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Best Day Trips From Amsterdam

Greed. Gordon Gecko said it was good. We'd argue he was right, but not for the same reasons. See, sometimes it's good to be greedy for more. But not money. No, we're talking about the greed and need for experiences. Prepare for the segue, because we're talking about journeying outside of Amsterdam and discovering the wonders that lie beyond. Did that make sense? Not really. Will our guide to the best day trips from Amsterdam open your mind and blow your socks off? Quite possibly. Read on, and discover the hidden - and not so hidden - gems that lie a short trip from Amsterdam's shores!

Including:

  • Zaanse Shans
  • Edam
  • Keukenhof Gardens
  • Brussels
  • Rotterdam
  • and more!
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Windmills, glorious windmills

Let's kick things off with a blast from the past. Zaanse Shans is a village stuck in time, transporting visitors back to the pre-industrial days. Simpler times, for sure, but certainly more arduous. While it may appear that Zaanse Shans is a giant, open-air museum, it is, in fact, a community. So don't go prodding any life-like statues; those are people.

Just a fifteen-minute train from Centraal Station, this charming village is full of explorable windmills, museums, and shops where you can pick up authentic cheeses, grains, and condiments milled on-site. On top of that, Zaanse Shans is simply a beautiful travel destination brimming with photo opportunities. Do yourself a favor and pick up a Zaanse Schans Card, which gives you access to all the good stuff for one low price.

Plus, you can see everything in about half a day, giving you more time to make the most of your Amsterdam vacation!

Alternatively, take a bus tour of Zaanse Schans and the surrounding towns to sate your rustic fix in a single day! So, if you're looking to take your foot of the gas and relax, it's one of the best day trips from Amsterdam!

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A bit cheesy

Next on our tour of fun beyond Amsterdam's walls is a town famous for its biggest export - Edam. Yes, Edam isn't just a cheese; it's a cheese named after the town that birthed it!

Just a 30-minute drive, or a 40-minute train trip north of the city, you'll find this delightfully rustic town, cloaked in medieval brick and mortar. You'll only need a short stay to see everything, as it isn't exactly a tourist hotspot. However, the cobbled streets, centuries-old bridges, and aforementioned medieval decor do make it a breath of fresh air after staying in the Netherlands' biggest city.

On every Wednesday over the summer, Edam holds a cheese market that attracts connoisseurs from far and wide, so plan your trip appropriately and go sample the town's crumbly delights!

If you want a more curated experience, why not take a bus tour from the city that will let you hit up all the rustic glory of Amsterdam's satellite towns in a single day?

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Tulip Town

If you want some of the most romantic sights in the country, head to Keukenhof. Famous for its rolling fields of colorful tulips, it welcomes nearly one million people every year.

A 30-minute drive, or bus tour from the city, Keukenhof boasts the biggest flower garden on the planet. Comprising over a million bulbs, you'll see all sorts of beautiful flowers alongside tulips, such as hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring flowers.

If you take the bus tour, you'll have the chance to explore the fields on foot as you wander along 15km of footpaths. Many gardens make up Keukenhof, with each representing different landscapes across the globe. English, Japanese, and Dutch are just some of the many on display.

Keukenhof is well worth a visit if you want to squeeze a bit more beauty out of your vacation!

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Brussels

Now, you may be wondering why Brussels is on this list. Isn't it in Belgium, after all? Well, yes, it is. But the beauty of Amsterdam is that you're a stone's throw from the border!

Brussels is a beautiful city, with its mix of medieval and modern, the abundance of cafes, bars, and museums, and plenty of other things to do too. It is a 2-hour train ride from Centraal Station, so you'll want to make the most of it. However, if you want to cram your vacation full of as many sights and sounds as possible, why not make the trip?

While English isn't as ubiquitous in Brussels as it is in Amsterdam, you'll still be able to fumble your way through food and drink orders if necessary. Just point at the menu and give a thumbs up. Or don't do that, and maybe learn the basics you need to get about and try your best. It's entirely up to you.

As it's a long trip, plan ahead and make sure you know what to do when you get there. The last thing you want is to waste your precious time coming up with an itinerary on the fly!

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Rotterdam is anywhere?

Amsterdam's growing sibling, Rotterdam is well worth a trip if you want to see something new. A mix of old and new like much of the Netherlands, it's a picturesque place with plenty to do and see.

Rotterdam is home to the largest harbor in Europe, so why not take a tour by sea and see it from a different perspective? You'll also find a bunch of places to eat, drink, and shop, and a heap of museums if you want to learn more about the city's history.

For the architecturally-minded, you'll be fascinated by the Cube Houses (or Kubuswoningen). These lob-sided square houses need to be seen to be believed. And, if you're looking for tasty food in an awe-inspiring setting, head to Market Hall (or Makthal) and pick up something delicious.

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Hague. No, not William

And finally, we end our list of the best day trips from Amsterdam with a journey to the center of the Dutch government. But don't worry, it's not all politics. The Hague has plenty for budding adventurers to explore. Take a 45-minute train from Amsterdam, or hop on a bus to tour the surroundings.

