With a lot to do in Amsterdam with children, itโs straightforward to spend your total journey exploring there โ but it surelyโs additionally an awesome base to find essentially the most stunning cities to go to in The Netherlands, amongst different nice day journeys from Amsterdam with children.
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And due to the nationโs well-connected rail system, you donโt essentially want a automotive to get round both, if you happen toโre seeking to enterprise past the capital.
Better of all, The Netherlandsโ dimension signifies that for almost all of those tempting cities, these are straightforward day journeys from Amsterdam with children, taking an hour or much less on the prepare โ plus one or two, the place itโs price the additional travelling time.
For extra concepts of the most effective issues to do in Amsterdam with children, take a look at my prime picks
Amersfoort
Fairly Amersfoort appears straight out of a medieval e-book full of centuries-old homes and monuments, and itโs solely round 30-45 minutes from Amsterdam on the prepare.
Within the province of Utrecht, Amersfoort is true in the course of the nation and is likely one of the most stunning cities to go to within the Netherlands in addition to being compact sufficient to walk round simply.
Town has numerous sights to maintain you busy for a couple of days, however if you happen to solely have sooner or later to spare, listed below are among the important spots to go to first.
For historical past, head to the Onze Lieve Vrouw church tower, which stretches over 98 metres excessive โ nicknamed Lange Jan (or Lengthy John), and the unmissable Koppelpoort. This medieval landmark was constructed within the fifteenth century and was one of many metropolisโs former gates, stretching over the water.
You too can see the Mondriaan Home (the place the well-known Dutch painter grew up), and De Drie Ringen (town brewery) to take pleasure in a beer (or two).
The best way to do it: To get to Amersfoort, take a direct prepare from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Amersfoort Centraal Station, which is round a 15-minute stroll from town centre, with good indicators to guide you there. Itโs onerous to get misplaced โ although you could be tempted to.
Breda
Town of Breda is a cultural hub within the Netherlands, so if you happen toโre planning a day journey from Amsterdam, likelihood is youโll discover you’ll be able toโt match the whole lot into sooner or later.
With a inhabitants of 170,000 inhabitants, it has 11 museums, numerous retailers (and greater than 100 bars), in addition to a string of historic buildings in Bredaโs metropolis centre.
Its historical past dates again to the late eleventh century when it grew to become a fief of the Holy Roman Emperor, earlier than Breda grew to become a fortified metropolis in 1534, and performed an vital function in Netherland historical past, throughout wars with France.
Study extra on this nice bike tour of Breda (toddler seats out there if you happen toโre visiting with youthful children).
Lots of its fortifications are nonetheless intact and may be noticed on โThe Historic Kilometerโ tour, whereas among the different massive sights are the Ginneken Market (Ginnekenmarkt), Grote Kerk, Breda Fort, Saint Anthonyโs Cathedral, and The Begijnhof district.
With town centre set inside an intensive water canal community, one of many loveliest methods to discover is by hopping on a relaxed boat tour. Excursions depart from town port (Haven) and final round an hour, going via the attractive sightseeing landmarks.
The best way to do it: Breda lies in between the rivers Aa and Mark, not removed from the Belgian border, within the province of North Brabant. It takes simply over an hour by prepare from Amsterdam Centraal.
Delft
Courting again to round 1075, Delft is a captivating, conventional Dutch city in South Holland โ excellent if you happen toโre in search of cobbled streets, medieval homes, cosy cafes, and delightful canals with previous bridges, however with out the crowds.
With a small centre, Delft can be a really walkable metropolis โ there are strolling excursions of Delft, together with this enjoyable photograph tour of Delft โ or itโs straightforward to lease bikes to discover.
Alongside the best way, go to the Johannes Vermeer Museum, to study extra in regards to the well-known artist, who got here from Delft, and stroll up the 376 stairs within the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) for a shocking view over town.
After all, the rationale Delft is most well-known is for its conventional Dutch blue and white pottery, often called Delft Blue, and you may nonetheless go to the Royal Delft Pottery Manufacturing facility, first established in 1653, the place youโll study extra about Vermeer and the nationโs royal household alongside the best way.
For these in search of an actual Dutch expertise, thereโs additionally a windmill to go to at no cost and a statue of a cow at one of many squares, or itโs an awesome place to attempt some conventional Dutch meals, reminiscent of Snert or stamppot.
