THE COAST & WATERLAND
North Holland’s Coastal and Waterland region is a tapestry of quintessential Dutch landscapes: vast sandy beaches, historic fishing villages, and polder lands shaped by centuries of engineering. This area offers a serene escape, blending maritime heritage with rich cultural history.
It is a place where you can explore the vibrant cheese market of Alkmaar, cycle along endless flower fields, and discover the UNESCO-listed fortifications, all within an hour of Amsterdam’s bustling core.
Most Popular Attractions
Coastal Towns & Beaches:
Zandvoort aan Zee: One of the most famous beach resorts, featuring a Formula 1 race track and a lively boulevard.
Bloemendaal aan Zee: Known for its trendy beach clubs and vibrant nightlife, popular with a younger crowd.
Egmond aan Zee: A picturesque coastal town with a historic lighthouse (J.C.J. van Speijk Lighthouse) and a tranquil atmosphere.
Bergen aan Zee: A quieter resort town located near the Schoorlse Duinen nature reserve.
Callantsoog: A small, peaceful village with one of the most beautiful and natural beaches in the country.
Wijk aan Zee: A village situated near the large steelworks, often used for watersports like surfing and kiteboarding.
Historic Cities & Cultural Hubs:
Haarlem: Known as the “Flower City,” its beautiful historic center is dominated by the Grote Kerk (St. Bavo Church) and the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands.
Alkmaar: Famous worldwide for its traditional Cheese Market on the Waagplein (from April to September).
Hoorn: A former major port for the Dutch East India Company (VOC), featuring beautiful historic harbors and monuments.
Enkhuizen: Another beautiful VOC city with a well-preserved historic center, home to the excellent Zuiderzee Museum.
Purmerend: A historic town famous for its Koeiemart (Cow Market) and its central location in the Waterland region.
Waterland & Traditional Villages:
Volendam: A world-famous, traditional fishing village known for its colorful harbor, authentic wooden houses, and residents often wearing traditional Dutch costume.
Edam: A charming, quiet town famous for its namesake Edam cheese and well-preserved 17th-century architecture.
Monnickendam: A small, historic town with a beautiful marina and an ancient church, the Grote Kerk.
Broek in Waterland: A picture-postcard village with wooden houses painted in traditional green and white, built over the water.
Marken: A former island, now connected to the mainland by a dike, famous for its distinct green wooden houses on stilts.
De Rijp: A beautiful village built in the “Waterland” style, which was once a center for herring fishing and whaling.
Nature & Outdoor Attractions:
Zaanse Schans: An open-air museum and historic neighborhood showcasing the classic Dutch way of life with historic windmills, wooden houses, and traditional crafts like clog making and cheese production.
Keukenhof Gardens (Lisse): Although technically just south of the region, it’s a major seasonal draw for visitors to North Holland, known for its magnificent display of millions of spring flowers.
Schoorlse Duinen: The widest and highest dune area in the Netherlands, perfect for hiking and cycling.
Wadden Sea: The region’s coast touches this UNESCO World Heritage site, which features a unique ecosystem of mudflats.
Texel Island: The largest and most accessible of the Wadden Islands, famous for its nature reserves, sheep, and the Ecomare nature center.
National Park Zuid-Kennemerland: A beautiful dune landscape offering a refuge for wildlife, including bison and deer.
Activities & Experiences
Cycle the Waterland Polders: Rent a bike and explore the serene, reclaimed landscapes of Waterland, passing through picturesque, preserved villages like Broek in Waterland, Monnickendam, and Durgerdam, often via historic dikes.
Visit the Zaanse Schans Open-Air Museum: Step back into the 17th and 18th centuries in this iconic village with working windmills, wooden houses, and workshops for cheese and clog-making.
Attend the Alkmaar Cheese Market: Witness the historic ritual of the kaasmarkt (cheese market) on the Waagplein (Weighing Square) on a Friday morning (April to September), complete with cheese porters in traditional dress.
