The Netherlands have a big variety of places which are totally worth a visit, from tiny cosy villages to inpressive beaches. Here we’ve collected our top picks of places to go for one or two days during your visit to the Netherlands.
Before we start, here are two links that might be helpful if you want to visit famous places the Netherlands:
Popular destinations for a day tip in the Netherlands:
Amsterdam
Planning a short visit to Amsterdam and what to see the most of it in one day? Check out our list of must-see places and must-do things in Amsterdam.
Texel
If you feel like having a nature vacation, Texel is a perfect place for you to visit. When you arrive to Texel, an island in the West Frisian Islands region of the Netherlands, you immediately feel the pleasures of life on an island.
What to see: The Eierland Lighthouse, on the northernmost tip of Texel, the place where the final scene of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” movie was filmed, the Wadden sea beach, Texels brewery and much more
Travel time: 2+ hours.
Read more and plan your trip to Texel >>
Giethoorn
Dutch water village, the little green Venice of the Netherlands, the Venice of the North – Giethoorn, a village in the Dutch province of Overijssel, has a lot of romantic names. And it definitely has a lot to offer to all those who want to see a more quiet, green and still Holland.
What to see? Old city center which has no roads, endless canals and beautiful thatched-roof farmhouses.
Travel time: A journey from Amsterdam to Giethoorn by public transport will take 2 – 2,5 hours (one way). If you travel by car it will take you approximately 1,5 hours (see Google maps for directions).
Read more and plan your visit to Giethoorn >>
Volendam and Marken
Volendam village and Marken, a former island in the Zuiderzee, are two popular locations among travellers in the Netherlands. Are you planning to visit them and wondering how to get to Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam?
Here is a step-by-step guide for your trip to Volendam and Marken!
Zaanse Schans
The Zaanse Schans, a typically Dutch small village with green-timbered houses and historical windmills, is located just 15 minutes away from outsude Amsterdam. It is world famous for its collection of historic windmills. Many of them are not just heritage, but still fully-operating wooden machines. You can visit windmills and see it yourself how they are used for making spices, sawing wood, grinding oil and much more. Just impressive!
Plan your visit to the Zaanse Schans>>
Haarlem
Nearly every building and every place in the centre of this old city comes with a great story, exciting legend or rich historical background. When you step off the train, you will find yourself in one of the oldest railway stations in the Netherlands.
A short walk takes you to the Spaarne river, where you will see the imposing building that houses Teylers Museum with its extensive art and science collection. If you want to have a drink, head to the Jopenkerk. This famous brewery is located in a former church.
Another great thing about Haarlem is that it is near the main highlights and tourist attractions: Schiphol, Keukenhof, Leiden, The Hague, the North Sea. Amsterdam and the beautiful beaches of Zandvoort and Bloemendaal aan Zee are just 15 minutes away from Haarlem. So what will be your next destination? It’s up to you!
What to see? Old windmill De Adriaan, Teylers museum (on the photo below), the Bavo Church, Haarlem’s Saturday market on the main square (Grote markt).
How to get there? Direct trains from Amsterdam Centraal to Haarlem depart every 10-15 minutes. Buy your tickets online >>
Travel time: 15 minutes
Keukenhof
Keukenhof is one of the world’s unique and most beautiful flower parks. In 2025 the Keukenhof gardens are open from 20 March – 11 May from 08:00 – 19:30.
What to see? More than 7 million flower bulbs are planted in Keukenhof gardens every year. Open gardens and pavilions demonstrate a fantastic collection of tulips, irises, lilies, hyacinths, daffodils, orchids and other flowers. Flower shows and flower-arranging demonstrations that you might see during the day make this experience even more special.
Travel time: 40 minuites by car or 1 hour by public transport.
Plan your visit to the Keukenhof gardens>>