11 Unmissable Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train

Amsterdam is one of the best cities forday trips in Europe, because in the Netherlands, everything feels just around the corner… . This small but beautiful country is packed with fairytale villages and most of them are less than an hour away. That’s why we love taking day trips from Amsterdam.

You can basically explore the whole country in around 4 hours, meaning that you can have your morning’s coffee in Amsterdam and be exploring windmills before lunch. And the best part? No car needed. Amsterdam has a perfect public transport system, so you just have to hop on a train and sit back

A Short Note: Through years we traveled a lot in Netherlands and this guide is about the most charming villages and cities we visited from Amsterdam ourselves. Also check our Ultimate Guide for best things to do in Amsterdam, what to eat and where to stay.

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Cheat Sheet: Best Day trips from Amsterdam

If you don’t have time to read the full post, here is a quick cheat sheet for the top 5 day trips from Amsterdam. You can find more details in the post.  

If you’re short on time, here is a summery of the best day-trips from Amsterdam:

For First-Timer: Zaanse Schanse, Volendam & Marken

For Urban travelers: The Hague, Rotterdam & Delft

Half Day Trips (15 min): Zaandem or Haarlem from Amsterdam

Day Trips to another Country: Antwerp, Cologne, Bruges

In this travel guide, I’ll show you my favorite 10 unmissable day trips from Amsterdam by train and by car. We’ll also show you how to travel by train from Amsterdam or for some of them by car. So let’s dive in!

Best Day Trips from Amsterdam to another city

1. Marken & Volendam: Dreamy Fishing Villages

Let’s start with Volendam and how cute a village can be. Those colorful small Dutch houses and fishing boats by the water, makes you think you’re in a fairytale story. Really… that’s exactly the feeling I have when I’m visiting Netherlands. As a cheese lover, this is your paradise too.

These two villages are so close to each other that you can easily visit both on the same day.

Marken is quieter, smaller, and has a charming vibe, while Volendam is livelier with more cafés and souvenir shops.

It’s actually a small peninsula in the Markermeer and you can get there from Volendam with a ferry in 30 minutes. 

Volendam’s harbor is lined with colorful houses and the sound of seagulls gives it a kind of cinematic scenery.

Tips: A Camera is a must here and surely a jacket. Like most of the other parts of Netherlands, these villages are both by the water and often windy. It’s one of my favorite day trips from Amsterdam and the most instagrammable one.

So how to get there

There are no direct trains to Volendam. You can take the bus 316 from Amsterdam Centraal Station. Every 15-20 minutes a bus departs from Amsterdam to Volendam and the ride is about 30-40 minutes. The final stop is Volendam centrum and you’re in the middle of the city.

If you prefer to travel by train, take the train from Amsterdam centraal to Purmerend which takes 20 minutes. From there you’ll need to get a local bus to Volendan which is around 10-15 minutes ride. But honestly taking the bus is a much faster and easier way.   

We usually wake up early and get the bus at 9:00 am to avoid the crowd. That’s because these two villages are touristy and the earlier you arrive, the more you can enjoy the nature.

Getting a Tour: If you’re only in Amsterdamnfor a short trip but still want to visit 3-4 villages, we recommend to get a day-trip tour from Amsterdam and visit Volendam, Marken and Zaanse Schans. It’s not just faster and more comfortable, but even might be cheaper than by train. Book here!  

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What to do in Volendam and Marken:

The first thing we normally do is to get a coffee while sitting at one of those cozy harbor cafés, watching the boats. Don’t forget to try a herring sandwich even if you’re like me and don’t like a row fish… Why? Fresh from the water ( with onions), is something I wasn’t sure about at first, but OMG… loved every bite of it. 

Also Volendam Museum is a must-visit and you can see from traditional costumes to the quirky “Cigar Band House,” it’s full of surprises.

Oh, and you can’t leave without taking the classic photo in Dutch costume — yes, it’s touristy, but it’s honestly so much fun (and makes for a great memory).

Another one of my favorite stops is the Cheese Factory Volendam. You can actually watch how cheese is made, taste samples of everything from young Gouda to aged Edam, and leave with a little wedge (or two) for the road.

