- Forteiland Pampus
- Vineyard De Amsteltuin
- Discover Dutch Culture – Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Marken
- Restaurant De Mark
- Amsterdamse Bos
- Het Twiske
- Proeflokaal ‘'t Nieuwe Diep
- Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen
- Hollandse Waterlinie
- Muiderslot Castle
- Naarden Vesting
- Local Farm Shops near Amsterdam
- Broek in Waterland
- Weesp
- Fruittuin van West
- Other Fun Daytrips
- Even More Insider Tips
Forteiland Pampus
Open from April till cold months, daily from 10:30 AM – 5 PM | IJburg harbor
Fort Pampus is a 19th-century fort island located in the IJmeer, near Amsterdam. A boat departs from IJburg to this UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can explore nature, visit the historic fort, learn about its rich history, or dine at the pavilion. Each season offers unique activities, such as the ‘Winterlicht’ and ‘Zomerlicht’ dining experience, summer camping, and treasure hunts for children.
Fun fact: Fort Pampus is working towards becoming a completely fossil-free and self-sufficient island.
Vineyard De Amsteltuin
Open during summer months on the weekends, check their website and socials | Langs de Akker 5
You don’t have to travel all the way to France to taste great wine! Just a short bike ride to the south of Amsterdam and you’ll find Wijngaard De Amsteltuin. During the warmer months, you can take a guided tour or enjoy a high wine experience among the grapevines.
Tip: The vineyard is also available for private events, making it a great venue for celebrations and dinners.
Discover Dutch Culture – Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Marken
Open all year round
For an immersive experience in Dutch culture, a visit to the Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken makes the perfect day trip. The Zaanse Schans is a historic Dutch village known for its traditional windmills along the water. In addition to windmills, you can visit a cheese factory and watch artisans at work in old Dutch houses. Next, head to the charming fishing village of Volendam, where you can stroll along the dike and take a picture in traditional Dutch attire. End your trip at the picturesque island village of Marken, famous for its wooden houses and scenic harbor, perfect for a relaxing walk.
Restaurant De Mark
Open daily from 8 – 10:30 AM, 12 – 3 PM, 6 – 10 PM | Durgerdammerdijk 73
On the outskirts of Amsterdam, along the dike, lies the small village of Durgerdam. The colorful houses along the water are visible from Amsterdam-Noord and IJburg. Nestled among them is Restaurant De Mark, featuring a cozy bar, fireplace, and a small terrace on a floating deck. Here, you can indulge in a fine-dining experience curated by Michelin-star chefs. To complete your visit, you can even stay overnight at their boutique hotel De Durgerdam.
Amsterdamse Bos
Goat farm Ridammerhoeve, open daily from 10 AM – 5 PM | Nieuwe Meerlaan 4
Canoe rental, open daily during summer months | Grote Speelweide 5
Amsterdamse Bostheater open depending from schedule | De Duizendmeterweg 7
The Amsterdamse Bos is a lush green forest where many locals love to take a stroll. In spring, you can visit the beautiful cherry blossom park, or walk scenic trails along riverbanks and historic bridges. At the heart of the woods, there’s a swimming area with a canoe rental, open during summer. Don’t miss the Goat Farm Ridammerhoeve, where you can feed baby goats, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch, and try goat milk products like soft-serve ice cream and cheeses. When seeking more cultural activities, visit Amsterdamse Bostheater for shows and concerts where you’ll view from a small arena stage.
Het Twiske
This nature reserve is just a short bike ride from Amsterdam-Noord and well worth the trip. Along the way, you’ll pass meadows, charming bridges, and even an old windmill. Surrounded by water, Het Twiske offers a peaceful and scenic escape where you can walk, cycle, and boat. The various grassy fields are perfect for a picnic, while the sandy beach and playground make a great summer swimming spot. For a bit more privacy, find one of the wooden docks and dive straight into the water.
Tip: Het Twiske hosts the popular Lentekabinet music festival every year.
Proeflokaal ‘’t Nieuwe Diep
Open from Tue-Fri: 3-6 PM; Sat-Sun: 1-6 PM | Flevopark 13A
Hidden in the green Flevopark in Amsterdam-Oost lies distillery ‘t Nieuwe Diep, housed in a beautifully restored 1880 pumping station. Here, artisanal liqueurs and genevers are distilled, many made with organic ingredients. In the cozy tasting room, you can sample these unique spirits and try local snacks, while enjoying a tranquil view of the water. This is a true hidden gem; accessibility only by foot or bike.
Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen
The Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen is a vast nature reserve between Zandvoort and Noordwijk, where Amsterdam’s drinking water has been filtered since 1853. This unique dune landscape is perfect for long walks, with a high chance of spotting deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species. Cycling is not allowed, making it an exceptionally serene place to explore. In addition to hiking, you can wander off the trails and enjoy the untouched dunes and water features – a hidden paradise for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.
Hollandse Waterlinie
The Hollandse Waterlinie is an impressive military defense system that protected the Netherlands for centuries using a clever combination of water and fortresses. Scattered across the landscape are dozens of forts, bunkers, and sluices, with Forteiland Pampus being one of the most famous. Walk along the historic ramparts of this UNESCO site, learn about its rich past, and enjoy stunning views over the IJmeer. Many forts have been transformed into museums (Naarden Vestingmuseum), restaurants (Fort Noxx), and even wellness retreats (Fort Beemster).
Muiderslot Castle
Open from Tue-Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM | Herengracht 1
Just a 30-minute bike ride from Amsterdam-Oost, Muiderslot is one of the best-preserved castles in the Netherlands. Built around 1285 by Count Floris V, it later became the home of 17th-century Dutch poet P.C. Hooft, after whom one of Amsterdam’s most famous streets is named. Today, you can explore interactive exhibits, wander through the medieval gardens, and climb the castle towers for breathtaking views.
Naarden Vesting
Continue your journey past Muiderslot to the historic fortress town of Naarden, part of the Hollandse Waterlinie. With its unique star-shaped walls, canals, and forts, Naarden is steeped in history. Once a defensive stronghold, it is now a charming place to walk along the fort sights and explore the cozy streets lined with cafés and boutiques. Visit the Vestingmuseum to uncover hidden tunnels, or climb the Grote Kerk for stunning panoramic views.
Local Farm Shops near Amsterdam
Lindenhoff open from Thu-Fri: 9:30 AM – 5:30 AM; Sat: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM | Rijksstraatweg 21 Landmarkt open from Mon-Sat: 9 AM – 8 PM; Sun: 11 AM – 7 PM | Schellingwouderdijk 339
Over-Amstel Boerderij open from Fri-Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM | Binnenweg 17
For lovers of fresh, artisanal and sustainable products, the farm shops around Amsterdam are a must-visit. At Lindenhoff in Baambrugge, you’ll find high-quality local produce, from organic meats to cheeses and seasonal vegetables. Landmarkt in Amsterdam-Noord blends the comfort of a supermarket with the quality of a farmers’ market, where you can buy directly from producers. Over-Amstel Boerderij offers more than just local products—it provides an authentic farm experience, with culinary workshops, themed dinners, and even overnight stays.
Broek in Waterland
Just north of Amsterdam, Broek in Waterland is a picturesque village known for its charming wooden houses along the water. This historic village is quiet and beautiful, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing walk among the characteristic facades and narrow bridges. Rent an electric boat to explore the waterways or visit cozy cafés like De Witte Swaen and Het Broekerhuis.
Weesp
Weesp is a fortress town that is also part of the Hollandse Waterlinie, located southeast of Amsterdam. You can reach it by bike or train. Here, you can admire beautiful canals, historic windmills, and try the local delicacy, Weesper Moppen – delicious almond cookies – at one of the town’s charming cafés. In addition to its historic charm, Weesp offers ultimate relaxation at Spa Weesp, a luxury wellness center with saunas, pools, and massages.
Fruittuin van West
Open from Tue-Sun: 10:30 AM – 6 PM | Tom Schreursweg 48
In the west-side of Amsterdam lies Fruittuin van West, a big orchard and garden where you can pick your own fruit and experience farm life. Depending on the season, you’ll find organic apples, pears, berries, and more. Besides fruit picking, you can relax on the terrace, enjoy local and homemade products in the shop and café, or visit the free-range chickens and pigs. A perfect countryside escape, just minutes from the city.
Other Fun Daytrips
Even More Insider Tips
As locals, we’re excited to share our best tips with you—after all, who better to ask? You might also enjoy reading:
