15 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train 

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most connected cities, from its sleek train system to its scenic countryside escapes; there’s no shortage of easy day trips. Whether you crave tulip fields, charming canals, medieval towns, or seaside strolls, you can reach them all by train in under two hours.

Here are 15 of the best day trips from Amsterdam by train – complete with things to do, vegan-friendly dining, when to go, and how to get around once you arrive.

If you’re planning an Amsterdam city break, one of the best things you can do is explore beyond the capital city of the Netherlands by train. Thanks to its excellent rail connections, there are direct trains from Amsterdam Centraal Station to some of the best cities, small towns, and picturesque villages in the country, and even a few international day trips to nearby German cities. From beautiful canals and historic buildings to iconic windmills and charming villages, each destination offers a glimpse into Dutch life and history.

The best way to experience the Dutch countryside is by train as it’s fast, scenic, and sustainable. Most train stations are right in the city center, making it easy to spend a half day or a short trip exploring. Whether you’re visiting a university city like Utrecht, admiring the medieval architecture of Delft, or joining a guided tour through Haarlem’s 17th century streets, this list of the best day trips from Amsterdam will help you plan the perfect day trip. Many places are even home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering plenty of top things to see and do on your next Dutch adventure.

15 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam by Train 

 

1. Haarlem – A Mini Amsterdam Without the Crowds

Travel time: 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal

What to Do

• Wander the charming cobblestone streets and canals.

• Visit the Grote Markt and climb the Grote Kerk tower for panoramic views.

• Explore the Frans Hals Museum for Dutch Golden Age art.

• Stroll through Haarlemmerhout Park or rent a bike to the nearby dunes.

Vegan Eats

• By Lima – Delicious vegetarian/vegan café with incredible brunches and raw desserts.

• FLFL Haarlem – Stylish vegan restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes.

Where to Stay (if you linger overnight)

• Hello I’m Local Boutique Hostel – Trendy and eco-friendly in the heart of Haarlem.

 

When to Visit

Year-round, but the city is especially pretty in spring and early summer when nearby tulip fields bloom.

Getting Around

Everything is walkable; rent a bike if you want to explore beyond the center.

2. Zaanse Schans – Windmills and Dutch Heritage

Travel time: 20 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans

What to Do

• Tour the traditional windmills, many still operational.

• Visit the ​Clog Workshop.

• Walk along the Zaan River and stop at artisan shops.

Vegan Eats

• De Kraai Pancake House – Ask for vegan pancakes (they have plant-based options).

• DopHert (in nearby Amsterdam West). Great option for a late lunch on your return.

Where to Stay

• Heerlijck Slaapen op de Zaanse Schans – Historic B&B inside an old green wooden house.

When to Visit

Spring through early autumn; mornings are quieter before tour groups arrive.

Getting Around

The open-air museum area is easily explored on foot.

3. Utrecht – Canals, Cafés, and Cathedral Views

Travel time: 25 minutes by train

What to Do

• Climb the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands.

• Stroll along the Oudegracht canal, lined with cafés and boutiques.

• Visit the Museum Speelklok for whimsical self-playing instruments.

Vegan Eats

• Gys – Excellent vegan and organic food with local ingredients.

• Broei – Cozy vegan-friendly café with creative seasonal dishes.

Where to Stay

• Eye Hotel – Modern comfort in a renovated 17th-century building.

When to Visit

Anytime! Utrecht shines with cozy winter lights or lively summer terraces.

Getting Around

The city center is compact and best explored on foot or by bike.

4. The Hague (Den Haag) – Culture and Coastline

Travel time: 50 minutes by train

What to Do

• Visit the Mauritshuis Museum to see Girl with a Pearl Earring.

• Explore the Binnenhof, the seat of Dutch Parliament.

• Take the tram to Scheveningen Beach for a seaside stroll.

Vegan Eats

• FOAM Den Haag – Beautiful vegan brunch spot with smoothie bowls and pancakes.

• Hagedis – Vegan, local, and organic with two weekly menus.

Where to Stay

• The Collector Hotel – Chic and central, near the main attractions.

When to Visit

Spring to autumn for beach weather; winter for quieter museums.

Getting Around

Use trams or rent a bike — public transport is well connected.

5. Leiden – Canals, Tulips, and Science

Travel time: 35 minutes by train

What to Do

• Visit the Botanical Gardens, the oldest in the Netherlands.

• Explore the National Museum of Antiquities and Museum Boerhaave.

• Wander the canals and picturesque bridges.