The best way to do it: Delft is positioned about an hour from Amsterdam by prepare, leaving from Amsterdam Zuid station โ and quarter-hour from Rotterdam or 10 minutes from The Hague
Giethoorn
Lovely Giethoorn is named the โVenice of the Netherlandsโ due to its waterways โ principally car-free, the city within the Dutch province of Overijssel makes a beautiful stress-free escape.
The identify Giethoorn originated within the thirteenth century when the unique farmers found horns of untamed goats that had died in the course of the floods of 1170. โGoat horn,โ or โGeytenhorenโ, was later remodeled to Giethoorn .
One of the best โ and solely approach โ to discover is by water. You possibly can lease completely different sizes of boats and canoes at a number of locations, most with a silent electrical motor, or be a part of a cruise.
As you sightsee, youโll go Giethoornโs stunning genuine Dutch properties with thatched roofs, go below bridges and itโs straightforward to dock at cafes and eating places for a break and lunch or a espresso. Relying on the route you select, additionally, you will go to the attractive nationwide park of Weerribben Wieden.
The best way to do it: Regardless of being a car-free vacation spot, the best technique to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam is to drive โ itโs round a 90-minute journey, with free parking to go away your automotive (donโt be tempted to park elsewhere until you wish to threat a fantastic).
In any other case Giethoorn doesnโt have its personal prepare station, so the closest you may get is 9km away, which implies you want a bus to complete the journey.
You too can be a part of a day journey from Amsterdam to Giethoorn, some excursions visiting the close by nationwide park as nicely.
Gouda
Situated just below an hour away from Amsterdam by prepare, the little metropolis of Gouda in south Holland is nicely price a go to โ and never simply if you happen to love cheese.
Itโs no secret that Gouda is known for its cheese although, and the most effective day to go to is on Thursdays, when the Cheese Market is held from 10am onwards in entrance of the fifteenth Century Stadhuisย (the previous City Corridor).
Right here, you should purchase lots of of various cheeses, together with the whole lot from conventional Gouda cheese to cherry liqueur and Heineken beer cheese! For an excellent wider choice, go to the varied cheesemongers dotted across the metropolis (though the costs are sometimes extra affordable on the market).
There are many issues to do in Gouda apart from consuming copious quantities of cheese, nonetheless. Gouda can be well-known for its stroopwafels and long-burning wax candles.
Town centre nonetheless homes quite a lot of historic landmarks together with Museum Gouda, Sint Janskerk (St. Johnโs Church) โ the longest church within the Netherlands at 123m โ and the seventeenth Century Goudse Waag.
The church was as soon as used as a weighing home for the Cheese Market. At this time, it’s house to a cheese-making museum โ alongside the aforementioned Stadhuis.
The best way to do it: Gouda is positioned about 30-45 minutes from Amsterdam by prepare, leaving from numerous Amsterdam stations station โ and quarter-hour from Rotterdam or 20-Half-hour from The Hague
Haarlem
Haarlem is likely one of the most stunning cities within the Netherlands, with its medieval previous city, cute bridges spanning waterways and fairly, vibrant buildings lining cobbled streets โ consider it like a mini-version of Amsterdam, with out the crowds, extra cleaner and compact.
The highest issues to do in Haarlem embrace a go to to Grote Markt, the stunning old-town sq., on the centre of which is the towering 14th century Grote Kerk, Haarlemโs important church.
Take a stroll alongside the cobbled streets round Grote Markt to gaze on the historic buildings, a few of which at the moment are cafes and eating places โ or you possibly can attempt a self-guided tour of Haarlem to find among the much less well-known corners too.
Go to the Frans Hals Museum, devoted to the well-known medieval painter born in Haarlem, break up over two websites and exhibiting a few of his fantastic artworks, or Netherlandโs oldest museum, Teylers Museum of Science and Arts, with its in depth assortment of fossils.
Then head to the 18th-century conventional wood windmill, Molen de Adriaan, outdoors the sq.: you’ll be able to climb the windmill for splendid views of the city or take a guided tour.
You too can take a canal cruise to see a few of Haarlemโs landmarks from the water, in addition to a motorcycle tour of town.
The best way to do it: It takes simply quarter-hour from Amsterdam Centraal to achieve Haarlem by prepare, so itโs among the finest choices if you happen toโre in search of straightforward day journeys from Amsterdam with children.
The Hague
Often known as the โWorldwide Metropolis of Peace and Justiceโ, The Hague is the house of the United Nationsโ Worldwide Courtroom of Justice in addition to the Worldwide Felony Courtroom, however thereโs excess of authorized tangles to search out right here.
