After you've enjoyed the many great things to do in Amsterdam, it's easy to take a train or join a tour to see some of the many other places to visit in the Netherlands. Since the country is relatively small, you can reach most of the highlights on day trips from Amsterdam.
One of the most popular is the Keukenhof's gorgeous gardens and lavender fields, and it's an easy half-day trip from Amsterdam. Other contenders for your time include the charming old fishing towns along the former Ijsselmeer and Zuiderzee and the open air museum in Enkhuizen.
Both are located a little bit north of Amsterdam. You can also visit the country's largest gathering of historic Dutch windmills at Zaanse Schans.
Nor are Harlem, Horn, and Delft's famous porcelain makers too far away. Day trips from Amsterdam can also take you to two very attractive cities in neighboring Belgium: Brussels and Bruges.
Discover the most rewarding things to do near the city with our list of the best day trips from Amsterdam.
1. See the "Garden of Europe": Keukenhof Gardens
Holland is famous all over the world for its flowers, especially tulips. The magnificent Keukenhof Gardens are located just 38 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam, on the outskirts of the city of Lisse.
Also known as the Garden of Europe, which literally translates as "kitchen gardens," Keukenhof is the best place to witness the country's rich floral bounty.
Widely considered one of the most beautiful spring gardens in the world, Keukenhof covers about 79 acres of land in the area known as the Dutch bulb belt, and is located in an idyllic landscape that once formed the kitchen garden (or keuken) of a large country estate.
In a complex that also includes restaurants, patios and galleries, more than 700 species of tulips, lilies, crocuses and daffodils are grown.
Finally, over seven million flower bulbs are planted here every year. The Keukenhof Gardens are also home to many flower-related events and festivals, from flower shows to markets and concerts.
An easy way to spend a half day here is with a half day tour of the Keukenhof Gardens and Flower Fields.
This enjoyable six-hour bus ride takes you through the Dutch countryside, past fields in Lisse where tulips are grown, before dropping to Keukenhof, where you'll have plenty of time to wander the gardens.
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off and the services of a professional guide. Morning or afternoon options are available.
Address: Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands
2. Explore Enkhuizen and the Zuiderzee Museum
Located on Lake Ijsselmeer, a shallow lake that was once part of the former Zuiderzee, Enkhuizen is one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands.
Enkhuizen houses a number of important historical monuments, including two 15th-century churches and 17th-century city walls and gates.
A notable attraction is the Dromedaris Tower. Built from the city's fortifications in 1540, these ruins are considered some of the best in the Netherlands.
From the city's scenic harbor, you can take a ferry to the Zuiderzee Museum, an open-air museum that focuses on the region's rich cultural traditions. Here, you'll find fascinating displays of the Zuiderzee's marine history and the ongoing process of land reclamation.
Highlights include a number of preserved 17th-century buildings, several old boats, as well as artifacts related to the area's fishing traditions.
Also on IJsselmeer, about 40 minutes south of Enkhuizen, is the old fishing village of Volendam. It is worth a visit to see the traditional fishing boats and the colorful houses.
Address: Wierdijk 12-22, 1601 LA Enkhuizen, Netherlands
3. Visit Alkmaar Cheese Market
The charming town of Alkmaar is located about 42 kilometers north of Amsterdam on the North Holland Canal and only eight kilometers from the North Sea.
Filled with beautiful architectural monuments and old guild houses from the 16th to 18th centuries, Alkmaar makes a fun day trip from Amsterdam.
But the highlight of a trip to this picturesque town is the world-famous Dutch cheese market (Kaasdragersgilde Kaasmarkt Alkmaar).
One of the most popular tourist attractions in the Netherlands, the cheese market takes place every Friday in front of the city's Weigh-House according to centuries-old traditions.
The first such market was held here in the 1890s and a great sight to behold as the square is covered with over 23 tons of large and round Edam and Gouda cheese. Adding to the experience is watching the cheese porters.
Clad in white and wearing hats in their guild colours, these porters sometimes carry up to 80 Edam cheeses on cradle-like racks to be weighed. Before anything is shipped, the crowds are greeted and the bells ring. English explanations of the ritual are given at 11:20 AM.