Vegan Eats

• Sophie Cat Cafe – Cozy spot for vegan pastries and lunches + cats!

• La Fresh – Vegan-friendly Mediterranean food.

Where to Stay

• ExLibris Boutique Hotel – Steps from Leiden’s university quarter.

When to Visit

April for tulip season; Leiden is close to the Keukenhof Gardens.

Getting Around

Compact and walkable; rent a bike for short trips to the tulip fields.

6. Delft – Ceramics and Classic Canals

Travel time: 1 hour by train

What to Do

• Visit the Royal Delft Factory for traditional blue pottery.

• Climb the Nieuwe Kerk for city views.

• Stroll the historic old town and canals.

Vegan Eats

• Kek Delft – Great vegan brunches and specialty coffee.

• Huszár – Lovely riverside restaurant with vegan-friendly options.

Where to Stay

• Hotel de Emauspoort – Charming boutique stay near the main square.

When to Visit

Spring or summer for canal strolls and outdoor markets.

Getting Around

Delft is compact – walking is perfect. There is also plenty of public transportation.

7. Rotterdam – Modern Architecture and Market Halls

Travel time: 40 minutes by train

What to Do

• Admire the Cube Houses and Erasmus Bridge.

• Visit the Markthal, a giant indoor food market with murals.

• Take a water taxi for great skyline views.

Vegan Eats

• Spirit Rotterdam – One of the best vegan buffets in Europe.

• SUE – Vegan bakery famous for its “sweet without sugar” treats.

Where to Stay

• The Slaak Rotterdam – Stylish boutique hotel in an old newspaper office.

When to Visit

All year, especially lively during summer festivals.

Getting Around

Rotterdam has great trams and bikes for rent.

8. Alkmaar – Historic Charm

Travel time: 40 minutes by train

What to Do

• Explore the Beatles Museum – yes, they played their first gig here!

• Wander the charming old streets and canals.

Vegan Eats

• Trooper – Trendy vegan junk food café with great lunches.

• SOEPP – Cozy spot serving plant-based soups and snacks.

Where to Stay

• The Fallon Hotel Alkmaar – Unique hotel set in a converted prison.

When to Visit

April–September for summer festivals.

Getting Around

Walk or rent a bike to explore the city and nearby dunes.

9. Amersfoort – Medieval Magic and Art

Travel time: 40 minutes by train

What to Do

• Walk through the Koppelpoort, a medieval gate on the river.

• Visit the Mondriaan House, birthplace of the famous artist.

• Enjoy the charming old town and boutique shops.

Vegan Eats

• Rozey – Creative vegan dishes with local flair.

• Bindicafe – Vegan cafe with delicious cauliflower wings.

Where to Stay

• Hotel de Tabaksplant – Cozy boutique hotel in a historic building.

When to Visit

Year-round – it’s especially beautiful in autumn.

Getting Around

Amersfoort’s center is walkable and photogenic.

10. Giethoorn – The Fairy-Tale Village of Canals

Travel time: About 2 hours by train + bus (train to Steenwijk, then bus 70)

What to Do

• Rent a whisper boat and explore the canals.

• Visit the Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus for history and local crafts.

• Stroll wooden bridges and enjoy peaceful village views.

Vegan Eats

• Cicero – Kiosk with delicius hummus and falafel.

• Grand Café Fanfare – Vegan-friendly options, perfect for lunch.

Where to Stay

• Hotel de Pergola – Quaint hotel right on the canal.

When to Visit

May–September for the best weather and greenest scenery.

Getting Around

Giethoorn is car-free – rent a boat, bike, or walk.

11. Gouda – Historic Beauty and Dutch Charm

Travel time: 1 hour by train

What to Do

• Admire the Stadhuis (Town Hall), one of the oldest Gothic buildings in the Netherlands.

• Visit the Gouda Museum for art and history.

• Wander the canals and enjoy the weekly market featuring fresh produce and local crafts.

Vegan Eats

• Curcuma – 100% vegan café with colorful bowls and raw desserts.

• Vegan Africa – Vegan Eritrean African food – absolutely delicious!

When to Visit

Spring to autumn for outdoor markets and mild weather.

12. Den Bosch (’s-Hertogenbosch) – Canals and Culture

Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes by train

What to Do

• Visit the St. John’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece.

• Take an underground boat tour on the Binnendieze canals.

• Explore local art at the Noordbrabants Museum.

Vegan Eats

• Fret – Trendy vegan café with delicious, yet healthy choices.