Also Volendam Museum is a must-visit. You can see from traditional costumes to the quirky “Cigar Band House,” it’s full of surprises. Oh, and you can’t leave without taking the classic photo in Dutch costume. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s honestly so much fun (and makes for a great memory).

It’s also fantastic to visit the Wooden Shoe Factory and learn how clogs are made. We love this village getaway as a day trip from Amsterdam.

Pro Tip for Bikers: If the weather is good, rent a bike and explore the coastal line cycling.. The Views are just stunning.

Visit Marken:

After exploring around Haven, just take the mini ferry across the water to Marken. And if you’re with a tour, it’s all included. This is a true Dutch gem, if you ask us. We love this quiet island village with wooden green houses. It’s truly like a postcard. 

Marken and Volendam are one of our favorite small  towns near Amsterdam.

Our favorite place to visit there is a small lighthouse at the edge of Marken, known as Het Paard van Marken.

You can have the whole view of the IJsselmeer to yourself. 

2. Utrecht – A lively Historic Canal City

Utrecht is such a lively city and the first thing we do is just to walk along the Oudegracht Canal. What I love about this city is that the canals are built below the street level. But why? They built the storage houses underneath the canal, so that it was easier to deliver goods with the boats directly to the houses. 

Today those storage houses are turned into restaurants and cafes and you don’t want to miss having a cozy lunch or dinner directly by the canal.  I usually start my day with a coffee on the lower canal terraces. Then walk over to Dom Tower and explore the city.

How to get there 

Getting to Utrecht from Amsterdam is quick and easy. Trains run frequently from Amsterdam Centraal to Utrecht Centraal, with the fastest Intercity trains taking about 25 minutes.

A one-way ticket costs around €9–€11, and no transfers are needed. Once you arrive the city center is only a 5-minute walk from the station. You won’t need buses or trams for the main sights. Utrecht is a fantastic day trips from Amsterdam, if you love to see more cities in Netherlands.

Pro Tip: We love to have early dinner in Utrecht. There’s something magical in sitting so close to the canals and having that candle dinner by the water. So we recommend staying for dinner at Oudegracht before heading back. 

Our favorite restaurants with view are: Silk Road (Asian-fusion restaurant) and Blij aan de Vecht (French-inspired) offer fantastic food with beautiful canal-side views. We recommend to book in advance.

What to see and do in Utrecht

The Dom Tower is without a doubt Utrecht’s most famous landmark — and honestly, it’s impossible to miss it. Standing at 112 meters, it’s the tallest church tower in the Netherlands.

I also love the history behind it, as the tower was once connected to a cathedral, but a storm in 1674 destroyed the nave and left the tower standing alone.

That’s why it feels so dramatic when you look up at it from the square.

It can be seen from all around the city and there are 465 steps to climb to the top (which is honestly a bit of a workout, but definitely worth every step. 

Next to the tower is Dom Church also known as St. Martin’s Cathedral. My favorite part is the Pandhof, which is a quiet courtyard garden behind it for a little break in the middle of the sightseeing. It’s truly like a paradise with birds chirping, flowers blooming, and the tall arches framing the sky. 

Also take a walk along the Oudegracht Canal with its street above and the old wharfs below with cafés, wine bars, and restaurants. You can also hop on a canal boat tour if you have time.

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De Haar Castle

If you’re visiting Utrecht, De Haar Castle (Kasteel de Haar) is definitely a must-visit to add to your list. It’s only about 20 minutes from the city and is often called the most beautiful castle in the Netherlands. You can also just do De Haar Castle tours from Amsterdam as a day trip.

The original structure dates back to the 14th century, but it was completely rebuilt in the 1800s by the Van Zuylen family with support from the Rothschilds. Inside, you’ll see richly decorated rooms, paintings, and antique furniture that show how wealthy Dutch nobility lived.

To get there it’s easy. You can just hop on the sprinter from Utrecht Centraal toward The Hague and get off at Vleuten (about 10 minutes). Then catch bus 127 (or in summer/weekends the direct bus 111) to Haarzuilens. The bus stop is a short walk from the entrance.

Pro Tip: You can book your tickets online and in summer they sell out fast. Don’t skip the rose garden, specially if you’re visiting the castle in spring. Book your ticket Here.

