10 best day trips from Amsterdam to other countries & around

If you are planning a self-guided tour of the Netherlands and want to explore more than what Amsterdam usually sees, then this list of “extremely artistic” attractions below is a suggestion for you. Now, let’s check out 10 best day trips from Amsterdam to other countries and near Amsterdam including best day tours out of Amsterdam in this article!

Amsterdam is not only a city of poetic canals, bustling bicycles or unique art museums. It is also a great starting point for a journey to explore the suburbs of the Netherlands – where every village, windmill or tulip field brings a poetic piece of this beautiful country. From ancient villages like Giethoorn, peaceful countryside like Zaanse Schans, to the colorful cheese town of Alkmaar – your journey will definitely be more complete than ever.

With us, plan your itinerary, hunt for ticket deals, and start your trip to explore the Netherlands like a local!

Relaxing Boating in Giethoorn (#best day trips from amsterdam)

If you have ever dreamed of a place with no dust, no car horns, only blue canals, wooden boats drifting slowly and pretty thatched houses, then Giethoorn is that dream come true. About 2 hours from Amsterdam, this small village in the province of Overijssel is known as the “Silent Venice” of the Netherlands, because the main means of transportation here is… boats!

Giethoorn Day Tour from Amsterdam with Traditional Boat Cruise

You can row your own boat, rent an electric boat or join a motorboat tour of the village. In addition, walking along the wooden bridges, enjoying Dutch apple pie at a canalside restaurant, or visiting the rural museum Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus are also worth trying.

How to get there? Giethoorn does not have a direct train from Amsterdam. You need to take the train to Steenwijk (about 2 hours), then take bus 70 (20 minutes) or a taxi.

We suggest: If you don’t want to waste time transferring stations, you should book a day tour from Amsterdam that includes a shuttle bus – saving effort while still enjoying the full experience.

See the Windmills at Zaanse Schans

Just about 17 minutes by train from Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans is the perfect choice if you want to escape the urban pace of life and immerse yourself in a truly rural Netherlands. Here, hundreds of years old windmills still operate amidst the blue sky and gentle canals – creating a postcard-like scene.

Not only taking photos, you can also go inside the mill, watch the oil pressing or flour milling process like in the old days. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch craftsmen make traditional wooden clogs or taste Dutch cheese at the famous farm in the village.

Zaanse Schans Windmill Village with Cheese Tasting and Clog Factory

Getting there: From Amsterdam Centraal, take the train to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station (17 minutes), then walk about 10 minutes to the village.

Tip: If you’re visiting during the peak season (April–September), arrive early, before 10:00am, to avoid crowds and take “empty” photos.

Stroll the Cobbled Streets of Bruges

If you’re a fan of fairytale cities, Bruges will surely win you over at first sight. Just 3 hours away from Amsterdam, Bruges is a world away: cobblestoned old streets, winding canals, quaint red-brick buildings, and a medieval European vibe.

Join Klook’s day tour to Bruges from Amsterdam, where you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed historic center, then explore it your way: rent a boat to cruise the canals, sample artisanal chocolates, or stop for waffles and coffee at a small cafe next to Markt Square. Don’t forget to stop by the Groeninge Museum if you’re into art, or try some local craft beer at the Biermuseum, which offers a chilled view of the square.

Bruges Guided Tour From Amsterdam

See the City of the Future from the Euromast Tower, Rotterdam

Grand Holland Full Day Tour: Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague…

Just an hour’s drive from Amsterdam, Rotterdam is a stark contrast to the classic Dutch cities. With its innovative modern architecture, Rotterdam is famous for its striking yellow cube houses, the giant horseshoe-shaped Markthal and the artistically curved bridges that span the Nieuwe Maas river.

The must-see? The 185-metre-high Euromast Tower, where you can take in the entirety of Rotterdam and its harbour, and even see as far as 30km if the weather is clear. The best way to explore Rotterdam is with Klook’s Grand Holland Tour – a package that also takes you to Delft, The Hague and Madurodam miniature park!

Cross the Border to Drink Belgian Beer in Brussels

You don’t have to be a beer lover to love Brussels – the Belgian capital is a stylish destination that’s rich in culture and architecture. Take a day trip from Amsterdam to Brussels and explore one of Europe’s most beautiful squares – the Grote Markt – with its 17th-century buildings sparkling in gold.

Day Tour to Brussels Belgium from Amsterdam Including Hotel Pick-Up

The tour also takes you to the Manneken Pis statue, the Atomium – the futuristic symbol of Brussels, and of course there is time for you to stroll, shop or sit in a cafe on the pretty little streets. Don’t forget to bring home a box of premium Belgian chocolates and if you have the chance, try some famous craft beers – from light to strong, full of personality.

