any ideas out there for good one or two day amsterdam side trips? we'll be there this winter for two weeks, and wanted to travel out of the city, plan on hopping a train. where would you suggest to visit that is easy?
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
Haarlem is a good day trip.
Posted by
North Little Rock, AR, USA
39 posts
Hi, Jenn.
I agree with JB... Haarlem is very nice to visit as a side trip from A'dam. You can catch a twenty minute train ride to Haarlem from either Schipol or Centraal station.
Another good choice is Alkmaar. Also quick and easy to get to from Amsterdam.
(I have photos of my visits to both towns at my online photo album if you are interested: picturetrail.com/bepineurope )
Have fun! Tot ziens.
Posted by
Phoenix
25 posts
Brugge is an adorable town in Belgium and very doable as one night from Amsterdam
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Utrecht, one of the most underrated spots in the Netherlands. About 45 minutes by train from Amsterdam, it's got great canals and a wonderful Saturday market, as well as interesting and historical architecture. Den Haag, the capital, is somewhat boring, as many government towns seem to be. But if you're into art, it's worth going to see the Mauritshuis museum, full of old masters from the Dutch golden age. It's the home of Vermeer's "Girl with the Pearl Earring," a portrait that will entrance you....she seems to be following you all around the room! The Hague Historical Museum also has a number of works transferred from the Rijksmuseum during its renovation. At Kinderdijk, you'll find about 20 windmills all still pumping away, but the one you can actually visit is closed during the winter. You might also try the "golden circle," villages north of Amsterdam along the Ijsselmeer. Bruges, Belgium is a good choice, but for 2 days, since the train ride is 3 1/2 hours.
Posted by
Laguna Beach, CA, USA
272 posts
Rotterdam! About an hour train trip from Amsterdam. Great city but very different than A'dam. Has largest port in all of Europe. The train ride there is actually rewarding in itself as you go through beautiful countryside.
Posted by
Lodi, California, USA
149 posts
Hi Jenn, A nice day trip is to Marken. We rented a cottage for 8 nights two years ago and enjoyed the village. There is direct city bus service from the central station in Amsterdam to Marken, with service about every thirty minutes. Marken has good restaurants overlooking the small-boat harbor, and there is a hotel if you wish to stay overnight. It's easy to explore this village on foot. Charlie, Lodi, CA