Amsterdam's canals, coffeeshops and red light district are world famous. But the capital of The Netherlands has a lot more to offer. You might want to go shopping in the Kalverstraat or watch modern architecture on the Java and KNSM-Islands in the Eastern Docklands (Oostelijk Havengebied). And what about visiting one of the numerous museums, such as the Rembrandt House (Rembrandthuis), the Ajax Museum in the Arena Football Stadium, or the House Boat Museum?

• Access by car: 34 km. / by public transport: 20 minutes (from Almere)

The capital of the province of Flevoland, Lelystad, has plenty to offer for those who want to make a trip from Almere. In the Nieuwland Erfgoedcentrum you can learn about the intriguing history of Flevoland. Children can enjoy themselves in the Bataviawerf, which includes a replica of a 17th century merchant ship, and in the aviation theme park Aviodrome. In addition, there's Bataviastad: an outlet shopping centre with over 60 shops, where designer clothes are sold with great discounts.

• Access by car: 30 km. / by public transport: 16 minutes (from Almere)

Hilversum is known because of the broadcasting corporations that are traditionally located here. In the Meda Park there are radio and TV studios, as well as the Dutch Institute for Sound and Vision; this colourful building was designed by Neutelings Riedijk Architects and has both a spectacular facade and interior. The architect W.M.Dudok (1884-1974) designed many buildings in Hilversum, giving this town its typical view.

• Access by car: 31 km. / by public transport: 22 minutes (from Almere)

The Muiden Castle (Muiderslot) is a medieval castle in the lovely town of Muiden. Children love to walk around here dressed as knights and ladies. During guided tours visitors learn all about the history of the castle, which was built in A.D. 1280 approximately. The castle has got 5 towers, a drawbridge, battlements, and loopholes, and is surrounded by a moat. A leisurely walk through the gardens surrounding the Muiderslot is definitely worthwhile as well. It's also possible to visit the nearby fort island Pampus.

• Access by car: 17 km. / by public transport: 34 minutes (from Almere)

Photo by Dunja Ferjan

The aerial view of the fortified town of Naarden is spectacular. Nevertheless, a visit to Naarden on the ground is a pleasant way to spend the afternoon as well, for instance combined with a visit to nearby Muiden and the Muiden castle. The Dutch Fortress Museum in Naarden provides a lot of information about the ancient fortress. Additionally, you can stroll through the picturesque streets and visit various churches or the Comenius museum.

• Access by car: 19 km. / by public transport: 39 minutes (from Almere)

A bike trip from Almere to the former fishing village Huizen is very worthwhile. At the Gooimeer lakeside there are several beaches, terraces and a marina. Crossing the Stichtse Brug (bridge) you'll see the so-called Sphinxes on your right: five striking blocks with 13 apartments each, designed by Neutelings Riedijk Architects. Because of the practical cycling network it's easy to find your way in the area; for example, you could cycle to the adjacent heath or to some beautiful towns nearby, like Blaricum and Laren.

• Access by car: 21 km. / by public transport: 38 minutes (from Almere)

Haarlem is a beautiful, ancient city near Amsterdam. According to many this is the place to be if you love to go shopping. Moreover, there are several interesting museums, such as mill museum De Adriaan, the Frans Hals Museum and the oldest Dutch museum, the Teylers Museum: a must for anyone interested in the history of science. Anyone who wants to know more about the history of psychiatry in the Netherlands is referred to the Dolhuys museum.

• Access by car: 52 km. / by public transport: 42 minutes (from Almere)

Photo by Dunja Ferjan

Utrecht is a typical university town with many bars, restaurants and shops. The historic city centre with its canals and monumental buildings is very attractive. There are various museums, including the Central Museum (Centraal Museum), the Railway Museum and National Museum from Musical Clock to Street Organ. If you'd like to have a spectacular view over the city, you'll have to climb the 465 steps of the Dom Tower first, which is the tallest church tower in The Netherlands.

