There are endless benefits to the fact that the Netherlands is such a small country, and one of my favorites is the fact that I am rarely more than two hours from the nearest international border. This means that whenever my passport starts to burn a hole in my pocket, I can hop on a train or bus to countless international destinations for a day or a weekend trip. These are some of my favorites to recommend to visitors.
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Brussels, Belgium
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Brussels has incredible charm for travelers, who are enchanted by its quaint cobbled streets and its reputation for great food and drink – waffles, chocolate, beer, French fries, and more. Just two hours from Amsterdam, I often travel through Brussels airport, but not before stopping for a bite to eat in the city and taking a tour of its historic center, a compact district that lends itself to an afternoon stroll.
- How to get from Amsterdam to Brussels airport
- How to get from Amsterdam to Brussels South Charleroi airport
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Cologne, Germany
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This favorite tourist destination in Germany is famous for its impressive Dom (Cathedral), its myriad of museums and its twelve Romanesque churches, an accomplished center for the arts and architecture. It is also celebrated for its Fastnacht or Karneval (Carnival, a pre-Lent festival), one of the most exaggerated in northern Europe. Marvel at the classic architecture of the city on the Rhine and enjoy a restaurant scene that is a cosmopolitan mix of traditional (from Flammkuchen to Schnitzel) and exotic (like the only Burmese restaurant on the mainland).
- How to get from Amsterdam to Cologne
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Antwerp, Belgium
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With stellar attractions like Rubenshuis (Rubens House), the Plantin Moretus Museum and the resplendent Onze Lieve Vrowekathedraal (Cathedral of Our Lady), not to mention its enviable reputation in the fashion world as the hometown of the ‘Antwerp Six’ – It’s a Wonder that more tourists to Amsterdam don’t take a day or two to experience this memorable Flemish city, which countless visitors call prettier and cleaner than the famous Brussels.
- How to get from Amsterdam to Antwerp
- How to get from Amsterdam to Antwerp airport
- Plankendael Zoo, world-class zoo on the outskirts of Antwerp
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Düsseldorf, Germany
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With a beautiful Altstadt (Old Town) and a fantastic arts scene, its art academy has raised stars like Paul Klee and Joseph Beuys, Düsseldorf has a lot to see and do. Foodies can choose from restaurants ranging from Rhenish comfort food to casual Japanese fare, as well as delicious locally brewed beers and their world-famous mustard.
- How to get from Amsterdam to Düsseldorf
- How to get from the Netherlands to Düsseldorf-Weeze airport
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Paris France
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At the end of 2009, the international train operator Thalys has reduced the travel time between Amsterdam and Paris to just over three hours. For travelers who want to visit the Netherlands but are tempted by the proximity of wonderful Paris, a weekend trip is an excellent solution. It certainly won’t cover the whole city (not even on multiple trips to Paris!), But one weekend is enough time for a tour of the city’s main attractions, or an in-depth study of a specific district like The Bohemian Marais. . Or save Paris for another time and focus on one of the least visited cities in France – the north is very close to the Netherlands.
- How to get from Amsterdam to Paris
- Other French cities to visit from Amsterdam
