Amsterdam next week
 

I am going to Amsterdam next week to visit my daughter who is studying there for a semester. I would like to take a four day trip with her, either by train, or plane - not too far - to somewhere quiet where we can go for long walks and sit in cafes and relax before we head back to run around Amsterdam. Any ideas? I welcome all.

How about Bruges, Belgium. Really a great city, and it should be a pretty easy train ride from Amsterdam. Check it out.

We also loved our side trip to Delft - small, quiet town on
canals. Birthplace of Vermeer as well as the home of
Delftware. We rented bikes right at the train station and
found the town charming.

We coupled The Hague with Delft in one day. The Mauritshuis there is a brilliant museum.

Brugge, an exceptionally well preserved town, has very little native life. At this time of year, I would dread it feeling i particularly lifeless at night (it still gets dark fairly early) save for the bus tour groups.

Antwerp also has a stunning historic core but it is filled with ongoing life and has wonderful cafes and friendly pub-like beer bars, loads of warming food and fresh chocolate, lots of interesting attractions -- and you can visit Brugge, Ghent and Brussels from there if you choose.

I also think the 4 1/2 ride to Paris is worth considering -- although if you are coming off a transatlantic flight, sticking closer in makes sense, considering the short days. Taking a plane south in search of warmer weather would be a lot of hassle I think for a marginal uptick in walking around comfort. If you disagree, Transavia has convenient flights to and from Pisa. And I think there are also flights out of Schpohl to Venice.

Sorry: Schiphol.

Thank you very much for the help everyone. This information is extremely helpful!