• Access by car: 43 km. / by public transport: 43 minutes (from Almere)

Photo by Dunja Ferjan

The Zaanse Schans has to be sort of a paradise for tourists looking for mills, cheese and clogs. There are demonstrations in multiple languages of how to make clogs. Besides, there is a windmill museum, and of course there are plenty of opportunities to purchase all sorts of souvenirs. The green coloured houses, various mills and a few life-size wooden shoes are a perfect backdrop for holiday snaps. You may also like to visit the first grocer of Albert Heijn, nowadays one of the main supermarket concerns in The Netherlands.

• Access by car: 45 km. / by public transport: 48 minutes (from Almere)

Photo by Dunja Ferjan

Amersfoort boasts a historic city centre with canals, church towers, typical houses, shopping streets, and an ancient city gate. Sometimes it's possible to climb the almost 100 meters high tower, called the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren. Art lovers might want to visit the Mondriaanhuis: the house where painter Piet Mondriaan was born. Children will enjoy themselves in Amersfoort's zoo, called Dierenpark Amersfoort. Another option is to go hiking in the woods of Amersfoort, surprisingly, including dunes!

• Access by car: 44 km. / by public transport: 59 minutes (from Almere)

Photo by Ali Koncak

In The Netherlands this fishing village is famous for its football players and singers. Tourists enjoy Volendam because of its lovely cottages, souvenir shops, fishing boats and seafood restaurants. You can also let yourself being photographed wearing a Volendam costume. A boat trip to the equally photogenic town of Marken is highly recommended. However, a trip to Volendam can be combined with a visit to other nearby towns, such as Edam and Monnickendam, just as well.

• Access by car: 46 km. / by public transport: 65 minutes (from Almere)

Photo by Dunja Ferjan

The Museum Park of the Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen is a must visit: here you can see, feel and smell how people at the Southern Sea (Zuiderzee), now called the IJsselmeer, lived and worked about one hundred years ago. You can see the interior of fishermen's cottages and taste old-fashioned delicacies. Also there's a smokehouse, cheese shop and marina. Children can walk on stilts, wear costumes, and make small boats out of clogs. Near the museum is the Fairyland Theme Park (Sprookjes-wonderland), where small children can enjoy themselves.

• Access by car: 57 km. / by public transport: 78 minutes (from Almere)

Photo by Dunja Ferjan

A trip to the former fishermen's island of Urk (in the Noordoostpolder) is definitely worthwhile. Besides the picturesque village and port, there's a lighthouse and museum The Old Town Hall (Het Oude Raadhuis) dedicated to the history of Urk. There are also various churches, monuments, and seafood restaurants. Those who love nature can enjoy the two beaches on Urk or the woods (called the Urkerbos). A trip to Urk may well be combined with a visit to Schokland.

• Access by car: 57 km. / by public transport: 66 minutes (from Almere)

Until 1942, when the Noordoostpolder was drained, Schokland was an island. However, because of the many storms and floods that ravaged the poor Schokkers, the island was already evacuated in 1859 by order of King William III. Museum Schokland gives an impression of how life on the island used to be like. In the Rock Garden (Gesteentetuin) (admission is free) and its associated information centre, visitors can learn all about boulders and the rich natural resources in and around Schokland. In 1995 UNESCO declared Schokland to be part of UNESCO World Heritage.

• Access by car: 58 km. / by public transport: 96 minutes (from Almere)

By car one can easily visit several attractions. In this respect De Haar Castle in the town of Haarzuilens, near Utrecht, is definitely recommended. The castle can be visited only through guided tours, but one can walk around freely in the immense castle park. Both children and adults will enjoy Walibi World (Theme Park) in Biddinghuizen and the Dolfinarium (Dolphin Park) in Harderwijk.

Access by car:
• Dolphin Park (Dolfinarium) Harderwijk: 39 km.
• De Haar Castle: 51 km.
• Walibi World Theme Park: 53 km.