Things to do in

Flevoland

Discover a unique shopping experience at Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet, only 45 minutes drive from Amsterdam and also conveniently close to the “Venice of Holland”, Giethoorn. Access the outlet easily by public transport or make use of the many parking spaces. Explore the outlet center's charming streets, squares, and unique architecture, a shopping mecca for fashion-lovers. Get discounts in 150 stores with savings from 30% up to 70%, with an additional 10% discount thanks to your VIP day pass. Browse more than 250 local and international brands such as Hugo Boss, Scotch & Soda, Michael Kors, and Tommy Hilfiger. Be inspired by the latest trends of typical Dutch brands like van Bommel, King Louie, and Tumble 'n dry. Replenish not only your wardrobe but also your kitchen goods and chocolate supplies. Take a break and settle down in one of the trendy cafes or restaurants for a complimentary coffee and sweet treat.

Immerse yourself amongst plants and flowers at Floriade Expo 2022, the international horticulture exhibition in Almere, Netherlands. More than 40 countries from all over the world will inspire you with their natural creations. Discover the beauty of a greener, more sustainable world. Choose from two meeting points in Amsterdam, then take a 40-minute ride to the expo on a single-deck bus. Upon arrival at the expo, take an orientation tour through the park with your guide. Learn facts and stories as you walk. This opportunity to visit the exhibition is only once every ten years. The main theme of 2022 is “Growing Green Cities” divided into four subcategories: “Greening the City,” “Feeding the City,” “Healthying the City,” and “Energizing the City.” The event is situated in an area of 60 hectares (148 acres) that will be converted into a green urban district in Almere after the exhibition is finished. Walk through this scenic park over the green bridges and amongst the flowers. After your guided tour, enjoy free time to explore the area on your own. Your guide will give further information about things to do and see. Visit the pavilions where the participating countries will present their flowers, plants, and culture. Discover the role of all the different species of trees and plants. As you explore, learn about cultivating food in a city, sustainable energy solutions, and green infrastructure. Get tips and tricks for a healthy lifestyle. Optionally, grab a drink, try a local healthy dish, or take a ride in a cable car.

Travel easily in Amsterdam and the surrounding area by purchasing an Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (ARTT).  You can use the ARTT for unlimited travel by train (2nd class) between any of the following stations in Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Region: Amsterdam Amstel, Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA, Amsterdam Central station, Amsterdam Holendrecht, Amsterdam Lelylaan, Amsterdam Muiderpoort, Amsterdam RAI, Amsterdam Sciencepark, Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Zuid, Duivendrecht, Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, Halfweg-Zwanenburg, Haarlem, Haarlem Spaarnwoude, Overveen, Zandvoort aan Zee, Zaandam, Zaandam Kogerveld, Purmerend Weidevenne, Purmerend, Purmerend Overwhere, Koog aan de Zaan, Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, Hoofddorp, Diemen, Weesp, Almere Poort, Almere Centrum, Almere Muziekwijk, Almere Parkwijk, Almere Buiten, Almere Oostvaarders, Lelystad Centrum, Diemen Zuid, Naarden-Bussum, Hilversum, Hilversum Mediapark, Hilversum Sportpark, Bloemendaal, Santpoort Zuid, Santpoort Noord, Driehuis, Uitgeest and Beverwijk. The ticket is also valid on all trams, buses, night buses, metros and ferries run by the Amsterdam Transport company GVB, EBS and Connexxion in Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Region including the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 and N97 (operated by Connexxion). During Keukenhof Season this ticket is valid: From Amsterdam (Europaplein) to Keukenhof on bus route 852 operated by Arriva From Schiphol Airport to Keukenhof on bus route 858 operated by Arriva From Hoofddorp station to Keukenhof on bus route 859 operated by Arriva From Haarlem station to Keukenhof on bus route 50 operated by Connexxion

Experience a greener world at the Floriade Expo 2022 in Almere, visit the delightful windmill village of Zaanse Schans, and top it off with a canal cruise or the adrenaline rush of a 5D flight simulator. Enjoy a three-in-one day trip from Amsterdam to some of the Netherlands' best attractions. Choose from 2 convenient meetings points in Amsterdam, then settle in for the 40-minute journey to your first stop. Start by immersing yourself among the plants and flowers of the Floriade Expo 2022, the international horticulture exhibition in Almere. This expo is a big deal, as it only happens once every ten years. Enjoy a guided tour of exhibits on the theme of "Growing Green Cities", featuring contributions from more than 40 countries across the world. You can also try the food or drink options, or take a ride in the cable car. Next, hop back in the bus for the 45-minute ride to the windmill village of Zaanse Schans. Enjoy a walking tour of this typical Dutch settlement filled with picturesque houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the clog museum and see how to make this wooden footwear, then stop by a cheese farm and get a demonstration of how to make Gouda cheese. There may even be the opportunity for a taste test. Finally, finish your day with the choice of two attractions. Choose between a relaxing canal cruise passing Amsterdam's most famous attractions, or strap into a 5D flight simulator for a spectacular perspective of the Netherlands from the air.