• De Juin – Weekly food (Thursdays) served in a social center.

When to Visit

Year-round; especially cozy in winter with a festive Christmas market.

13. Hoorn – Step Back into the Golden Age

Travel time: 35 minutes by train

What to Do

• Explore the harbor and 17th-century merchant houses.

• Visit the Westfries Museum for maritime history.

• Walk the main canal lined with historic warehouses.

Vegan Eats

• Goos – Vegan-friendly brasserie by the harbor.

• Bij Meta – Vegan-friendly eatery.

When to Visit

Late spring through autumn for harbor events.

14. Naarden – Star-Shaped Fortress Town

Travel time: 30 minutes by train + 10-minute walk

What to Do

• Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site fortress with star-shaped walls.

• Visit the Vestingmuseum and walk the scenic ramparts.

• Stroll cobbled lanes filled with art galleries and cafés.

Vegan Eats

• Arsenaal Restaurants – Offers vegan-friendly lunch options.

• CoffeeCulture Naarden – Great for plant-based lattes and snacks.

When to Visit

Spring or autumn — great for walking weather.

15. Enkhuizen – Maritime Magic and Open-Air History

Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes by train

What to Do

• Visit the Zuiderzee Museum, an open-air museum with historic traditional houses and sailing ships.

• Stroll along the harbor and take a ferry to Medemblik or Hoorn.

• Relax by the IJsselmeer lakefront.

Vegan Eats

• IJssel Café – Vegan-friendly lakeside café.

• Vegan Snackbar Enkhuizen – Fast, plant-based comfort food.

When to Visit

May to September; beautiful in the summer months for outdoor exploring.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam to Travel Easily to These Destinations

If you’re planning several day trips from Amsterdam, choosing the right area to stay in will make your travel days much easier. The best way to explore the Dutch countryside, historic cities, and picturesque villages is by train, so staying near a major train station—especially Amsterdam Centraal Station—is ideal.

Look for places that are close to public transport, vegan-friendly restaurants, and key attractions like the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank House. Below you’ll find the best neighborhoods for convenient travel, along with a few eco-minded and vegan-friendly hotels to make your Amsterdam stay as smooth as possible.

Vegan-Friendly and Convenient Hotels

• Conscious Hotel Vondelpark (Oud-West) – Eco-friendly, stylish, and fully committed to sustainability. Great for vegan travelers.

• De Bedstee Boutique Capsules (Museum District) – Compact vintage-style rooms with vegetarian and vegan breakfast options.

• Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam (Centrum) – Steps away from Amsterdam Centraal, ideal for catching early train tickets to your next great day trip.

• The Flying Pig Downtown (Centrum) – Budget-friendly and right near Centraal Station; perfect for those who prioritize convenience and community vibes.

Tips for All Day Trips

• Buy train tickets via NS.nl or the NS app. Or you can use a third-party site such as Omio.

• Trains leave frequently from Amsterdam Centraal to all major cities.

• Use an OV-chipkaart or contactless card for easy transfers between train, tram, and bus.

• Best time to visit: April to October for good weather and blooming landscapes, though many cities are magical (and less crowded) in winter.

10 Fun Facts About These Amazing Day Trip Destinations

1. Haarlem was once one of the richest cities in Europe during the 17th century, known for its art, tulip trade, and impressive medieval architecture.

2. Zaanse Schans is home to some of the Netherlands’ most iconic windmills, many of which still grind spices, oils, and natural pigments just as they did in the Middle Ages.

3. The Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem holds works by one of the most famous Dutch Golden Age painters. Frans Hals lived and worked there his entire life.

4. Utrecht is often called the heart of the Netherlands. It sits almost exactly in the country’s center, and its Dom Tower was once the tallest church tower in the nation.

5. The Oudegracht canal in Utrecht is unique because its wharves sit below street level. It was originally designed so merchants could load goods like grains and vegetables directly into warehouses.

6. The Hague (Den Haag) isn’t the capital, but it’s home to the Dutch government, the royal palace, and more embassies than any other Dutch city.

7. Leiden is the oldest university city in the Netherlands, and its library once hosted great thinkers like Albert Einstein and René Descartes.

8. Delft is world-famous for its blue and white pottery, inspired by Chinese porcelain. The tradition dates back to the 17th century.

9. The Markthal in Rotterdam is an architectural wonder. It’s both a food market and an apartment building, featuring Europe’s largest indoor artwork painted across its arched ceiling.

