Are you looking for an enjoyable visit to Amsterdam, but would you like to stay away from the noisy crowds and the usual tourist hotspots?
The Dutch capital is known for its iconic museums, numerous museums, diverse cultural institutions, and vibrant nightlife. However, especially during the peak season, the city center can quickly become crowded. Those who prefer a quieter yet still varied experience should look beyond the city limits.
Whether as part of a company outing, an incentive trip, or an individual journey, the area surrounding Amsterdam offers countless opportunities for exciting day trips and memorable experiences. Often, it is precisely these excursions that make a trip truly special and unforgettable.
A visit to the Johan Cruijff Arena Stadium
For all sports fans, the Johan Cruijff Arena in the south of Amsterdam is an absolute highlight. As the home stadium of the Ajax Amsterdam and the largest stadium in the Netherlands, it offers fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into one of Europe’s most renowned football clubs.
During a guided tour, visitors step into the world beyond the pitch: from the players’ dressing rooms and the players’ tunnel to the coach’s bench, you can experience firsthand where the professionals prepare for their matches and celebrate their victories.
Experience Dutch Tradition at the Windmill Village of Zaanse Schans
Just a short drive north of Amsterdam lies the idyllic windmill village of Zaanse Schans, a place that feels like a living open-air museum. Famous for its traditional wooden houses and historic windmills, the village offers an authentic glimpse into Dutch life during the 18th and 19th centuries.
In fact, Zaanse Schans is not only a museum village: people still live and work there today. Visitors can watch craftsmen at work and experience traditional production methods up close. Particularly popular attractions include the wooden shoe workshop, the cheese farm, and the historic windmills.
Amsterdamer Strand & Circuit Zaandvort
Anyone looking for a bit of action alongside culture and history will find the perfect combination in the coastal town of Zandvoort. The famous Circuit Zandvoort race track is located directly on the North Sea coast and is a well-established venue in international motorsports. Among other events, it hosts the annual Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix.
Although the circuit is considered relatively short, this is precisely what makes the races especially exciting and creates a unique atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy behind-the-scenes insights as well as strolls through the grandstand areas.
What makes it truly special is its immediate coastal location. A visit to the racetrack can easily be combined with a relaxing beach getaway. Miles of sandy beaches, picturesque dune landscapes, and a lively beachfront promenade invite visitors to unwind. With a wide variety of restaurants and excellent event venues, Zandvoort is an ideal destination for company outings, offering a summery atmosphere and a refreshing North Sea breeze.
Sailing on the Ijsselmeer
Another highlight for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts is a sailing trip on the IJsselmeer. As the largest lake in the Netherlands, it is not only rich in history and regarded as the “wet heart” of Dutch water management, but also offers ideal conditions for an unforgettable sailing adventure.
The IJsselmeer was created in the north of Amsterdam from a former sea inlet after a devastating storm occured in the early 20th century forced local residents to construct a dike system. Today, the lake has become a true paradise for sailors, while the surrounding natural landscapes houses a breathtaking diversity of flora and fauna.
The area around the lake impresses visitors with its varied scenery, characterized by restored historic buildings, small islands, and authentic Dutch charm. Especially from the water, an entirely new perspective of the Dutch landscape unfolds, offering a truly unique atmosphere and experience.
Cheesemarket in Alkmaar
With more than 500 years of tradition, the Alkmaar Cheese Market is considered one of the oldest and most famous cheese markets in the Netherlands. From late March to late September, the town square regularly transforms into a lively stage celebrating the country’s most iconic export product: cheese.
Once the large cheese wheels have been arranged across the square, the traditional rituals begin. Cheese carriers dressed in white uniforms and colorful straw hats transport the cheese using the famous carrying frames of the “Kaasdragersgilde.” The cheese is carefully inspected, weighed, traded and then carried away to its new owners in a precisely coordinated process.
This unique spectacle is not only entertaining, but also offers an authentic insight into traditional Dutch market culture. Beyond the market itself, the charming old town of Alkmaar invites visitors to explore its canals, cozy cafés, and small boutiques, perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll.
Out of Amsterdam and into the surrounding countryside?
Whether it’s culture, sport, nature or fine dining, the region around Amsterdam offers an impressive variety of experiences that can be combined with your city trip to Amsterdam. Particularly for group trips, incentives and corporate events, programmes that go beyond the classic highlights create real added value and ensure lasting memories with that special something.
At Canals and Windmills, we support you as an experienced DMC in Amsterdam in planning and delivering exactly these kinds of experiences. We tailor our programmes to your individual ideas and preferences and provide on-site support in Amsterdam.
