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Delft
This village is famous for it's pretty blue and white porcelain which is famous worldwide. You can visit the porcelain factory here as well as see some historical buildings and churches. Traditionally a burial place for the royal family, so the cemetery are worth a visit as well. Delft is located 54 km southwest of Amsterdam.
Gouda
You would be right to think of cheese when you hear this town mentioned, and it even has a gouda cheese museum so you can find out more about the history of the town and it's famous cheesy name. There are other interesting museums here as well, and the town hall is worth a look as it is the oldest Gothic town hall in the Netherlands, it dates back to 1450. Gouda is located 74 km from Amsterdam.
Haarlem
Located 18km west of Amsterdam is this lovely town that is lined with winding canals and old worlde charm. Haarlem is stunning when the tulips are flowering and comes to life on Saturdays for it's weekly Grote Market. There are also many museums and historical buildings here as well as canal cruising.
Leiden
Original home of the Pilgram Fathers before they boarded the Mayflower and ended up in North America. However, this town is proudest for it's stand against a Spanish invasion in 1574. More fame befalls Leiden due to the fact that it's the birthplace of the famous artist Rembrandt and it is home to the oldest university in the Netherlands. Today it is known as Museum City due to it's many interesting museums and buildings. Leiden is 36km southwest of Amsterdam.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is one of the Netherlands most iconic seaports and is located 64 km from Amsterdam. Due to it's strong maritime history there are many Museums with seafaring themes here. There is also an impressive art museum, Museum Boymans-van Bueningen, which houses works by Rembrandt, Picasso, Da vinci, Van Gogh and many more famous artists.
The Hague
A short day trip, 56km, from Amsterdam will get you to the capital of the Netherlands. With one of the most impressive government buildings in the world, the Binnenhof complex boasts a 13th century castle with all the trimmings. The Hague has several museums and some very impressive architecture, and is well worth a day trip or even an overnighter from Amsterdam.
Utrecht
Utrect is home to the highest church tower in the Netherlands. The Domkerk tower, Domtoren, was erected in the 14th century and is a stand out landmark in the town. There are also a couple of museums here, one displaying a history of the Netherlands railways.
Utrecht can be found 42km from Amsterdam.
Zandvoort
If it's the sea you fancy this is the closest place to find it from Amsterdam. Located on the North Sea coast, 26km west of Amsterdam is this seaside town. Zandvoort has long sandy beaches lined with cafes and clubs. Many beach activities can be participated in especially windsurfing, and if you go further along you will stumble upon a nude beach.
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