Visiting Utrecht with kids

If you love trains or are traveling with family, don’t miss the Railway Museum (Spoorwegmuseum). This museum is located in a former station and it’s one of the best train museums in Europe. We even did a short train ride within the museum itself and if you have kids, they’ll love it. 

If you want a hotel with nice panoramic view over Amsterdam and away from the Amsterdam City noise, stay in Amsterdam Rai. You’ll reach Amsterdam Centraal in 10 minutes with metro. We stayed this time at Hotel Nhow Rai and we quite enjoyed it.

Pro Tip: Before we start with the next 3 days, we recommend to visit Rotterdam, Hague and Delft together in one day. They are all beautiful and very close to each other. You can either travel by train from Amsterdam Centraal Station, or get a day tour for all 3 cities. Here is the link for the tour.

3. Rotterdam is completely different

Rotterdam is completely different than anywhere else in the Netherlands. Because there are no classic gabled houses and no winding canals but instead you’ll seemodern architecture, fast food and cool city vibes.

But why is Rotterdam so modern? Because it was completely destroyed during World War II, and instead of rebuilding it to look like the past, the Dutch decided to design a city that looks toward the future. Rotterdam also has one of the largest ports in the world and yes it’s really huge.

How to Get to Rotterdam from Amsterdam 

The easiest and fastest way to get to Rotterdam from Amsterdam is by taking the Intercity Direct train from Amsterdam Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal. The journey takes around 40 minutes.

If you’re on a budget, FlixBus offers direct routes between the two cities, with fares starting from €3–€7 when booked in advance. Check the prices here. You can easily put Rotterdam, Delft and Hague on a day-trip plan from Amsterdam.

Top Things to See in Rotterdam

The first thing I always do when I get to Rotterdam is head straight to the Erasmus Bridge. The locals call it “The Swan,” as the locals call it because of it’s shape. We love to walk across it and take photos, as it gives me the feeling of stepping onto a movie set.  

Right after that, I usually make my way to Markthal, because honestly… food. This place is the best foodie place in Rotterdam and you can always find new things. My favorites are Fresh Bread by Le Perron and Gouda Cheese by Henri Willig. A Stroopwafel by Goudstroop Stroopwafels is a must-have.

Just a short walk from there are the famous Cube Houses which are bright yellow, tilted houses that look like they’ve been pulled out of a LEGO world.

The fun thing is that you can also go inside the Show Cube to visit one of the houses that shows how people actually live in there.

The best Look-out in the city is the Euromast Tower, where you can get a 360° view of the whole city. The ticket is around $18 and you can book it online here. Also if you have more time, a cruise tour of the port is stunning This is Europe’s biggest harbor and the views are fantastic. You get the tickets here.

4. Zaanse Schans – Windmills, Wonka & Cheese

The only problem you might have in Zaanse Schans is where to find the chocolate. And that’s because the moment you step out of the train, you smell chocolate all over the road, till you reach the windmills. You basically feel like you’re in Wonka film. 

I know that might be surprising- as it was for us- but the Netherlands is actually one of the largest Cocoa processing regions in the world. Also the view from the bridge is like a post card. You walk down to the village from the train station – green village houses, little windmills and rivers. 

Yes, a true Dutch farm life rounded with chocolate and cheese. I truly didn’t want to leave. And It wasn’t one of those overhyped Instagram spots that look better on camera than in real life. Zaanse Schans is genuinely beautiful and like a fairytale. After Volendam, this is the best day trip from Amsterdam.

How to get there from Amsterdam

The easiest way to reach Zaanse Schans is by train. From Amsterdam Centraal, hop on a train to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station and in 20 minutes you’re there. We walked from the station to the windmills around 10-minute with signs leading you straight to the village. 

If you prefer not to walk from the train station, there’s also a super easy bus option to reach Zaanse Schans directly from Amsterdam Centraal. Just head to the bus station on the IJ-side of Centraal Station (the back side facing the water) and hop on Bus 391. In 40 minutes you’re in Zaanse Schans.

Pro tip: Arrive before 10 a.m. to beat the tour buses during the high-season. The early morning light, the smell of chocolate in the air, and the quiet streets make it feel completely different than later in the day.

If you want to see more of the Dutch countryside and visiting Asterdam only for 3-4 days, I definitely recommend to visit Zaanse Schans and Zaandam For more convenience you can also get a tour which is around $50. More details and booking link here. 

