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Day Trips from Amsterdam

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Zaanse Schans windmill by the water at sunset in the Netherlands.

Zaanse Schans Windmills Tours

Imagine windmills spinning, cheese tasting like heaven, and watching a clog-maker turn wood into shoes—Zaanse Schans has it all! This open-air museum lets you walk through Dutch history, with stunning canals and cozy green houses all around. It’s like stepping back in time, but with better snacks!
from € 16.88

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Tulips in bloom near a windmill at Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands.

Keukenhof Tickets

Step into a living masterpiece at Keukenhof, where over 7 million hand-planted tulips and exotic blooms transform the Dutch countryside into a breathtaking explosion of color. It’s not just a garden—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime sensory journey through 32 hectares of fragrant artistry that you simply have to see to believe.
from € 35.15

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Windmills along a canal in Zaanse Schans, Netherlands, part of Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans tours.

Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans Tours

The villages of Zaanse Schans are famous for their wooden windmills and with these tickets, you get a chance to explore amidst pretty pastures and the pleasant countryside.
from € 16.88

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Woman with bicycle in a tulip field near Amsterdam.

Day Trips From Amsterdam

Dive into this collection and unveil the treasures lying just a stone's throw away from Amsterdam. Whether you're captivated by the charm of picturesque villages or the allure of nature's beauty, there's a day trip waiting just for you. Don't miss out on these unforgettable experiences – book your tickets now and set out on an adventure beyond the city!
from € 69

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Boats docked at Volendam harbor with traditional Dutch houses in the background.

Amsterdam To Volendam Tours

Explore the fishing village of Volendam and hear about this bustling from your guide
from € 67

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Boating through Giethoorn canal with thatched houses and lush greenery, Giethoorn, Netherlands.

Giethoorn Day Trips

Visit Giethoorn, the "Venice of the Netherlands," a charming car-free village defined by its serene canals and picturesque bridges. Experience its beauty on a cruise, either on a self-driven electric "whisper boat" for independent exploration or a guided punter boat for a relaxed, informative tour.
from € 55.01

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Boat tour through Giethoorn canals, Amsterdam to Giethoorn tours.

Amsterdam To Giethoorn Tours

The charming village of Giethoorn, known as the "Venice of the North," awaits your visit with our guided boat tour from Amsterdam. Explore its picturesque waterways and unique charm with our ticket. Book your experience today to experience the beauty of Giethoorn.
from € 55.01

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Cheese wheels aging on shelves at Zaanse Schans, Netherlands.

Volendam Cheese Factory Tours

Participate in the craft of cheese production in the idyllic setting of Volendam, a picturesque Dutch fishing village. Our tours at the Volendam Cheese Factory unveil the technicalities of creating delectable Dutch cheeses with ease.
from € 42.50

Top experiences in Amsterdam

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Just outside Amsterdam lie windmill villages, modern harbour cities, tulip fields, and storybook canals. Popular picks include Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Giethoorn, and Rotterdam, all offering quick travel times and diverse experiences. This guide will help you choose the best day trips from Amsterdam for you.

Amsterdam’s top day trips at a glance

Just skimming? Here are the best day trips from Amsterdam at a glance - the highlights, reasons, and why each is worth your time.

Windmills at Zaanse Schans with blooming lavender fields in the foreground.

Zaanse Schans

Distance from Amsterdam: ~12 miles / 20–25 minutes

Why visit: A classic Dutch village with historic windmills, wooden houses, and craft workshops showcasing traditional culture.

Highlights: Windmills, clog workshops, cheese tasting, riverside views.

Best for: Culture lovers, families, first-time visitors.

Typical duration: 3 - 4 hours

CTA: Explore Zaanse Schans day tours

Volendam harbor with traditional boats and charming street cafes.

Volendam & Marken

Distance from Amsterdam: ~13 - 15 miles / 25 - 40 minutes

Why visit: Charming fishing villages known for colourful houses, harbour views, and classic Dutch food traditions.

Highlights: Harbour promenade, cheese farms, traditional houses, boat rides.

Best for: Food lovers, photographers, culture enthusiasts.

Typical duration: 4 - 5 hours

CTA: View Volendam & Marken day tours

Boating through Giethoorn canal with thatched houses and lush greenery, Giethoorn, Netherlands.

