6 fantastic day trips from Amsterdam featuring canals, windmills, modern architecture, and more

Small yet well-connected, the Netherlands is a delight to discover, with much of the country easily reachable as a day trip from Amsterdam.

From the remarkable museums in The Hague to the sandy shores of Zandvoort and the operational windmills of Zaanse Schans, these are just a few of the amazing attractions within an hour’s reach of the city—some of the best day trips from Amsterdam.

1. Immerse yourself in the royal atmosphere of Den Haag (The Hague)

Travel duration: 45 minutes

Though Amsterdam holds the title of the Dutch capital, ’s-Gravenhage (the Count’s Hedge), commonly known as Den Haag (The Hague), serves as the center of government and the royal family. By the sparkling Hofvijver lake, the Binnenhof complex stands as the oldest parliamentary building in the world still in active use. Its 13th-century Ridderzaal houses the throne where the Dutch monarch annually addresses both houses of parliament.

For an extra dose of royal charm, visit the remarkable Mauritshuis, home to works by Dutch masters that constitute the 800-piece Royal Picture Collection. You might also explore the former royal palace Lange Voorhout, now featuring Escher in Het Paleis, showcasing the mind-bending art of Dutch graphic artist MC Escher. Alternatively, spend a leisurely afternoon at one of the many canal-side cafés, where you’ll be treated like royalty.

Getting to Den Haag from Amsterdam: Located southwest of Amsterdam, Den Haag is about an hour's drive away. Trains depart from Amsterdam Sloterdijk (journey time: 45 minutes) and Amsterdam Zuid (journey time: 38 minutes) to Den Haag Centraal. The city is also well linked to Delft and Rotterdam.

2. Immerse yourself in culture in Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt

Travel duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Adorned with canals flanked by charming 17th-century gabled buildings and interwoven with bridges, the bustling city of Leiden is an ideal spot for a cultural experience. As home to the Netherlands' oldest university, established in 1575, it is also renowned as the birthplace of Rembrandt. The Museum De Lakenhal, which underwent a remarkable renovation and expansion in 2019, showcases many of the artist's renowned works, including The Spectacles Pedlar, alongside pieces by various other Dutch masters.

In another location, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden showcases ancient artifacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Etruria, while the Museum Volkenkunde is devoted to ethnology, featuring cultural treasures from around the globe that narrate humanity’s shared history.

After indulging in culture at the museums and galleries, visit the stunning Hortus Botanicus Leiden, one of Europe’s oldest botanical gardens, where you can admire (and enjoy the scent of) vibrant blooms from various parts of the world.

Getting to Leiden from Amsterdam: Situated southwest of Amsterdam, Leiden can be reached in about an hour by car. Trains operate from Amsterdam Sloterdijk (travel time: 30 minutes) and Amsterdam Zuid (travel time: 23 minutes) to Leiden Centraal station.

3. Bring your kids to experience the windmills at Zaanse Schans

Travel duration: 15 to 25 minutes

Visitors of all ages will relish an afternoon at Zaanse Schans, but younger travelers will particularly enjoy watching the creaking sails of its six authentic windmills in action, making it an excellent day-trip destination for families. This captivating site also features a recreated 17th-century village with traditional buildings from across the Netherlands, including a clog factory and the workshops of a cheesemaker and pewter smith. The nearby Zaans Museum explores the history of the Netherlands' earliest mills. After your visit, you can take a quick 5-minute riverboat ride back to the station.

Getting to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam: Located north of Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans is about a 25-minute drive away. Alternatively, you can take the Sprinter train from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans (journey time: 12 minutes) and then walk 1.5 km (1 mile) to Zaanse Schans. During the summer months, ferries also operate between Amsterdam and Zaanse Schans.

4. Explore the modern architecture of Rotterdam

Travel duration: 1 hour

In stark contrast to the historic cities of the Netherlands, Rotterdam was devastated during WWII. Over the years of rebuilding, the city evolved into a vibrant showcase of modern and contemporary architecture. Design enthusiasts should not miss sites like the Overblaak Development, featuring its pencil-shaped tower and a ‘forest’ of elevated, uniquely angled cube houses, one of which serves as a museum demonstrating what life inside is like. The bowl-shaped Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen boasts a mirrored façade and a rooftop restaurant surrounded by greenery. The horseshoe-shaped Markthal, a grand covered food market, features dining options beneath a curving ceiling adorned with oversized murals of fruits and vegetables, making it an eye-catching stop for lunch.

A fantastic way to experience the city is by taking a water taxi, with 50 docks scattered throughout. For specialized architecture tours, De Rotterdam Tours and Urban Guides offer excellent options.

Traveling to Rotterdam from Amsterdam: Located south of Amsterdam, Rotterdam is just over an hour away by car. Fast Intercity Direct trains link Amsterdam Zuid (travel time: one hour) and Amsterdam Sloterdijk (travel time: one hour and 10 minutes) to Rotterdam's Centraal Station. The city also has direct connections to Delft and Den Haag.

5. Experience the essence of Holland’s Golden Age in Delft

Travel duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Radiating from its grand market square, the charming, canal-laced heart of Delft has remained largely unchanged since the artist Johannes Vermeer thrived here, creating iconic works like Girl with a Pearl Earring during the Netherlands’ 17th-century Golden Age. Although his original pieces aren’t exhibited in his birthplace, reproductions can be found at the Vermeer Centrum Delft.

You can also visit the painter’s final resting place within the 13th-century Oude Kerk church, affectionately known as “Scheve Jan” (“Leaning John”) because of its tilted tower. In contrast, the Nieuwe Kerk (or “new church”) was constructed between 1381 and 1655. Climbing its 376 steps rewards you with breathtaking views.

Delft is renowned for its blue-and-white porcelain. Take a tour of a Delftware factory like the famous Royal Delft, where you can participate in workshops to paint your own tiles and other items.

Getting to Delft from Amsterdam: Situated southwest of Amsterdam in the heart of South Holland, Delft is about an hour away by car. Direct trains depart from Amsterdam Zuid (journey time: 45 minutes) and Amsterdam Sloterdijk (journey time: one hour) to Delft.

6. Experience both city life and beach relaxation with a visit to Haarlem and Zandvoort

Travel duration: 20 to 35 minutes

Just 20 km (12 miles) from Amsterdam, Haarlem retains its medieval allure. Its maze of cobblestone streets revolves around the bustling Grote Markt, which is dominated by the Grote Kerk van St Bavo. With a towering steeple that reaches 50 meters (164 feet), this Gothic church is home to one of the finest organs in the world, famously played by a 10-year-old Mozart. Concerts are typically held on Tuesday evenings and Thursday afternoons, with tickets priced at only €4 each.

Stretching between Haarlem and the sandy coastal dunes is Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, where red foxes, fallow deer, and a variety of bird species roam. Just beyond lies the bustling seaside resort of Zandvoort, often referred to as “Amsterdam Beach,” a popular destination for sunbathing during summer. Public transport connects from Haarlem, but exploring both the park and coastline by standard or electric bike is the most enjoyable option.

Traveling from Amsterdam to Haarlem: Located to the west of Amsterdam, Haarlem can be reached in about 35 minutes by car. Alternatively, visitors can catch the Sprinter train from Amsterdam Centraal to Haarlem, with a travel time of approximately 20 minutes.