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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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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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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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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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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 € 29.49

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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 € 31.15

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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.

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

Beatrice Z

Solo
Last week

+1 more

An impromptu visit that was 100% worth it....Some places transport you to another world....Simply wonderful and definitely worth recommending

Combo: Moco Museum Amsterdam + Keukenhof Tickets with Transfers from Amsterdam

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