Other Excursions

Volendam, Marken & Edam

The triangle of traditional fishing villages on the Markermeer, about 30 minutes north of Amsterdam. Volendam: colorful harbor, smoked fish, costume photo shop (fun for families). Marken: island with green wooden houses, accessible by boat from Volendam (30 min). Edam: the town of the famous cheese — in summer, there's the traditional cheese market (Wednesday mornings, July–August). Bus 316 from Amsterdam Centraal.

Delft

The city of Delft Blue (ceramics) and Vermeer. Picturesque canals, the Nieuwe Kerk with the tomb of William of Orange, and the Royal Delft Factory (tour: 15€). 1 hour by train from Amsterdam. Less touristy than Amsterdam, but more authentic. Ideal to combine with The Hague (only 15 min further).

The Hague & Scheveningen

The Hague (1 hour by train) is the seat of government of the Netherlands with the Peace Palace (International Court of Justice), the Mauritshuis (Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring"!), and the Binnenhof. The seaside resort Scheveningen is accessible by tram from the center — beach, pier, and fresh fish. Perfect excursion in good weather.

Utrecht

The fourth largest city in the Netherlands (30 min by train) surprises with a medieval old town, the Dom Tower (112 m, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, climbable!) and unique wharf cellars — canals with restaurants and cafés at water level, one floor below street level. Less touristy than Amsterdam, with a student vibe and great gastronomy scene.