Its Dutch identify, Den Haag, comes from the medieval identify โDes Graven Hageโ, which interprets as โthe countsโ hedgeโ, referring to the Dutch noblemen who used the land for searching.
These days, the one factor youโll be searching within the Hague is masterpieces by Dutch and Flemish masters at famend artwork museum Mauritshuis, and extra fashionable works on the Kunstmuseum.
Or maybe discovering your personal piece of treasure to take house from Europeโs largest outside market, the Hague Market (Haagse Mart). For extra buying, observe within the footsteps of the nationโs Queen by taking a stroll via the lined buying arcade, the Passage.
Historical past buffs also can tour the Gothic-style Binnenhof, house to the Dutch parliament โ the hop-on hop-off tram will take you there, in addition to being a good way to see the sights of The Hague with children.
Youthful children will love the miniature fashions of Dutch life at theme park, Madurodam, in addition to sights just like the Sea Life Centre and Legoland Discovery Centre at Scheveningen, the place you may also spend time on the seashore.
If the climate is good, take a stroll out alongside the pier on Scheveningen Seaside too and benefit from the views from the SkyView ferris wheel
The best way to do it: The Hague is a straightforward day journey from Amsterdam, round 1 hour away on the prepare, and simply among the finest cities to go to within the Netherlands too.
Helmond
Amsterdam isnโt the one place within the Netherlands the place you’ll be able to stroll by the canals โ image a quieter model of the capital, with empty streets the place you’ll be able to cycle, and little alleys by the water with bars and eating places whose terraces line the canals.
Fortunately, this attractive picture isnโt imaginary if you happen to head to the little city of Helmond, a brief drive from Eindhoven within the Brabant area.
As soon as an industrial metropolis with numerous factories and large companies exporting items to all the world, right now, one of many former factories has been remodeled into an incredible constructing with artwork galleries, a cinema and restaurant.
Within the centre of town, youโll discover a fort which isn’t solely excellent for youths as it’s tremendous interactive, but additionally nice to listen to just a little in regards to the historical past of this space of the Netherlands.
One of the simplest ways to spend the day right here is in your bike. Cycle alongside the canals, have some ice cream and discover the encircling park, to get a glimpse of Dutch each day life away from the better-known cities.
The best way to do it: Round 90 minutes from Amsterdam to Helmond by prepare, Helmond can be stuffed with little surprises that you simply may need not anticipated.
Leiden
Oozing historical past and allure, Leiden is an typically neglected vacation spot and among the finest cities to go to within the Netherlands.
House to one of many oldest universities within the Netherlands, Leiden has a vigorous pupil vibe โ take your personal self-guided strolling tour of Leiden, and stroll alongside the picture-perfect canals that weave via its seventeenth century historic centre.
There are some nice museums to find, together with the superb Rijksmuseum Volkenkunde, which celebrates world cultures, or cease by Leidenโs Windmill Museum to find extra a couple of working windmill.
If gardens and nature are extra to your style, town is house to Hortus Botanicus Leiden, one the oldest botanical gardens on the earth. Or cruise via Leiden on a ship tour on the canals, or head out to the โAmsterdam Lakesโ on a 30-minute boat experience too.
And you’ll study extra in regards to the way of life of a few of its seventeenth century inhabitants on the American Pilgrim Museum, with many settling within the space round St Peterโs Church after fleeing non secular persecution in England.
The best way to do it: A simple day journey from Amsterdam by prepare, it takes simply over half an hour to achieve Rembrandtโs birthplace, which has all of the allure of the capital minus its crowds.
Lisse
Simply south of Amsterdam, Lisseโs largest declare to fame is being the placement of the world-renowned Keukenhof gardens.ย
Keukenhof boasts tens of millions of springtime tulips and different flowers, making it some of the stunning spring occasions around the globe. Andย annually throughout April and Could, Lisse is bustling with vacationers arriving to see the flowers come into bloom and the enduring tulip fields of the Netherlands.ย
Purchase a skip-the-line ticket to Keukenhof right here
Along with the gardens at Keukenhof, Lisse can be house to Fort Keukenhof and the Black Tulip Museum.ย
There are excursions galore but it surelyโs straightforward to discover independently too. If you wish to see the flower fields (and naturally, some windmills), lease a bicycle and head down the Stationsweg Route.
The best way to do it: Lisse is a straightforward day journey from Amsterdam, taking solely about Half-hour by automotive, though itโs just a little bit trickier by public transport โ there’s a bus at some instances of yr direct from Schipol, or the closest stations are Sassenheim, the place you’ll be able to catch a bus, or through Leiden.