What to do in Zaanse Schans

Windmills

As I heard about the windmills, I just thought we can visit them from outside and didn’t expect that they are still working and you can visit them from inside. My favorite was De Kat, which is the only wind-powered paint mill in the world. It still grinds pigments for artist paints. Also Climb up to the deck and enjoy the view.

We also visited the De Zoeker which is an oil mill. You can see the old machinery crush seeds and press oil the old-fashioned way. Another lovely one is the Het Jonge Schaap, and if you’re curious about how wood was processed centuries ago, here is the place to find out.

Cheese & Clog

Then there’s the Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm, which is a must visit in Zaanse Schans even if you’renot a cheese lover. You can walk right into the tasting room and try endless varieties of Gouda — classic, aged, truffle, pesto.

What makes it so special is that they actually make the cheese on site, so it’s not just a tourist stop. And the good news is that we could also buy 2 packs, because you can keep it out of the fridge for about a week, and we could easily bring it with us to Toronto. 

After a short walk from the cutest bridge you’ve ever seen, you’ll pass the lambs and the cozy farm and at the back side of the river, you’ll find the clog workshop. Yes, you can see how the wooden shoes are made in a minute. It’s a quick demo, but it’s fun. Also don’t forget to take the photo outside with the heart-clogs

Blik op Cacao

And the highlight of the day is the Blik op Cacao  — where you can make your own hot chocolate and eat the best home-made cakes in a cozy Dutch house.

It’s an experience shop inspired by the view of the nearby Olam Cocoa factory where cocoa has been processed for centuries and it’s one of the biggest Cacao processing factories in the world. 

Another related highlight is the Verkade Experience inside the Zaans Museum. You’ll find the history of the chocolate and biscuit factory that gives you the feeling of Wonda. 

Zaandam

After exploring Zaanse Schans, we normally make a short stop in Zaandam which is only 15 min away from Amsterdam on the way back.

The highlight here is the fantastic Lego-like architecture of Inntel Hotel Zaandam from the stacked green houses. Best time for photography is at the sunset.

You can also take a walk along Gedempte Gracht, Zaandam’s main shopping street before heading back to Amsterdam.

5. Haarlem: it’s a mini Amsterdam

Haarlem is the capital of North Holland and it’s full of museums, flowers, canals and windmills, which makes it a perfect place for photography. This beautiful medieval city is just a 20 minutes train ride from Amsterdam and it’s definitely worth to do a day trip from Amsterdam to visit.

Pro Tip: Although Haarlem is beautiful year-round, spring is extra special because it’s close to the Bollenstreek flower fields and Keukenhof Gardens. We normally combine these all together. We recommend getting a tour, as it might be cheaper from going by bus or train. Here is our favorite. 

How to Get to Haarlem

Just hop on a train from Amsterdam Centraal (they leave several times per hour), and the ride takes about 15–20 minutes. The station is just a short walk from the old town.

If you want a more scenic route, you can even bike to Haarlem from Amsterdam in about an hour and a half, passing through beautiful Dutch countryside. We love to do that in Spring and it’s sooooo dreamy!

If you’re planning to stay in Amsterdam and don’t know where to stay, here are our top Hotel recommendations:

• Best Hotels in Amsterdam: Andaz Amsterdam, Pinsengracht ($$$), Hotel Jakarta ($$$$), Hotel JL No 76 ($$), Hotel Nhow ($$$)

What to See in Haarlem

Visit the Grote Markt which is the city’s main square and it’s full of historic buildings, cute cafés, and little shops. I love to sit there for hours with my coffee and enjoy the medieval architecture of  St. Bavo Church. This church with its impressive Gothic structure is where a ten-year-old Mozart once played.

A few minutes away sits Windmill De Adriaan, probably one of the most photographed spots in Haarlem. This windmill, located beautifully along the river, is open to visit for a small fee and you can see the fascinating history, and climb up to the platform.

Best Museums in Haarlem

As you might know me, I love museums and arts, so if you’re like me, visiting Frans Hals Museum is a must. Frans Hals was one of the great painters of the Dutch Golden Age, and even if you’re not a museum buff, the building itself is a gem with it’s courtyards and timeless Dutch charm. I love this museum and can wander for hours there. 

