Amsterdam is home to a wealth of museums, including the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, as well as a thriving nightlife scene.

It is easy to travel between the two cities via car or public transport, making an Amsterdam day trip from Brussels accessible to all.

Whether you're looking to explore world-class museums or simply sit back and gaze upon the canals with a coffee, Amsterdam has something to offer everyone.

Here's all you need to know about visiting Amsterdam from Belgium, one of the most exciting day trips from Brussels.

How do I get to Amsterdam from Brussels?

Amsterdam is located in the province of North Holland. The city is around 210 kilometers from Brussels and the journey between the two crosses the border from Holland to The Netherlands.

By car

The jaunt to Amsterdam from Brussels by car takes around 2.5 hours and starts by taking the E40 motorway east out of the city. After about 1 hour, you'll reach the Dutch border at Roosendaal. From there, continue on the E25 towards Amsterdam.

By train

It is possible to get a direct train between Brussels and Amsterdam from Brussels-Midi station. Trains depart several times per hour and the price ranges depending on the speed of the journey.

For a 3-hour journey, tickets cost around €53. If you want to arrive in the city in just under 2 hours, you can choose a high-speed train for around €89.

On a guided tour

Amsterdam day tours typically last around 12 hours and start around 8 AM. Expect to meet your tour group in the heart of Brussels, often near the Grand Palace.

What is the most common itinerary?

Many Amsterdam day tours follow a similar itinerary. You'll meet in the center of Brussels before traveling by bus to Amsterdam. Many tours make a stop en route to gain a view of traditional life at a farm or craft factory. Some also make another stop to see the Zaanse Schans windmills that Holland is so famous for.

Once you arrive in the city, you'll take a walking tour which covers a vast array of sights. These include Dam Square, the Royal Palace, the Floating Flower Market and the Jewish Quarter.

At the end of the day, you'll have a few hours to spend as you wish in Amsterdam. Some of the best ways to enjoy your free time include a tour of the canals or a browse of the boutiques.

As evening kicks in, you'll board your bus or private vehicle, and set off towards Brussels where your Amsterdam excursion ends.

What kinds of tours go to Amsterdam from Brussels?

Day trip to Amsterdam from Brussels

Amsterdam day trips often happen in small groups. When you reach the city, you'll participate in a guided walking tour, exploring some of the most well-known sites such as Dam Square, the Royal Palace and the Jewish Quarter.

Once this ends, you'll have 3 hours of free time to explore Amsterdam at your own leisurely pace. Some tours also include a visit to a local craft factory in the itinerary.

Private tour to Amsterdam from Brussels

A private day tour to Amsterdam allows you to travel more comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle. The tour is faster and ranges from 8 to 10 hours.

You'll start the day by heading to a local farm to sample some of Holland's finest cheeses. While you're there, you'll also see hand-crafted clogs, which Holland is famous for producing.

After this, you'll reach your destination of Amsterdam and experience a tour of the city from your own personal guide. You'll have the option to end the day on a high with a canal tour.

Day trip to Amsterdam plus windmills from Brussels

Holland is famous for two things — its clogs and its windmills, and on this Amsterdam day trip, you'll see both.

The journey to the city takes a detour in order to be awed by the famous windmills of Holland. If you visit during the spring and summer, you'll have the opportunity to see the abundance of flowers that scatter the fields. The combination makes for the perfect photograph.

You'll continue on to a local craft center that boasts traditional goods, such as cheese, pottery and clogs, before continuing on to Amsterdam for a guided walking tour.

What are the best Amsterdam tours from Brussels?

Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels

Price: From €57 per person
Duration: 12 hours
Languages: English
Includes: Transportation, tour guide

Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels plus Windmills

Price: From €62 per person
Duration: 12 hours
Languages: English, French, Spanish
Includes: Transportation, tour guide, windmill stop

Traditional Holland and Amsterdam Private Tour from Brussels

Price: From €250 per person (depending on group size)
Duration: 8 to 10 hours
Languages: English, Italian, French, Spanish
Includes: Private transportation with onboard wifi, tour guide, water

How much does a tour to Amsterdam from Brussels cost?

Day trips start from €57 per participant and include round-trip transfers by bus from the center of Brussels, as well as a professional tour guide. If you want a tour with a a stop to see the windmills, it will cost you just a little more.

If you choose a private journey to Amsterdam, you can expect day tours to have faster transfer times. You'll have a private vehicle and tour guide included, and you can expect to pay a minimum of €250 per person.

What will I see in Amsterdam?

Anne Frank House

If you're planning a day trip to Amsterdam, be sure to add the Anne Frank House to your itinerary. This renowned museum is dedicated to the memory of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who was forced into hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

During her time in hiding, Anne kept a diary in which she documented her experiences and shared her thoughts on the war, as well as its impact on her life. The Anne Frank House allows visitors to walk through the Secret Annex where Anne and her family hid for over 2 years.

Seeing first-hand the space where Anne lived and wrote her diary is a moving experience that offers insights into the reality of life during wartime.

Ticket price

Adults: €14
Youth (9-17): €7
Children (under 9): €1

Opening hours

Daily: 9 AM and 10 PM

Van Gogh Museum

Although Vincent van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime, he is now considered one of the most influential artists of the Post-Impressionist era. The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of his works in the world, and it is an essential stop for anyone interested in his life and work.

You'll be able to explore van Gogh's paintings, drawings and letters at your own pace as you wander from room to room. You can also see how his work was influenced by the Dutch artists who came before him.

Ticket price:

Adult: €20
Students: €10
Children under 18 years: Free

Opening hours

Tuesday to Thursday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Friday to Monday: 9 AM to 6 PM

Canal Tour

Amsterdam's canals are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They were built in the 17th century to help with the city's water transport. A tour of the canals takes you through some of Amsterdam's most historic neighborhoods, such as the Jordaan and De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets.)

You'll also see some of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum. You can enjoy Amsterdam's iconic scenery from a distance as you float by.

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

While Amsterdam can be visited any time of year, there are certain times when the city is particularly vibrant. In spring, Amsterdam comes to life as the tulips bloom and the weather turns warm. This is also a popular time for visitors and so it can become crowded.

Winter is also a magical time to visit Amsterdam, as the city is decorated for Christmas and the canals are frozen over. However, this is also the coldest time of year with temperatures hitting lows of around 2 degrees Celsius, so visitors should dress warmly.

Travel tips

Amsterdam is known as a rainy destination. While the fall season experiences the most showers, you can get caught out at any time of year, so pack an umbrella just in case.
If you're thinking of heading on a day trip to Amsterdam during the winter, check in advance to see when the Christmas markets are on.
Day trips almost always include a walking tour of the city. For this reason, it's important to have comfortable shoes.

Amsterdam: Day Trips and Tours from Brussels