10. Rotterdam Centraal station is one of the most modern in Europe, rebuilt after World War II when most of the port city was destroyed and later reimagined in bold, futuristic style.

10 More Fun Facts about These Amazing Day Trip Destinations

1. Alkmaar, often associated with Dutch markets, now celebrates plant-based innovation too. You’ll find local vendors offering vegan treats, pastries, and fresh produce at its weekend markets.

2. Amersfoort’s Koppelpoort, a medieval water gate, is one of the few in Europe that still opens manually using the same wooden wheel system from the Middle Ages.

3. Giethoorn, often called the “Venice of the Netherlands,” has no roads. Locals use small boats to travel between their homes along the beautiful canals, surrounded by lush greenery.

4. The Keukenhof Gardens, located near Leiden, plant over 7 million tulip bulbs every year, making it one of the most popular destinations during spring and early summer months.

5. Delft is also the burial place of Dutch royalty. The Royal Family has been interred in the Nieuwe Kerk since the days of William of Orange, the founding father of the Netherlands.

6. Gouda is more than its name – it’s a beautiful city with one of the most photogenic 17th-century town halls in the Netherlands. The surrounding market square often hosts eco fairs and plant-based food stalls celebrating the city’s creative side.
7. Den Bosch (’s-Hertogenbosch) is famous for its hidden Binnendieze canals, where boats float beneath centuries-old buildings. It’s also the hometown of painter Hieronymus Bosch, the surrealist visionary who inspired generations of artists.
8. Hoorn was once a powerful port during the Dutch Golden Age, launching expeditions to Asia. Today, it’s a great place to explore historic architecture, enjoy vegan cafés, and stroll past the same beautiful canals sailors once used in the 17th century.
9. Naarden is one of the best-preserved star-shaped fortresses in Europe. Viewed from above, the city looks like a giant geometric flower. It’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrating the Netherlands’ unique water-defense systems.
10. Enkhuizen, once a wealthy fishing village, now tells the story of Dutch maritime life through its open-air Zuiderzee Museum, featuring lovingly restored traditional houses and workshops where artisans demonstrate age-old crafts using sustainable materials.

 

Final Thoughts

From medieval towns and tulip fields to modern skylines and peaceful canals, these day trips show you every side of the Netherlands, all without needing a car. Whether you’re chasing art, architecture, or vegan pastries, the Dutch train network makes exploring easy, sustainable, and deliciously fun.

Each of these delightful day trips from Amsterdam showcases a different side of the Netherlands, from Old Holland charm to modern design and seaside escapes along the North Sea. Whether you’re drawn to beautiful windmills, historic architecture, or a cozy Christmas market, you’ll find every destination easy to reach with a local train or direct train from Amsterdam Centraal or Schiphol Airport. It’s the easiest way to discover more of this beautiful city and its surroundings, and every train ticket purchased supports eco-friendly travel through the country’s efficient rail system.

No matter which of these most popular destinations you choose, you’ll find each one worth visiting. A great place to connect with Dutch culture, try vegan street food, and soak up a little rich history. For me, these are some of my personal favorites and truly the best places to enjoy between canal cruises, museum visits like the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank House, and sunset strolls through Amsterdam’s main canal. Every one of these spots makes for a great day trip, and exploring them is a great way to turn your Amsterdam stay into a journey through the heart of the Netherlands.

RELATED POSTS: 15 Unique and Fun Things to Do in Rotterdam

15 Best Things to Do in Delft

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THE 5 ITEMS WE WERE SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOR ALL OF OUR TRIPS:

1. Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing because they are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for walking on cobblestone streets.
2. Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
3. North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – Seriously, I wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
4. Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack! We easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
5. Travel-friendly chewable toothpaste tablets – these are so fantastic for keeping your teeth clean on the go!

OUR FAVORITE EUROPEAN SERVICES:

1. DISCOVER CARS – If you want to rent a car while you’re in Europe, our favorite car rental aggregator is Discover Cars. We frequently rent cars, and they always have the best prices and great quality vehicles.
2. iTalki – if you want to learn another language before traveling to Europe or while you’re there, we love iTalki. We highly recommend their language services.
3. NORD VPN – perfect to use your technology in other countries!
4. Airalo E-Sim – this let’s you use your phone anywhere in the world without having to get a physical sim! We use this all the time when we travel outside Europe!
5. For fun activities in each city, check out Viator and their recommendations.
6. Big Bus Tours – the perfect way to see the city when you first arrive!
7. Get Transfer – transfers between all of the airports and cities

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