If you’re going only for Keukenhof, a tour from Amsterdam together with transport may be extra easy.
Maastricht
Maastricht is likely one of the greatest cities to go to within the Netherlands, with an awesome mixture of historical past, museum, retailers, eating places and a vigorous environment.
Individuals have lived her for hundreds of years and itโs formally been a metropolis since 1204, so thereโs heaps to find. At this time, you’ll be able to nonetheless see the stays of its fortifications, and the oldest metropolis gate and the oldest bridge, St Servaasbrug, within the Netherlands โ be a part of one of many free metropolis excursions to discover.
Or wander via Maastrichtโs cool neighborhoods by yourself โ Wyck, which runs from the prepare station to the Maas, is stuffed with cute cafes (attempt the native speciality, kruisbessenschuim, or gooseberry pie) and retailers. Look out for quirky locations like Boekhandel Dominicanen, a bookshop in a church, toovold.
There are additionally some wonderful museums like Bonnefantenmuseum artwork museum, the St Servaas basilica and Maastricht Underground, a sequence of tunnels and caverns below town.
The best way to do it: Maastricht is farther from the capital than different cities, round two hours on the prepare so if you happen toโre planning day journeys from Amsterdam, that is someplace to remain in a single day if you happen to can.
Marken
For a special facet to the Netherlands than its cities, the fishing city of Marken is a good way to get a style of the countryside.
Marken isnโt someplace to tick off a string of sights โ though you’ll be able to see the wood shoe manufacturing unit whilst youโre there.
As an alternative, stroll previous the eye-catching conventional homes, chill out by the waterfront in one of many cafes, and head up in direction of the lighthouse, the place you’ll be able to look out to sea โ you’ll be able toโt climb to the highest although.
For an much more memorable stroll, proceed to Marker Landtong, a slim strip of land with the ocean on both facet.
The best way to do it: You possibly canโt take the prepare to Marken however the 315 bus runs immediately from Amsterdam Noord and takes lower than half an hour. Itโs additionally straightforward to take the ferry to Volendam from right here (or vice versa), included in your I Amsterdam card.
Muiden
The gorgeous city of Muiden is only a quick journey away from Amsterdam, and whereas few vacationers have a tendency to move right here, the city is house to a captivating little fort.
Muiden Fort, also referred to as Muiderslot, was first inbuilt 1280 โ then after being demolished by 1300, it was rebuilt based mostly on the unique plans after one other 100 years.
Today, itโs a museum, open to the general public and straightforward to mix with a while exploring Muiden itself โ plan round an hour and a half to go to the fort.
Then after some lunch โ or maybe a snack like bitterballen โ you’ll be able to head to Krijgsman Seaside, the small seashore close to Muiden.
The best way to do it: The best technique to journey to Muiden for a day journey from Amsterdam is by automotive, which takes round quarter-hour. Or you’ll be able to cycle there in lower than an hour. In any other case youโll have to mix bus/subway/prepare โ enable Half-hour to an hour relying on the route you’re taking.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam, the Netherlandsโ second largest metropolis, is someplace which deserves excess of a single day โ however if you happen to solely have time for day journeys from Amsterdam, you’ll be able to see among the highlights.
Bombed in the course of the Second World Struggle and later rebuilt, the trendy metropolis has some spectacular structure consequently: locations just like the yellow dice homes, the attractive Martkhal and the Erasmus bridge are only a few examples of what this metropolis has to supply by way of structure alone.
Be part of a strolling tour of Rotterdam to see the important thing sights if you happen toโre in need of time โ or think about this two-hour structure strolling tour
As you may need guessed, Rotterdam will not be your typical Dutch metropolis โ the economic coronary heart of the nation, this hip spot is sort of completely different from the remainder of the Netherlands and makes an awesome distinction to the historic streets elsewhere.
Donโt miss the most effective views from the Euromast, the very best watchtower within the Netherlands with 360 diploma panoramic views. Pay a go to to the previous harbour too โ the Sightseeing Splash Tour finishes by plunging into the Maas river after travelling across the metropolis streets.
Town is house to a string of museums as nicely, such because the Maritime Museum, in addition to exploring the Steamship Rotterdam, the largest oceanliner constructed within the Netherlands,
The best way to do it: Rotterdam is round 40 minutes by prepare from Amsterdam โ get able to pack your time full or think about staying in a single day, as you’ll be able to simply spend longer than a day right here.