Giethoorn

Distance from Amsterdam: ~75 miles / 1.5  2 hours

Why visit: A peaceful, car-free village with narrow canals, thatched houses, and boat rides through picturesque waterways.

Highlights: Canal cruises, footbridges, lakes, scenic walking paths.

Best for: Couples, families, slow travellers.

Typical duration: 8 - 9 hours

CTA: Discover Giethoorn tours

Rotterdam Cube Houses with yellow and white geometric design under blue sky.

Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague

Distance from Amsterdam: ~55–65 miles / 1 - 1.5 hours

Why visit: Combine modern architecture, historic pottery, and Dutch political landmarks in a single multi-stop trip.

Highlights: Markthal, Cube Houses, Delft pottery, Peace Palace.

Best for: City explorers, architecture fans, culture seekers.

Typical duration: 9 - 10 hours

CTA: Browse Rotterdam–Delft–The Hague tours

Tulips blooming at Keukenhof Gardens with a windmill in the background, Amsterdam.

Keukenhof Gardens (seasonal)

Distance from Amsterdam: ~25 miles / 35 - 45 minutes

Why visit: A world-famous spring tulip garden with millions of blooms spread across themed pavilions and landscaped fields.

Highlights: Tulip fields, flower pavilions, walking trails, photography spots.

Best for: Flower lovers, families, spring travellers.

Typical duration: 4 - 5 hours

CTA: See Keukenhof tours

What to expect on a typical day trip

Amsterdam Centraal station with canal boats in North Holland, Netherlands.

Early morning departure

Most tours leave between 8 - 9am from central Amsterdam locations like Centraal Station or A’DAM Tower.

Passengers seated inside an AC coach bus for Nara and Kyoto One-Day Tour.

Comfortable transportation

Travel by coach, minivan, or ferry, depending on the itinerary. Expect air-conditioning, commentary, and organised logistics.

Guests receiving wooden clogs at Zaanse Schans during a guided tour.

Guided tour

Destinations like Zaanse Schans and Volendam include guided walks explaining local crafts, history, and culture.

Guests posing at Zaanse Schans windmills, photographed by a guide.

Free time to explore

Most tours allow time for strolling village streets, trying local food, or taking a scenic boat ride.

Canal houses along Amsterdam's waterfront during an evening cruise.

Return by evening

Tours usually return between 4 - 7pm, giving you a relaxed finish to the day.

Explore your tour options

Person holding cheese wheel at Zaanse Schans with windmills in the background.

Zaanse Schans

Experience a traditional Dutch windmill village with preserved workshops, wooden houses, and river views. Guided tours explore historic windmills, artisanal crafts, and cheese-making demonstrations. Guests can wander the scenic pathways or visit working mills for an inside look.

Distance: ~12 miles (20–25 minutes)

Pro tip: Go early to avoid crowds at the popular windmill viewpoints.

Recommended experiences:

Tour boat docked at Marken with traditional Dutch house in the background.

Volendam & Marken

Venture to Amsterdam’s iconic fishing villages with colourful waterfronts, traditional houses, cheese farms, and boat connections. Expect guided walks, tastings, and time to explore harbour streets. Boat trips between Volendam and Marken give a classic Dutch countryside experience.

Distance: ~13 - 15 miles (25 - 40 minutes)

Pro tip: Try local specialities like smoked eel or fresh stroopwafels.

Recommended experiences:

Boat navigating canal under wooden bridge in Giethoorn, Netherlands, with vibrant flowers and greenery.

Giethoorn

Explore the idyllic “Venice of the Netherlands,” known for its tranquil canals, thatched cottages, and serene boat rides. Tours typically include a guided canal cruise plus free time to walk or dine in the peaceful village.

Distance: ~75 miles (1.5–2 hours)

Pro tip: Choose a weekday tour for quieter canals and better photo spots.

Recommended experiences:

Pottery at Royal Delft

Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague

See modern Rotterdam, historic Delft pottery studios, and political landmarks in The Hague in one efficient trip. Expect architectural highlights, heritage sites, and guided walking tours.

Distance: ~55–65 miles (1–1.5 hours)

Pro tip: Ideal for travellers interested in contrasting modern and historic Dutch cities.

Recommended experiences:

Red and yellow tulip fields at Keukenhof Gardens with visitors walking nearby.