Explore the Historic City of Haarlem: Wander through the charming city center, visit the Grote Markt (Main Square), and explore the masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age at the Frans Hals Museum.
Go Kitesurfing or Windsurfing in Wijk aan Zee/Zandvoort: Take advantage of the North Sea winds to learn or practice watersports at one of the region’s famous coastal towns.
Hike in National Park Zuid-Kennemerland: Discover the unique Dutch dune landscape—a beautiful area of forests and expansive sand dunes—perfect for hiking, cycling, and birdwatching, near Haarlem.
Take a Boat Trip to the Former Island of Marken: Visit this preserved peninsula known for its distinctive green wooden houses, old harbour, and lighthouse, accessible by bus or a ferry from Volendam.
Discover the Zuiderzeemuseum in Enkhuizen: Explore this large open-air museum focused on the maritime history and culture of the former Zuiderzee (now the IJsselmeer), featuring traditional buildings, crafts, and fishing demonstrations.
Visit a Clog or Wooden Shoe Workshop: Witness the traditional craft of carving wooden shoes at a demonstration, most famously found in Zaanse Schans or Marken.
Go Seal Spotting from Texel Island: Take a ferry to Texel, the largest of the Wadden Islands, and visit Ecomare, a seal sanctuary and nature museum, or take a boat trip to see seals in their natural habitat.
Relax or Stroll on the North Sea Beaches: Spend a day on the wide, sandy beaches of seaside resorts like Egmond aan Zee, Bergen aan Zee, or Zandvoort, enjoying the sea air and the view.
Local Tips & Transport
Cycling is King: The best way to experience North Holland’s countryside is by bike. The region has an extensive, safe network of dedicated cycle paths. You can rent an OV-fiets (public transport bike) at nearly every train station or rent from local shops.
Excellent Rail Connections: The Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) train network efficiently connects the major cities.
Direct trains link Amsterdam with Haarlem, Alkmaar, and Den Helder, making day trips straightforward.
Travel is paid for by checking in and out with an OV-chipkaart (Public Transport Chip Card) or by using a contactless debit/credit card (OVpay).
Regional Buses are Crucial for Waterland:
For the historic villages like Broek in Waterland, Volendam, and Marken, the regional bus services (e.g., EBS) are the primary transport link from Amsterdam Centraal Station.
Look into an “Old Holland” day ticket offered by bus companies, which provides unlimited travel in the Waterland region for a fixed price, an excellent value for a day of sightseeing.
Ferry to Texel: The Wadden Island of Texel is reached by a short ferry ride from Den Helder. It is recommended to book car spaces in advance, though cycling or public transport on the island is highly encouraged.
The Polder Mentality: The landscape of North Holland—reclaimed from the sea—reflects a Dutch cultural value of hard work, engineering, and cooperation. The concept that “God created the Earth, but the Dutch created Holland” is especially visible here, celebrated in the windmills and dikes.
“Going to the Beach” (Stranddag): The North Sea coast, though sometimes chilly, is deeply cherished. Even on cooler days, locals enjoy a brisk walk on the vast beaches (uitwaaien – “to blow off steam”) and then warm up at one of the many strandpaviljoens (beach pavilions) for food and drink.
Cheese is Serious Business: While the Alkmaar cheese market is a famous spectacle, a deeper local experience involves trying different types of cheese (kaas) from small producers and visiting the old weighing houses (Waag) in Alkmaar or Edam. Edam is famous for its small, ball-shaped cheese.
Embrace the Water: The region’s identity is tied to the water—from the North Sea to the IJsselmeer and the canals of Waterland.
Look for opportunities to rent an electric “whisper boat” (fluisterboot) or a canoe to explore the Waterland villages and nature reserves from the water for a unique, peaceful perspective.
In the historic port towns (like Hoorn, Enkhuizen), keep an eye out for maritime-themed local festivals and the traditional bruine vloot (brown fleet) of historic sailing ships.
