AMSTERDAM - Outside the central city
If you are one of the many return visitors who have already seen the beautiful canals, visited the museums and already seen most of what the city has to offer then I have good news for you.
That news is; Amsterdam is bigger than you think. There is plenty more to experience, it is just not right in the centre of the city.
The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area surrounding the city offers a good list of things to do; the beach, shopping areas, historical sites or just a stroll in the beautiful countryside. The good news is that all of these attractions are within easy reach and under an hours travel using public transportation. I have broken this list down by time travelled so that you see what will fit your schedule.
25 minutes from Amsterdam
Castles & Gardens can be found in the countryside by the Amstel River countryside which has a long maritime and military history. This region is especially rich in historical river estates and extravagant castles. If you visit Muiden you will find the Castle Muiderslot which has a drawbridge, five towers, battlements and many other features. Take bus 320 or 32 which departing from
Amstel train station.
40 minutes from Amsterdam
You will find old style Holland with windmills and farmhouses at the Zaanse Schans. Also the small town harbours of Marken and Volendam are packed with industrial heritage, where traditional skills like shipbuilding, fishing and cheese making are still on show. Take bus 391 to the Zaanse Schans and buses 110 and 118 to Volendam.
Haarlem is a nearby city with both history and culture close to Amsterdam. Its style has provided inspiration for many painters and it will be easy for you spend a whole day here if you want. Take bus 300 from Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena station.
50 minutes from Amsterdam
The ‘new land’ locations, east of Amsterdam, such as Lelystad and Almere show interesting examples of architecture. Almere is a new town which was planned and built entirely from scratch. Take bus 327 to Almere Haven from Amstel train station.
Two Beaches are within reach and have a variety of shops, restaurants and beach clubs. They are in Zandvoort and Ijmuiden aan Zee. They offer plenty if you want to try water and wind sports. Nature lovers can just enjoy hiking or cycling through the sand dunes. Take bus 80 to Zandvoort & bus 82 to IJmuiden aan Zee.
60 minutes from Amsterdam
Flowers are part of the history of Amsterdam. The present day tulip business is just a short trip from Amsterdam. The world famous flower garden is in Keukenhof but it depends on the season, as does the flower auctions in Aalsmeer and the bulb fields. Take bus 197 to Schiphol from Leidseplein and then change to either bus 858 for Keukenhof, or bus 172 to Kudelstaart.
This concludes my overview of Amsterdam.
If you are one of the many return visitors who have already seen the beautiful canals, visited the museums and already seen most of what the city has to offer then I have good news for you.
That news is; Amsterdam is bigger than you think. There is plenty more to experience, it is just not right in the centre of the city.
The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area surrounding the city offers a good list of things to do; the beach, shopping areas, historical sites or just a stroll in the beautiful countryside. The good news is that all of these attractions are within easy reach and under an hours travel using public transportation. I have broken this list down by time travelled so that you see what will fit your schedule.
25 minutes from Amsterdam
Castles & Gardens can be found in the countryside by the Amstel River countryside which has a long maritime and military history. This region is especially rich in historical river estates and extravagant castles. If you visit Muiden you will find the Castle Muiderslot which has a drawbridge, five towers, battlements and many other features. Take bus 320 or 32 which departing from
Amstel train station.
40 minutes from Amsterdam
You will find old style Holland with windmills and farmhouses at the Zaanse Schans. Also the small town harbours of Marken and Volendam are packed with industrial heritage, where traditional skills like shipbuilding, fishing and cheese making are still on show. Take bus 391 to the Zaanse Schans and buses 110 and 118 to Volendam.
Haarlem is a nearby city with both history and culture close to Amsterdam. Its style has provided inspiration for many painters and it will be easy for you spend a whole day here if you want. Take bus 300 from Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena station.
50 minutes from Amsterdam
The ‘new land’ locations, east of Amsterdam, such as Lelystad and Almere show interesting examples of architecture. Almere is a new town which was planned and built entirely from scratch. Take bus 327 to Almere Haven from Amstel train station.
Two Beaches are within reach and have a variety of shops, restaurants and beach clubs. They are in Zandvoort and Ijmuiden aan Zee. They offer plenty if you want to try water and wind sports. Nature lovers can just enjoy hiking or cycling through the sand dunes. Take bus 80 to Zandvoort & bus 82 to IJmuiden aan Zee.
60 minutes from Amsterdam
Flowers are part of the history of Amsterdam. The present day tulip business is just a short trip from Amsterdam. The world famous flower garden is in Keukenhof but it depends on the season, as does the flower auctions in Aalsmeer and the bulb fields. Take bus 197 to Schiphol from Leidseplein and then change to either bus 858 for Keukenhof, or bus 172 to Kudelstaart.
This concludes my overview of Amsterdam.