To truly experience Amsterdam, be sure to head out beyond the borders of the city centre and explore the wider Amsterdam Area with these top day trip ideas.
Things to do and see in the Amsterdam Area
In less than 30 minutes from Amsterdam, you’ll find excellent shopping 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. 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 half 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.
Located just north of Amsterdam, the Zaanse Schans offers a perfectly preserved glimpse into the Netherlands' industrial past with its traditional hou...
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 is a popular beach destination located near to Amsterdam, with clean sandy beaches, trendy beach bars and family activities. Zandvoort boast...
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...
A city of remarkable history and culture, Haarlem is just a short hop from Amsterdam but packs a unique punch. With spectacular monuments dating back ...
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...
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...
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 is a quaint village located south of Amsterdam on the bank of the Ouderkerkerplas lake. The village dates back to the 12th cen...
The name says it all: New Land, located just northeast of Amsterdam city centre, is a Dutch destination that offers new adventures, new sights and end...
The Amsterdam Area is brimming with historic and modern gardens full of colourful blooms and diverse natural wonders to explore. From extraordinary pl...
There’s so much to be discovered when you step out of Amsterdam city centre to explore the wider Amsterdam Area. Here's I amsterdam's guide to ten of ...
Take a break from the city streets and dig your toes into the sand at Amsterdam's beaches, where you can relax in the sun, do some sports in the surf,...
Have a quintessentially Dutch experience in Old Holland, a collection of quaint towns and villages where time has seemingly stood still; all just a 30...
Discover a whole new world of fun and adventure for the family in New Land, a region that has risen from the sea to become an incredible new playgroun...
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 ...
If you've been to Amsterdam before and seen the highlights, or you just have a passion for discovering the unknown, then head out of the city and into...
It's not all about the 'gram, of course. But Old Holland's pristine beauty and remarkable history make it the perfect place to discover more about Dut...
Whether your taste buds are craving Michelin star sophistication, Dutch seaside dining or a fashionable modern eatery, there are plenty of delicious r...
Make the most of your time in Amsterdam and the surrounding area with the I amsterdam City Card. With free entry or a significant discount to top muse...
Although Amsterdam has its fair share of fancy restaurants and hotels, some of the best spots for indulgence and relaxation can be found outside the h...
With a host of charming venues, cultural attractions and fascinating museums, Haarlem offers an abundance of options for adventurers looking to discov...
The Water Rat from Wind in the Willows was perfectly right when he said: ‘There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply m...
Take a virtual tour of the Amsterdam Area with 360 video (for best results on mobile click through to YouTube)
The Flower Strip or 'Bollenstreek' is one of the most popular and unique sights in the Netherlands. Every spring the entire region bursts into vivid colour as bulbs shoot and millions of flowers blossom.
When the temperatures soar in Amsterdam, sun-seekers flock to the beaches at Bloemendaal and Zandvoort to bask on the sands and soak up the vibrant nightlife.
Just north east of Amsterdam, the polders of Flevoland were reclaimed from the sea, giving birth to the new cities of Almere and Lelystad. Not only are they internationally acclaimed playgrounds for architecture and design, they are also blessed with expanses of wild nature on the doorstep.
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