Things To Do Outside Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and one of the most popular cities in Europe for tourists. It is a city full of history, culture, and unique experiences that make it a great destination for all kinds of travelers. From its canals to its unique attractions and activities, Amsterdam has something for everyone.

Introduction to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the most populous city in the Netherlands, with over 830,000 people living in the city proper. It is the financial and cultural capital of the country, with many art galleries and museums, theaters, and other attractions. Amsterdam was founded in the 13th century and has been an important port in Europe since that time. It was a major hub for trade during the Dutch Golden Age and is still an important trading center today.

The city is known for its unique canals, which were built in the 17th century to help with trade. These canals have since become iconic landmarks of the city, and they are used today for both pleasure boats and transportation. The canals are lined with beautiful buildings, many of which have been turned into hotels or private apartments. Amsterdam is also known for its many parks, which provide a peaceful oasis within the bustling city.

Amsterdam is a city full of culture, and it is home to many museums and galleries. The Rijksmuseum is one of the most well-known museums in Amsterdam, and it houses an impressive collection of Dutch art from the Golden Age. The Anne Frank House is also an important attraction in Amsterdam, as it honors the life of Anne Frank and her family who lived in hiding during World War II.

The city is also home to many festivals throughout the year, including the famous Tulip Festival in April and the World Press Photo Exhibition in May. Amsterdam is also famous for its vibrant nightlife and numerous live music venues.

Things to Do Outside Amsterdam

Although Amsterdam is an amazing destination for tourists, there are also many wonderful things to do outside of the city. From stunning beaches to beautiful natural parks to interesting historical sites, there are plenty of things to see and do outside of Amsterdam. Here are some of the top things to do outside Amsterdam:

Visit Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is a beautiful open-air museum located just outside of Amsterdam. It is a charming village filled with windmills, old Dutch-style homes, artisan workshops, and more. Visitors can explore the village on foot or take a guided tour to learn more about its rich history. There are also several restaurants and cafes where visitors can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a cup of coffee. Zaanse Schans is a great place to visit if you want to get a taste of traditional Dutch life.

Explore Keukenhof Gardens

The Keukenhof Gardens are located in Lisse, about an hour from Amsterdam. It is one of the world’s largest flower gardens, covering an area of 32 hectares (80 acres). The gardens are open from late March until mid-May each year, and during that time visitors can enjoy a spectacular display of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other flowers. The gardens are also home to several sculptures, fountains, ponds, and more.

Visit Volendam

Volendam is a beautiful fishing village located just north of Amsterdam. It has a long history as a fishing port and it is still an important center for fishing today. Visitors can explore the village on foot or take a boat tour around the harbor to experience traditional Dutch life up close. Volendam also has many restaurants, cafes, and shops where visitors can enjoy some local cuisine or buy souvenirs.

Take a Tour of Marken

Marken is another picturesque fishing village located just south of Amsterdam. It is known for its beautiful wooden houses and traditional Dutch culture. Visitors can explore the village on foot or take a guided tour to learn more about its history and culture. There are also several restaurants where visitors can sample some local delicacies or enjoy a cup of coffee with a view of the harbor.

Explore Hoge Veluwe National Park

Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the largest national parks in the Netherlands and it’s only an hour away from Amsterdam. The park covers an area of 5500 hectares (13,500 acres) and it is home to many different species of plants and animals, including deer, foxes, badgers, rabbits, and birds. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by bike and there are several trails that traverse the park’s dunes, forests, and heathlands.

Visit Muiderslot Castle

Muiderslot Castle is an impressive medieval castle located in Muiden just outside Amsterdam. It was built in 1280 as a defense against invaders from the North Sea and it has been beautifully preserved over the centuries. Visitors can explore the castle’s grounds on foot or take a guided tour to learn more about its history and architecture.

Tours Related to Things To Do Outside Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans Day Trip

Take a day trip to Zaanse Schans with this guided tour! You will explore the open-air museum at your own pace with your local guide who will provide you with all the information you need about this charming village. See traditional Dutch windmills up close, visit artisan workshops where craftsmen still work using traditional methods, explore old Dutch-style homes, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the village, and more! Book a Zaanse Schans Day Trip here.

Keukenhof Gardens & Flower Fields Tour

Visit one of the world’s largest flower gardens with this guided tour! You will explore Keukenhof Gardens at your own pace with your local guide who will provide you with all the information you need about this beautiful oasis of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other flowers. See sculptures, fountains, ponds, and more! Afterwards you will visit nearby flower fields where you can see fields full of colorful tulips in bloom! Book a Keukenhof Gardens & Flower Fields Tour here.

Volendam & Marken Day Trip

Visit two picturesque fishing villages with this half-day tour! You will explore both Volendam and Marken with your local guide who will provide you with all the information you need about these two charming villages. Take a boat tour around Volendam’s harbor to experience traditional Dutch life up close, explore Marken’s wooden houses, try some local delicacies at one of Volendam’s restaurants or cafes, take photos around Marken’s harbor with its iconic lighthouse in the background, and more! Book a Volendam & Marken Day Trip here.

Hoge Veluwe National Park Bike Tour

Explore one of Holland’s largest national parks on two wheels with this guided tour! You will cycle through Hoge Veluwe National Park with your local guide who will provide you with all the information you need about this stunning park full of forests, dunes, heathlands, different species of plants and animals such as deer and foxes, and more! This tour also includes a visit to Kroller-Muller Museum which houses an impressive collection of modern artworks by some of Europe’s most famous artists! Book a Hoge Veluwe National Park Bike Tour here.

Muiderslot Castle Guided Tour

Visit one of Holland’s most impressive medieval castles with this guided tour! You will explore Muiderslot Castle at your own pace with your local guide who will provide you with all the information you need about this stunning castle that was built in 1280 as a defense against invaders from the North Sea. You will learn about its history and architecture as you wander through its grounds and admire its stunning views over the surrounding countryside! Book a Muiderslot Castle Guided Tour here.

Conclusion

Amsterdam is an amazing destination for tourists who want to experience culture, history, art galleries and museums, vibrant nightlife, live music venues, beautiful canals lined with iconic buildings, parks full of lush greenery, festivals throughout the year such as Tulip Festival and World Press Photo Exhibition – all this just to name a few reasons why people love visiting Amsterdam! But there are also many wonderful things to do outside Amsterdam – from stunning beaches to beautiful national parks to interesting historical sites – that offer unique experiences that you won’t find within the city itself! Whether you’re looking for something active like cycling through Hoge Veluwe National Park or something more leisurely like exploring Zaanse Schans or Keukenhof Gardens – there’s something for everyone outside Amsterdam!