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, and the Atomium — an unusual modernist piece of architecture that transports you back to the 1958 World’s Fair.
Finish a long day of walking in the Grand-Place (or Grote Markt) — the main square in Brussels — which is surrounded by late 17th-century buildings and filled with charming cafés and shops.
Antwerp, Belgium
Amsterdam Centraal to Antwerpen-Centraal: from 1h 22m
A highlight for many tourists visiting Europe is the continent’s railway system itself. For Americans with little to no public transportation at home, this is especially true.
When traveling from Amsterdam to Antwerp’s main train station, you’ll be greeted by the “Railway Cathedral” (as it is colloquially known) upon your arrival. Here you’ll start your day at one of the most magnificent railway stations in the world.
Once you’re out of the station, the many museums and galleries await you. Besides, you’re in the birthplace of Flemish icon Peter Paul Rubens.
Antwerp’s Grote Markt, the central plaza surrounded by the splendor of guild houses and the 16th-century City Hall, gives you a place to time travel while relaxing at a café or restaurant.
Image Credit: Getty Images, jan van der Wolf. Image Location: Texel Island, Netherlands.
Texel Island, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal to Den Helder + ferry to Texel Island: from 2h
Texel Island is a nature lover’s paradise, with more sheep than people, stunning sandy beaches, grass-topped dunes, and peaceful forest trails. Rent a bike and explore the island’s diverse landscapes, from the serene beaches to the bustling villages.
But wait, there’s more! Swing by Ecomare, a nature museum and seal sanctuary where you can meet rescued seals and learn about local wildlife.
Feeling thirsty? Check out the Texel Brewery for some locally brewed beers like the famous Texels Skuumkoppe.
Plus, movie buffs can geek out knowing parts of Knockin' on Heaven’s Door were filmed here. Texel promises an adventure packed with quirky surprises and life-changing revelations.
Giethoorn, Netherlands
Amsterdam South to Steenwijk + bus/taxi to Giethoorn: from 2h
Welcome to Giethoorn, often dubbed the “Dutch Venice.” This idyllic village is interlaced with tranquil canals, and the best way to explore it is by boat. Glide past charming thatched-roof cottages and picturesque gardens. If you’re in the mood for a leisurely day, rent a whisper boat and navigate the serene waterways yourself.
Giethoorn offers more than just beautiful scenery and peaceful canals. Be sure to visit the De Oude Aarde Museum, a quaint museum open since 1969, showcasing fascinating fossil and mineral exhibits. It also features a gift shop and activities for children, making it a perfect stop for families.
With its peaceful atmosphere and stunning landscapes, Giethoorn is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Do, however, note that it does not have a train station — the closest one is nearby in Steenwijk, from which you would need to take a bus or taxi to reach the village.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Nick Brundle Photography. Image Location: Bruges, Belgium.
Bruges, Belgium
Amsterdam Centraal to Brugge: from 2h 46m
Once you’ve arrived, explore this gothic Belgian city by boat to take in all its beauty. Let the view from the waterways introduce you to the medieval architecture, which’ll reveal why this city is known as Belgium’s fairytale town.
The Markt, the central square of Bruges, can be found under the famous Belfry Tower, which houses a Salvador Dalí exhibition. The market square is an excellent place to unwind, buy famous Belgian chocolates, and do some people-watching from one of the many restaurants.
For the art lovers, there’s plenty more. In the city that Jan van Eyck called home, you will find Early Netherlandish paintings at Groeninge Museum.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Frolova_Elena. Image Location: Fort Bourtange, Netherlands.
Fort Bourtange, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal to Groningen + bus/taxi to Bourtange: from 3h
Fort Bourtange is a star-shaped fortress that’s like something straight out of a historical novel. Built in the 16th century to fend off the Spanish, this place is now a living museum where history buffs and casual visitors alike can soak up the past. Wander through the perfectly preserved buildings, stroll along the star-shaped ramparts, and imagine life as a soldier defending this strategic point.
Fort Bourtange isn’t just about history; it’s a vibrant, living village. Yep, around 100 people actually live here, giving the fort a unique, lived-in feel. The museums tucked within its walls are packed with cool artifacts and stories that bring the old days to life. And if you time your visit right, you might catch one of the epic historical reenactments or annual festivals that turn the fort into a bustling hub of activity.
Ready to explore the surroundings of Amsterdam and beyond?
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Editor's Note: This article was written by Lena Khokhlova with contributions fromJennifer Gibson.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands.
