I’ve lived in Amersfoort for 17 years, and when people ask me about the best things to do in Amersfoort, I tell them they’re about to see one of Europe’s most perfectly preserved medieval towns—and they’ll probably have it mostly to themselves.
Amersfoort is the best city to visit in the Netherlands if you want to get away from tourists and still see an unbelievably beautiful medieval Dutch city.
Just 33 minutes by fast train from Amsterdam, Amersfoort’s cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings which you can walk through without dodging tour groups or waiting for photo opportunities.
The entire historic center fits within a 30-minute walk, making it perfect for a comfortable day trip where you actually enjoy yourself instead of rushing between packed attractions.
Most tourists never leave Amsterdam, which means this short train journey gives you the real Netherlands experience. Amersfoort won European City of the Year in 2024, so it’s officially recognized as exceptional. Visit now before everyone else catches on.
Table of Contents
Getting from Amsterdam to Amersfoort
Train to Amersfoort
Trains run about every 13 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal to Amersfoort. But you want the Intercity trains, that only stop once. These go every 30 minutes.
The journey takes 33 minutes and costs around €11 each way. I always recommend, buying your train tickets on the NS website (railways), and then load your ticket onto the NS app—it accepts credit cards and saves you the €1 surcharge for paper tickets.
From the station to the city center is either a 15-20 minute walk downhill (but up when you come back), or you can take one of the many buses connecting the station with old town (to pay for the bus just tap a contactless debit or credit card from Visa or Mastercard).
⤷ Here is my post on everything you need to know about Train Tickets
Taxi from Amsterdam to Amersfoort
If you do not want to take the train, and prefer a private driver instead who picks you up at your accommodation I recommend booking a taxi.
When you book in advance, you save significantly on metered prices, and you have the security of fixed prices. For this distance I would upgrade to a nicer car!
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Tip: do not book an Uber, since Uber doesn’t work in Amersfoort (so you can’t get back).
The Must-See Things to do in Amersfoort
Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren (The Tower)
This 98-meter tower dominates the skyline and sits at the exact geographical center of the Netherlands—there’s a plaque marking the spot. You can climb all 346 steps for around €6.50 (with a guide only), but I’ll be honest: it’s quite a workout.
If climbing isn’t for you, enjoy the tower from ground level. The surrounding square has several cafés where you can sit with a coffee and take in the medieval atmosphere.
Museum Flehite
Three medieval houses connected to showcase 750 years of local history. The collection includes everything from medieval artifacts to contemporary art. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM (Wednesdays from noon). Westsingel 50.
Mondriaanhuis
Piet Mondrian was born right here in Amersfoort. His birthplace now houses an excellent museum showing his evolution from traditional landscapes to those famous geometric abstractions. One of my favorite little museums, honestly, they did a great job here!
I particularly enjoy seeing visitors’ reactions when they realize how different his early work was. They only have real works they have are from his earliest time, but they tell his life store exceptionally well. Open daily 10 AM – 5 PM, Kortegracht 11.
For a large collection of his more known works you need to head to the Hague, there at the Kunstmuseum you will find a large Mondriaan collection.
The Koppelpoort
This medieval gate combines land and water access in one structure—unique in the Netherlands. It’s incredibly photogenic and free to view from outside. The engineering is remarkable when you consider it was built around 1425.
Walk along the water from here toward the “New City” for a nice transition from medieval to modern Amersfoort.
The Muurhuizen (Wall Houses) – A Unique Story
One of my favorite streets in Amersfoort is Muurhuizen – literally “wall houses.” These aren’t just any old buildings lined along a pretty street; they’re houses built exactly where Amersfoort’s medieval city wall once stood, using the bricks from that wall!
Today you can trace the original 14th-century fortifications just by following this curved street of houses.
Why I love showing visitors this: The Muurhuizen tell Amersfoort’s story perfectly. Plus, it’s incredibly photogenic. The curved line of houses, many with their original gabled roofs and historic details, creates some of the best shots in the city.
The area attracts local artists and photographers, so don’t be surprised if you see easels set up or people sketching. It’s that kind of place.
Making the Most of Your Visit – Tours
Free walking route: LIJN49 café (which is wonderful café by the way, located inside an monumental building offers a free self-guided 4.9-kilometer walk hitting 50 historic points. Takes about 2 hours.
Paid guided tours: through Amersfoort Guides cost €50-60 per hour for small groups (1-4 people). Worth it if you want deeper historical context. Contact the Amersfoort Tourist Office in advance for more information and reservations.
Canal tours: operate May-September, 45 minutes for a relaxing seated view of the historic waterways. Audio guides available.
Where I Actually Eat in Amersfoort (And Recommend)
This was the hardest section to write. Amersfoort has so many gems, and finding a place for a break, lunch, or dinner is not a problem at all! But choosing where, now that is not so easy. But I think with my selection below you have a great start.
Other good advice: just follow your eyes, and the crowds. Amersfoort is chockfull of pretty buildings, hundreds of years old, with wonderful restaurants inside.
Stadscafé Amersfoort
Right under the tower, this is my favorite spot in the city. They make real homemade apple pie with fresh whipped cream—not the factory stuff you get elsewhere. The outdoor terrace works great in good weather, inside is cozy when it’s not. Lieve Vrouwekerkhof 3.
Restaurant De Vier Broers (The Four Brothers)
Converted carpentry shop that now specializes in Big Green Egg grilled meats. The setting on Onze Lieve Vrouweplein is beautiful, and the food is excellent. Monday-Wednesday from 3 PM, Thursday-Sunday from noon. Lieve Vrouwekerkhof 8-10
Restaurant Hete Kolen (Hot Coals)
Restaurant Hete Kolen stands as Amersfoort’s undisputed dining champion, holding the #1 spot among over 260 restaurants on TripAdvisor, so it’s not just me.
