Side quests
Day trips from Amsterdam
7 easy escapes, most by public transport.
Photo: Michielverbeek / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
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The Netherlands is small and the trains are frequent, so lots of great day trips take under an hour. Times below are approximate. Check the NS journey planner for your date.
Side quest 1
Zaanse Schans
Historic windmills and wooden houses by the river.
- How to get there
- Train to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, then a short walk
- Travel time
- About 20 min by train
Side quest 2
Haarlem
A beautiful old town with the Frans Hals Museum and a big market square. Like a calmer Amsterdam.
- How to get there
- Direct train from Amsterdam Centraal
- Travel time
- About 15 min
Side quest 3
Volendam & Marken
Fishing-village harbour, smoked fish, and traditional wooden houses on Marken.
- How to get there
- Bus from Amsterdam Centraal (Noord side)
- Travel time
- About 30–40 min
Side quest 4
Keukenhof (spring only)
Millions of tulips. Open for a few weeks each spring only, so check this year’s dates.
- How to get there
- Combi ticket with a bus from Schiphol or the city, or a tour
- Travel time
- About 45–60 min
Side quest 5
Utrecht
Two-level canals with wharf cellars, the Dom Tower and a student vibe.
- How to get there
- Direct train from Amsterdam Centraal
- Travel time
- About 25–30 min
Side quest 6
Rotterdam
Bold modern architecture: the Cube Houses, the Markthal and the harbour.
- How to get there
- Intercity Direct train
- Travel time
- About 40 min
Side quest 7
Giethoorn
The car-free “Dutch Venice” of canals and thatched farmhouses. A long day.
- How to get there
- Train to Steenwijk, then a bus (or a tour)
- Travel time
- About 2 hours each way
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