Hidden Gems:
De Rijp: A beautiful, lesser-visited village in the Schermer polder with well-preserved wooden houses, once a wealthy whaling village.
Schoorlse Duinen (Schoorl Dunes): Part of the North Holland Dune Reserve, this area boasts the highest and widest dunes in the country, providing spectacular views and challenging walking trails.
The Teylers Museum in Haarlem: The oldest museum in the Netherlands, a beautiful “museum of wonder” with a diverse collection of art, natural history, and scientific instruments.
The Clog Experience (Marken): While touristy, watching a master craftsman quickly carve a clog from a block of wood is a genuine and fascinating piece of Dutch heritage.
Top Restaurants
De Witte Swaen [$15-$30] – Located in Broek in Waterland, this historic inn from 1596 offers a nostalgic Dutch dining experience, famous for its traditional pancakes in a beautifully preserved setting.
Restaurant Dijks [$25-$45] – A lovely, fine-dining-quality restaurant in Waterland, offering modern Dutch and international cuisine with an upscale yet casual ambiance and beautiful sunset views, feeling a world away from Amsterdam.
Café T’ Papeneiland [$15-$25] – A traditional and very cozy brown café in the Jordaan area of Amsterdam, beloved by locals for its authentic atmosphere and famous for its traditional Dutch apple pie.
Café Karakter [$20-$35] – A local favorite in Haarlem known for its friendly atmosphere and simple, delicious dishes, often featuring local ingredients.
Bar Bitterbal [$10-$20] – Located in a coastal town like Zandvoort or Haarlem, this local bar specializes in the Dutch snack bitterballen, offering various fillings alongside a great local beer selection.
Restaurant Vandaag [$30-$50] – A popular, locally-focused restaurant in a mid-sized coastal town like Egmond aan Zee, offering a changing menu based on fresh, regional ingredients, including North Sea fish.
De Oude Smidse [$20-$35] – A charming, rustic spot in a Waterland village like Monnickendam, serving honest, Dutch-style cooking with a focus on fresh, regional produce.
Ridderikhoff [$20-$35] – Situated on the main square of Hoorn (Roode Steen), offering a classic Dutch lunch/dinner experience with dishes like smoked mackerel and schnitzel, popular with locals.
De Zeemeeuw [$25-$40] – A beloved fish restaurant in a coastal town like Katwijk or Scheveningen (slightly outside the region, but represents the coast), focusing on the freshest catch of the day, prepared simply.
Kook Atelier op Oost [$35-$60] – Located on the island of Texel (part of North Holland), this restaurant is known for its focus on organic, regional cuisine, utilizing the island’s produce.
Eetcafé De Burgemeester [$20-$35] – A traditional “eating café” in a town like Purmerend, offering classic Dutch comfort food and a wide array of beers in a relaxed setting.
De Molen [$15-$25] – A café or simple restaurant near one of the historic windmills in the Zaanse Schans area, offering simple Dutch fare like sandwiches and soups, popular with non-touristy locals on a day out.
Proeflokaal A. van Wees [$15-$25] – A classic tasting room in Amsterdam (outside the main tourist center), famous for its jenever (Dutch gin) and simple, traditional Dutch bites like cheese and cured sausage.
Café In ‘t Aepjen [$15-$25] – One of Amsterdam’s few surviving original medieval wooden houses (outside the direct tourist core), operating as a historic brown café with a selection of classic Dutch snacks and drinks.
Restaurant De Taanketel [$35-$55] – Located in the Waterland region, this spot offers good food with a spectacular view, perfect for sunset dining, and offers multi-course menus.
Havenzicht Marken [$20-$35] – Located on the harbor of the picturesque village of Marken, this spot is known for local seafood specialties like lekkerbek (battered and fried fish) and kibbeling.
Kitchen Nieuwland [$30-$50] – An innovative restaurant in Broek in Waterland with a constantly changing menu, often featuring Asian twists on modern cuisine, highly regarded by those in the know.
