Renting a car in Amsterdam opens up a world of possibilities to explore the beautiful sights and landscapes of the Netherlands at your own pace. Just an hour away from the city center, you can find yourself among the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans, the colorful tulip fields, or even in the charming “Venice of the North,” Giethoorn. With a rental car from DiscoverCars.com, you can plan a day trip tailored to your interests. Here are some of the best day trips from Amsterdam, perfect for experiencing the variety that the Netherlands has to offer.
6 Day trips from Amsterdam
1. Zaanse Schans: Dutch Heritage Just Around the Corner
Distance: approximately 20 km, 25-minute drive
Zaanse Schans, just outside Amsterdam, gives you a peek into the old Netherlands. This village is filled with historic windmills, traditional houses, and artisanal workshops. Here, you can watch how clogs are made, taste locally-produced cheese, and explore the beautiful setting. Zaanse Schans can get busy, so the advantage of having a car is that you can arrive early before most visitors. Parking is available around Zaanse Schans, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day trip.
2. Keukenhof and the Flower Region: Spring in Bloom
Distance: approximately 35 km, 40-minute drive
Keukenhof is world-famous for its vibrant flower gardens, but the entire surrounding area, known as the flower region, is worth exploring, especially in spring when the fields are in full bloom. With a car, you can create your own route through the fields, stopping for photos or a stroll among the flowers. The best time to visit is between late March and mid-May. Renting a car through Discover Cars allows you to avoid the crowded buses and chart your own route. Parking is available at Keukenhof, though it can fill up quickly during peak blooming season.
3. Historic Cities: Haarlem and Leiden
Distance to Haarlem: approximately 20 km, 20-minute drive
Distance to Leiden: approximately 45 km, 40-minute drive
Just a short drive from Amsterdam, you can discover Haarlem and Leiden, two charming cities rich in history. Haarlem, with its lively Grote Markt and the famous Frans Hals Museum, is a great destination for a half-day trip. Leiden offers scenic canals, museums, and cozy terraces. One of the benefits of a day trip by car is that you can easily switch between cities; you could spend the morning in Haarlem and the afternoon strolling through Leiden. Parking is generally available in both cities, although Leiden’s city center can get a bit crowded. Through Discover Cars, you can find a rental that matches your travel needs.
4. Giethoorn: The Venice of the North
Distance: approximately 120 km, 1 hour 30-minute drive
Giethoorn, known as the car-free village with picturesque canals and charming houses, is a unique destination in the Netherlands. Although you can’t drive within the village, there is plenty of parking on the outskirts. From there, you can explore on foot or rent an electric boat. Renting a car makes it easy to visit Giethoorn as a day trip from Amsterdam, saving you the multiple transfers needed for public transport. For an extra adventure, you can also explore the nearby Weerribben-Wieden National Park, a stunning area for hiking and cycling.
5. The Utrechtse Heuvelrug: Nature and Castles
Distance: approximately 50 km, 45-minute drive
For nature and history lovers, the Utrechtse Heuvelrug is a great choice. This nature reserve features beautiful forests, hills, and castles, including Castle de Haar – the largest castle in the Netherlands. Here you can enjoy hiking, cycling, or a castle tour. With a car, you’re free to explore multiple spots throughout the day without being tied to a specific schedule. Parking is generally available, especially on weekdays. Discover Cars offers a range of rental options, making it easy to find a spacious car for a day in nature.
6. Day Trip to the North Sea Coast: Zandvoort and Bloemendaal
Distance: approximately 30 km, 30-minute drive
For a beach day, Zandvoort and Bloemendaal are ideal. A half-hour drive from Amsterdam brings you to these popular beach destinations where you can enjoy wide sandy beaches, dunes, and beach clubs. Both beaches are busy in the summer, so it’s helpful to go early or later in the day. Parking is available, though it can fill up quickly. With a car, you can also easily switch to the nearby Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, which lies directly behind the beach.
A day trip from Amsterdam by car is a good idea!
Whether you’re planning a quick trip to Zaanse Schans or a full-day adventure to Giethoorn, a rental car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and see the beautiful attractions around Amsterdam. With Discover Cars, booking a car that suits your plans is fast and easy, whether you need a compact car for city visits or a larger vehicle for family outings. Get ready for an unforgettable day trip, and let Amsterdam be your gateway to exploring the Netherlands!