Another time treasure is the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands. This place is a real hidden gem. There are old globes, fossils, instruments, and paintings, and stepping inside honestly feels like entering an old explorer’s cabinet.

Pro Tip: head to Haarlem’s Grote Houtstraat when you’re done with sightseeing and walk down its canal paths. It’s the best place for slow shopping or just wandering. The boutiques here are small and local, and the canals are so beautiful and perfect for the photos.

6. Delft – The city of Blue Ceramics

The first time I arrived in Delft, I honestly didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. It might feel small and cozy, but it has a big story behind it. It’s one of the country’s most famous thanks to its blue pottery. That iconic blue-and-white ceramic you’ve probably seen on plates, tiles, and vases.

You’ll immediately realize that you’re in a city with a young and lively vibe, as it’s home to TU Delft (Delft University of Technology), one of the top technical universities in Europe. It’s also the birthplace of Johannes Vermeer, the painter behind Girl with a Pearl Earring. We definitely felt that artistic, historic vibe in the air.

How to Get to Delft from Amsterdam

The easiest way to reach Delft is by train. We took the train from Amsterdam Centraal, it takes around 1 hour to reach Delft Station. It’s even closer from the Schiphol Airport. The Delft train station is right next to the old town, so you just walk straight into the historic center. 

Pro Tip: Combine Delft with visiting the Hague (the city of Peace). As a day trip from Amsterdam it’s convenient. They’re only 10 minutes apart by train and the Hague is definitely worth a visit. There are also tours from Amsterdam that might be cheaper than getting several train tickets. Check here for the best options.

What to do in Delft

Start your visit at the Markt, which is the cutest main square with all those little houses. On one end you have the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) — not really new, built in the 14th century.

We climbed the tower, as the weather was amazing at the time of our visit and you can even see The Hague and Rotterdam on a clear day. There’s a small entrance fee of €6. 

Right across from it is the Stadhuis (Town Hall), another gorgeous Renaissance building that was built in the 13th century and  This square is also where most of Delft’s events, markets, and festivals happen, so if you’re visiting in spring or summer, chances are there’ll be something going on. 

A short walk away is the Oude Kerk (Old Church), which leans slightly to the side (yes, really). It’s the resting place of Vermeer himself and many members of the Dutch royal family. A short visit is definitely worth it as it’s the resting place of this fantastic artist. 

Delft Blue Pottery

Yessss you can see that blue all over the place and even on the cakes. My favorite place to go is the Royal Delft (De Porceleyne Fles) which is the oldest surviving Delftware factory, operating since 1653.

We joined one of their short workshops this time. You can see how the pottery is made and painted in detail and you can directly buy some pieces from the factory itself.

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7. The Hague (Den Haag) – Peace & Politics

The Hague is the third biggest city in the Netherlands and it should be on your list of day trips from Amsterdam. We love it as it’s an elegant but at the same time easy-going city with royal palaces, international courts, fantastic museums, and…even a beach. Yes, the real North Sea beach is just a short tram ride from the city center.

Also it’s the political center of the country as it’s the seat of the Dutch government, the home of the Royal Family’s working palace, and the UN’s International Court of Justice. So let’s dive in! It’s also known as the International City of Peace and Justice. Why? because of the many international courts and organizations based here.

Where to stay: If you’re planning to stay in the Hague, our favorite hotel there is the “Hilton the Hague”. It’s an elegant comfortable hotel very close to the city’s best attractions. It’s a mid-range hotel with high quality standards. We loved our stay there. 

What to See in The Hague

Must-Visit Museums & Buildings

Our first stop was at the Binnenhof & Ridderzaal (Knight’s Hall), which is basically the Dutch Parliament. I have to say that this is one of the most beautiful government buildings in Europe, with a big reflecting pond in front that makes it beautiful for photography. 

You can walk freely around the courtyard for free, but To go inside the Parliament buildings, you need to get a guided tour on their official website online. Here is the link. The Access depends on the parliamentary schedule and security rules, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

Our next stop is the Mauritshuis Museum, which is just a few steps from Binnenhof. This museum is the home to the most famous paintings of the Dutch Golden Age including Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” but the museum also has works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and others, you’ll need about an hour there. The ticket is €20.00 and you can book online in advance! …A must-Visit.

Palaces and Beaches:

Another must-Visit building is the Peace Palace (Vredespaleis). You can’t always go inside, but the visitors’ center offers exhibitions about its history, and the gardens are worth a short walk. It’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city. 

For a more romantic honeymoon feeling In Amsterdam, we suggest to book a dinner cruise. The lights along the Amsterdam Canals are dreamy at night. Check out the best Evening Cruise in Amsterdam here.

Another must-visit is the Noordeinde Palace, which is the working palace of the Dutch King. Although you can’t enter the palace, the gardens behind it are open to the public and it’s definitely worth a visit.

If you have more time to spend in this beautiful city, then you should visit the one and only Scheveningen Beach. Just hop on tram line 1 or 9 from the city center, and within 15 minutes you’re at the Scheveningen coast. There’s a long sandy beach, a pier with restaurants and cafés, and even a Ferris wheel. 

How to Get to The Hague from Amsterdam

We just took the Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal and that’s the easiest way. It only takes about 50 minutes. Once you arrive at Den Haag Centraal station, you’re actually in the middle of the city and all the historical sights are just a 10–15 minute walk away.

The ticket for Intercity is not cheap, that’s why we recommend you to get a tour if you want to visit The Hague, Rotterdam and Delft in one day.

That might be cheaper than taking the train and also more comfortable. 

While you can also take a slower Sprinter train, the Intercity is the best choice for a quick day trip, if you don’t have that much time. It costs around €14.40 for one way. For a more budget friendly option you can also book a Flixbus which takes you to Den Haag Central in around 50 minutes. Tickets can cost around €3 if you book in advance.

Best way to book train tickets in Europe: When we travel around Europe, we usually book our train tickets through Omio. Since we often move from town to town, it’s much easier to manage everything in one app. You can also easily compare prices and many tickets can be canceled or changed easily.

8. Zandvoort aan Zee: Beach & Sun 

We actually discovered this city on one of our road trips in summer 2 years ago. If you’re in Amsterdam in summer and like to enjoy a beach-day, then Zaandvoort aan Zee is a perfect place. It’s a beautiful, clean North Sea beach in just 30 minutes. 

Zaandvoort is one of those lovely seaside towns in the Netherlands and locals love it. It’s a great  day trip in summer from Amsterdam. Also the town is famous for its beach clubs. 

How to Get to Zaandvoort

Getting to Zandvoort aan Zee is super easy. Just take a direct train from Amsterdam Centraal, which runs several times an hour and takes around 30 minutes. The best part? The train station is right next to the beach: it’s literally a two-minute walk from platform to sand.

If you prefer to drive, parking is available, but on sunny days it can get crowded, so the train is usually the smartest choice.

What to See and Do in Zaandvoort

The beach is, of course, the star of the show here. It stretches for kilometers and is lined with cozy beach clubs and cafés. Some of my favorite spots there are Ubuntu Beach, Hippie Fish, and Tijn Akersloot — all of them have a relaxed, boho vibe with comfy lounge chairs, fire pits, and sunset views that are hard to beat.

If you want a bit more action, Zaandvoort is also great for water sports like kite surfing, paddleboarding, or even a quick swim (on warmer days, of course). Just behind the beach, the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is a great hiking and cycling trail through the forest.

You can also rent a bike and spend an hour exploring nature before heading back to Amsterdam.

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When to Visit Zaandvoort

As you can imagine the best time to visit Zaandvoort is in summer but I also like the late spring or early autumn walks there. And yes….. you can absolutely swim at Zaandvoort aan Zee, although I might say that it’s not as warm as the Mediterranean seas, but it’s warm enough for a quick dip. 

9- Visiting Keukenhof in Spring

I think Keukenhof is so world-famous that I barely need to talk about it’s beauty, but still if you’re hearing the name for the first time, it’s the most beautiful tulip garden I’ve ever seen in my life. Nicknamed “The Garden of Europe” Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens and a must-visit if you’re in the Netherlands between March and May.

And it’s definitely more than just a park and home to over 7 million bulbs that are  blooming each year with more than 800 tulip varieties. It’s a place where even people who don’t usually care about flowers stop and stare.