After that, go to Alkmaar Cheese Museum. Located in the Weigh House, it has interesting displays and exhibits about the history of cheese making and its importance to the local culture and economy.
Address: Houttil 26, 1811 JM Alkmaar, Netherlands
4. Stroll the Streets of Historic Haarlem
The historic Haarlem is located on the small river Spaarne, about 19 kilometers west of Amsterdam, only seven kilometers from the North Sea coast.
Founded in 1245, Haarlem was a hotbed of artistic endeavor during the 17th century, when it became home to many of the country's most famous painters, some of whose work can be seen in the wonderful Frans Hals Museum.
A highlight of the city's old main square is the 14th-century Grote Kerk (St. This monumental late Gothic structure is distinguished by its slender 40-meter-high tower. Also of note are the church's many rich furnishings.
Of particular interest are the three model warships, In reference to the church's role as a church for the seafarers' union.
Also be sure to check out the famous Müller Organ from the 18th century. Said to be one of the world's greatest such instruments, it is especially famous for its unique tone and decor.
Finally, be sure to take a peek at the Old City Hall. Built in the 13th century, it features a large tower and lavish interior design. Guided tours are available in English.
5. See the Historic Windmills at Zaanse Schans Open-Air Museum
The Zaanse Schans Open Air Museum (Zans Museum) is so picture perfect, it's hard to believe it's actually a real community.
Based on the original village of Zaanland where it was supposed to look around 1700, the museum was set up to preserve buildings threatened by industrial development.
The old wooden houses and windmills of the 17th and 18th centuries have been removed and carefully restored on the site, giving a vivid impression of life in earlier centuries. The overall effect is further enhanced by the fact that most of the houses are already occupied.
Other noteworthy features are its large collection of still operating windmills. These include an oil mill, paint mill, mustard mill, and wood sawmill. Other heritage buildings still in use include a cheese-making dairy, an old bakery, a grocery store, a tampon-making workshop, and an around-the-clock museum.
Guided tours are available, as is a very interesting boat trip in Zaanne. This fun ride offers great views of old homes and windmills from the water.
An easy way to get to the museum is at the Zaanse Schans Windmills, Marken and Volendam Day Trip from Amsterdam, which adds to the experience by including two picturesque old villages. The tour includes entry to one of the windmills, a visit to see a wooden shoemaker in action, and a visit to a cheese factory to sample the local cheese.
In summer, the tour includes a boat trip between Marken and Volendam. These popular tours are available in half-day or full-day formats. The museum is also a popular destination for cyclists and hikers, with many designated trails crisscrossing the area.
Address: Schansend 7, 1509 AW Zaandam, Netherlands
6. The Canal City of Bruges
The canals that make the Belgian city of Bruges today one of the most picturesque cities in Europe began as waterways linking them to the mouth of the Zwen River and the North Sea.
Sailing or walking along these picturesque waterways will lead you to beautiful views of old homes, graceful bridges, and small gardens.
Some of the most popular sightseeing boat tours start at any of five different landings. And for those who like to walk, you can download an excellent walking tour map from the city's tourism website.
A beautifully preserved medieval market hall dominates the main square. From its tower are sweeping views of the city's famous towers and steep roofs.
You will have five hours to explore this beautiful city at leisure on a day bus trip to Bruges from Amsterdam.
This full-day adventure takes you through the Dutch and Belgian countryside by air-conditioned bus as you learn about Bruges from your English-speaking tour guide (a chocolate sampling stop is included).
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bruges
7. Beautiful Brussels
The capital of Belgium, Brussels is also the capital of the European Union. And while it's filled with beautiful Gothic and Baroque buildings and has a number of great art and other museums, you won't find it anywhere near as crowded with tourists as many other European capitals.
Its main square, the Grand Place, is really large, and one of the most elegant and best preserved public squares in all of Europe. Surrounded by guild houses built in the late 17th century in the Baroque style, they resplendent in ornately carved gables and balustrades with gold ornaments.
Unlike these and other old Baroque and Gothic structures, Brussels is where you'll find some of the best examples of Art Nouveau design. The most famous work of the architect Victor Horta of the early twentieth century is found in Brussels.
