Best Daytrips from Amsterdam

Visit a Cheese Market in Netherlands

‍Netherlands is one of the largest exporter of cheese in the world. Dutch cheeses are distinct in their taste and some like Gouda and Edam are very popular and well known. Today most Dutch cheese are made in factories but you can still visit the traditional cheese markets that take place in various towns of Netherlands. 

Even today local farmers come to sell their cheese on market days and wear strict uniforms and follow old customs of a handshake to confirm the price and smacking or slapping eachothers hands while negotiating the price called handjeklap. The process is entertaining to watch. The best towns to watch this are Alkmaar, Gouda, Edam and Woerdan. 

Each town has a specific day designated as market day and you must try and visit on such a day. While Edam is closest to Amsterdam, Alkmaar and Gouda are the most popular. Woerdan is more traditional and lesser known. You will even get to taste the cheese for free at some of these markets before buying. 

About 10 liters of milk makes 1 kg of Gouda which is also rich in vitamins. A Dutch cheese market is a local experience you cannot miss when in Netherlands. We arrange tours to the cheese markets with local guides who don’t only know where to take you but will also help you discover the best delicacies these towns offer. Like Gouda also has the best stroopwafel, crispy wafers filled with caramel, mmm are you drooling yet? There are many restaurants that serve local cheese centric dishes. So make sure you keep a day and some space in your tummy free for this must do Dutch experience. Go with our experienced guides to get the most out of the day. 

Efetling: Our favorite themepark in Europe!

This fairytale themed amusement park was one of our absolute favorite thing to do in the Netherlands. It really is a fairy tale forest hiding scenes from some of the most obscure and bizarre Western nursery rhymes & stories. Add to that beautiful restaurants and fun rides and you have the perfect daytrip from Amsterdam. 

It felt like a world apart from Amsterdam and its very modern vibe. This place truly transcends one to an era of witches, elves and magic. We found it to be a lot more charming than Disneyland and not just a fun place to visit but also a place with many wonderful photo ops. It is a must visit if traveling with children but even adults will love it. 

Efteling can be visited on a daytrip from Amsterdam or other cities in Netherlands but it’s a bit complicated to get to. We can always help you with directions or with private/shared transfers as well. 

The Hague

‍ While Amsterdam is the capital of Netherlands The Hague is the seat of the Parliament and the Royal Family. But that is not why most tourists visit The Hague. 

The Hague has sandy beaches very popular with tourists, albeit the water is a bit on the ‘turns your nails blue’ side. Still you will see many swimming and enjoying the beach. 

While you can see the famous Parliament and royal residences The Hague also has many museums of art as well as quirky things like vintage cars. Scheveningen Pier is the most popular daytrip when visiting the Hague. It not only boasts of the cleanest beach in the country but also a panoramic boardwalk, ranging from bars and restaurants to the Netherlands’ only bungee jump platform and a zip-line ride that hurtles towards Scheveningen Beach at hair-raising speeds. 

Infact if you have the time and love the beach a few nights here instead of a daytrip might serve you well. 

The Tulip Fields of Netherlands

‍Ok so there are few who don’t associate Netherlands with Tulips. The Kuekenhof Tupil gardens even though very seasonal are one of the most visited gardens in the world and people actually plan their trips around the dates of these gardens. 

Today Netherland is the largest exporter of flowers but did you know that Tulips are not even native to Netherlands but infact to Turkey! In the 17th century these colorful flowers became so popular in Europe that that period of history was called Tulip Mania. 

Today the most visited place to see tulips in Netherlands are the Kukenhof Tulip Gardens which are beautiful and extensive and can easily be visited from Amsterdam on a daytrip. However at CustomHolidays we offer some exclusive tulip experiences like private romantic dining or picnics in the middle of tulip fields which is a great way to celebrate special occasions or just quality time with loved ones. For bigger groups a sit down picnic or dinner can also be arranged in such beautiful settings. 

Giethoorn: The charming Dutch village with no roads!

Giethoorn looks straight out of a fairytale. While Efteling is a themepark and its charm is understandable Giethoorn on the otherhand is a complete wonder. How can a village be so beautiful and charming! Geithoorn  is built on small peat islands connected by over 170 small wooden bridges. It was Giethoorn was established as a settlement of peat harvesters. Peat cutting created ponds and lakes, and people built houses on the islands between them. As a result, access was only possible by bridge or using traditional Giethoorn boats, so-called punters. 

Even today Giethoorn does not have any cars as there are very small roads here meant for cycling or walking. Today the places has become quite popular with tourists so if you would really like to see the quaint town in peace either visit in off-season or stay a night in their many thatched farms and houses. 

Getting here from Amsterdam is easy. We also provide you with tours or DIY tours so you know exactly where to go once there and what to do. 

Rotterdam

Netherlands second largest city Rotterdam is known for its quirky architecture. We actually recommend this as an overnight or longer trip rather than just a daytrip. Read about Netherlands: Places to stay beyond Amsterdam.

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