Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next Top Things to Do in the Netherlands Castles to Visit in the Netherlands Best Things to Do in Amsterdam Things to Do With Kids in Amsterdam Shopping in Amsterdam Amsterdam's Top Markets Live Music in Amsterdam Amsterdam's Must-Visit Museums Guide to the Keukenhof Flower Gardens Must-Try Food in the Netherlands Craft Beer in the Netherlands Heineken Experience Amsterdam's Top Restaurants Nightlife in Amsterdam Best Time to Visit Weather & Climate Airports in the Netherlands Getting Around the Netherlands Cities to Visit Complete Guide to Amsterdam Best Hotels in Amsterdam Amsterdam's Public Transportation Essential Dutch Phrases One Week in the Netherlands 48 Hours in Amsterdam Getaways From Amsterdam Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide close Overview Europe Netherlands Best International Day and Weekend Trips from Amsterdam Reach These International Cities in Three Hours or Less Written by Kristen de Joseph Kristen de Joseph is a freelance writer, editor, and academic researcher for Leiden University. Her work has been featured in multiple Michelin guides for Amsterdam, Austria, and Germany. Tripsavvy's Editorial Guidelines Kristen de Joseph Updated 05/10/19 Share Pin Email There are endless benefits to the fact that the Netherlands is such a small country, and one of my favorites is the fact that I'm rarely more than two hours from the nearest international border. This means that, whenever my passport starts to burn a hole in my pocket, I can hop on a train or bus to countless international destinations for a day or weekend trip. Here are some of my favorites to recommend to visitors. 01 of 05 Brussels, Belgium Frans Sellies/Getty Images View Map Address Brussels, Belgium Get directions Web Visit website Brussels holds an incredible allure for travelers, who are enchanted by its quaint, cobblestone streets and reputation for superb food and drinks: waffles, chocolate, beer, French fries, and more. At only two hours from Amsterdam, I often travel via Brussels Airport -- but not before I stop for some chow in the city and a tour of its historic center, a compact district that lends itself to an afternoon's stroll. How to Get from Amsterdam to Brussels Airport How to Get from Amsterdam to Brussels South Charleroi Airport 02 of 05 Cologne, Germany Bernhard Lang/Getty Images View Map Address Cologne, Germany Get directions Web Visit website This favorite tourist destination in Germany is famed for its impressive Dom (Cathedral), its plethora of museums and its twelve Romanesque churches - a consummate center for arts and architecture. It's also celebrated for its Fastnacht or Karneval (Carnival, a pre-Lent festival), one of the most over-the-top in Northern Europe. Marvel at the city's classic architecture on the banks of the Rhine, and enjoy a restaurant scene that's a cosmopolitan mix of traditional (from Flammkuchen to Schnitzel) and exotic (like the continent's only Burmese restaurant). How to Get from Amsterdam to Cologne 03 of 05 Antwerp, Belgium Westend61/Getty Images View Map Address Antwerp, Belgium Get directions Web Visit website With star attractions like the Rubenshuis (Rubens House), the Plantin Moretus Museum, and the resplendent Onze Lieve Vrowekathedraal (Cathedral of Our Lady) -- not to mention its enviable reputation in the fashion world as hometown of the "Antwerp Six" -- it's a wonder that more tourists to Amsterdam don't take a day or two to experience this memorable Flemish city, which countless visitors dub both prettier and cleaner than the more famous Brussels. How to Get from Amsterdam to Antwerp How to Get from Amsterdam to Antwerp Airport Plankendael Zoo, World-Class Zoo Just Outside Antwerp 04 of 05 Düsseldorf, Germany Jorg Greuel/Getty Images View Map Address Düsseldorf, Germany Get directions Web Visit website With a lovely Altstadt (Old Town) and a fantastic arts scene -- its art academy has bred stars like Paul Klee and Joseph Beuys -- Düsseldorf has plenty to see and do. Foodies can choose from restaurants that vary from Rhenish comfort food to Japanese casual eats, as well as delicious locally brewed beers and its world-famous mustard. How to Get from Amsterdam to Düsseldorf How to Get from the Netherlands to Düsseldorf-Weeze Airport Continue to 5 of 5 below. 05 of 05 Paris, France Matteo Colombo/Getty Images View Map Address Paris, France Get directions Web Visit website As of late 2009, the international train operator Thalys has whittled travel time between Amsterdam and Paris down to little more than three hours. For travelers who want to visit the Netherlands but are tempted by the proximity of wonderful Paris, a weekend trip is an excellent solution. You certainly won't cover the whole city (not even on multiple Paris trips!), but a weekend is plenty time for a whistle-stop tour of some of the city's main attractions, or an in-depth study of a specific district like the bohemian Marais. Or save Paris for another time and focus on one of France's lesser-visited cities - the north is plenty close to the Netherlands. How to Get from Amsterdam to Paris Other French Cities to Visit from Amsterdam The 18 Best Things to Do in the Netherlands Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit