Amsterdam is a city that stole my heart many years ago, and every time I return, something is different. There are always new things that pop up, new adventures to be had, and new places to explore. It’s every-changing, ever-growing and impossible to get bored there, from seeing the landmarks, going for brunch in Amsterdam, enjoying the nightlife Amsterdam has to offer, and going on day trips in the Netherlands and international day trips, too. 

Check out my complete guide to exploring Amsterdam here.

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One of the best things to do in the Netherlands is to get on a train or rent a car and see more of this beautiful country. As I discovered during my 4-day road trip in the Netherlands, there is so much more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam. See all the best day trips from Amsterdam here.

But, since Amsterdam is such an amazing transport hub, it’s perfectly located for seeing more of Europe too! These international day trips from Amsterdam are sure to add something different to your trip, a bit of variety and more opportunities for adventure.

The travel time for these day trips from Amsterdam is based on taking the train from Amsterdam, since most people are unlikely to hire a car for a city break. You can check the best routes and times using Citymapper. For more useful travel apps to put on your phone, check out this blog post. 

However, while renting a car can be an additional cost, it can significantly cut your travel time and allow you more time to explore. Weigh up the cost of renting a car (compared to relatively cheap public transport) and the flexibility you get with a car and decide which transport you’d prefer! And who doesn’t love a European road trip?!

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The 8 best international day trips from Amsterdam…

1. Cologne, Germany

• 2h 40

Famous for the fantastic museums and galleries, as well as the beautiful architecture, Cologne in Germany is one of the best and most recommended international day trips from Amsterdam. 

Things to do in Cologne:

• Climbing Cologne cathedral for a panoramic view
• Museums and galleries, including the chocolate museum!
• Meander around the colourful old town
• An afternoon or sunset picnic on the banks of the Rhine

If you’re feeling festive or travelling in December, Cologne have some pretty good Christmas markets if you wanted to turn your trip into a multi-city Christmas market road trip! Check out my Christmas market road trip itinerary here.

2. Aachen, Germany

• 3h

This historical city is most famous for its iconic cathedral. Aachen is quite small and most of the things to do are tightly compacted into the city centre, making it the perfect place to explore in a day and the perfect day trip from Amsterdam! It’s also another German city famous for its Christmas markets.

Things to do in Aachen:

• Visit the iconic cathedral
• Enjoy coffee at Aachen Markt, the main square
• Marvel at the medieval city gates
• Learn about the history of Aachen in the many museums
• Try Aachen Printen, the famous local biscuits

3. Dusseldorf, Germany

• 2h 10

Despite being a less-visited city in Germany, Dusseldorf is well-located for a day trip from Amsterdam. This buzzing metropolis is the perfect blend of classic culture and contemporary chaos, 

Things to do in Dusseldorf:

• Drink the local Altbier in a traditional Bier Halle in the Altstadt (Old Town)
• Take a Rhine river cruise and go sightseeing
• Marvel at the modern art in museums and on the streets

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4. Antwerp, Belgium

• 1h 15

Antwerp is the locals’ favourite city in Belgium. Why? Here you can be anyone and do anything. Antwerp caters for everyone, whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or looking for a luxury break. And the train between Amsterdam and Antwerp is so fast, it’s easily the most accessible international day trip from Amsterdam.

Things to do in Antwerp:

• Have lunch at Grote Markt
• Admire the architecture, including the cathedral and even the train station!
• Shopping and coffee on Meir street
• Visit Steen Castle

5. Brussels, Belgium

• 1h 53

Belgium’s capital is another fantastic city to visit while you’re in the Netherlands, and at just under two hours by train, it’s the perfect international day trip from Amsterdam. Check out my complete guide to Brussels here.

Things to do in Brussels:

• Get an iconic photo at the Grote Markt.
• Visit the Belgian Comic Strip, a lane full of murals in the city centre
• Meander around the quaint old town
• Marvel at the historic architecture
• Try the Belgian cuisine: fries, waffles, chocolate, beer and mussels!

Check out the best things to do in Brussels here.

6. Ghent, Belgium

• 2h 15

I really enjoyed my day trip to Ghent, and would go back in a heartbeat. Definitely one to visit if you’re looking for somewhere underrated, that perhaps isn’t a huge capital city! See what I did during my day trip to Ghent here.

Things to do in Ghent:

• Marvel at the architecture as you wander along the riverside
• Visit the stunning Gravensteen Castle, taking in the panoramic view from the top
• Grab something to eat at Vrijdagmarkt
• Soak up the sun in Citadel Park
• Enjoy a canal cruise

7. Bruges, Belgium

• 3 hours

This quaint city is a little on the far side  from Amsterdam for a day trip, but completely managable if you get up early and come back late! Having said that, I loved Bruges and if you have the time in your itinerary for an overnight stay, it’s worth it. See what I did during my day trip to Bruges in this post.

Things to do in Bruges:

• Climb the Belfry Tower
• Enjoy a canal cruise
• Grab something to eat or a souvenir at Brugge Markt (Christmas Markets are here in the festive season!)
• Visit the Lake of Love with someone special
• Get lost in the cobbled streets
• Indulge yourself with Belgian chocolate!

EXPLORE BELGIUM ON MY BLOG HERE

8. Paris, France

• 3h 20

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that you can fit Paris into a day. There is so much to see and do here, that yes, you should absolutely spend a whole weekend here, if not longer. However, if time is tight you can get a little taste of what Paris has to offer in a day trip from Amsterdam.

Things to do in Paris:

• Get iconic tourist snaps with the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Cathédrale de Notre-Dame and the Louvre
• Visit the Louvre and marvel at the art work
• Window shopping on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées
• Have lunch in the Latin Quarter
• Wander the streets of Le Marais, Rue des Martyrs
• Escape the hustle and bustle in the Palais-Royal Gardens
• Rent bikes and sightsee as you cycle
• Enjoy Paris from the Seine on the Bateau Mouche

Check out my Paris bucket list here.

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Have you been on an international day trip from Amsterdam?

Where are your favourite day trips from Amsterdam? Anywhere you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Mollie.

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