The Best Day Trips From Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a great city, but it hasn’t got everything. Fortunately, it is surrounded by a number of scenic getaways that are waiting to be explored. These destinations are all accessible by public transport and are an affordable way to see a larger part of the Netherlands, providing eager travelers with fascinating insights into the country’s culture, geography, and heritage.

Utrecht

Centered around the Dom Tower – an enormous, gothic steeple – Utrecht is renowned for its wide canals and redbrick townhouses. Its cultural highlights include Gerrit Rietveld’s Schröderhuis, one of the few examples of De Stijl architecture; and the Centraal Museum, which hosts a stunning collection of Dutch artwork. A charming city, Utrecht is known for its relaxed pace and unique atmosphere.

Access: a 25-minute train journey from Amsterdam Centraal Station.

Raised from the sea in the late 19th century, Pampus is a testament to Dutch ingenuity. Built to protect north Holland from foreign invaders, Amsterdam is visible from its shore. Many seabirds nest in its inner fortifications and can be seen flying above its turrets. Guided tours provide information on the island’s history, while a frequent ferry service connects it to the nearby town of Muiden.

Access: a 15-minute bus journey from Amstel station to Muiden, followed by a 25-minute boat ride to the island.

Scheveningen

Promising sand, sea and pickled herring, Scheveningen is the ideal place to lie back and enjoy the Dutch summer. Famous for its pristine beaches and iconic pier, this resort town has received something of a cultural revival in recent years, with its already impressive roster of attractions, bolstered by seasonal events and festivals.

Access: a 60-minute train journey from Amsterdam Centraal Station.

De Veluwe

Wild deer and boar are a common sight in the woodlands of De Veluwe, making this vast, ancient forest a haven for nature lovers. Spread over 55 kilometers, De Veluwe is accessible from several towns located on its borders. Catching a train to Otterlo, visitors can also enjoy the Kröller-Müller Museum, acclaimed for its Van Gogh collection along with its modern sculpture gardens. Cycling is the preferred mode of transport in De Veluwe, and bikes are available to hire throughout its grounds.

Access: a 60-minute train journey from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Apeldoorn, followed by a 35-minute bus journey to Otterlo.

Den Haag (The Hague)

Den Haag’s political importance is reflected in its grandiose courthouses and palaces, with both the royal family and the Dutch parliament calling the city home. Its classical style is complemented by its burgeoning arts and music scenes, which are supported by its prestigious cultural institutions. A global city, Den Haag is also known for its diverse range of shops and boutiques, showcasing international brands alongside local products.

Access: a 45-minute train journey from Amsterdam Centraal Station.

The Dutch parliament Steven Lek/ Wikicommons

Nijmegen

Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands and is built on the ruins of a once prosperous Roman settlement. Located on the German border, the city has been used as a waypoint for several civilizations, and its town center still contains visible traces of its history. Nijmegen is surrounded by natural beauty, and a short walk along the River Waal leads to secluded, inland beaches, which are treasured by the city’s residents.

Access: a 90-minute train journey from Amsterdam Centraal Station.

Amsterdamse Bos

Amsterdamse Bos is three times bigger than Central Park and extends well beyond Amsterdam’s city limits. Containing wooded areas, grasslands, and lakes, the park accommodates a wide range of summer activities. A trip to Amsterdamse Bos isn’t complete without a stop at its famous Goat farm (Geitenboerderij), where visitors are often seen feeding and cuddling baby goats.

Access: a 40-minute tram journey from Amsterdam Centraal Station.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.