Amsterdam is a compact city, but its surroundings offer destinations that feel a world away. A short train ride takes you to the windmill-studded polders of Kinderdijk, the medieval streets of Utrecht, or the cheese markets of Gouda and Alkmaar. The tulip fields of Keukenhof explode with colour in spring, while the fortified villages of the Dutch Waterline reveal centuries of military engineering. Haarlem’s Grote Markt and Delft’s canals each offer a quieter version of Dutch urban charm. The efficient rail network means you can spend the morning exploring a historic city and the afternoon wandering through dunes or along a sandy beach. Day trips here are effortless.
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In This Article
1. Rotterdam
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For those with a passion for architecture, there is no better day trip from Amsterdam than a trip to Rotterdam. After the city was flattened during World War II, it has been rebuilt into a modern masterpiece of architecture with a wide variety of building structures. Rotterdam houses Europe’s largest port. It is known for its large number of summer festivals and events, including cultural festivals and impressive sporting events such as the Rotterdam Open Judo Championship and the Dutch Open Badminton Championships. The iconic Cube Houses, the Erasmus Bridge, and the Markthal are must-see architectural landmarks that showcase the city’s innovative spirit. A water taxi ride through the harbour offers a unique perspective on this dynamic city.
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\nRotterdam, The Netherlands by Dietmut Teijgeman-Hansen
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2. The Hague
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Head out to The Hague for history, museums, and judicial courts. Although The Hague is not the capital of the Netherlands, it has the seat for the Dutch government and parliament and is the residence of the royal family. There are a variety of palaces, museums, and narrow streets to explore. The Hague does not have Amsterdam’s excitement but instead offers expansive coastline and green space as well as quaint shopping. The Mauritshuis museum houses Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and other masterpieces of Dutch Golden Age painting. The Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice, offers guided tours that explain the building’s role in international law. Scheveningen beach, just tram ride from the city centre, provides seaside restaurants and a long sandy shore.
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3. Haarlem
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For a smaller, more quaint version of Amsterdam, make your way to Haarlem for the day. It is known for having one of the most impressive cathedrals in the Netherlands. Haarlem offers culture, historical architecture, and the internationally famous Dutch bulb fields, giving it the nickname the City of Flowers. While you are there, take a small detour to Zandvoort, which has the best beaches and coastal dunes that the Netherlands has to offer. The Grote Markt square is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, perfect for a relaxing lunch. The Frans Hals Museum showcases the work of the Dutch Golden Age painter and his contemporaries.
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4. Utrecht
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This university town with a charming medieval city centre is another great place to visit. Utrecht is famous for its numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants and one of a kind double-tiered canals. Explore museums, boutique shops, modern architecture, and galleries. There are eleven museums in Utrecht that offer a wide range of collections. If you are visiting on a Sunday, take part in their Cultural Sundays with different events and festivals every month. The city is small enough that you can take in everything on foot. The Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, offers panoramic views after climbing 465 steps. The unique wharf cellars along the Oudegracht canal have been converted into restaurants and bars with terraces right at water level.
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\nUtrecht, The Netherlands by CeBepuH
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5. Bruges, Belgium
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Head out of the Netherlands for a day to the neighbouring Bruges, Belgium for history, lace factories, churches, Begijnhof, and exquisite shopping. Take a tour and sample the beer at the De Halve Maan brewery, which is known for its traditional Brugse Zot. Dating back to 1546, it is made from hops, malt, and yeast. Their guided tour takes you through the history of the brewery and their production process. Bruges offers a wide variety of museums that include collections of classic fine arts, Flemish primitives, archaeological excavations, furniture, silverware, folklore, contemporary art, and more. There is something here for everyone. Finally, while you are in Bruges, you cannot forget to pick up some famous Belgian chocolate. The medieval city centre, a UNESCO World heritage site, is best explored on foot or by canal boat.
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Practical Tips for Day Trips
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When visiting The Netherlands, why not check out the range of short term apartment rentals available in the main cities. There are a number of apartments in Amsterdam for rent to suit any budget. The Dutch rail network is excellent for day trips, with frequent services and reasonable fares. Consider purchasing an OV-chipkaart for easy travel on trains, trams, and buses. The NS day ticket offers unlimited travel for one day and can be great value if you plan to visit multiple destinations. Most train journeys from Amsterdam to nearby cities take between 15 and 45 minutes, making it easy to pack multiple destinations into a single day. Bicycle rental is available at virtually every train station, allowing you to explore your destination like a local.
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What is the best day trip you have ever taken from a major city? 🚂
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