BAK [$50-$80] – Located in Amsterdam’s Houthavens area, this highly-regarded spot focuses on organic, farm-to-table fine dining with a strong focus on greens and a nice view of the water, not easily found by tourists.
Restaurant Fris [$60-$90] – Located in Haarlem, this restaurant offers modern Dutch and European cuisine, known for its creative presentation and high-quality cooking.
Bistronoom [$40-$60] – A restaurant in Alkmaar known for its modern bistro-style food, blending French techniques with seasonal, local ingredients.
Restaurant C [“C” stands for Celsius] [$40-$70] – A modern and creative restaurant in Amsterdam (outside the central rings) that offers dishes based on cooking temperatures, a playful take on modern European cuisine.
Troef [$40-$60] – Located in an Amsterdam neighborhood less frequented by tourists, known for its creative menu and focus on bold, well-executed flavors, often with a modern Dutch touch.
Watergang [$45-$70] – A table d’hôte style restaurant in Amsterdam with a chef who changes the five-course menu monthly, focusing on fresh, seasonal products and a creative approach to modern European cuisine.
La Fiorita [$35-$55] – A stylish, vintage-looking restaurant in the Jordaan (Amsterdam) that serves traditional Italian cuisine with a subtle, modern twist, popular with locals.
De Witte Gans [$40-$60] – Located slightly outside the main coastal towns, this restaurant offers a “farm to table” philosophy with a focus on seasonal and regional ingredients in a modern, elegant setting.
Soigné Bussum [$40-$60] – Located in the Gooi region (part of North Holland), this restaurant is celebrated for its farm-to-table approach, offering modern European cuisine.
MANO Restaurant [$40-$60] – A modern cuisine restaurant located in Haarlem, highly rated for its execution and creative dishes.
Restaurant De Moerbei [$50-$80] – Located in the countryside of North Holland (Warmond), this spot has a modern aesthetic and focuses on farm-to-table cuisine with refined techniques.
I-Dock Restaurant [$30-$50] – A modern waterside restaurant in the Amsterdam docks area, known for its international menu and harbor views, popular with locals living in the area.
Kaagman & Kortekaas [$40-$70] – Located in a less-trafficked Amsterdam area, known for its authentic, refined French-Dutch bistro cooking and farm-to-table ethos.
Posthoorn [$80-$120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant located in a stunning 17th-century building in Monnickendam, offering a blend of modern design and classical Dutch heritage with exquisite cuisine.
De Bokkedoorns [$100-$150] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant set beautifully in the dunes near Overveen, offering top-tier gastronomic perfection with a focus on high-quality ingredients, especially North Sea fish.
Restaurant Flore [$120-$180] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Amsterdam’s Hotel De L’Europe, known for its elegant French food and stunning canal-side terrace.
Bij Jef [$100-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant located on the island of Texel, offering an “Expression of the terroir” with a focus on local and ethically sourced cuisine in a minimalist, intimate atmosphere.
The Duchess [$70-$110] – Located in the W Hotel in Amsterdam (outside the direct tourist path), offering elegant French and Italian-inspired cuisine in a palatial setting.
MOS Amsterdam [$80-$120] – Located on the IJdok with a view of the water, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers creative French cuisine in a chic, modern setting.
Vinkeles [$100-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in the former bakery of the historic Dylan Hotel on the Keizersgracht (Amsterdam), celebrated for its sophisticated cuisine.
Yamazato [$80-$120] – Located in Hotel Okura Amsterdam, this was the first Japanese restaurant in Europe to achieve a Michelin star, specializing in traditional Kaiseki cuisine.
Spectrum [$150-$250] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, famed for its innovative and artistic approach to fine dining.
Wils [$70-$110] – Located in Amsterdam (outside the main center), this Michelin-starred restaurant focuses on world cuisine with a significant emphasis on cooking over open fire.
De Kas [$60-$90] – Located in a historic greenhouse in Amsterdam (outside the central rings), this restaurant is famous for its “plant-to-plate” philosophy, with a menu dictated by the produce grown in their own gardens and farm.