Keukenhof Gardens (seasonal)

Visit the world’s largest flower garden during its spring bloom. Stroll through themed floral pavilions, tulip fields, and scenic trails with ample time for photos.

Distance: ~25 miles (35–45 minutes)

Pro tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.

Recommended experiences:

Best time to go on a day trip from Amsterdam

Day trips from Amsterdam run year-round, but the best months are spring (April–May) and autumn (Sept–Oct) for comfortable weather and fewer crowds. Summer offers long days but also peak tourism, especially in Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans. Winter is quieter, though some outdoor attractions may feel cold.

Quick tips:

  • Best seasons: April–May & Sept–Oct
  • Avoid: Weekends in July–Aug due to crowds
  • Departure time: Before 9:00am recommended

Seasonal notes: Keukenhof operates only mid-March to mid-May

Frequently asked questions about day trips from Amsterdam

  • Between 3 to 10 hours, depending on the destination.

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What our guests say

Charles R

United Kingdom
Solo
2 weeks ago
Enjoyed the stadium at how big it was when you were on the pitch, looking at the playing shirts of the famous players who had played there. I enjoyed doing it at my own pace, would have maybe preferred some more reading bits but enjoyed it

Johan Cruijff ArenA Classic Tour & Keukenhof Entry with Amsterdam Transfers

Louis W

United Kingdom
Solo
Sep 2026
What I liked most about the Ajax tour was seeing the behind-the-scenes areas that you don’t normally get access to, like the dressing rooms, tunnel, and pitchside. It was interesting learning more about the club’s history and seeing how much emphasis Ajax puts on developing young players. Walking through the stadium and imagining the atmosphere on a matchday was definitely the highlight for me

Johan Cruijff ArenA Classic Tour & Keukenhof Entry with Amsterdam Transfers

Ali G

Turkey
Group
Aug 2026
Our tour of Zaanse Schans was, overall, very enjoyable and well-organized. It was truly impressive to see Dutch traditional life, the windmills, and the historic atmosphere up close. The cheese and wooden shoe workshops were particularly fascinating. It’s definitely a must-see destination for taking photos and exploring the area.

From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans & Cheese Tasting Tour

Nataliya R

Georgia
Solo
Jul 2026
A comfortable bus, great service. At Zaanse Schans itself, I enjoyed the pleasant breeze, the sandy paths, tasting different kinds of cheese, and finally choosing my favorite. It was interesting to visit the clock museum and the wooden shoe museum—the klompen. And of course, those wonderful windmills! A beautiful, peaceful place (even with tourists) where you feel connected to the local nature.

From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans & Cheese Tasting Tour

Sumita B

United States
Couple
Aug 2026

+1 more

Our driver Stef - was amazing - he sang for us - very entertaining and informative tour. Loved it! It was a well paced beautiful exprience.

From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Edam and Marken Guided Tour

Mammadalizade J

Azerbaijan
Solo
Jul 2026
This tour is great, and well organised. There was a 30 min change in time, and I was contacted a few days prior to inform me about that. Holly was a great guide. Friendly and answered all questions we had. I do think that 2 hours lunch break is a bit too long, an hr and half would be enough, on a busy restaurants day. And the last stop, I think, wasn't necessary as it's basically a port, but it's just my own preference. Other people seem to be ok with both of these. The price was good and slightly cheaper than some other platforms. Btw, you can buy cheese during the tour, as the prices aren't higher than in shops, might actually be a bit cheaper. Same goes for some souvenirs, like wooden tulips were cheaper than in other tourist shops I passed by.

From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Edam and Marken Guided Tour

Faten S

Belgium
Group
Jul 2026
Très bien manifique 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

Amsterdam: Efteling Theme Park Entry Tickets with Round-Trip Transfers

Trofim V

Romania
Solo
Jul 2026

+2 more

Hello. Was my first vizita but for shore not the Last one. I love adrenaline so the rolingcoaster was hor me. Pithom. Scary house was miraculous,with the music around and the chiar whi move everywhere. The most scary was the Rolling coaste in the dar.k Beatiful Fata Morgana and the cascade. Was a MAGNIFIQUE EXPERIENCE AND I WILL REPEAT SOON.

Amsterdam: Efteling Theme Park Entry Tickets with Round-Trip Transfers

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