If you’re a photographer like us you’ll definitely enjoy this beautiful garden, but you need to go there early in the morning, as it can get very crowded. This is definitely a must-do day trip if you’re visiting Amsterdam, in spring.

How to Get to Keukenhof

Although there’s no direct train to the park itself, you can take a train to Schiphol Airport or Leiden Centraal, and from there hop on the Keukenhof Express Bus. it’s quite easy. Take either Line 858 from Schiphol Airport the Line 854 from Leiden Centraal.

The bus ride takes around 25 minutes, and services run frequently during the tulip season. Including the train, the total journey from Amsterdam takes about 40–50 minutes. You’ll be dropped off right at the entrance — no transfers or long walks needed.

We normally get the combination ticket that includes your park entry + round-trip transportation on both the train and the Keukenhof Express bus, which saves you time and money. We also like to drive there when we have lots of photography stuff and Keukenhof has a parking lot, but it’s very busy and the traffic around Lisse is often heavy in April. 

Pro Tip: If you prefer zero planning you can also get a guided tour from Amsterdam that includes transportation by coach, priority entrance to the gardens, and even a short visit to nearby tulip fields or windmills.

It’s sometimes might be cheaper than the train+ bus version. Check the prices here. 

What to See and Do at Keukenhof 

This beautiful garden is only open 8 weeks per year from mid-March to mid-May and opens daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. If you want to take photos without too many people in the background, arriving right when the park opens is ideal.

Each area of the park is designed with different colors, patterns, and flower types, so it’s basically like a painting. But one of the highlights and my favorite spots is the Keukenhof Windmill, where you can climb to the top and enjoy views of the surrounding tulip fields. (Yes — it looks exactly like those dreamy Netherlands photos you’ve seen on Instagram without edit)

If you prefer to explore on your own, you can also rent a bike just outside the park and ride through the fields — a classic Dutch experience.

Inside the park, there are pavilions showcasing rare tulip varieties, orchids, and floral art displays. My personal favorite is grabbing a coffee and a stroopwafel from one of the cafés, then finding a quiet spot to just sit and watch the colors. It’s unbelievable. .

Pro Tips: Buy your tickets online in advance to skip the lines and dress in layers — spring weather can change quickly in Amsterdam and can be windy.

Best Day Trips from Amsterdam to Another Country

Since Amsterdam is a small country and close to Germany and Belgium, if you’re visiting Amsterdam and have more time, I would definitely add these 2 cities to the day-trip lists:

10. Antwerp (Belgium) 

Belguim is also another beautiful country that is truly worth visiting and Antwerp (Antwerpen) is so close to Amsterdam that you can visit as a day trip. It’s a city with beautiful architecture and even the train station looks like a cathedral.

Known as Belgium’s fashion capital, the world’s diamond hub, and a treasure chest of art and history, Antwerp blends elegance and edge perfectly.

And all these are just 1 hour and 15 minutes train ride from Amsterdam by train. It’s interesting that the official language in Antwerp is Dutch (Flemish), but English is widely spoken.

How to get to Antwerp from Amsterdam

Take a high-speed Thalys or Eurostar train from Amsterdam Centraal to Antwerpen-Centraal and in about 1 hour and 15 minutes you’re there. If you’re looking to save a bit of money, the regular Intercity train also takes around 2 hours and is a great budget-friendly alternative.

Coming from Brussels is even quicker, with direct trains taking just 40 minutes. Once you arrive, Antwerp Central Station is right in the heart of the city and you can walk to most of the main attractions without needing public transport. 

Pro tip: If you’re planning a day trip from Amsterdam, book your train tickets early — high-speed fares can get expensive fast in Europe between the countries. You can check the prices here.

What to do and see in Antwerp:

Well you can start with the train station itself, which is like a museum and then head straight to Grote Markt, which is the heart of the city and it looks like a fairytale. 

That’s the place where you mostly see in the photos with the ornate guild houses, the Brabo Fountain and the cafés. I love grabbing a coffee or a Belgian beer here and just sit there and enjoy that vibe..

The next stop could be the MAS, The Museum aan de Stroom. Even if you’re not in a “museum mood,” go for the rooftop view. It’s free, and the view over the city and the river is incredible, especially at sunset. 

Right after that, I usually wander toward the Cathedral of Our Lady — not just because it’s beautiful (which it absolutely is), but because inside, you’ll find some original Rubens paintings.