See the famous Girl With the Pearl Earring up close at The Mauritshuis, stroll past the Peace Palace - where international law is presided over, and enter the topsy-turvy world of M.C Escher.

Oh, and did we also mention there's a beach there? The Hague is also a stunning seaside town, so if the weather's good, go get your tan on!

And that wraps up our list of the best day trips from Amsterdam!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Best Brunches in Amsterdam - Public Transport

If you're one of those lost souls who think breakfast's too early, but lunch is too late, you'll probably be more than familiar with brunch. It's a craze that's taken over the world in the last decade or two, with brunchers heading out weekly to get their fix. So, what about Amsterdam? Does the city brunch like the rest? Well, yes. So let's talk about it. This is our guide to the best brunches in Amsterdam, and how to reach them by public transport! Including: G's Brunch Boat Little Collins Dignita Coffee & Coconuts Omelegg Getting around Amsterdam by public transport Before we talk about the best brunches in Amsterdam, let's start with a quick guide to public transport in the city. You have several options available, which we talk about here. Here's the abridged version of that guide. For trams, buses, and the metro, you can buy 1-hour, 24-hour, and 48-hour travel tickets at every Metro station, on the tram when you board, or at one of the many ticket machines you'll find at bus stops, tram stops, or at Centraal Station. Alternatively, if you're going to be traveling for longer than 48 hours, you might want to pick up an OV Chipcard. This travel card lets you any amount of money you want, and then you simply swipe when you board and alight, and top it up when you're running low. Now, on with the brunch! Brunch on a boat All aboard, hungry souls! If you've never brunched on the high seas, then you've never brunched at all. But we can fix that. Just head down to G's Brunch Boat and try the seafaring life for yourself. You've two choices, should you rightly choose to board this delightful vessel. Firstly, get a boozy drink and your choice of the wonderful menu. Pair your wine, bloody mary, mimosa, or beer with eggs benny, a breakfast burrito, or, our pick, the chicken and waffles. Your second choice? Go bottomless, and have as many drinks as you can during the 75-minute brunch extravaganza. Easily one of the best brunches in Amsterdam. How to get there on public transport Once you've booked your ticket, head to the pickup point near the Anne Frank House. It's a 5-minute walk from the Westermarkt tram and bus stops. An Easy Bruncher Named after the bougie Melbourne road that marries designer shopping with brilliant cafes, Little Collins does things a little differently. Forgoing the Australian menu for something more traveled, you'll find plenty of interesting and exotic dishes at their two Amsterdam locations. If you're brunching before 12, their morning menu will fill your belly. Try the eggs benny on a hash brown, and thank us later. Heading there after midday? Try their share plates and keep them all to yourself. It's brunch, but with an added touch of class. How to get there on public transport You'll find two Little Collins locations in Amsterdam. The West spot is a 1-minute walk from the Bilderdijkstraat and Kinkerstraat tram and bus stops. The De Pijp spot is a short walk from Sarphatpark, and an 8-minute walk from the De Pijp Metro station. Have a little dignity Looking for a scenic brunch experience? Why not give Dignita a go? With two of their three locations nestled in some of Amsterdam's best green spaces, it's the perfect excuse to escape the city life, if only for a moment. With all-day brunch on the cards, you can head there any time of the day to get your fix (until 4pm, at least, when they close). And what a fix it is, with all the usual brunchy offerings on offer. Eggs, bowls, pancakes, and even toasted sandwiches. Their signature dish is the Chook Norris; buttermilk chicken, black beans, avo, chipotle mayo, with some corn chips and sour jalapeno on the side. That ought to wake you up! How to get there on public transport You'll find three Dignita locations in Amsterdam. Their Hoftuin spot is a 5-minute walk from Waterlooplein metro, bus, and tram stations. Their Vondelpark spot is right by the Amstelveenseweg tram stop. And their Westerpark spot is opposite the Assendelftstraat tram stop. Some coconuts with your coffee? If you're looking for one of the city's coolest spots to be your brunch backdrop, start your day at Coffee & Coconuts. With a wealth of coffees, teas, juices, and even stronger drinks on offer, you can have your beverage your way. They roast and squeeze everything on-site, so you can be sure you're getting nothing but the freshest morning brew. As for food, they offer breakfast all day, with burritos, pancakes, french toast, coconut bowls, and scambled eggs just some of the things available. Or, from midday, you can dip into their fantastic Deli menu and chomp on some unique sandwich combinations. How to get there on public transport C&C's only spot is located in De Pijp. It's right across the street from the De Pijp Metro stop and a minute's walk from the De Pijp tram stop. Omelets that will make you weak at the knees If you like your eggs folded over a host of delicious fillings and toppings, then you'll love Omelegg; they specialize in the stuff. They offer quality omelets from 7AM on weekdays and 8AM on weekends, so you can definitely get your belly filled before your day truly begins. You'll discover their menu is filled with choices inspired by cuisines from all over the world. From meaty sorts to fishy sorts, and even some sweet ones to boot! Ideal for all your brunch sensibilities. How to get there on public transport You'll find two Omelegg locations in the city. Their De Pijp spot is just down the street from the De Pijp Metro station, as well as the De Pijp and Amsterdam, 2e v.d.Helststraat tram stops . And their City Center spot is a five-minute walk from Centraal Station. So now you know about all the best brunch spots in Amsterdam and how to reach them on the city's brilliant public transport system! Looking for more fun things to do in Amsterdam? Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Amsterdam's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
