For an American, visiting Amsterdam can be a fantastic experience – quite literally. It sparks the imagination and transports you to a Dutch fairytale.
While the canals call you to explore this idyllic city, remember there is much more to see. Venture out to nearby cities and towns, and you will find the charm and beauty of these locations are worth the trip.
Here are the best Amsterdam day trips by train, so you can make the most of your European holiday.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Nick Brundle Photography. Image Location: Bruges, Belgium.
One-day adventures: cities near Amsterdam worth visiting by train
Bruges, Belgium
Amsterdam Centraal to Brugge: from 2h 46m
Once you’ve arrived, explore this gothic Belgian city by boat to take in all its beauty. Let the view from the waterways introduce you to the medieval architecture, which’ll reveal why this city is known as Belgium’s fairytale town.
The Markt, the central square of Bruges, can be found under the famous Belfry Tower, which houses a Salvador Dalí exhibition. The market square is an excellent place to unwind, buy famous Belgian chocolates, and do some people-watching from one of the many restaurants.
For the art lovers, there’s plenty more. In the city that Jan van Eyck called home, you will find Early Netherlandish paintings at Groeninge Museum.
Antwerp, Belgium
Amsterdam Centraal to Antwerpen-Centraal: from 1h 15m
A highlight for many tourists visiting Europe is the continent’s railway system itself. For Americans with little to no public transportation at home, this is especially true.
When traveling from Amsterdam to Antwerp’s main train station, you’ll be greeted by the “Railway Cathedral” (as it is colloquially known) upon your arrival. Here you’ll start your day at one of the most magnificent railway stations in the world.
Once you’re out of the station, the many museums and galleries await you. Besides, you’re in the birthplace of Flemish icon Peter Paul Rubens.
Antwerp’s Grote Markt, the central plaza surrounded by the splendor of guild houses and the 16th-century City Hall, gives you a place to time travel while relaxing at a café or restaurant.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium.
Brussels, Belgium
Amsterdam Centraal to Bruxelles-Midi: from 1h 53m
A treasure-trove for gourmands, Brussels delights the palate with its many delectable dishes. Known for seafood, waffles, fries, beer, and chocolate, you will have no trouble finding top-tier restaurants to relax in or street food to carry while exploring some Art Nouveau architecture.
Some notable sights to visit include the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, and the Atomium, an unusual modernist piece of architecture that transports you back to the 1958 World’s Fair.
Finish a long day of walking in the Grand-Place (or Grote Markt), the main square in Brussels, which is surrounded by late 17th-century buildings and filled with charming cafés and shops.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal: from 39m
While the other cities give you a glimpse into the past, Rotterdam is looking forward. Since much of the city was destroyed during WWII, the city now has some of the most beautiful modern architecture. To get a good view of the city, go up the Euromast observation tower.
Have some lunch at The Markthal, a modern horseshoe-shaped building featuring an arch covering, which offers a fun take on the market square.
If you are more interested in old Holland, you can take a quick bus trip to Kinderdijk village, where you can get a classic Dutch windmill experience.
Image Credit: Getty Images, neirfy. Image Location: Binnenhof, The Hague, Netherlands.
The Hague, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal to Den Haag HS: from 47m
A visit to the capital of South Holland province should include the Mauritshuis, a museum filled with fine Dutch paintings, including Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Get a guided tour of the Peace Palace, which houses the United Nations’ International Court of Justice. The Peace Palace also holds works of art from around the world and has a beautiful historic garden.
Finally, stroll the promenade at Scheveningen beach, and enjoy seafood drinks while watching the waves.
Keukenhof, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal to Sassenheim: from 34m, plus bus/taxi ride
If picture-perfect Holland is what you crave, tulips bloom from around late March to mid-May, and Keukenhof tulip gardens is the place to see approximately seven million of these flowers.
Be warned: tickets to see the Keukenhof tulip fields sell out far in advance, with next season’s ticket sales on the Keukenhof webshop starting in mid-October.
There are several ways to get there from Amsterdam, so with good planning, millions of beautiful buds await.
Ready to explore?
Prepare for your next journey and discover the endless possibilities with the Trainline app. Whether it is outside the city center or crossing borders, a new getaway is an easy train ride away.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands.