6 best day trips from Amsterdam

The Dutch rail network is one of Europe's best — almost every interesting town in Holland is under 90 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal.

How: 30 min train + bus, mid-Mar to mid-May only Travel time: 1h When to go: Mid-Mar to mid-May ONLY

The world's biggest spring flower garden. Book ahead

How: 20 min train Travel time: 20 min When to go: Year-round; April-Oct best

Working windmills, cheese tastings, wooden-shoe demonstrations

How: 20 min train Travel time: 20 min When to go: Year-round

Pretty market square + Frans Hals Museum + 1/10th the tourists of Amsterdam

How: 1h train (combine both) Travel time: 1h When to go: Year-round

Vermeer's blue + the political capital + Mauritshuis (Girl with a Pearl Earring)

How: 30 min train Travel time: 30 min When to go: Year-round

Canal-side cafés below street level, Miffy Museum, cathedral tower

How: 2h via train + bus Travel time: 2h When to go: Apr-Oct; quiet in winter

The 'Dutch Venice' — no roads, just canals and walking paths

Best day trips from Amsterdam