Haarlem: Haarlem is the close neighbor of Amsterdam. Located on the banks of the River Spaarne, the town developed as a cloth-making center. In the 17th century it further prospered and became a center for the arts. This business city is now heavily populated with around 150,000 residents. As it is only 15 minutes away from Amsterdam, this refined town with fine old buildings is a fine stopover for the tourists. People often reach here to enjoy its calm and peaceful atmosphere. Frans Hals Museum is the main attraction of the city. The bulbfields around Haarleem is a popular tourist destination.

Aalsmeer: Being the important municipality for Amsterdam area, Aalsmeer is known for the world's largest flower auction. The area, which has a tradition of flowerbulb production, is located near to the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. This draws in plenty of tourists from far and wide. The Aalsmeer Flower Auction (VBA) that handles more than 221 million plants and flowers is the Europe's largest commercial complex. The event directly employs around 2,000 people. The municipality is also worldly known for the Aalsmeer Flower Parade, one of the top annual events in the Netherlands. It is home to Yacht- and Shipbuilding- an area with plenty of open water. It also houses a mega TV Production group known as Endemol Nederland.

Alkmaar: This town was established in the 10th century. The well-constructed medieval buildings are the beauty of the town. The famous kaasmarkt (cheese market), which began in 1300s is still popular and is an added attraction to this little town. Located forty minutes away from Amsterdam, the tourists who reach the city never fail to step in here.

Marken: This small but beautiful village now has close connection with the city after the construction of road to the mainland in 1957. Tourists often visit this small beautiful village to view its picturesque charms that cannot be explained in words. The two main parts of the village are Havenbuurt, located behind the harbor, and Kerkbuurt located around the church. The Marker Museum in Kerkbuurt that tells the history of the former island its fishing industry has made it a tourist-attracted place. Its well-built houses that are open to the visitors is lined by waterfront, snack bars and souvenir shops. This has now become a must visit place.

Volendam: This old fishing village holds the glory of being the place where the great artists Picasso and Renoir spent a few days. There are many souvenir stalls in the village that sells objects that are available only in this Volendam. It is now filled with tourists who reach here for souvenir hunting.

Edam: It is a prosperous, delightful and beautiful town with comparatively lesser crowd. The brick houses, swing bridges and slender canals add to its beauty. Founded in the 12th century, it turned out to be a shipping building center in the 17th century. After much long, it lost its glory and became a farmland. The open-air cheese market in the town held every Wednesday in July and August in still a popular attraction.

De Zaanse Schans: This Dutch village has around 30 cottages, windmills and workshops, which create the 18th century ambience. Lying along a network of canals, De Zaanse Schans is the closest place to Amsterdam. It lies behind River Zaan and is a popular town with its seven working windmills and the giant industrial affairs used. Bakkerij (bakery), Kaasboerderij (cheese-making workshop) and Klompenmakerij (clog-making workshop) are the main highlights of the town. People used to spend their evenings here and also to experience the hour-long boat trips on River Zaan.

Utrecht: This place on the outskirts of the city is known for the tall spire on its cathedral. Located around 45 minutes away from the city, it is often visited by tourists who visit Amsterdam. Utrecht University is world famous for its quality education. One of Amsterdam's beautiful canals lead to this famous town. The narrow walkway along the canal is filled with small shops, restaurants, cafes and storerooms. Beautifully constructed narrow houses can be seen everywhere in the city. The town is fit to accommodate plenty of people as it is home to a number of world-class restaurants. The Blues Festival held every year in June is the main attraction of the town.

Den Haag: It is an international political crossroads and is a major tourist destination. It is the Dutch seat of government and residence of the royal family. Den Haag has an amazing picturesque with stately mansions and palatial embassies. Several museums and historical places attract people to it. The world's biggest jazz festival known as the North Sea Jazz Festival held annually is a popular attraction.

Scheveningen: It is a popular Dutch seaside resort, which everyone loves to visit. It has an amazing harbor that has a wonderful museum. A boat trip through its coast gives a memorable experience. It also has umpteen number of restaurants ranging from cheap to luxurious, which offers a lovely meal with mouth-watering sea food. A walk along the beach in the evenings really chills the minds. The wide variety of attractions and museums make this resort worth to visit. Under sea adventure is the other interesting feature of this seaside resort. It gives the opportunity to walk through the eight-meter long tunnel under the sea, where close contacts with sea creatures like sharks, rays and jellyfish are possible.

Madurodam: This miniature city opened in 1952 helps to feel the pulse of the Netherlands. It offers many activities for its visitors. Its large park contains two restaurants, playground, shop and lighthouse picnic area. Madurodam is known for its 4km long railway, the world's largest miniature railway. The windmills, sailing ships and frequent movement of trains are wonderful sights in the city. Children can also enjoy being in this smallest city of the Netherlands as it offers various activities for them.

Keukenkof: In the small town of LISSE lies the world famous Keukenkof garden, the largest flower garden in the world. Set up in 1949, it is opened to the public only during particular season. Around seven million flowers are displayed during the flower show and 5000 square meters of glasshouses hold indoor displays during harsh winter. This draws in thousands of visitors from all parts of the world visit here to view this blooming gorgeous spring bulbs. This 28-hectare area has many restaurants where people can refresh themselves. A walk along the path provided can give a close glimpse at the daffodils, narcissi, hyacinths and tulips blooming in various colors.

Schiphol: Schiphol Airport, Europe's fourth largest airport, located southeast of Amsterdam serves as the main gateway to the city. It handles both domestic as well as international flights. The airport that has one terminal has three sections of arrival and departure halls. The airport has an extensive parking slot where people can park their vehicles for hours. It also provides a wide range of shopping facility for the passengers as well as visitors. Every foreign item can be brought from here. Also, they hold discount sales during Christmas and festival seasons. It is convenient for the passengers to board a train from the Central Station, which is only 20 minutes away from the airport. Taxis and cabs are also available at the airport gate.