Countless windmills, endless fields of tulips, historic churches and trendy Dutch villages near Amsterdam seem untouched by time. This picture-perfect list of Dutch villages near Amsterdam makes for the perfect day trip.
Some parts of them still look the same as they did 100 years ago and they are one of the few places where you can still see men and women wearing traditional costumes. This picture-perfect list of Dutch villages near Amsterdam makes for the perfect day trip.
The Windmill Village of Zaanse Schans – near Amsterdam
Hundreds of windmills along the Zaan River once produced mustard, linseed oil, tobacco, paint and paper. Dozens of windmills that you can see and visit today are still operating according to tradition and people are carefully working there. Take the time to explore them at your own pace, it’s well worth it, although they may seem like a tourist trap.
Other buildings in Zaanse Schans were brought in from all over the Netherlands to create a Golden Age village. The clog museum in Zaanse Schans is quite interesting. And it was lovely just touring all the old-fashioned architecture.
If you don’t mind being 15 minutes outside of Amsterdam’s city center (easily accessible by train), stay at Inntel Hotel Amsterdam Zaandam, which is like a fun game in the traditional Dutch houses in town. Zaanse Schans and offers amazingly comfortable rooms, a spa and a good restaurant for a very reasonable price compared to hotels in Amsterdam.
Monnickendam – A quiet and peaceful village near Amsterdam
With colorful wooden cottages and small boats lining the harbour, lace curtains on the windows. I highly suggest going to Monnickendam on a weekday morning, when it’s slow and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. You will not regret it. Only a 15-minute bus ride from Amsterdam and you can easily explore Monnickendam in an hour or so, a nice little break if you’re short on time.
Broek in Waterland
Only 9 kilometers north of Amsterdam and easily accessible by bus. You can’t feel further, though from the bustle of the Amsterdam canals, the Rijksmuseum and Dam Square. Broek in Waterland is an excellent escape if you want a quiet hour away from the city.
Time stands still in Broek in Waterland, where Dutch bungalows are picturesque amid green canals. All residents enjoy traveling by boat as they all seem to own one. Take a small boat trip on your own when you visit Broek in Waterland to see it all.
Marken: a former island
A visit to Marken is quite unique, even for the Dutch. The fishing village used to be a rather isolated island until it was connected to the mainland in 1957. With wooden houses and clogs standing outside, the car-free town center seems like a picture in history books. Visiting the clog factory and the museum of traditional clothes are also exciting activities for you.
How to visit villages near Amsterdam
Catch a bus! If you already have an OV Chip Card to get around
Amsterdam, you can easily use this pass to take regional buses. All regional buses depart from Amsterdam Central Station. Use this site to plan your trip.
Get on the bus, get off the bus. With a bus pass, you can easily visit seven typical Dutch villages near Amsterdam, like the ones I mentioned above, Edam, Volendam and Purmerend (though also Edam, Volendam and Purmerend the latter is not very interesting). Even so, the bus pass is well worth the money.
Or you can take a day trip from Amsterdam and visit Volendam, Edam and the windmills of Zaanse Schans at the same time.
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