Jopenkerk Haarlem [$20-$40] – A former church in Haarlem beautifully converted into a luxurious cafe, taproom, and brewery, offering simple, good food alongside their house-brewed beers.
Vis aan de Schelde [$35-$60] – A premier seafood restaurant in Amsterdam (outside the core tourist center), known for its excellent selection of fresh fish and refined preparation.
Scheepskameel [$40-$60] – A unique Amsterdam restaurant near the maritime museum, known for its simple, high-quality Dutch cuisine with a strong focus on wines.
La Oliva [$25-$45] – Located in the Jordaan (Amsterdam), this spot specializes in Basque-style pintxos (small toasts with various toppings) and offers a great selection of Spanish wines.
Timboektoe [$20-$35] – A hidden gem of a beach bar at Wijk aan Zee, offering a casual, cosy atmosphere with fireplaces in winter and a sunny terrace in summer, serving simple but quality food.
Clos Winebar & Restaurant [$35-$55] – A wine-focused spot in Amsterdam (less touristy area) where the wine takes the lead, and the dishes (often French-Dutch) are created to complement the glass.
Dudockx Bar & Kitchen [$30-$50] – Located in Hilversum (Media Park area), this spot offers a farm-to-table menu with a modern touch, popular with the local media crowd.
Café Restaurant Hoogendam [$30-$50] – A waterside restaurant in a less-touristy part of Amsterdam, known for its relaxed atmosphere and good quality seafood and international dishes.
Eetcafe van Beeren [$20-$35] – A simple, delicious tapas bar in Haarlem, popular with locals for its relaxed atmosphere and focus on fresh ingredients.
Badcuyp [$40-$70] – Located in De Pijp (Amsterdam), this spot is focused on fire cooking and is known for its impressive wine list and creative dishes.
Restaurant De Nederlanden [$70-$110] – A high-quality restaurant in Vreeland (Waterland region), set on the river Vecht, offering refined cuisine and beautiful views.
Fort Resort Beemster [$45-$70] – Located in a converted historic fort (now a hotel and spa) in the Beemster region, offering a unique setting and a gastronomy menu focusing on local, seasonal products.
Restaurant Bakboord [$40-$60] – Located in Almere (part of the wider North Holland area), this restaurant focuses on modern cuisine, particularly fresh fish and seafood.
Helling 7 [$35-$55] – A casual spot in the former NDSM shipyard in Amsterdam North, offering a great atmosphere and simple, well-prepared food with views of the water.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Saint Social Club: Located in the monumental Grote Kerk (Great Church) in Hoorn, this bar and restaurant provides a luxurious spot for a drink, blending the building’s historic features with a modern, cosy décor.
De Waag Alkmaar: Situated right on the central Waagplein in Alkmaar, this atmospheric restaurant and bar offers a dedicated cocktail and gin tonic menu, perfect for enjoying on their charming terrace.
Mojo’s Waagplein: A true ‘eatertainment’ spot on the lively Waagplein in Alkmaar, this establishment serves as a bar, club, and restaurant, known for its extensive high cocktail and high gin options, and a chic, international feel.
Bar Centraal Haarlem: Found in Haarlem, this bar focuses on creating a cozy and central gathering place where patrons can enjoy high-quality drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
De Waag’s High Cocktail (Alkmaar): A dedicated offering at De Waag on the Waagplein in Alkmaar, featuring three delicious, carefully chosen cocktails paired with accompanying snacks for a complete experience.
Backstage Hoorn: While primarily known as a vibrant pub and music café in the heart of Hoorn, this spot also offers cocktails on its menu, catering to a diverse crowd looking for a lively atmosphere and live performances.
Proeflokaal Het Pakhuis (Haarlem): Located in Haarlem, this establishment, focusing on ‘tasting’, often includes cocktails among its offerings, providing a refined setting for enjoying quality drinks.
