Best Places to Visit in Netherlands Outside Amsterdam

When you think of the Netherlands, you may think of the capital Amsterdam. There may be a lot of places to visit in Amsterdam, but there is definitely much more to other cities in the Netherlands than Amsterdam. And can no country be defined by its capital alone? While we don’t want to overshadow the beauty of Amsterdam, we would like to say that travelers who set out to explore have a lot of options in this country. Yes, there are amazing places to visit in the Netherlands other than Amsterdam.

If you are planning a day trip from Amsterdam, we will embark on a journey to discover these places together. As we dive into the postcard-like landscapes, brand new paths will emerge. No, this is not the beginning of a poem, but a little spoiler for travelers!

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Zaandam: The Landscapes That Fascinated Monet

We would like to start our list of the best places to visit in the Netherlands outside of Amsterdam with Zaandam. You can take a train from Amsterdam Train Station (Amsterdam Centraal Station) and reach Zaandam in 15 minutes. Since it is quite close to Amsterdam, you can stay here even when you want to explore the city center, keep in mind.

Zaandam, once the heart of the Dutch milling industry, can be described as the countryside of today’s Netherlands. So you will see plenty of windmills around here. This spot, which also attracted the attention of the famous French painter Claude Monet, wrote a letter to a painter friend, saying, “There is enough here to paint for a lifetime. Houses in every color, hundreds of windmills and cute boats…” and wrote about his interest in Zaandam. He also stayed here for about 4 months, leaving behind indelible memories of 1871. If you want to follow this trail, you can visit the Monet Atelier, where you can see paintings by both Monet and local painters.

The blue corner at the top of Zaandam’s iconic Inntel Hotel building was also inspired by Monet’s paintings. In fact, we can say that the most interesting “thing” in Zaandam is the tall green and blue buildings with a very unique architectural style.

Another fun fact about Zaandam is that the first McDonald’s branch in Europe opened in this city in 1971. If you like information that won’t be useful to you but can be said in public, you can write this down.

We recommend that you stop by Zaanse Schans, which we can call the village of Zaandam – which we cannot exactly call a “village” with its aesthetic and well-maintained structures – and take a look at its windmills, its view – if you come across it seasonally – its tulips, and of course take photos of them, focusing on the cheeses. Cheese tasting is the most popular and touristic activity in this village.

Utrecht: A Modern Treasure with a Medieval Influence

Utrecht is like Amsterdam’s calmer yet confident cousin! Just a 25-minute train ride away, this city is a paradise for both history-loving travelers and those who want to enjoy modern life. A student city, Utrecht is home to a modern treasure trove of galleries and museums, all wrapped up in medieval charm.

As you walk around the city center, you will see the dazzling Dom Tower. If you can brave the hundreds of steps, the view you see when you reach the top will make you forget all your tiredness.

Utrecht is also home to the largest castle in the Netherlands, De Haar Castle. This castle, which has hosted the jet set, is a fairytale place not only with its architecture but also with the canals, ponds, parks and interiors that run around it. If you want to learn more and visit this fascinating place, the Kasteel de Haar website can help you. You can get here by using the number 127 bus from Vleuten station. If you get off at Brink Haarzuilens, your feet will bring you to the castle after a 15-minute walk.

Utrecht’s canalside cafes are perfect for a relaxing coffee break. If you wish, you can join a boat tour and take a canal tour. Renting a bike and touring the historic streets of this city is another pleasure. But we can say that it will surprise you not only with its history but also with its young and lively spirit. In short, if you want to experience both history and energy together, Utrecht is a great alternative to Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands.

Rotterdam: There is someone to get off at the Cube Houses Stop

Rotterdam is one of the stops that competes with Amsterdam. This city, which is about 35 minutes away from Amsterdam by train, says, “I have one foot in the future, the other in exploring the world!” It looks like it came out of a science fiction movie with its modern architecture. Unlike the historical texture of Amsterdam, Rotterdam is full of completely modern and innovative structures. The reason for this is that the city was completely destroyed in World War II. For example, if you pass over the iconic Erasmus Bridge, you can feel like you are in a giant open-air exhibition.

Rotterdam is famous not only for its eye-catching buildings but also for its port. Here you can join a port tour and discover the Rotterdam Port, one of the largest in the world. If you like taking photos, a selfie in front of those famous Cubic Houses (Yes, in the shape of a cube!) is a must! Let us also tell you that you can stay at the hostel called StayOkay, which is located inside the cubes.

If you are an art lover, you can explore the Kunsthal and Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum. Finally, don’t leave without visiting the Markthal! This place, which is a huge food market, residence, office and art gallery, offers a feast for your stomach and eyes. The ceiling of the place, which looks like a giant horseshoe from the outside, is mesmerizing. We definitely recommend you to visit this place.

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Volendam: The Sweetness of a Fishing Village

Volendam might be the answer you get if you ask, “What is the postcard version of the Netherlands?” A true coastal town with small, cute and colorful wooden houses! This town, which you can reach by a short bus ride from Amsterdam, is ready to take you back to the old times.

One of the most enjoyable things to do here is to take a photo with the traditional clothes worn by the locals! Yes; it is a bit touristic, but who wants to miss such a sweet memory? We also recommend you to taste the fresh seafood at Volendam Port. The taste of the fish you eat with fresh fries will turn you into someone who wants to live by the sea. Maybe you already wanted to. Who knows…

You can also take a short boat trip to the neighboring town of Marken. Marken is much sweeter and has a “double postcard” feel with Volendam. Let us tell you right now that your camera will never stop shooting while you are here.

You can reach Volendam in about half an hour with bus number 316, which departs from Amsterdam Central Train Station.

Maastricht: The Best Christmas Market in the Netherlands

If you are going to the Netherlands in winter, definitely add Maastricht to your agenda. The Christmas spirit here starts in late November and continues until New Year’s Eve. We can say that the Christmas markets set up in the squares of Maastricht are fascinating with their beauty. Colorful lights, hot drinks and stalls full of wonderful gifts will welcome you.

Ice skating or enjoying the square while sipping hot chocolate is a classic here. And don’t forget to join the traditional carousel tour! You’ll feel like you’re on the set of a Christmas movie in this atmosphere that lasts until New Year’s. If you want to feel the Christmas spirit in every cell of your body, Maastricht is the right place!

If you don’t go during Christmas, that’s okay too. It’s fun to wander around the city’s historic streets. Crossing the St. Servatius Bridge to the lively Wyck neighborhood or visiting the St. Servatius Basilica will definitely add to your enjoyment.

Our recommendations are mostly in areas that are half an hour away from Amsterdam. However, to reach Maastricht, you have to take a 2.5 hour train ride from Amsterdam. If you come in late November or early January, it is worth it.

We are coming to the end of our article with this suggestion, but if you want to continue reading, you can move on to our article titled Netherlands Travel Guide: Things You Need to Know before Going to the Netherlands.

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