Top Amsterdam Day Trips

Many interesting Amsterdam day trips are available. Consider these highly-ranked experiences that past customers have enjoyed:

• Amsterdam Luxury Boat Canal Cruise w/ Live Guide and Onboard Bar
• Amsterdam Classic Boat Cruise with Live Guide, Drinks and Cheese
• All-Inclusive Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Captain Jack
• Anne Frank Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter
• Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise with Live Guide and Onboard Bar

You can travel by train from Amsterdam to many other European countries, but some routes require transfers. Popular international destinations with direct routes from Amsterdam include Austria, Belgium, England, France, Germany, and Switzerland. If you want to visit another country in just one day, consider a day trip from Amsterdam to Bruges or Brussels, Belgium.

Yes, a day trip from Amsterdam to Brussels is worth it. You can sample Belgian delicacies such as fries, waffles, and chocolate and check out Brussels’ impressive city center and ornate Grand Palace buildings. Guided tours mean you can leave the driving to someone else and admire the comfort of your vehicle.

Yes, you could do a day trip from Amsterdam to Paris, since a direct train takes about 3.5 hours. But given the short amount of time you’d have to explore the capital of France before your same-day return trip to the Netherlands, a multi-day visit to Paris is the best option.

High-speed train travel from Amsterdam to Prague takes about 11.5 hours, but you'll need to make at least one train transfer. The rail service European Sleeper launched a direct overnight itinerary in March 2024 that takes just over 12 hours and travels via the German capital of Berlin.

You need around three days to see most of Amsterdam’s key sights, such as the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum. You’ll also have time for a cruise on the city’s scenic canals and a day trip from Amsterdam, such as a countryside tour of its windmills or sightseeing in Rotterdam.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Amsterdam aside from day trips and excursions. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Canal Cruises 

• Walking Tours

• Bike Rentals

• Dinner Cruises

• Night Cruises

Amsterdam day trip and excursion prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

• Absolutely Amsterdam—The Essential Introductory Walking Tour

• Amsterdam: Luxury Canal Cruise Unlimited Drinks & Bites Option

• From Amsterdam: Keukenhof Gardens Ticket and Transfer

• Guided Bike Tour of Amsterdam's Highlights and Hidden Gems

• Anne Frank Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter

There are plenty of Amsterdam day trips and excursions, so research your options to find the right one for you. The city center is compact and best explored on a walking or guided bike tour, while canal cruises offer an immersive way to see the sights and depart from various points across the city. Venturing beyond Amsterdam is worthwhile—Keukenhof Gardens and Zaanse Schans are both within an hour's drive, and most day trips include transport.

Check the weather forecast before the day of your Amsterdam trip, and be prepared for wet weather, as the city is prone to showers year-round. Comfortable footwear and a waterproof layer can make the difference between an enjoyable day out and a dampened experience. Research transport options to and from your trip departure points and leave yourself enough time to get there without rushing. If you book a guided tour, take advantage of your guide’s local knowledge and ask plenty of questions to understand this fascinating city better.

Amsterdam has plenty to offer year-round, so the best time to book depends on what kind of trip you want. If you’re keen to get out and see Keukenhof in all its bloom and splendor, book from mid-March to May. Spring’s mild temperatures and fewer crowds make it a great time to explore the rest of Amsterdam, too. If it’s long summer days you’re after, book your trip between June and August, but be prepared for the peak crowds. You can always book mid-week and avoid school holidays to experience the city’s top attractions with fewer summer visitors.