Amsterdam is a wonderful city filled with exciting things to see and do. If you’re looking to further your knowledge of the authentic Dutch culture while you’re away, there are a number of great day trips for you to enjoy in several cities and towns around the capital.
From colourful tulips to striking windmills and everything in between, the following destinations all offer something different from the rich tapestry that is the Dutch culture. Though Amsterdam itself has a varied and interesting array of attractions, heading out of the capital will add an extra dimension to what already promises to be an excellent trip.
Leiden
Leiden is a university town with a wonderfully calm atmosphere – a pleasant change from the tourist-heavy Amsterdam. Rent a bike and explore the town centre as you take in the charming canals and bridges. Be sure to head down to the Saturday market which takes place next to the central canal.
Before you leave Leiden, you have to try the traditional Dutch stroopwafel – these can be found at the local market. Just a thirty-five-minute taxi ride from the capital, Leiden is a great place to start exploring after you’ve arrived in Amsterdam following your Schiphol airport transfer.
Utrecht
With an enormous shopping area, delicious dining options and a buzzing atmosphere, Utrecht is often a hit with visitors to the Netherlands. This is the country’s largest university town and boasts a great array of budget eateries at student-friendly prices.
Utrecht is perhaps most famous for its breathtaking central canal which is set in beautiful surroundings around a pedestrian area. Head here for an unforgettable evening, where you can enjoy a quiet drink or a picnic by the water. Many choose to rent out a small kayak to take on the canal – you’ll need good weather for this though!
Kinderdijk
After arriving in Amsterdam following your Schiphol airport transfer, Kinderdijk should be at the top of your list of towns and cities to visit outside the capital. It boasts a collection of 19 windmills dating back to the 1700s and is consequently a famous UNESCO World Heritage site.
This is one of the country’s most iconic destinations and is a hugely popular photography spot. The windmills line up along a canal, on which you can take a boat trip. Don’t forget to take a look inside one of the windmills if you get the chance!
How to Get There
Flights from the UK to Schiphol airport are your best bet for reaching Amsterdam and all of the wonderful towns and cities which are within easy reach of the capital. Once you’ve arrived at the airport, the most convenient and cost-effective way to reaching your accommodation is to take a pre-booked Schiphol airport transfer.
Taking you from door to door, a Schiphol airport transfer will put your mind at rest and make the journey a hassle-free one.
The Dutch capital offers plenty of attractions to keep you entertained during your trip, but don’t miss out on the fantastic day trips just outside the centre. Enjoy the canals of Utrecht, the windmills of Kinderdijk and the charming streets of Leiden – the question is: which will you head to first?
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for an affordable Schiphol airport transfer Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
This article is copyright free.