Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Amsterdam, Netherlands

1. Utrecht

Explore medieval architecture and vibrant culture in this historic city, just a short train ride from Amsterdam.

Rich History: Visit the Dom Tower, dating back to the 14th century.
Vibrant Culture: Experience Utrecht's diverse food scene and lively music events.
Easy Accessibility: Reach Utrecht in less than 30 minutes by high-speed train from Amsterdam.

Discover the charming town of Haarlem, known for its picturesque canals and historic windmills.

Historic Windmills: Visit the iconic De Adriaan windmill.
Cultural Activities: Enjoy a performance at the Frans Hals Museum or Corrie ten Boom House.
Scenic Canals: Take a leisurely boat ride along Haarlem's picturesque canals.

Step back in time with a visit to Leiden, the birthplace of famous scientist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek.

Historical Significance: Tour the museum dedicated to Van Leeuwenhoek's microscopic discoveries.
Nature and Wildlife: Explore the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe.
Vibrant Student Life: Experience Leiden's lively atmosphere thanks to its university community.

Step into the past at Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum dedicated to traditional Dutch industry.

Historic Industry: Witness working windmills and traditional workshops.
Natural Beauty: Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the River Zaan.
Cultural Experiences: Participate in traditional Dutch activities like cheese-making and clog-carving.

Experience modern architecture, art, and vibrant nightlife in Europe's most dynamic city.

Modern Architecture: Explore the iconic Erasmus Bridge and Cube Houses.
Art Scene: Visit Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen or the Nederlands Fotomuseum.
Vibrant Nightlife: Enjoy Rotterdam's diverse restaurant and bar scene after dark.

Cruise through the 'Venice of the North', Giethoorn's charming waterways lined with thatched-roof houses.

Tranquil Waterways: Enjoy a relaxing boat tour through Giethoorn's picturesque canals.
Historic Buildings: Admire the traditional thatched-roof houses and historic churches.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Escape the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam in Giethoorn's serene atmosphere.

Discover a medieval fortress and charming town center in Amersfoort, just 30 minutes from Amsterdam.

Historic Fortress: Explore the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren (Our Lady Tower), a medieval fortress.
Cultural Events: Attend the annual Schuimbladdermarkt or Sinterklaas Parade.
Charming Town Center: Stroll through Amersfoort's beautiful town center and its picturesque canals.

Step back in time on Marken Island, a traditional fishing village with thatched-roof houses.

Historic Architecture: Admire the traditional thatched-roof houses and wooden windmill.
Cultural Experiences: Learn about Marken's fishing history at the Fishing Museum.
Natural Beauty: Enjoy walks along the coastline and bird-watching opportunities.

Experience a traditional fishing village with charming houses and delicious seafood.

Traditional Architecture: Stroll through the picturesque streets of Volendam's historic center.
Delicious Seafood: Sample traditional Dutch fish dishes like herring and eel.
Cultural Experiences: Learn about the local culture at the Volendam Museum.

Visit the picturesque town of Edam, famous for its traditional cheese.

Traditional Cheese: Purchase authentic Edam cheese from local cheese vendors.
Historic Buildings: Admire the beautiful town hall and St. Nicholas' Church.
Scenic Canals: Take a boat ride along Edam's charming canals.

Discover a medieval castle and quaint village in Muiden, overlooking IJsselmeer lake.

Historic Castle: Explore Muiden Castle, dating back to the 13th century.
Scenic Lake Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of IJsselmeer lake from the castle's grounds.
Charming Village: Stroll through Muiden's picturesque streets and traditional houses.

Experience the Netherlands' media capital, Hilversum, known for its modern architecture and beautiful gardens.

Modern Architecture: Visit the iconic Media Plaza.
Beautiful Gardens: Explore the Hoge Veluwe National Park and its world-renowned Kröller-Müller Museum.
Cultural Activities: Attend performances at the Holland Festival or the International Chamber Music Festival.

Visit Oostzaan for its beautiful nature reserves, historic windmills, and charming village atmosphere.

Nature Reserves: Explore the Oostermeer Nature Reserve.
Historic Windmills: Visit the Kwakelermolen windmill.
Village Atmosphere: Stroll through Oostzaan's picturesque streets and traditional houses.

Experience modern shopping centers, cultural events, and beautiful nature reserves in Hoofddorp.

Modern Shopping Centers: Visit the Amsterdam Airport Boulevard or the Zuidplein.
Cultural Events: Attend performances at the North Sea Jazz Festival or the Holland Casino.
Beautiful Nature Reserves: Explore the Hoofddorpse Bosch nature reserve.

Discover modern architecture, cultural events, and beautiful beaches in Almere.

Modern Architecture: Visit the Almere Art Town or Almere Point.
Cultural Events: Attend performances at the Almere Theatre or the Almere Music Centre.
Beautiful Beaches: Relax on the shores of Gooimeer Lake or Zeilmeer Lake.