Pub van Spaander (Volendam): Situated within the Old Dutch Hotel on the iconic harbor dike in Volendam, this authentic pub is a charming place to enjoy a drink, including classic pub cocktails, in a traditional Dutch setting.
&Drinkz Volendam: A spot in Volendam known for its vibrant nightlife and mixology, offering an unforgettable evening in the picturesque harbour town.
De Waag Alkmaar Terrace: The outdoor area of De Waag on Waagplein in Alkmaar is a favourite for borrels (drinks and snacks), with a good selection of cocktails available, offering a great view of the square.
Lobby Bar at Van der Valk Hotel Hoorn: A convenient and ideal place for a meeting or a relaxing drink, this lobby bar in Hoorn offers a full range of beverages, including well-made cocktails.
Tyn (Haarlem): A highly-regarded cocktail bar in Haarlem known for its sophisticated and innovative drink menu, pushing the boundaries of classic mixology in a stylish setting.
Bar De Molen (Volendam): This cozy pub and brewery on the dike in Volendam, famous for its craft beer, also offers spirits and mixed drinks, making it a lively spot with a panoramic view over the Markermeer.
Nius Beach House (Zandvoort): One of the year-round beach pavilions in Zandvoort, this spot offers a relaxed beach vibe for enjoying cocktails by the sea, complete with a fireplace for cooler evenings.
Sandy Hill (Zandvoort): A seasonal beach pavilion in Zandvoort that provides a great location to enjoy cocktails with a view of the North Sea in a casual atmosphere.
Club XO (Haarlem): A popular nightclub in the center of Haarlem, known for its lively atmosphere, DJs spinning commercial hits, and themed party nights.
Patronaat (Haarlem): While primarily a major pop and culture venue in Haarlem, Patronaat regularly hosts large-scale club nights and dance events with diverse music genres and well-known DJs.
Mojo’s Waagplein (Alkmaar): This location on the Waagplein in Alkmaar transforms into a lively club with DJs and dancing, especially on weekends, enforcing a strict door policy for a quality night out.
Club Stalker (Haarlem): An established name in Haarlem nightlife, offering a mix of music styles, from dance to classics, and known for a consistent party vibe.
Club Cell (Almere/Near Waterland): While slightly outside the immediate subregion, this major club is accessible and known for hosting large dance parties, house, and techno events with international DJs, catering to the region’s electronic music fans.
Shooters Club (Haarlem): A lively club in Haarlem specializing in shots, but also providing a full dance floor experience with mainstream music.
The Corner (Alkmaar): A well-known venue in Alkmaar‘s nightlife scene, often functioning as a bar that transitions into a dancing spot later in the evening, popular with locals.
Bar ‘t Gat van Nederland (Volendam): While a traditional bar, this is a central hub for nightlife in Volendam on the famous dike, often becoming a very lively party spot with music and dancing, especially popular with tourists and locals alike.
Club X-Cue (Alkmaar): A smaller, but energetic club in Alkmaar, sometimes hosting specific themed nights, offering a more intimate party experience.
Club Vrijdag (Haarlem): A concept club in Haarlem that dedicates its nights to pure dance, often featuring house, disco, and tech-house music.
Pub ‘T Halve Maentje (Hoorn): A lively traditional Dutch pub in Hoorn that transitions into a popular late-night spot with music, creating a fun, informal atmosphere for dancing.
Beach Club Parties (Zandvoort): During the summer, seasonal beach clubs like PlaZand and others in Zandvoort frequently host vibrant themed parties and club nights right on the sand.
Backstage Hoorn: Beyond its live music, this spot in Hoorn often has late-night sets and an atmosphere that encourages dancing and a full nightlife experience.
De Lichtfabriek (Haarlem): A unique event venue in a former electricity factory in Haarlem that often hosts large-scale dance events and club nights.
Manifesto (Hoorn): A music venue and cultural space in Hoorn that hosts live bands and also functions as a club for certain events, appealing to those seeking an alternative to purely commercial clubs.