Let’s face it, the Netherlands is tiny. You can really travel to anywhere in the country quite easily. That is great when you just want a little day out, because there are several pretty villages near Amsterdam that you can head to by train or bus.
You can even cycle to some of them! And event though they’re gorgeous in any season, as the weather heats up in the city, these lovely spots are the perfect place to really soak up the sun. Some also offer coastal views and sand where you can plant your feet and let the sea carry away your worries.
1. Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is one of the most spectacular sights in the Netherlands, for sure. People flock here to see the beautiful windmills – something very typical to the Netherlands and best seen in this beautiful village near Amsterdam.
These windmills haven’t always been here. They were relocated there along with lots of little green wooden houses to give the luck of a Dutch city from the 18th century. Additionally, each of the windmills is worth a visit because all eleven are unique.
For example, De Huisman, where you can sample lots of different spices. Or De Kat, where you can watch demonstrations at what used to be a paint mill. Zaanse Schans is easy to get to from Amsterdam, just take the train to Zaandijk – Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam Central Station and you’ll be there in twenty minutes.
2. Monnickendam
Monnickendam is a beautiful old fishing village that isn’t as popular with tourists as it should be. You can easily cycle there from Amsterdam if you’re up for the 15km trip. And you’ll get to see Broek in Waterland as you pass through!
Alternatively, you can take the train from Amsterdam Central Station to Monnickendam, Bernhardbrug and it only takes around twenty minutes. The village was founded by monks, which is where it got its name, and it was historically an important Dutch port.
There’s even a little beach there where you can sit and relax on a warm day. And you can also visit the Waterlandsmuseum de Speeltoren, which is a great place to learn about the village’s history. De Grote Kirk is a must-visit and it’s open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am – 4 pm and Sunday, 1 pm to 4 pm.
3. Broek in Waterland
No list of pretty villages near Amsterdam would be complete without mentioning Broek in Waterland. This lovely little village is home to just over 2,000 people and the houses there are really beautiful. Some of them are even National Heritage Sites.
It was once a popular vacation spot for seafarers, back in the 17th century, and it’s easy to see why. It’s such a tranquil spot to take a walk. There are some cafes and restaurants in the village, but you can also bring a picnic and sit by the lake on a warm day. The perfect getaway to disconnect and relax!
4. Marken
If you take the train from Amsterdam Noord to Marken, Minneweg Station you will find the most picturesque little island, offering breathtaking views of from the coast. It’s such a tranquil spot. There’s even a little museum dedicated to the history of the island.
Paard van Marken is a strand where you can take a stroll and enjoy the sea air, then sit in the sand and relax. Plus, there are a few restaurants over on the West of the island where you can enjoy a meal overlooking the sea. All in all, it’s just a great place to get away from the city after a busy week at work. With a great view on top of it all!
5. Lisse
Another pretty village near Amsterdam that absolutely has to be on this list is Lisse. it’s home to Keukenhof where every year thousands of gorgeous tulips bloom, putting on an unmissable display that people from all over the globe come to see.
You can get the train to Lisse from Schiphol Airport. Keukenhof Gardens are currently closed until next spring but you can still visit De Olmenhorst, which is home to an orchard. In September and October, you can go and pick apples from the trees yourself or take a guided tour to see all of the beautiful produce there.
6. Naarden
Naarden is one of the prettiest places in the Netherlands with, unfortunately, a sad history. In 1572, Spanish soldiers killed all but 60 of the residents in their battle to conquer the Netherlands.
The city of Naarden was built as a fortress, which is why it has that distinctive shape, formed by a moat that surrounds the other city. There you can visit the Vesting Museum or head to Vesting Brouwerij Comenius to enjoy a beer in the outdoors. Just take the 310 bus from Amstelstation to get there – easy peasy!