Top 10 Things to Do in Volendam
Volendam offers a perfect blend of traditional Dutch culture, maritime heritage, and modern tourist attractions that make it one of the Netherlands' most beloved destinations. From its picturesque harbor lined with colorful wooden houses to its living museums and authentic experiences, this fishing village provides visitors with unforgettable memories. Whether you're interested in history, photography, local cuisine, or simply soaking up the authentic Dutch atmosphere, Volendam has something special for everyone. The village's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of each other.
1. Stroll Along the Historic Harbor
The heart of Volendam beats at its bustling harbor, known locally as "de Dijk." This waterfront promenade offers stunning views of traditional fishing boats bobbing in the Markermeer, while the backdrop of colorful houses creates perfect photo opportunities. The harbor comes alive with street performers, artists, and the sounds of accordions playing traditional Dutch music during summer months.
- Free to explore 24/7
- Best visited at sunset for golden hour photography
- Over 100 restaurants and cafes along the waterfront
- Street performers daily from May-September
- Fish vendors selling fresh herring and smoked eel
2. Traditional Costume Photo
No visit to Volendam is complete without experiencing the famous tradition of dressing in authentic Dutch costumes. Multiple photo studios along the harbor offer this unique experience, where you can wear the traditional "klederdracht" complete with the iconic pointed bonnet for women and traditional fisherman's outfit for men. Professional photographers capture your transformation with various backgrounds.
- Multiple studios: Foto de Boer, Fotostudio Volendam, Experience Volendam
- Prices from €15-25 per photo
- Authentic handmade costumes in all sizes
- Digital downloads and USB options available
- Open daily 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (summer until 9:00 PM)
3. Cheese Factory Tour
Visit the Cheese Factory Volendam or Alida Hoeve to witness traditional Dutch cheese-making in action. These working factories offer free admission and include fascinating demonstrations of how Gouda and Edam cheeses are made, from milk to the final product. The knowledgeable staff, often in traditional costume, explain the aging process while you sample various cheese varieties.
- Free admission, parking, and tasting
- Live demonstrations every 30 minutes
- Shop with 50+ cheese varieties
- Wooden shoe (clog) making demonstrations
- Open: Summer 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM, Winter 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
4. Try Fresh Herring
Experience authentic Dutch cuisine by trying "Hollandse Nieuwe" (fresh herring) the traditional way at one of the harbor's many fish stands. Hold the fish by its tail, tilt your head back, and take a bite - or ask for it chopped with onions and pickles. The local specialty "paling" (smoked eel) is equally delicious and unique to this fishing village.
- Fish stands open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Mon-Sat)
- Fresh herring: €2-3 per serving
- Smoked eel (paling): €4-5 per portion
- Kibbeling (fried fish bites) also available
- Peak season: June-August for new herring
5. Boat Trip to Marken
The Volendam Marken Express has been sailing between these two historic fishing villages for almost 100 years. This scenic 30-minute cruise across the Markermeer offers stunning views of both villages from the water, with an audio guide providing interesting commentary about the area's history. The ferry accommodates bicycles, making it perfect for cycling enthusiasts.
- Departures every 45 minutes (summer: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM)
- Adult ticket: €10 single, €16.50 return
- Children (4-11): €5.25 single, €8 return
- Bicycle transport: €1.50
- Free with I amsterdam City Card (one-way)
6. Volendam Museum
Step back in time at the Volendams Museum, showcasing life in the village from 1850-1950. The museum features authentic room interiors, traditional costumes, paintings by artists who visited Volendam, and the world-famous cigar band house - a room decorated with mosaics made from 11 million cigar bands depicting Dutch coats of arms and famous buildings.
- Adults: €5, Youth (13-17): €3, Children under 12: €2
- Open: Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Fri until 9:00 PM
- Historic cigar band house included
- Audio guide available in 5 languages
- Children's treasure hunt with prize
7. Palingsound Museum
Discover Volendam's surprising musical heritage at this unique museum dedicated to "Palingsound" (Eel Sound) - the local music genre that produced numerous Dutch chart-toppers. Located in a former eel smokehouse, the museum showcases the evolution from traditional fishermen's songs to modern pop, featuring memorabilia from famous bands like BZN and The Cats.
- Admission: €1.75
- Interactive exhibits and listening stations
- Recording studio experience
- Open: Tuesday-Sunday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Combined restaurant serving smoked eel
8. Experience Volendam (Virtual Reality)
Travel back to 1916 with this cutting-edge VR experience that lets you explore Volendam as it was over 100 years ago. Using Oculus headsets, you'll walk through the old streets, enter authentic fishermen's homes, and experience daily life in the historic fishing village. The 360-degree virtual world is incredibly realistic - you can almost smell the fish at the harbor!
