Unique adventures with the Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket
Explore incredible nature reserves just outside Haarlem
For centuries, Haarlem has been a hub for art and culture, filled with historic architecture, modern galleries and quirky museums. Just 20 minutes from Amsterdam by train, this dynamic city offers something for everyone. Haarlem is also within easy cycling distance from incredible nature reserves such as the Zuid-Kennermerland National Park. Here you’ll find an array of wildlife, including various bird species, deer, rabbits, Highland cattle and even European bison. Open from sunrise to sunset, the beautiful dune landscapes and forested areas are crisscrossed by various walking and cycling routes.
Marco @mluzzani
“Visiting Haarlem and Zandvoort was really nice. I loved it. I would surely recommend taking the train from Amsterdam to Haarlem, then biking to Zandvoort. It's only about 8 kilometres through a beautiful wooded area until you get to the beach – LOVELY.”
How to get there:
Take the train from Amsterdam Central Station to Haarlem (20 minutes).
Alternatively, take bus 80 from Amsterdam Busstation Elandsgracht, which stops in Haarlem (30 minutes) and continues on all the way to Zandvoort (60 minutes).
You’ll find various bike rental options in Haarlem – or you can bring your own bike on the train with you by purchasing a bicycle pass!
Lounge on the sand at Amsterdam Beach
There’s nothing quite like sipping on a cocktail while watching the waves crash against the shoreline, and the cosy coastal towns of Amsterdam Beach are the perfect place for it. Check out the colourful beach clubs of Zandvoort and Bloemendaal, blow the cobwebs away with a walk along the sandy dunes, and try out a new sport such as windsurfing or blokarting, or simply pull up a deckchair and soak in the rays. Both coastal towns are easily accessible by train and bus from Amsterdam.
Izzy @izzyswizz85
“I took the train from Amsterdam to the beach, which was quick and easy and not as crowded as within the city. It was in August and pretty windy, but I enjoyed the amazing beach restaurants, the vacay vibes and the sea breeze away from the city for a day.”
How to get there:
Take the train from Amsterdam Central Station to Haarlem, then hop on the 81 bus to Bloemendaal (40 minutes).
Take the train from Amsterdam Central Station to Zandvoort (30 minutes).
Alternatively, take bus 80 from Amsterdam Busstation Elandsgracht, which stops in Haarlem (30 minutes) and continues on all the way to Zandvoort (60 minutes).
Visit the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans offers a perfectly preserved glimpse into the history of Old Holland with its traditional houses, warehouses and workshops. While there, you can watch traditional craft demonstrations such as clog and cheese making and visit the magnificent windmills and historic buildings.
Betina @beti08
“We took the train to Zaanse Schans, Zaandam, Haarlem, Alkmaar and Zandvoort which was easy from Centraal Station. I think my favourite day trip was to Zaanse Schans. It's a place I would recommend to all my friends who are visiting the Netherlands for a couple of days and want to see something in addition to Amsterdam (a city I’m in love with). I’ve taken various different friends there, and everybody loves it – from the chocolatey aromas to the chickens running around.”
How to get there:
Take bus 391 from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaanse Schans (50 minutes)
Alternatively, take the train from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans and walk from the station (30 minutes).
Eat freshly caught fish in Volendam
A visit to Volendam typically begins with a stroll down the main harbour strip - a lively shopping and residential street. Admire the traditional wooden buildings, working trawlers and fishing boats, which remain the lifeblood for many in the area. Make the most of your time in the fishing village by sampling the freshly caught seafood. A variety of cosy cafés and restaurants, along with outdoor vendors, will tempt your tastebuds with the catch of the day.
Nisrine @nawliet
“My favourite day trip was to Volendam. We had fresh fish and stroopwafels and wandered around the town – which is actually very tiny! It's possible to take a bus from Amsterdam Centraal!”
How to get there:
Take bus 110 or 316 from Amsterdam Central Station (50 minutes).
Watch the sun go down in Marken
The charming seaside village of Marken is a former island on the Markermeer peninsula. It remains a popular seaside getaway that’s reachable via a long causeway or a reliable fleet of ferries. Locals and international tourists flock to the island to take in its scenic views and enjoy its rich cultural history, such as the preserved fishing culture. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful view of the iconic horse-shaped lighthouse (built in 1839) and the green wooden houses built on stilts alongside the harbour.
How to get there:
Take bus 315 from Amsterdam Station Noord (50 minutes).
Francesco @francescomainardi_
“I visited Amsterdam and the surrounding areas in 2018. I went to Zaanse Schans, Zaandam, Edam, Volendam and Marken - all in one day. Unforgettable memories, can’t wait to come back! If I had to choose a favourite place, I would say Marken. I arrived there almost at sunset, and it was really special. I travelled by train and bus (and I took the ferry to and from Marken).
Drink freshly-poured beers and learn about windmills in Sloten
The ancient village of Sloten is just outside Amsterdam, and a short excursion here feels like stepping back in time. Here you’ll find the Sloten Windmill Museum – one of the few fully functioning polder mills in the Netherlands where you can learn all about milling techniques and how Rembrandt, the son of a miller, grew up. Need a pick me up afterwards? Head next door to Brouwerij de 7 Deugden, one of the area’s best microbreweries, for a delicious craft beer.
Natasha @natashajade_v
“I went to a brewery in Sloten around the Osdorp area. It’s a pretty cool experience, especially if you’d like to learn more about the craft beer scene in the Netherlands.”
How to get there:
Take the train from Amsterdam Central Station to Lelylaan. From there, you can hop on tram 1 to Baden Powellweg or the 195 bus to Langsom (35 minutes).
Alternatively, you can take tram 17 from the city centre to Baden Powellweg (50 minutes).
The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket
Tickets are valid on all metro, tram and bus lines operated by GVB, Connexxion, AllGo and EBS, including night buses plus NS trains in the Amsterdam Area. Remember, you must check in and out with your card every time you enter and exit a bus, tram, train or metro. Your ticket is activated from the first check-in.