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Discover the most beautiful towns to visit near Amsterdam with this guide that will allow you to create a unique itinerary.
Amsterdam is known as the "Venice of the North" because it has a large number of canals. In these, you will see boats and gondolas circulating, being a living and fundamental part of the city. However, traveling to Amsterdam goes much further, as it is close to many other interesting places to visit. Pay special attention to all these places near Amsterdam.
You have a lot of attractions to see in Amsterdam. However, a trip to the capital of the Netherlands is not complete if you don't visit some of the surrounding towns like Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Rotterdam and Leiden.
Zaanse Schans is one of the treasures of the Netherlands and is only 20 minutes by car and 35 minutes by train from the capital. Just by taking a look at this location, you will realize that it stands out for having the iconic windmills that you can see in most postcards of the country.
It is very likely that you have asked yourself on more than one occasion why these windmills are located in Zaanse Schans. It all stems from an idea of the architect Jaap Schipper, who moved obsolete mills to this place to prevent them from being destroyed. Since then, visitors can't help but be enchanted by this scenery and we can't blame them; it really is an enchanting spot.
However, it does not only stand out for these well-known structures. Zaanse Schans is one of the places to visit near Amsterdam with more reputation because of its cheeses. You can visit the local cheese factory to taste some of the traditional flavors and the local clog factory.
Volendam is a fairytale fishing village located just 20 kilometers northeast of Amsterdam, between the towns of Edam and Marken. It was founded in the 14th century near the port of Edam. Over time, Volendam has developed into a town where tourism shares the limelight with fishing. At present, it has more than 20,000 inhabitants, being a perfect place for those travelers who enjoy tranquility.
To explore Volendam is to immerse yourself in a setting where every street and promenade tells its own story. We advise you to enjoy the stores, which have a charming aesthetic, and have a drink in one of its bars to enjoy the experience in all its essence. If you happen to be traveling on a special date, you may encounter some locals dressed in traditional costumes. What's more, if you want to be part of the tradition, some photo stores rent out traditional costumes so you can have your picture taken and take home a unique souvenir.
Volendam is one of the most famous towns to visit near Amsterdam because it has cheese and clog factories. You can see first-hand how cheese has been made since ancient times and you can taste it for free afterwards.
Visiting Volendam is more than a recommendation; it is an experience worth exploring, especially if you have the time to get away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam.
If you are looking for a complete tour, combine your visit to Volendam with Marken. You can explore both places comfortably by bus with a day pass or cross from one to the other by boat, enjoying a unique perspective of the region.
To get to Volendam from Amsterdam the best option is to use public bus transport. The ticket is valid for the whole day and you can make quick stops in other nearby towns. However, you also have the option to rent a car and move around at your leisure.
Utrecht is a city located about 50 minutes by car and about 30 minutes by train from Amsterdam. It is an ideal destination for history lovers, as it has medieval buildings that generate a great aesthetic impact. Its cultural activity is very rich and they show it by celebrating numerous festivals. In addition, they have several museums and stores so you can satisfy all your curiosity.
One of the most popular options is to take a guided tour of the downtown area. These tours usually explore the most iconic monuments of the city, such as the Dom Tower, the majestic Cathedral and the city hall.
Although Utrecht can be toured in a couple of hours, I recommend you consider the option of enjoying it also during the night. Dutch cities, with their canals, have a very romantic nocturnal atmosphere that invites you to stroll around.
Leiden is a hidden gem for conventional European travelers. It is about 35 minutes by car from Amsterdam and 30 minutes by train. In the 8th century AD, Leiden had its beginnings on an artificial hill at the confluence of the New Rhine and Old Rhine rivers. In the 15th century, Leiden's development was considerable due to the textile industry.
Five centuries later, this city went from being an industrial center to a reference in scientific and technological advances. In addition, it stands out for having a historic center recognized as an open-air museum. You can enjoy buildings from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, highlighting the town hall and the House of Weights and Measures.
In case you are an art lover, Leiden has to be part of your itinerary. Rembrandt, the famous baroque painter, was born in Leiden and took his first steps in the art world in this city. You can visit the Rembrandt Museum and stroll through the AR Young Rembrandt Walk to see the places that inspired him to let his creativity flow.
Rotterdam is one of the most recommended places to visit near Amsterdam if you like the fusion of urban and rural. It stands out for its impressive port, its modern architecture and its intense soccer rivalry with Amsterdam. It is located 76 kilometers from the capital, so it takes about 1 hour by car from the capital and 1 hour and 20 minutes by train. It has a population of more than 585,000 inhabitants, being the second most important city in the country.
Among its attractions is the Boymans Van Beuningen Museum, one of the oldest and most significant in the country. It houses a renowned art collection with artists such as Jan van Eyck, Rubens and Van Gogh.
Also, if you feel like trying the typical gastronomy, I recommend you go to the Fenix Food Factory. It is a market that highlights fresh local products, becoming a gastronomic, industrial and alternative paradise.
Haarlem is located 20 kilometers from the capital, in the northeastern part of the Netherlands. It is a charming medieval town that has grown into a city of approximately 154,000 inhabitants. Despite its small size, it is home to a rich cultural heritage and numerous points of interest that can be easily explored on foot, two of which stand out: the Grote Markt and St. Bavo's Cathedral.
The Grote Markt is a large and bright square surrounded by landmark buildings, restaurants and cafes with terraces. It houses the church of St. Bavon and the old Vleeshal building, now converted into an archaeological museum and exhibition hall. If you have time, I recommend a visit to the Adriaan mill, famous for its reconstruction. If you cross the Spaarne River, this iconic mill offers wonderful views.