- Price: €8.75 per person (minimum 2 people)
- Duration: 20-30 minutes
- Open daily: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Wheelchair accessible
- Combined with traditional photo opportunity
9. Countryside Bike Tour
Rent a bike and explore the beautiful polder landscape surrounding Volendam. Well-marked cycling routes take you past traditional windmills, through charming villages like Edam and Monnickendam, and along scenic dikes with views over the Markermeer. The completely flat terrain makes cycling easy for all fitness levels, and e-bikes are available for those wanting extra assistance.
- Bike rental: €10-12/day, E-bikes: €25/day
- Multiple rental shops near the harbor
- Popular routes: Volendam-Marken (25km), Waterland Route (40km)
- Free route maps provided
- Guided tours available in summer
10. Shopping & Souvenirs
Browse the many shops along Haven and Zeestraat for authentic Dutch souvenirs and local specialties. From traditional wooden clogs in every color and size to locally made cheeses, stroopwafels, and hand-painted ceramics, you'll find the perfect memento of your visit. Many shops offer tax-free shopping for non-EU visitors.
- Traditional clogs: €15-40
- Dutch cheese wheels: €10-30
- Fresh stroopwafels: €3-5
- Delft blue ceramics and miniatures
- Most shops open Mon-Sat 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sun 12:00-5:00 PM
Popular Day Trips from Volendam
Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Marken Tour
The most popular day trip from Amsterdam combines three iconic Dutch destinations in one unforgettable experience. Start at Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum featuring historic windmills, traditional crafts demonstrations, and a recreated 18th-century village. Continue to Volendam for lunch and harbor exploration, then take the ferry to Marken to discover its distinctive green wooden houses on stilts and lighthouse. This comprehensive tour showcases the best of traditional Holland in a single day.
Zaanse Schans
6 working windmills, wooden shoe workshop, cheese farm, 35 historic buildings
Volendam
Fishing village atmosphere, harbor restaurants, traditional photo opportunity
Marken
Former island village, elevated wooden houses, Marker Museum, historic lighthouse
Seasonal Events & Festivals
Volendammer Kermis (Fair)
The biggest event of the year featuring thrilling rides, game stalls, live music, and traditional Dutch treats. The entire village transforms into a festive playground with activities for all ages.
When: Last full week of June
Highlights: Fireworks, parade, live performances
Volendam Harbor Days
Maritime festival celebrating Volendam's fishing heritage with boat displays, seafood markets, traditional crafts demonstrations, and sailor songs.
When: First weekend of September
Features: Fish auction reenactment, boat tours
Sinterklaas Arrival
Traditional Dutch celebration when Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) arrives by boat at Volendam harbor, accompanied by his helpers, bringing gifts and sweets for children.
When: Mid-November (usually 2nd Saturday)
Activities: Parade, children's activities, hot chocolate
Nieuwjaarsduik (New Year's Dive)
Brave locals and visitors take a refreshing plunge into the cold waters of the Markermeer to celebrate the new year. Hot chocolate and pea soup await participants.
When: January 1st at 1:00 PM
Location: Volendam beach (Slobbeland)
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Most attractions in Volendam follow seasonal schedules:
- Summer (Apr-Oct):
Museums: Daily 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Shops: Mon-Sat 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sun 12:00-5:00 PM
Restaurants: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM - Winter (Nov-Mar):
Museums: Daily 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Shops: Mon-Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sun closed
Some attractions have reduced hours or close
Best Time to Visit
- Peak Season: July-August
Vibrant atmosphere but very crowded
All attractions open, best weather - Ideal Time: May-June, September
Pleasant weather, moderate crowds
Tulip season in April-May - Budget Visit: November-March
Fewer tourists, lower hotel rates
Some attractions closed/reduced hours - Special Events: Late June for Kermis fair
Tourist Tips
- Start early (before 10 AM) to beat tour groups
- Many shops closed on Sundays
- Harbor restaurants pricier than side streets
- Free parking at Marinapark (10-min walk)
- Combination tickets save 20-30%
- Download maps offline - cellular coverage varies
- Bring cash - some vendors don't accept cards
- Try local specialties: paling (eel) and nieuwe haring
What to See in Volendam - Quick Guide
Full Day Visit (6-8 hours): Add Volendam Museum, boat trip to Marken (30 min each way + 2 hours exploring), Palingsound Museum, Experience Volendam VR
Two Days: Include day trip to Zaanse Schans windmills, bicycle tour of countryside, visit Edam cheese market (Wednesdays in summer), explore all museums, enjoy evening dining