Your ultimate guide to day trips from Amsterdam

Distance from Amsterdam: 25 minutes by train or 50 minutes by car

What to pack: Comfortable walking shoes

Pro Tip: If you visit on a Saturday, you can purchase flowers, bulbs, and seeds at the Bloemenmarkt.

For a stunning view of Utrecht, climb the DOM Tower, the tallest belfry in the Netherlands, built at the end of the 14th century. As you approach the tower, you’ll find numerous lunch spots, like Rabarber. On the opposite side of the canal, don’t miss the Museum Speelklok, a delightful museum filled with self-playing musical instruments—great fun for kids!

Distance from Amsterdam: 40 minutes by train or 25 minutes by car

What to wear: Choose clothes that are easy to change if you plan to rent traditional outfits

Pro Tip: Think about pairing your visit to Volendam with a trip to the nearby town of Marken.

Volendam, a quaint fishing village, offers a charming day out filled with unique experiences. It's one of the many Dutch towns where you can discover the art of cheese-making. At the Cheese Factory Volendam, you’ll learn about both the modern processes and the history behind the region's cheese. For lunch, seafood is a must—try eel and kibbeling at Smit Bokkum. You can delve into the town's history at the Volendam Museum. Don’t miss the chance to rent traditional costumes and snap photos at places like Fotograaf Volendam. Make sure to explore the historic De Dijk area while you're there.

Distance from Amsterdam: 1 hour by train or 25 minutes by car.

What to bring: A windbreaker might be useful.

Pro Tip: Consider joining a guided tour of Marken with Rondmarken for fascinating insights and stories.

Just a short ferry ride from Volendam, Marken is a wonderful half-day trip option from Amsterdam. Like many towns, it features its own museum dedicated to its fishing heritage. The Paard van Marken Lighthouse is about a 35-minute walk from the town center, offering stunning views of Markermeer Lake. For lunch or dinner, De Verkeerde Wereld is a fantastic choice.

Distance from Amsterdam: 35 minutes by train or 40 minutes by car

What to pack: Swimwear and beach essentials

Pro Tip: If you're looking for a quieter spot, consider heading a bit further north to Bloemendaal Beach.

Zandvoort is a top choice for coastal day trips from Amsterdam. You can easily spend an entire day enjoying the beach—swimming in the ocean or simply soaking up the sun, with quick breaks for lunch at Het Plein Fast Food. Surfing lessons are available, and you can also visit the Circuit Park Zandvoort Formula 1 track or learn about the local culture at the Zandvoorts Museum. On sunny days, treat yourself to some ice cream at spots like IJssalon Ci Vediamo Zandvoort to cool off.

Distance from Amsterdam: 1 hour by train or 45 minutes by car

What to bring: Swimwear and beach gear

Pro Tip: Enjoy lunch on the beach at Het Strandhuis Restaurant.

Located north of Zandvoort, Wijk aan Zee is an excellent beach choice for surfers visiting Amsterdam. Ozlines provides surf lessons and rentals for those wanting to hit the waves. If surfing isn't your thing, you can still enjoy the gentle surf or take a leisurely stroll along the soft sandy beach.

Distance from Amsterdam: 3 hours by train

What to wear: Comfortable clothing and walking shoes

Pro Tip: The Musea Brugge Card grants access to Bruges' top attractions.

Bruges boasts remarkably well-preserved medieval architecture, and its entire city center is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. During a day trip from Amsterdam to Bruges, you can cover the must-see sights in just one day. Don’t miss the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a stunning Gothic church from the 12th century, and the Groeningemuseum, home to centuries of Belgian art. For more ideas on what to do and where to eat, take a look at our guide to Bruges.

Distance from Amsterdam: 2 hours by train

What to wear: Layers are advisable, as you'll likely alternate between indoor and outdoor attractions.

Pro Tip: The Brussels Card Pass provides access to numerous museums and includes free public transport.

For a stunning view of Brussels, visit the Atomium, originally constructed for the 1958 World Fair. Spend some time at the Grand-Place market square, admiring the beautiful architecture of the guild halls, before enjoying a meal at the cozy L’Ana Thème nearby. If you're aiming to maximize your sightseeing in one day, check out Brussels' open-air museum, Mini Europe, where you can see iconic attractions from various EU countries, all recreated at a 1:25 scale.