Marken, NH

destination

Marken

A quaint fishing village on a tiny island just north of Amsterdam, Marken makes for an iconic bike trip from Amsterdam. It takes about 1-1.5 hours biking each way, and you'll go through cow pastures and tiny villages along the way. It's a peaceful, flat bike ride, and then once in Marken there's a lighthouse, a small beach (don't get too excited, it's the Dutch version of a beach), and plenty of tiny shops and restaurants.

Haarlem, NH

destination

Haarlem

Haarlem retains a classic Dutch feeling but with strong medeival vibes. It's easily accessible from Amsterdam by bike or train.

Rotterdam, ZH

destination

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a unique city in the Netherlands due to its relatively new scene. The city was bombed during World War II and subsequently had to be rebuilt. It has refreshing new architecture and a completely different vibe from the rest of the Netherlands. It's easily accessible from Amsterdam by train.

Naarden, NH

destination

Naarden

Naarden is about 1-1.5 hours by bike from Amsterdam, or it is also accessible by train. The historical city is shaped like a star and was historically used as a military fort so this is a great place for aerial photography - bring your drone!

NH, Netherlands

destination

Texel

Only a train and a ferry away from Amsterdam, Texel is probably the most accessible of the Dutch islands. It was even on the NYT's 52 places list in 2019! There are plenty of friendly sheep on Texel, as well as fresh air, and peace and quiet. This is a true escape.

Lisse, ZH

outdoors

Keukenhof

For a picturesque day in the famous Dutch tulip fields, head to Keukenhof. There are trains multiple times every day and that's probably the easiest and fastest way to get there although it is plausible by bike if you want the true ~Dutch experience~

Zaandam, NH

destination

Zaandam

For a picturesque day amongst the famous Dutch windmills, head to Zaandam. Specifically, the Zaanse Schans neighborhood. Here you'll find the quintessential Dutch trademark of windmills. Perfect for a cute photo-op that's on-brand for the Netherlands, but not a super touristy shot from downtown.

Utrecht, UT

destination

Utrecht

If you love the vibe of Amsterdam but you're looking for a smaller, less-touristy verson, hop on the train to Utrecht for the day! There's so much good food and shopping and it's less up-priced than Amsterdam since they see a lot less tourists.

The Hague, ZH

destination

The Hague

The Hague is the diplomatic capital of the Netherlands and it has a lot of political and historical significance as such. There's also a cool hipster-y vibe here with plenty of great cafés and good places to eat!

Amsterdam, NH

experience • outdoors • shopping

IJ-Hallen

One weekend a month this massive flea market is held in Amsterdam Noord’s NDSM Wharf. When I say massive, I mean MASSIVE - plan to spend all day here and still you won’t have covered everything. Prices will be slashed as low as €0.25/clothing item by the end of the day, so if you like something but it’s too expensive try again later in the day.

Culemborg, GE

destination • experience

Culemborg

Culemborg is a small town just outside Utrecht and easily accessible by train. It’s quaint but lively, especially in the town square.