The church of St. Bavon has a striking Gothic Brabantine style, which stands out for its great extravagance. So much so that it is one of the most outstanding Cathedrals in Western Europe. It was built in the 19th century to replace the old church of St. Joseph. Today, the cathedral has towers, bell towers and stained glass windows of a wide range of colors in its interior.
Delft is one of the places to visit near Amsterdam. You can access it by car and train, taking about an hour on both routes. It is a settlement located between Hague and Rotterdam, so you are guaranteed a getaway full of places to visit. Some of the most famous points of interest are Nieuwe Kerk, Stadhuis (the town hall) and Oostpoort.
Nieuwe Kerk has its roots in the year 1300, being completed in 1496. Its prominent bell tower, the second highest in the Netherlands at 108 meters, offers an epic panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. Legend has it that the choice of its location on the market square was inspired by the vision of a beggar. In addition, the interior houses the remains of members of Dutch royalty.
Stadhuis is the name of the town hall of Delft. It maintains the Renaissance essence and the gothic tower Het Steen despite having been rebuilt. It is ornamented with pilasters, sculptures and a pediment with the figure of Justice that leaves all visitors impressed. Its inner rooms are decorated in a wonderful way, so it is certainly a highly recommended visit. If you like darker history, you can visit the old prison with torture devices, used to detain William the Silent.
Gouda is one of the towns to visit near Amsterdam and has a special charm thanks to its canals. You could say that it is like a small Venice and is about 75 kilometers from Amsterdam, so you can get there by car in an hour or by train in 50 minutes. This city is very famous for its cheese, but it has many other points of interest that you can visit. For example, it has one of the most impressive old towns in the Netherlands, with traditional buildings and centuries-old canals, and it also offers a delicious gastronomic experience.
If you are making an express visit and need to see the most important monuments, I would recommend you visit the Markt square, the Oude Stadhuys, the Sint-Janskerk Church and the Gouda museum.
The Markt square is the epicenter of the city and many people use it as a meeting point, especially when the cheese market is held. It has an undoubted beauty and is bordered by historic buildings of eclectic style. In addition, you can enjoy the weather in some of its stores, taste its exquisite gastronomy in the restaurants of the area and appreciate the beauty of its architecture.
The town hall, known as Oude Stadhuys, was built after suffering a destructive fire. It is very famous for being one of the oldest town halls in the Netherlands. It has a very distinguished set of bells and puppets. Also, nearby is the De Goudse Waag building, dedicated to the weighing of cheese. It was built in 1668 and was transformed into a very striking corner for visitors because it has a souvenir store and a museum dedicated to cheese.
The monumental Church of Sint-Janskerk is a total of 123 meters long. It is the longest religious building in the Netherlands and is known for its beautifully colored stained glass windows. Meanwhile, the Gouda Museum, located in the former Catharina Gasthuis hospital, displays the city's fascinating historical narrative and showcases local treasures such as pipes and Gouda pottery. You can access this museum through the Lazarus Gate, an exquisite work by sculptor Gregorius Cool.
In conclusion, you have at your disposal a great variety of places to visit near Amsterdam. It is the gateway to a fascinating world of towns and cities interconnected by car, train and bus. From Zaanse Schans with its windmills, to the fishing charm of Volendam and from historic Leiden to modern Rotterdam; Amsterdam's surroundings offer a diversity of experiences beyond the central city. The Netherlands offers hidden gems like Delft and Gouda, with their old towns, ornate churches and captivating museums. So, when planning your trip to Amsterdam, don't forget to explore these nearby places that you can visit in as little as a day. Each corner tells its own story and contributes to the richness of this unique land.
The 5-star Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam is on Amsterdam’s main square with views across to the Royal Palace. You’re well-placed for some of the city’s finest shops, while a lotof tourist attractions are just a short stroll away.
The Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam Hotel, formerly known as NH Amsterdam Museum Quarter, is located just outside the center of Amsterdam, in the vibrant ‘De Pijp’ neighborhood. Due to the hotel’s excellent location, many of the city’s famous cultural attractions are within walking distance. For example, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Moco Museum are all within a kilometer of the hotel’s front door. Similarly, the scenic canal and the main shopping street P.C. Hoofstraat are within a five-minute walk.
The NH Amsterdam Leidseplein hotel, formerly known as NH Amsterdam Centre, is in the cultural heart of Amsterdam. Its spot in the beautiful Museum Quarter means it’s just a short walk to the Van Gogh museum. And there are shops, cafés and restaurants just across the canal in front of the hotel.
The NH Amsterdam Caransa hotel is on lively Rembrandt Square, where the main nightlife of the city of Amsterdam takes place. It’s surrounded by bars, cafés and restaurants and in easy walking distance of Amsterdam’s famous sights. For lunch and dinner you can go to De Kuyl across the square.
Listed as a Dutch national heritage site (rijksmonument), the Smallest House in Amsterdam resembles a miniature Dutch canal house and stands proudly in the old city centre, welcoming curious visitors.
The Rijksmuseum is home to one million works of art, craft pieces and historical gems spanning over 8 centuries of Dutch history. From these, 8000 objects are on display across the 80 well-laid-out rooms.
When many think of Holland, images of windmills and row upon row of colourful tulips come to mind. Just as characteristically Dutch are the nation's famed wooden shoes or clogs, known locally as Klompen.
Like its name suggests, Oude Kerk is indeed an Old Church. Once inside, visitors realise that they are in a 'covered cemetery' of sorts, where the remains of more than 12,000 people lie buried under foot.
Inaugurated as Amsterdam's Town Hall in 1655, the Royal Palace was originally intended to be the powerhouse for Amsterdam's magistrates who believed their city to be the new Rome of the North.
There is a macabre yet fascinating story behind the world-famous waxworks museum. It takes its name from Madam Anna Maria Grosholtz Tussaud, who made head sculptures of aristocrats executed during the French Revolution.
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