Now Go See It is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Take a trip outside of the city to see more of The Netherlands. All of the listed trips can be done on a fun day trip from Amsterdam or for a more leisurely trip, extend it to a full weekend trip from Amsterdam.

Day Trips From Amsterdam: (Jump To)

There are many great day trips you can take from Amsterdam that will allow you to discover some of the best-kept secrets of the Netherlands. From charming towns and picturesque countryside to historic landmarks and cultural attractions, there's something for everyone just a short train ride away.

View of windmills from bridge in Zaanse Schans - Holland.jpg

See the Windmills at Zaanse Schans

This is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train. It’s also a fun place on two wheels if you’re looking for bike trips from Amsterdam.

Just a short train ride away, visitors can explore the picturesque Dutch countryside and marvel at traditional windmills in the village of Zaanse Schans. This is a great place to rent a bicycle and cycle along the beautiful countryside on one of the numerous paved trails.

See One of The Oldest Dutch Cheese Markets by Visiting Alkmaar

Alkmaar is another great one day train trip from Amsterdam that can easily be paired with Zaanse Schans.

An easy train ride to North Holland will bring you to the small town of Alkmaar. The city is famous for its cheese market, the seasonal market takes place weekly from late spring until early fall. It is one of just four traditional Dutch cheese markets and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

You can easily pair Zaanse Schans and Alkmaar with a full one-day trip from Amsterdam. Read more here.

Cube Houses and Pencil Building in Rotterdam Netherlands

Check out the Architecture in Rotterdam

Trains from Amsterdam to Rotterdam run frequently. In less than an hour, you will arrive at one of Europe’s great cities.

Rotterdam, just 40 minutes away by train has some of the best modern architecture in Europe. Some of the top marvels are the Central Train Station, Markthal, and the famous Cube Houses.

Check out our day trip guide to Rotterdam here.

water reflection Keukenhof Gardens Tulip Gardens South Holland The Netherlands

See the Famous Dutch Tulip Bloom

Taking a tulip tour from Amsterdam is a travel bucket list item.

A visit to Keukenhof Gardens is the best way to see the famous Dutch Tulips. A springtime visit will allow visitors to see millions of colorful tulips in bloom. The gardens are also home to flower shows, events, and modern art sculptures.

Learn more here.

Fairy Tale Forest talking tree at Efteling Theme Park

Visit a Magical Theme Park at Efteling

Well suited for a weekend trip from Amsterdam, this theme park is one of the best family activities in The Netherlands.

Efteling is one of the oldest theme parks in the world. The Fairy Tail Forest, one of the park’s oldest attractions is said to have inspired Walt Disney to create a park of his own. Filled with attractions for all ages from world-class rollercoasters and quaint children’s shows the park is a great way to spend the day.

Read more about our visit to the park here.

Climb the Walls of a Medieval Castle

One of the easiest castles near Amsterdam to reach on public transportation.

Dip a toe into some medieval history with a visit to Muiderslot Castle. The striking 14th-century castle is surrounded by a moat and a small yet beautiful garden. You can visit the castle interiors and climb the castle walls while listening to an engaging audio tour that is complementary with a reasonably priced paid admission.

Learn how to make the easy trip to the castle here.

Walibi Holland the best theme parks in Europe

Tour Like a Local with a Visit to a Regional Theme Park

While there is no amusement park in Amsterdam, visiting Walibi Holland from Amsterdam is easy by bus and train.

Walibi Holland is a former Six Flags park located about 90 minutes from Amsterdam by public transportation. The park is stacked with rollercoasters and other thrill rides. This is a great day trip for teenagers and theme park enthusiasts.

Read all about our day at Walibi Holland here.