Texel
The Dutch island of Texel is likely one of the most uncommon locations within the Netherlands to discover on a day journey from Amsterdam. A part of the Wadden Islands within the north of the nation (also referred to as the Frisian islands), every island has its personal distinctive nature reserves.
Texel is the most important of the islands in addition to the best to achieve, large enough to have quite a lot of villages. The largest one is Den Burg, within the coronary heart of the island; its typical Dutch streets are lined with pink brick homes and small retailers.
Do go to the village De Koog, because itโs at among the finest seashores of the island, in addition to being house to Museum Flora, which is full of finds which have washed ashore or been picked up by beachcombers.
The small village of De Cocksdorp all the best way up north is a must-visit as nicely, because itโs house to the enduring Texel lighthouse. Get a ticket to go up for some superb island views.
Among the best methods to discover the island is by (electrical) bike. You possibly can lease them at just about every village
The spotlight of a go to to any of the Wadden islands is a guided hike on the mudflats (โwadlopenโ in Dutch). Throughout low tide you’ll be able to stroll on the ocean mattress between the islands, as the ocean will not be fairly deep on this a part of the nation.
The best way to do it: Take the prepare from Amsterdam to Den Helder station and decide up the Texel bus from there, which makes use of the ferry to carry you all the best way to the island villages.
Utrecht
Utrecht is a incredible metropolis for wandering โ assume Amsterdam with out the crowds. It has all the most effective components of the capital, from canals and nice eating places to thought-provoking museums, however Utrecht is calmer and extra picturesque.
And the museums are undoubtedly out of the atypical โ take a look at the Speelklok Museum (packed stuffed with mechanical devices all in a beautiful setting), the Miffy Museum (excellent for a visit to the Netherlands with children) and the prepare museum (Het Spoorwegmuseum).
If you happen toโre feeling energetic then stroll the steps to the highest of the Dom Tower (a 14th century bell tower) for fantastic views throughout town.
Automobiles are largely banned from the centre, which means this metropolis is good for strolling. The sound of bicycles whizzing previous or boats chugging via the waterways are the primary site visitors noise as you lose your self within the backstreets and parks, discovering delights round almost each flip.
The best way to do it: Itโs a straightforward choice if you happen toโre in search of day journeys from Amsterdam with children too, as Utrecht is lower than half an hour away by prepare.
Volendam
With its cobbled streets, timber homes and small canals, a day trip at Volendam can really feel like stepping again in time โ excellent for a day journey from Amsterdam.ย
In addition to strolling the streets of the waterfront, the place yow will discover herring galore on the eating places and meals vans, the fishing village has loads of historical past to find.
Voldenam is likely one of the most Catholic cities in North Holland and its Catholic residents may be typically recognized as a result of theyโre often carrying the everyday Dutch costume.
If you happen toโre in search of sights, there are museums and a well-known church to go to, however the most effective factor to do in Volendam is to get misplaced within the slim streets, among the many canals and bicycles.
The best way to do it: Itโs straightforward to mix with a go to to Edam โ you’ll be able to take a tour that mixes all three, together with Zaanse Schans.
In any other case you’ll be able toโt take the prepare to Volendam however the 312 and 316 bus routes run from Amsterdam Centraal and takes lower than half an hour. Itโs additionally straightforward to take the ferry to Marken from right here (or vice versa), included in your I Amsterdam card.
Zwolle
Zwolle is a captivating city within the Netherlands which is usually neglected while youโre planning day journeys from Amsterdam, particularly because itโs additional east than many of the larger cities.
However Zwolle is likely one of the greatest cities to go to within the Netherlands, so nicely price conserving in your listing.
Given metropolis rights in 1230, it was a part of the previous Hanseatic League and profited quite a bit from commerce within the fifteenth century. You possibly can nonetheless see its previous defences, with town centre is surrounded by a canal.
Stroll across the centre itself, and yow will discover historic sights just like the well-known Peperbus tower โ climb the 236 steps for some nice views โ in addition to the previous metropolis gate Sassenpoort. You possibly can even style sweets on the historic candy store Zwols Balletjeshuis.
But it surelyโs not all about historical past: the museum De Fundatie has a set of visible arts inside whereas the โcloudโ on prime of the constructing makes it equally eye-catching outdoors.
The best way to do it: The prepare to Zwolle from Amsterdam takes as little as an hour from Amsterdam Zuid, and itโs one which is straightforward to mix with a go to to Giethoorn as nicely.
PIN FOR LATER: CITIES TO VISIT IN THE NETHERLANDS
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