Visit the Floriade Expo 2022, an exhibition organized only once every 10 years in the Netherlands. Then, make your way to Zaanse Schans to see traditional windmills dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. See a clog maker in action. Dig into some Dutch cheese. Meet your guide and head to your first destination, just 40 minutes away from Amsterdam, in a comfortable minivan. The main theme of this year's Floriade Expo is ‘a celebration of green’ divided into 4 sub-categories: greening the city, feeding the city, making the city healthy, and energizing the city. Get ideas on how cities can be made green with all species of trees and plants playing a specific role. Gain knowledge about cultivating food in the city. Learn tips and tricks on leading a healthy lifestyle wherever you live and develop an understanding of sustainable energy solutions. The Floriade Expo is situated in an area spanning 60 hectares (148 acres) which will be converted into a green urban district of the city of Almere after the exhibition is finished. Walk through this beautiful park over the green bridges and learn everything about green infrastructure. Visit the pavilions in which the participating countries will present their flowers, plants, and culture. Take a ride by cable car. Get an insight into the real estate sector of the future. Also, enjoy plenty of opportunities to grab a nice drink or savor a local and healthy dish. After spending about 4 hours at the Expo, continue to the windmill village of Zaanse Schans. This outdoor conservation area is situated on the banks of the Zaan River. See traditional 18th and 19th-century architecture, including several functioning windmills. Watch live demonstrations of craftsmen at work, including a clog maker crafting the famous wooden shoes of the Netherlands. Use your free time on the tour to explore the village on your own. Then, travel through the distinctive polders (land reclaimed from the water) of the Beemster area. Next, see how the world-famous Dutch cheese is made and taste some on a close-by cheese farm. Finally, return to the city while looking back on a day full of great Dutch highlights.

Experience a greener world at the Floriade Expo 2022 in Almere, then top it off with a canal cruise or the adrenaline rush of a 5D flight simulator. Go on a combination half-day trip from Amsterdam to the Expo and your choice of a second activity. Choose from 2 convenient meetings points in Amsterdam, then settle in for the 40-minute journey to your first stop. Start by immersing yourself among the plants and flowers of the Floriade Expo 2022, the international horticulture exhibition in Almere. This expo is a big deal, as it only happens once every ten years. Enjoy a guided tour of exhibits on the theme of "Growing Green Cities", featuring contributions from more than 40 countries across the world. You can also try the food or drink options, or take a ride in the cable car. Then, finish your day with the choice of two attractions. Choose between a relaxing canal cruise passing Amsterdam's most famous attractions, or strap into a 5D flight simulator for a spectacular perspective of the Netherlands from the air. The cruise takes you past sights like Golden Age canal houses and the Anne Frank House, while the flight experience offers an adrenaline thrill on a huge domed screen.

Discover famous Dutch landmarks and lesser-known but equally impressive locations on a van tour from Amsterdam. From iconic windmills to long stretches of water dykes and more, there's something for everyone on this tour. Learn about the fascinating history of all these locations from your licensed guide. First, head out to the Zaanse Schans, where iconic windmills are perfectly lined up along the smooth river. With your early head start, enjoy this unforgettable view in the most pristine way before other tourists arrive. Next, see the 32-kilometer-long Afsluitdijk (enclosing dyke). This water barrier is the most impressive example of Dutch water management, connecting the provinces of Noord Holland and Friesland. Marvel at the view of the Wadden Sea to one side of the dyke and the Ijsselmeer Lake on the other. Then, make your way to Sloten, the smallest of the 11 legendary Frisian cities. Walk along the canal with its charming houses and gables. Continue to the quaint fishing village of Urk. Take a stroll to the characteristic white lighthouse and the small church by the sea, which is the oldest building of the village. Finally, see the fortified Hansa town of Elburg. Take a step back to the middle ages as you marvel at its narrow alleyways and overgrown town walls.