đź“Ť The Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities, but there’s more to the Netherlands than its charming capital. Whether it’s windmills, cheese, tulips, iconic dishware, or architecture you’re looking to experience in the Netherlands—a country about twice the size of New Jersey—there’s a day trip for you within about an hour of Amsterdam.
If you’re ambitious, you can even venture across the border to Brussels, Bruges, or Paris and make it back to Amsterdam in time for dinner. But with so much to experience in the Netherlands, you may not want to.
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đź“Ť Alkmaar
Alkmaar’s big draw is its traditional cheese market, but you’ll have to visit on a Friday between late March and September to experience this memorable spectacle. I finally managed to time an Amsterdam trip right in 2022. It was well worth the wait—and the 35-minute train ride from Amsterdam.
Alkmaar has been hosting cheese markets since 1365. Thousands of pounds of cheese were traded here each week with cheese loaders, cheese tossers, and weighers each playing an integral part. Today’s market is a reenactment that’s worth experiencing, and you’ll find plenty of cheese available for sale from vendors nearby.
The cheese market allows visitors the rare chance to be weighed as if they were cheese. I tried it, and I can definitely say it was a novel experience. There’s also a small cheese museum that’s a fascinating look behind the scenes of cheesemaking. For something a little less cheesy, consider visiting the Beatles Museum, which is here because Alkmaar is where John Lennon’s first guitar was made.
Alkmaar feels like a smaller, quieter, more manageable Amsterdam. It’s a great place for wandering alongside quiet canals and admiring iconic Dutch architecture.
To hear the world’s oldest playable wooden organ, head to Grote Kerk. Take a stroll down Langestraat, a major shopping corridor, and stop at Stadhuis, Alkmaar’s historic city hall constructed in 1520.
Make some time to shop in the adorable boutiques you’ll find within a short walk of the cheese market and relax in one of many cafes that are perfect for people-watching — and dog-watching.
đź“Ť Zaandam and Zaanse Schans
This picturesque city is just a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam’s central train station. It’s a calmer, quieter city where you’ll find loads of historic architecture, shopping along a main canal, and one of the most Instagrammable hotels in the Netherlands. It also may be one of the most welcoming cities I’ve ever experienced.
This city of about 70,000 was once home to Tsar Peter the Great and inspired French impressionist painter Claude Monet. If you walk by a house here that reminds you of a Monet, it could be because Monet painted it.
If you find Amsterdam overwhelming, consider making Zaandam your home base. Inntel Hotel Zaandam is just outside the train station. From there, it’s only 12 minutes to Amsterdam.
The hotel isn’t just convenient. It’s a work of art. The hotel looks like an 11-story stack of this area’s historic cottages, including a blue cottage you may recognize from Monet’s portfolio. The hotel depicts the facades of almost 70 cottages, but inside you’ll find modern rooms and amenities including a spa.
Book through our partner link.
From Zaandam, it’s a quick train or ferry ride to Zaanse Schans. Just remember, ferries run less often than trains.
Zaanse Schans is known for its historic windmills, well-preserved classic wooden homes, and quaint museums. Whether it’s windmills, wooden clogs, or even Dutch clocks you want to dive into, Zaanse Schans has a museum for you.
Zaanse Schans is a popular Netherlands day trip so you can expect crowds, especially on a sunny day. If you’re not interested in museums, consider visiting after 5 p.m. when crowds are thinner and there can still be hours of evening sunlight during the spring and summer.
Where to Eat in Zaandam
Bagels & Beans, Stadhuisplein 84, Zaandam
I love a good coffee shop when I’m traveling, and Bagels & Beans delivers in many ways. This coffee shop has free Wifi, ample seating, and bagels that can win over New Yorkers. It’s also got a great aesthetic and serves up giant cappuccinos.
Vecchia Italia, Stadhuisplein 90, Zaandam
This restaurant is like a delicious bite of Sorrento, except it’s in the Netherlands. This Italian-run Italian restaurant makes an excellent eggplant melanzane and a delicious lasagna. Best of all, it’s a bargain with many entrees priced under €10.
đź“Ť Lisse
If you’re looking for endless fields of tulips in the Dutch countryside, you’re looking for Lisse. Lisse is where you’ll find Keukenhof, Europe’s most extensive flower garden. But you better check your calendar. Keukenhof is only open to the public for about eight weeks each year.
Each year, gardeners plant more than 7 million bulbs across Keukenhof’s 79 acres. Tulip blooms peak around mid-April, but you’ll need to book early to score these coveted tickets. An estimated 26,000 people visit Keukenhof each day, four times the number of visitors to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
You can get to Keukenhof by public transit, most likely a tram and a bus. Keukenhof also operates a number of buses you can take from Amsterdam for an additional fee.
How We Got To Keukenhof
We didn’t want to have to figure out the right tram to bus transfer, so we opted to pick up tickets and a ride through GetYourGuide. We got on a bus at Amsterdam Centraal and got off at Keukenhof, where we wandered the gardens on our own. If you decide to follow our lead, support this site by booking through our partner link.