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Boat Trips and Canal tours in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city swimming in waterways, canals, and connecting bridges. While not as damp as the likes of Venice, it's about as close as you can get without the stilts. And with so much water, one of the best ways to see the city is by boat. Whether you're looking to see all the biggest landmarks, enjoy a bottomless brunch with your friends, or have a romantic meal on the water, Amsterdam has some amazing boat trips and canal tours to experience in the city. So, which are the best? Well, read our handy list and discover for yourselves! These are our picks for the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam! Including: 100 Highlights Cruise Hop on-Hop off Boat Tour G's Brunch Boat Candelight Cruise Pizza Cruise and more! Everything, everywhere, pretty much in one go If you want to see all the sights Amsterdam has to offer in one fell swoop, consider hopping aboard the 100 Highlights Cruise. Pack your camera and get ready to snap the likes of the Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, and so much more. Thanks to the audio guide you'll get when you board, available in myriad languages, you'll learn all about the city and canals' history, as well as the highlights of each landmark you pass. It's the perfect introduction to Amsterdam's waterways and gives you the chance to learn about landmarks you might want to visit on land afterward! Hop to it If you're hoping to see the sights up close, then check out a Hop on-Hop off boat tour instead! You're in complete control, so you board when you want, leave when you want to see one of the amazing landmarks that Amsterdam has to offer, and then hop back on the next boat to continue one. It's that easy! You'll pass the likes of the Rijksmuseum, the Heineken Experience, A'DAM Lookout, and the Anne Frank House, which are all well worth exploring on foot. So, if you want the freedom to go and see what you please on dry land, a Hop on-Hop off boat tour is one of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam! Boat brunch like a G Sure, you could spend your tour of Amsterdam's canals sightseeing. Or, you could enjoy a brilliant bottomless brunch courtesy of G's Brunch Boat! Two options await you on your watery adventure. Either pick a drink and one of the amazing brunch options from G's impressive menu. Or, go all-in on the bottomless brunch, help yourself to as many cocktails, beers, wines, or proseccos as you like, and top it all off with a meal from the menu. Food-wise, you'll find brunch classics like Eggs Benny, and breakfast burritos alongside meatier options like chicken and waffles, chicken burgers, and salmon-topped brioche. Then, sit in for 75 minutes of amazing views, amazing drinks, and amazing food. Does it get any better than that? Probably not. Romance on the waves If you're visiting Amsterdam with that special someone, or you're a resident who wants to impress their significant other, consider a romantic canal Candlelight Cruise! You and your muse will sit down to a delicious selection of traditional cheese and meats as your tour guide waxes lyrical about all the landmarks you pass. Sip on unlimited drinks, with beers, wines, and soft drinks on offer. It's a great way to get the lay of the land, while enjoying the lights reflecting off of the water. And your partner's eyes, of course. Romance, right? Top stuff. A pizza paradise Boats and pizza - typically not two things you'd associate with one another, but when has that stopped humanity from making things happen? We created bacon mayonnaise, after all. So, why not see pizza and boats beautifully combine on a Pizza Cruise of Amsterdam! Served by one of the city's favorite pizza chains in New York Pizza, you'll get to choose a pizza of your choice before you set off along Amsterdam's beautiful canals. Your guide will regale you with tales of the sights and sounds you see along the way, all while you tuck into your slices and a couple of drinks to boot. Ideal if the sun is shining and you have a group of friends with you, this 1.5-hour tour is easily one of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam! Learn on the water What if you could combine your love of water and boats with a sprinkling of learning and culture? Well, we have great news for you. You can, thanks to the Museum Line - Amsterdam's best museum cruise! Following a set schedule, you'll glide along Amsterdam's canals, stopping off at major museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and the Hermitage. At each stop, you'll have the chance to explore and learn, filling your withered brain up with key information. There'll even be the opportunity to do some shopping, should you require tributes to the in-laws back home. And all of that in one-and-a-half hours. Not bad! Not bad at all. Sail like a semi-pirate And finally, we'll end this list of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam with an old classic - the booze cruise. Yes, even Amsterdam's beautiful waterways are graced with these bad boys. So why not take a pub cruise and explore the more exciting parts of the city? Your trip will take you through the red light district, where the eponymous lights will dance off of the canals. Beautiful, right? You'll also be free to drink beer, wine, and munch on a variety of snacks as you go, in case all that booze leaves you with cravings! And that was our list of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley

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