Amsterdam Area: day trips from Amsterdam

To truly experience Amsterdam, be sure to head out beyond the city borders and explore the greater Amsterdam Area. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll find excellent shopping cities such as Haarlem, golden beaches and wild dunes at Amsterdam Beach and historic harbour towns in Old Holland. Visit the famous tulip fields around Keukenhof, the magical medieval Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot or the wild nature areas and cutting-edge architecture in New Land, reclaimed from the sea.

Amsterdam Beach

Amsterdam beach houses
Explore breathtaking dunes, take part in water sports, or just relax along one of the most unspoilt coastlines in Northern Europe. Amsterdam Beach makes for a fantastic day trip from Amsterdam at any time of year. Whether you're looking for adventure, sunbathing and swimming, beach bars or impressive wildlife, you'll find it all on the Dutch coast.
Amsterdam Beach hiking

Coastal landscapes and dunes

Amsterdam Beach surfers, Koen Smilde

Beaches and watersports

IJmuiden harbour amsterdam beach

Seaside towns and harbours

Family walking through nature

Amsterdam Beach cycle route

Flowers of Amsterdam

Keukenhof Windmill
Every spring, the iconic Flower Strip region attracts admirers from around the world as millions of eye-popping tulips burst into bloom. The reclaimed polder landscape is also home to historic villages, fascinating heritage and art museums, estates and gardens, recreational lakes and green forests - making it an ideal option for a day out in the open air.
Keukenhof Amsterdam Area

Bulb and flower fields

Haarlemmermeer

Heritage and steam power

Westeinderplassen Amsterdam Area

Lakes and recreation

Family walking through nature

Flowers cycle route

Castles & Gardens

Muiderslot
This green area is dotted with majestic fortresses, beautifully-preserved towns and country estates located along the River Vecht and Amstel. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the beautiful forests, gardens, waterways and lakes of the area inspired many artists and architects. Today, this stunning region is rich in cultural history and offers a wonderful escape for the whole family.
Garden Castle Sypesteyn

Country estates and gardens

Naarden grote kerk

Fortresses and castles

Sypesteyn castle museum

19th and 20th-century art

Family walking through nature

Amstel River cycle route

Haarlem

Haarlem shopping gouden straatjes warmoesstraat
For centuries, Haarlem has been a hub for art and culture, filled with historic architecture, modern galleries and quirky museums. Grab some retail therapy at the vintage boutiques and local craft ateliers, relax in the lush green spaces or head out for a lively evening at a Michelin-starred restaurant, concert hall or theatre. Just 20 minutes from Amsterdam, this dynamic city offers something for everyone.
Haarlem Frans Hals Museum

17th-century art history

Haarlem Molen de Adriaan

Culture and craftsmanship

Frederikspark Haarlem Amsterdam Area

Parks and greenery

Family walking through nature

Authentic Haarlem cycle route

New Land

Known for its vibrant modern cities, sustainable vision and wild natural environments shaped by human hands, Flevoland is the Netherlands' newest province and was entirely reclaimed from the sea. Four metres below sea level, the area is home to vast scenic views, not-to-be-missed land art and forward-thinking architecture. Meanwhile, the wetland areas, lakes and national parks provide ample opportunity for recreation, wildlife spotting and an adventurous day out for the whole family.

Outdoor-art and architecture

Oostvaardersplassen

Man-made land and nature reserves

Floriade Expo Bobbing Forest installation

Innovation and sustainability

Family walking through nature

Almere cycle route

Old Holland

Amsterdam Zaanse Schans windmill day trip, Merijn Roubroeks
With its windmills, green landscapes, arts and crafts, and industrial heritage, discovering Old Holland feels like taking a step back in time. The region showcases the traditions The Netherlands first became famous for: shipbuilding, clogs, fishing and cheese making. You can also experience the heritage of the Dutch Industrial Revolution – a time when smoking chimneys and spinning sails enabled the mass production of goods.

Traditional artisans

Industrial heritage

Volendam

Fishing villages and polder landscapes

Family walking through nature

Waterland cycle route

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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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