Amsterdam Area

Learn and read more about the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area and all its versatility. In less than 60 minutes from Amsterdam Center, you'll find excellent cultural cities like Haarlem, the majestic windmills at Zaanse Schans, the famous tulip fields in and around the Keukenhof, and historic towns like Edam and Volendam.

Highlights in the Amsterdam Area

Discover the region with the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

The Amsterdam Area is easy to explore by public transport, with most destinations being accessible by train or bus (or a combination of the two) - within an hour from Amsterdam. If you're planning to head out into the Amsterdam Area during your trip to Amsterdam, it makes sense to use the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket - a special public transport pass valid on bus, tram, metro and train in Amsterdam and the entire region. The ticket is valid for 1, 2 or 3 days and comes with a useful public transport guide for the Amsterdam Area filled with sightseeing tips.

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Discover the Amsterdam Area

Explore beyond the city borders of Amsterdam and discover shopping spots, incredible restaurants and unmissable experiences in the Amsterdam Area.

Explore the entire Amsterdam Area

Amsterdam Area: Get inspired!

National parks and green areas around Amsterdam

Did you ever expect to find herds of roaming bison in the Dutch countryside? The area around Amsterdam is awash with spectacular recreational are...

Best spots for boating around Amsterdam

There is absolutely nothing half so much worth doing as messing around in a boat on the riverbank. Taking in the scenery and a breath of fresh air fro...

Best kids playgrounds in the Amsterdam Area

Amsterdam has playgrounds, parks and petting zoos aplenty, but if your family is seeking to let loose in less populated areas, or you just feel like a...

Locally grown in the Amsterdam Area

Despite its small size, the Netherlands is one of the largest exporters of agricultural produce in the world. With its efficient farming systems, it&r...

Where to see Dutch wildlife in the Amsterdam Area

The Amsterdam Area boasts dozens of national parks and nature reserves which reflect an impressive array of land types, including beaches, dunes, fore...

Trips for two in the Amsterdam Area

While Amsterdam’s world-heritage Canal Ring provides the perfect backdrop to any romantic getaway, there are plenty of reasons for couples to ve...

Best water views in the Amsterdam Area

The Dutch have always had a special relationship with water. Most of the Netherlands was ‘reclaimed’ from the sea, and this history is in ...

Top things to do with kids in the Amsterdam Area

If you're looking for something exciting to do with the whole family, then taking the trip out of Amsterdam and into the surrounding region offers up ...

Best gardens to visit in the Amsterdam Area

The Amsterdam Area is brimming with historic and modern gardens full of colourful blooms and diverse natural wonders to explore. From extraordinary pl...

Luxury destinations in the Amsterdam Area

Whether it's pampering yourself at a spa and wellness centre or visiting Michelin-starred restaurants and unique hotels, we all deserve a little ...

Top things to do in the Amsterdam Area using the I amsterdam City Card

Venture out of Amsterdam’s city centre and you’ll be rewarded with magnificent windmills, iconic artworks, fields of flowers and carefully...

Popular destinations

Volendam

For a fantastic trip back into ‘Old Holland’, head for Volendam, a picturesque town on the shores of the Markermeer, just 20 km north of A...

Amstel River Countryside

Amsterdam has a green oasis right on its doorstep, meaning everyone can easily enjoy the natural diversity of the Amstel River Countryside.

Zaanse Schans

Located just north of Amsterdam, the Zaanse Schans offers a perfectly preserved glimpse into the Netherlands' industrial past with its traditional hou...

Naarden

Naarden is a small town located to the east of Amsterdam, in the Gooi and Vecht region. Famous for its ‘star fort’ grid which resembles a giant snowf...

Zandvoort

With its clean sandy beaches, trendy beach bars and family activities, Zandvoort has become one of the Netherlands’ most popular beach destinati...

Marken

Marken is a former island in the Markermeer. This peninsula remains a popular seaside getaway that’s reachable via a long causeway or a reliable fleet...

Haarlem

A city of remarkable history and culture, Haarlem is home to historical monuments and some of the Netherlands' best museums, art and shopping. Ju...

Breukelen

Breukelen, located north-west of Utrecht, is best known for its nature areas and the large mansions and castle that adorn the banks of the winding Vec...

Edam

Cheese is the first thing that springs to mind when most people think of Edam. This small town, which sits on the bank of the Markermeer, north of Ams...

Muiden

The fortified town of Muiden sits near the IJmeer, just east of Amsterdam. It dates back to the 10th century and is now known for its peaceful streets...

Ouderkerk aan de Amstel

Ouderkerk aan de Amstel is a quaint village located south of Amsterdam on the bank of the Ouderkerkerplas lake. The village dates back to the 12th cen...

Leisure Lakes

For a beautiful day beside or on the water, you needn’t simply take to the seaside: head inland and enjoy the many Leisure Lakes near Amsterdam.

Find out more about Amsterdam