Hello! We are planning a trip to Amsterdam and will have about 3 days where we would like to either go to Belgium or Germany for those 3 days. In Belgium my plan would be staying in Bruges and a day trip to Ghent or Brussels. My husband just threw Germany into the equation so I ask this: which would you suggest and if Germany, where would you go?

We are complete opposites in what we like but that’s life so we compromise on things. I like hiking and outdoor activities along with historical sites. He will do it if it’s my turn to pick but sports are a high priority for him.

Trip is in mid April if that helps.

Thanks!

You could use Brussels as a base, with a day trip to Bruges and a day trip to Cologne (Germany). I just did the reverse in January (although we didn't do Bruges, we have already been there). But there are some fantastic museums and brewpubs in Cologne, I think your husband would like it. Anyway, that's how everyone can get what they want

Lavandula

Or Maastricht with easy access to Aachen, the Hautes Fagnes, the cities along the Meuse, to Spa and Luxemburg

Amsterdam is not a massive city, but it is not the only place of interest in the Netherlands. You could leave it for Germany but why would you bother to?

Since you both have an interest in physical things why not get on a bicycle and use the unique incredibly safe bike paths of the country to get out and about, use the pretty good train system and just see some of the country's wonders.

+1

If it were me, and there was cycling on the cards, I'd rent touring bikes in Amsterdam with bike bags. Train to Hoorn, explore Hoorn, cycle from Hoorn to Enkhuizen, visit Enkhuizen and the Zuiderzeemuseum, then take the ferry across to Stavoren, cycle around over there (beautiful pastoral flatness around Warns), Maybe take the train from Stavoren to see Sneek, or even Leeuwarden, stay a night, get back on the morning boat to Enkhuizen, take the bikes on the train and get to Amsterdam again.

yes Hoorn is something special

Thanks all. I think we’re good in Amsterdam. We have bikes and some day trips already planned. Just trying to determine what to do for the other 3-4 days.

A day trip to Bruges is doable.
There are packaged guided day trips available, but its an easy train ride, take one of the free walking tours when you 1st arrive in Bruges, then spend the rest of the day on your own, catch the 2nd to last train back.

Go outside of Amsterdam in a big way. That's what many are sketching for you in this thread. I still recommend Maastricht, because then you can easily be in Germany and Belgium on day trips.