This intimate BBQ bistro uses a Josper barbecue system in an open kitchen where everything—from signature spareribs in three flavors to house-made condiments—is prepared to perfection.
The candlelit space feels like dining at a friend’s house, though your clothes will smell like BBQ afterward. Reservations are essential. Krankeledenstraat 7.
Bistro ‘t Kannetje
This 500+ year historic building offers the quintessential Dutch bistro experience with an inviting open fireplace for colder days dining and authentic atmosphere decorated with traditional Dutch “kannetjes” (jugs).
The French, Dutch, and European cuisine blend features duck, spareribs, and Irish diamond tenderloin medallions with red wine sauce. It sounds fancy, but this place actually is not at all, the food is just good, and a lot! For me it’s another gem.
Het Lokaal (Lunch)
This lunch destination occupies converted warehouses with industrial-chic interiors and a hyper-local sourcing philosophy featuring products made within 50 kilometers of Amersfoort.
The predominantly vegetarian and vegan menu changes daily, with creative sandwiches, fresh falafels, and oyster mushroom croquettes grown on recycled coffee grounds. You can watch bread baking and coffee roasting through floor-to-ceiling windows at their integrated bakery and on-site micro-roastery.
This is the place Herman and I go so often for coffee, or lunch. And their croquettes are the best!
Great Food Shops
For provisions, visit Gula Delicatessen for proper Dutch chocolate or Bierwinkel Hop for craft beer—they have over 500 varieties.
Book dinner reservations, especially weekends. For lunch usually accommodates walk-ins, but if you want to be sure, try make reservation (not all places take them).
Shopping in Amersfoort – Like Locals Do
My biggest tip is skip the main Langestraat shopping street with its chain stores. Although for visitors outside of Europe, this is a still a novelty so many smaller shops in a beautiful street, not just a strip mall.
But even better are streets like the Krommestraat for even more character—artisan shops, the historic Schwitzner fabric store (since 1900), vinyl records, model trains, excellent cafes, and bakeries. This is a wonderful place.
On that note, Amersfoort is not just a city to do attractions, most of its charm is just wondering the pretty streets. Make sure to keep time for that.
Markets happen twice weekly: Hof Square on Fridays (mornings) and Saturdays (all day) are the biggest fresh markets in town. It’s a truly Dutch experience. The Friday flower market at Lieve Vrouwekerkhof is also very nice.
Practical Tips to Enjoy Amersfoort More
Stay flexible with your timing. With so many things to do in Amersfoort, it’s actually quite okay to not do them all. Enjoy the compact city center, leave time to wonder and adjust your route based on weather or your energy levels.
Take the bus back. The walk back to the station is a bit harder. You want to tack the bus back to the station instead.
Make sure your phone is charged! You will be making – and sending – pictures the entire time you’re are there.
Here is a great power bank I recommend:
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Accessibility: Both Mondriaanhuis and Museum Flehite offers good accessibility with elevators, special toilets and entry. However attractions like the tower are not accessible. Also the cobble stone street might make is less comfortable with a wheelchair. Still sidewalks are build with wheelchairs in mind. Canal tours provide seated activities with minimal walking required.
Payment: Credit cards are accepted but you really need debit cards to be certain. Bring cash for markets and smaller vendors. I recommend getting a Wise card. You pay less compared to your home bank, always.
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Parking: If you drive, use Koestraat Garage (closest to shopping) or Stadhuisplein (closest to Old Town and Museum, or Eemplein (convenient for Het Lokaal and Koppelpoort).
English is fine. Yes, your outside Amsterdam, but people here too speak English very well. You’ll find that tours however are conducted often in Dutch only, so call ahead to make sure they can accommodate you with English.
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Frequently Asked Questions Visiting Amersfoort
How long should I spend in Amersfoort?
A full day works perfectly. Arrive by 10 AM, you’ll comfortably see the main attractions, enjoy a proper lunch, and still have time for shopping or a canal tour before heading back around 5-6 PM.
Is the walk from Amersfoort train station to old town really that hilly?
Yes, and I wanted to be honest about this. It’s about 15 minutes downhill from the station to the historic center. But 20-25 minutes up on your way back. If you have mobility concerns, or just don’t want to do it, there are buses every 5 minutes for €1-2 that cover the route in 3 minutes.
Do I need to speak Dutch in Amersfoort?
No. English works fine at all tourist locations, restaurants, and shops. Staff at museums and guided tours speak English fluently, but group tours are often Dutch only, so check in advance what is possible. Even at local markets, basic English gets you by.
What’s the best way to get train tickets from Amsterdam to Amersfoort?
Use the NS website to purchase your tickets, then download them to the official NS App on your phone—it accepts credit cards and saves the €1 paper ticket surcharge.
What’s the best location to make photos in Amersfoort?
The entire old town! Seriously. But the Koppelpoort and Muurhuizen are the two places that are most photo genetic. So do not skip either one, for those classic Amersfoort photos that are just so pretty!
Why Amersfoort Deserves Your Day
After 17 years of living here, I still find new places in this medieval city. That’s the real magic of Amersfoort – it rewards curiosity.
While most tourists rush between Amsterdam’s packed attractions, you get to wander cobblestone streets where locals shop, and eat at restaurants with actual history!
The 33-minute train ride from Amsterdam gives you access to authentic Netherlands – the country as we actually live it, not the postcard version. (Or just book a taxi)
You’ll return to Amsterdam with stories about a real Dutch experience, plus a lot of great photos that don’t look like everyone else’s.
Bottom line: If you visit just one Dutch city outside Amsterdam, make it Amersfoort. You’ll understand why I chose to call it home.
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