Attractions around Amsterdam

Volendam & Marken

The historic fishing villages of Volendam and Marken are best known for their characteristic wooden houses, water sports, traditional costumes and fresh fish. Tucked away on the coast of the former Zuiderzee (a North Sea inlet), now the IJsselmeer (Lake IJssel), these villages have preserved their character for many centuries. The quaint houses, winding canals and drawbridges create a truly romantic, winsome atmosphere.

Cheese market Alkmaar

Alkmaar is a scenic historic town in the province of Noord-Holland. The city centre is enchanting, with canals and gable-topped houses. Established in 939, the town of Alkmaar is best known for its cheese products. A world-famous cheese market takes place each Friday from 10:00-12:30; from the beginning of April until the beginning of September. It features the traditional weighing of cheeses and colourful hagglers.

Flower auction FloraHolland Aalsmeer

Covering an area of 1,000,000 square metres (around 200 football fields), this flower auction is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest commercial building in the world. Every day, there is a turnover of 19 million flowers and two million plants.

The largest flower auction in the world takes place here, annually attracting more than 100,000 visitors. But to enjoy this experience, you must be out of bed early, as the auction takes place between 7am and 11am. And the earlier you arrive, the more fun it is, with millions of flowers being zipped around the site on electric carts. In addition to an extensive tour of the complex, you get to see how the auctioneer strictly oversees the goods, with buyers from around the globe.

Edam

The first infamous round cheeses were exported from Edam to all corners of the world many centuries ago. Traditional cheese markets take place every week during the high season, and the few remaining cheese warehouses keep the memory of this colourful past alive. Edam is a town rich with history, monumental buildings, beautiful squares, shopping streets and outdoor cafés.

Haarlem

Established in 1245, the city of Haarlem is older than Amsterdam. Due to its favourable location, it quickly became a flourishing town. Little has changed in the streets of Haarlem since medieval times. This charming city boasts a number of Dutch almshouses, as well as some of the finest museums of the Netherlands. Haarlem is also a great place to shop, with a generous offering of designer labels, boutiques and antiques.

Zaandam

The ‘Zaanse Schans’ is a scenic residential hamlet on the River Zaan, with distinctive wooden houses and windmills dating back to the 17th and 18th century. There are many shops and restaurants to take in, as well as a clog workshop, cheese-making factory and a pewter workshop. Looming in the background of the Zaanse Schans are seven windmills, some of which can be toured. Surrounding points of interest include the Czaar Peter Huisje in Zaandam, the Molenmuseum (Windmill Museum) in Koog aan de Zaan and the industrial heritage site along the banks of the River Zaan.

Muiden

In medieval times, Muiden served as Utrecht’s outer harbour. It was later adapted to be part of Amsterdam's defence line. Casemates and barracks are scattered throughout this small town. The most famous part of the defences of Amsterdam is the fortress island of Pampus, within Muiden’s city limits. Muiden connects to this island in the IJmeer (Lake IJ) by a ferry service. Apart from its picturesque centre, one of Muiden’s most popular attractions is the Muiderslot Castle. The castle rooms are furnished in 17th century style, granting visitors an impression of how it’s most famous resident, the Dutch national poet P.C. Hooft, passed his time.

Naarden

The fortified town of Naarden is the oldest town in the Gooi and Vecht area, and one of the most picturesque cultural monuments in the Netherlands. To find out more about the turbulent history of this town visit the Dutch Fortress Museum. Naarden is also home to the Saint Vitus Church, famous for its unique painted ceilings and the annual performance of Matthäus Passion. Climbing the bell tower is worth the effort for the lovely view. Naarden is also a great spot to shop for antiques and interior design. The Naardermeer (Lake of Naarden) is one the oldest nature monuments of the Netherlands.

Public transport to the region

All named villages and towns are easy to reach by public transport. Open the interactive map to find your way.

More information on villages and towns outside Amsterdam

Read more about historic places around Amsterdam on the tourist website of the province North-Holland.