Outside the city
The Amsterdamse Bos (the Amsterdam forest) spans almost 1000 hectars. It is owned by the city of Amsterdam and situated within the local authorities of Amsterdam, Amstelveen and Aalsmeer. With its 137 km of footpaths, 51 km of cycle paths and 50 bridges, the Amsterdamse Bos is one of the largest city parks of Europe. In july and august there are evening performances in the Openluchttheater (open air theatre). At the main entrance to the Bos (Van Nijenrodeweg) you will find the Visitors Centre. In summer the Museumtram travels along the eastern side of the Bos, from the Haarlemmermeerstation to Bovenkerk. Camping Amsterdamse Bos is on the south edge of the forest, on the Bosrandweg. It has good bus links to Amsterdam city centre.
It's easy to reach the beach from Amsterdam, whether by train, bus or ferry. Visit popular hotspots Zandvoort and Bloemendaal aan Zee for a Dutch-style beach party. Or venture out and find the tranquil dunes of the quieter stretches of the North Sea coast for a relaxing afternoon away from the city.
Cheese market Alkmaar
Alkmaar is a scenic historic town in the province of Noord-Holland. The city centre is enchanting, with canals and gable-topped houses. Established in 939, the town of Alkmaar is best known for its cheese products. A world-famous cheese market takes place each Friday from 10:00-12:30; from the beginning of April until the beginning of September. It features the traditional weighing of cheeses and colourful hagglers. The train ride from Amsterdam to Alkmaar takes 35 minutes.
The Zaanse Schans
The Zaanse Schans is a delightful village on the banks of the river Zaan with characteristic green wooden houses, charming stylized gardens, small hump-backed bridges, tradesmen's workshops, historic windmills and engaging little shops. Learn more of the old Dutch crafts in the different windmills and museums or enjoy a pleasant cruise on the Zaan. Just 10 miles northwest of Amsterdam the Zaanse Schans is easily accessible by car, train or bus. Take the stop train direction Alkmaar to Koog-Zaandijk. From the station simply follow the signs to the Zaanse Schans. It is 5-minute walk from the station to the ferry. There is also an excellent bus service operating from Amsterdam Central Station direct to the Zaanse Schans. Bus 91 leaves Amsterdam Central Station twice hourly and stops at the St. Michael College next to the Zaans Museum and Zaanse Schans.
The prosperity from the Golden Age can still be seen in the historical town centre with its old streets and gates, and the many splendid monuments. The old harbour houses many lovely restaurants and bars. Hoorn has a direct and frequent train connection with Amsterdam Central Station (the train ride takes some 40 minutes). From Hoorn Station, it is only a few minutes stroll to the historic town centre.
Haarlem
Visit the city of Haarlem and take a stroll through historic streets. Admire the picturesque facades, the monuments and the museums. Haarlem is 15 minutes from Amsterdam by train.