Things to Do in Volendam

Strolling the Dike and Harbor

You'll see clusters of old fishing boats, their nets folded neatly, bobbing in the marina, and watch the passenger ferry chug its way across the grey-green water to Marken. The promenade is lined with shops where you can peek in at craftsmen carving wooden clogs. Arrive early if you prefer quiet. The morning stillness breaks when day-tripper coaches roll in. By midday, the energy shifts entirely.

Visiting the Volendams Museum

Inside, you can hear recordings of the local dialect, a unique variant of Dutch, and see the intricate, detailed costumes worn for special occasions, feeling the weight of the elaborate silver clasps known as "striks." The museum building itself, a former schoolhouse, adds to the sense of stepping back.

Having your photo taken in traditional costume

You'll step into a studio filled with racks of brightly colored, embroidered dresses and those distinctive black caps for women. The resulting portrait, printed on old-fashioned board, makes for a specific kind of souvenir. Several studios operate along the dike, so it's a good idea to glance at sample displays in the windows to choose a style you prefer.

Tasting smoked eel straight from a smokehouse

You'll smell the sharp, woody scent of smoldering oak chips before you see the golden, glossy fillets hanging in the window. The taste is rich, slightly sweet, and unmistakably smoky, often served on a simple slice of buttered toast. For the best quality, look for the smokehouses tucked just off the main tourist strip, where the operation is for wholesale and retail rather than just display.

Taking the ferry to Marken

Feeling the cool breeze off the water as the boat pulls away, you watch Volendam's skyline shrink, replaced by open vistas. The short trip itself is a pleasant interlude, with the sound of the engine and the chatter of fellow passengers.

The Harbor Front puts you right in the thick of it, with views of the boats and easy access to all the action, though it can be noisy in the evenings.

Just inland, the Quiet Canals offer a more serene setting, with small bridges and houseboats along sleepy waterways.

The Historic Center, a web of narrow lanes behind the main dike, has several converted old fishermen's cottages turned into small hotels.

The Village Edge provides a more residential feel, often with more space or garden access. But requires a short walk to the sights.

For modern amenities like pools or spas, you'd look toward the Outskirts, where larger chain hotels are situated.

Over in Edam, the neighboring town, you'll find a sleepier, more authentic base just a quick bus ride from Volendam's energy.