You'll have time to find some of these, and sample those famous Belgian chocolates, on a full day Brussels tour from Amsterdam.
After a guided walking tour that includes highlights such as the Royal Palace and the Manneken Pis statue, you'll see a show by a chocolatier and sample some of the produce before spending free time to explore the city on your own. The meeting and drop-off point for the tour is Amsterdam Central Station.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Brussels: Best Areas and Hotels
8. Delft
Located south of Amsterdam, between The Hague and Rotterdam, Delft is known the world over for the famous blue and white porcelain that has been made here since the 17th century.
Most of the old town's picturesque buildings date back to the following century, when Delft's pottery making and exporting was at its height.
Besides beautiful old houses and canals, Delft has some beautiful Gothic churches and art museums.
Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles (Royal Delft in English) is the only remaining manufacturer of the famous Delftware, and you can watch the artists at work and see the collection of historic pieces.
Address: Rotterdamseweg 196, 2628 AR Delft, Netherlands
9. The Delta Works and the Maeslant Barrier
Located about 70 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam just after The Hague on the hook of the Netherlands, Maeslant Barrier (Maeslantkering) is just part of the country's massive Delta Works project, an engineering marvel designed to prevent flooding.
The final piece of this engineering puzzle, the barrier consists of two massive gates capable of closing off the new waterway when a storm threatens.
The Visitor Center at Historic Keringhuis provides a fascinating glimpse into the history and construction of the Delta Works project, as well as a chance to watch freight traffic as it sails in and out of Rotterdam.
Plan your visit about the barrier closure test, details of which can be found on their website.
English language guided tours around the storm barrier and the museum are available on weekends; Reservations are required.
Address: Maeslantkeringweg 139, 3151 ZZ Hoek van Holland
10. Hoorn
Another city among the many attractive towns in Ijsselmeer, Hoorn is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. The big draw here are the many wonderful historic buildings and the picturesque atmosphere by the water.
Highlights of a visit include exploring the city's two yacht harbors lined with quaint gabled homes and 17th-century galleries, shops, and museums.
Also worth seeing is the historic Old Town Hall (Stadhuis), which was built in 1402 and originally home to St Cecilia's Abbey. Interior highlights include the 18th-century council room with its depiction of the sea battle of 1573.
Also of note are the Grote Kerk from 1883 and the former St Jans Gasthuis, dating from 1563 and known for its Early Renaissance facade.
The West Frisian Museum (Westfries Museum) displays 16th to 18th century collections relating to the history of the city and the surrounding area, including group portraits of famous shooters' guilds.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hoorn
11. Kampen
The old Hanseatic town of Kampen is located on the left bank of the IJssel River, four kilometers from its flow into the Ijsselmeer.
One of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands, Kampen dates back to the 12th century and was once the country's most important trading center with the Baltic region, as well as France and England.
Kampen has managed to preserve many of the most important old buildings, including the 15th century Town Gates.
The best examples are the rectangular Koornmarktspoort, on the banks of the IJssel; Broederpoort with its four corner towers; and the Cellebroederpoort, a rectangular structure with two circular towers.
The Tower of the Holy Spirit is located directly to the west of Kampen Town Hall, also known as the New Tower as it was built in 1664.
12. Medemblik by Steam Train
The best way to reach Medemblik is via the Stoomtram Hoorn Medemblik, a 20-kilometer heritage railway that runs from the picturesque town of Hoorn.
Once there, you will have plenty of time to explore the city before heading back to Hoorn (the road can also be done in the other direction).
Founded in the 10th century, Medemblik is located on the IJsselmeer and is the home of Kasteel Radboud Castle, an ancient castle that has been completely restored and creates an impressive picture.
Other highlights include St. Bonifaciuskirk, a late 15th-century Gothic hall church containing the tomb of Lord George Murray, Jacobean commander at the Battle of Culloden in Scotland in 1745; and the 17th century Weigh House (Waag), which was used to weigh cheese.
The Dutch Steam Engine Museum is a must-visit at the old pumping station, home to a collection of steam engines used on ships and in industry, most of which are still in working order.
Address: Van Dedemstraat 8, 1624 NN Hoorn
Source: PlanetWare - Travel Guides by the Experts