Go to Alkmaar – the “Capital” of Cheese with a Unique Market

If you are a fan of cheese – or simply want to witness a market with a strong Dutch tradition, then Alkmaar is a stop not to be missed. This town is famous for its traditional cheese market held right in the central square since the 14th century – where you can see the sight of people carrying cheese on wooden litters, wearing traditional costumes and weighing each wheel of cheese with an ancient bronze scale.

Alkmaar Cheese Market, Canal Cruise & Cheese Farm Guided Day tour

Not only a place for trading, the market is also a “live performance” of ancient Dutch culture. In addition, the area around the market also has many cafes, specialty shops and the Cheese Museum for you to explore more about this iconic dish.

Stroll around the Historic Port of Volendam

Less than 30 minutes from Amsterdam, Volendam is one of the oldest fishing villages in the Netherlands, famous for its typical red-roofed houses, bustling seaport and well-preserved folk culture over time. Walking along the embankment around the port, you will see traditional fishing boats alongside modern sailing boats – creating a scene that is both nostalgic and lively.

Volendam and Zaanse Schans Day Tour from Amsterdam

Visit the Volendams Museum or the smoked eel processing factory to learn more about the lives of ancient coastal residents. And of course, this is also a great place to enjoy fresh seafood right at the local fish market.

Tip: Combine Volendam with a visit to Zaanse Schans and Edam cheese village on a day tour – save time while still experiencing the essence of the Dutch countryside.

Visit Delft and See “Girl with a Pearl Earring”

Located between Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Delft is a city of classic beauty with quiet canals, tall tower churches and especially the famous Delft Blue ceramic heritage. When here, don’t miss the Vermeer Centrum Delft – which recounts the life and career of the famous painter Johannes Vermeer, author of the masterpiece “Girl with a Pearl Earring”.
In addition, take time to explore the 14th-century Nieuwe Kerk church with its 109-meter-high tower – the resting place of the Dutch royal family and one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the region.

Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague Tour from Amsterdam

Check out Klook’s half-day tour combining Delft – The Hague – Rottedam, which not only helps you explore the artistic heritage but also witness the way porcelain is handcrafted at a traditional pottery workshop.

Honoring Peace in The Hague

As the administrative and judicial center of the Netherlands, The Hague (Den Haag) brings a very peaceful feeling with rows of green trees, canals and open sky facing the sea. The most prominent symbol here is the Peace Palace – the headquarters of the International Court of Justice.

This work was completed in 1913, with contributions from many countries – representing the spirit of reconciliation and justice. You can join a tour to visit the part open to the public, explore the architecture that blends Gothic and Neoclassical, and learn about the role of this place in maintaining global peace.

Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague Small Group Tour from Amsterdam

Admire Tulips at Keukenhof – The World’s Most Beautiful Tulip Garden

Opening only a few weeks each year, Keukenhof is a flower paradise that attracts millions of visitors to the Netherlands every spring. It is known as the world’s largest flower garden, with more than 7 million flowers – mainly tulips, artistically arranged among lush green lawns, lakes and poetic winding paths.

Each year Keukenhof has a new theme, new landscape design – so even if you’ve been there before, you still have a reason to come back. In addition to admiring the flowers, you can participate in outdoor art exhibitions, take a boat ride along the flower fields, or visit the old Dutch-style exhibition areas.

Opening time 2025: Expected from March 20 to May 11 (updated annually).

Getting there: From Amsterdam, you can take bus line 852 from RAI station (buy a bus + garden ticket combo on Klook to save money and skip the queues).

Tip: Come on weekday mornings to avoid the crowds. The flowers are at their peak in mid-April!

Tulip Fields DayTour incl Lunch & Windmill, departure from Amsterdam

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Amsterdam you can refer to

• Private Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) Transfers for Amsterdam
• Keukenhof Skip-the-Line Ticket and Direct Transport from Amsterdam
• Keukenhof Gardens Fast Track Entry Ticket with Round Trip Bus Transfers from Amsterdam
• Brussels Day Tour from Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Guided Half Day Tour
• Small Group Full Day Tour to Giethoorn from Amsterdam
• Bruges Day Trip From Amsterdam
• Volendam, Edam & Zaanse Schans Windmill Village Day Tour from Amsterdam
• Giethoorn and Enclosing Dike Day Tour
• Amsterdam City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Boat Pass
• The Rijksmuseum Skip-the-Line Ticket and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass in Amsterdam
• Red Light Secrets Museum and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Public Transport 1-7 Day Ticket
• I amsterdam City Card
• Zaanse Schans Tour with Cheese Tasting Tour from Amsterdam
• Volendam, Marken & Windmills of Zaanse Schans Tour from Amsterdam
• Van Gogh Museum Ticket

Are you looking for more Amsterdam travel guide and top things to do in Amsterdam: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And the Netherlands guide here.