Belgium Chocolate

And of course… chocolate. You can’t leave Antwerp without trying a Belgium chocolate and my go-to place is The Chocolate Line, which is basically heaven for anyone who loves chocolate.

Pro Tip for Winter: The Christmas market at Grote Markt is magical, so if you’re visiting Amsterdam in winter, I would definitely take a day trip to Antwerp, as Amsterdam itself doesn’t have a Christmas market. 

Hotel in Antwerp: If you’re planning to stay overnight in Antwerp, which we definitely recommend, Hilton Antwerp Old town is our favorite.

We love that hotel, as it’s right in the heart of the historic part of Antwerp and it offers modern comforts like a fitness centre, restaurants and pet-friendly rooms.

You can check the prices here. 

11. Cologne (Köln): Gothic & Good beer

I’m sure you might have heard about the beauty of Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). Cologne is one of those cities that make a big impression the moment you step off the train and that’s all because of the power of Cologne Cathedral. which is basically jaw-dropping. 

I’m in love with this city and almost always take a quick day trip to Cologne from Amsterdam or from Munich. The city is small, so you can easily explore it in a day.

How to Get to Cologne from Amsterdam

Take the ICE high-speed train from Amsterdam Centraal and it takes around 2.5 to Köln Hauptbahnhof (main train station). The city is compact, so you can explore most of the main sights on foot. You can check the train fares in Omio here, you’ll find better prices when you book early. 

What to See and Do in Cologne

The Cologne Cathedral is the city’s star attraction, and for good reason. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most beautiful Gothic buildings. You can go inside for free (like almost all the cathedrals in Germany) and you can also climb the 533 steps to the top of the tower for incredible views of the city and the Rhine River. 

Right beside the cathedral is the Hohenzollern Bridge, covered in thousands of love locks left by couples. Yes we did that too and it really worked out for us.

You can buy the locks along the river and let the shop curve your names on it. 

Walking across it gives you a stunning view of the skyline, especially at sunset. We love it for photography and the view. 

Right beside the cathedral is the Hohenzollern Bridge, covered in thousands of love locks left by couples. Yes we did that too and it really worked out for us. You can buy the locks along the river and let the shop curve your names on it. 

Cologne’s Altstadt (Old Town) is another must. It’s full of colorful buildings and riverside cafés. If you’re visiting in winter, this is where the Christmas markets turn the city into a fairytale — twinkling lights, mulled wine, and warm waffles everywhere.

Pro Tip: One of my favorite stops is the Chocolate Museum (yes, really). It’s right on the river and mixes history with tastings — plus you can watch chocolate being made. 

Your Guides to Visit Geramny

Eat & Drink Like a Local 

Cologne is famous for Kölsch and of course you don’t want to miss that. Kölsch beer is crisp and light and it will be served in small, skinny glasses. The fun part is that waiters keep bringing refills until you cover your glass with a coaster.

One of our favorite places to try it is the Früh am Dom  in the old town and you can also try the Schnitzel there.. It is so delicious.

Another favorite place of mine is the Himmel und Ääd (literally “Heaven and Earth”) and I love the mashed potatoes and apples with blood sausage, a true Cologne specialty. You can find so many good local restaurants in Cologne. Haxenhaus and Faldenhof are also another 2 favorites.

FAQ – Best Day-Trips from Amsterdam

What is the easiest way to travel for a day trip?

For most destinations, the train is the easiest and fastest option, since Netherland is small and has excellent rail connections with neighboring countries.

For places like Zaanse Schans or Keukenhof, buses and combination tickets are also convenient. If you prefer a fully organized experience, guided tours are available for many top spots.

Should I book day trips in advance?

For short train rides within the Netherlands, you can buy tickets on the day. But for international trips (like Antwerp, Brussels, or Cologne), it’s best to book train tickets in advance — especially high-speed trains like Thalys or ICE. If you’re joining a guided tour, book at least a few days early to secure your spot.

Is it possible to visit multiple cities in one day?

Yes, especially if they’re close together. For example, you can combine The Hague + Delft, or Cologne + Düsseldorf, or Volendam + Marken in a single day. But if it’s your first time, it’s often more enjoyable to focus on one destination to really experience it.