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The Netherlands🇳🇱 | townsVolendamDike promenade, fish stands, Hotel Spaander, Markermeer | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Volendam
🏆 Top picktown ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 16, 2026

Volendam faces the Markermeer, a freshwater lake held back by dikes, so there are no tides, surf or sandy beach, despite the harbor-town look. It sits in North Holland, about 20 km north of Amsterdam in the Waterland region, next to Edam. I arrived on the bus from Amsterdam and my first impression was a wall of souvenir shops, then a dike opening onto masts and smoking fish stands, which reads as a postcard at first glance. The pattern is simple: day-trippers arrive 10:00 to 16:00, and the town thins out in the evening. Smart travelers come late or stay over, because the dike is calmer after the last tour buses leave. Hostel choice is thin, so you mostly meet other backpackers on the bus, not at night. Compared with Edam (quieter, cheese-focused) and Marken (a tiny peninsula), Volendam is the most touristic and the best for easy food and a quick look.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 town in The NetherlandsWhy Volendam should be on your travel list

Volendam works as a half-day to one-night stop for backpackers who want a fast look at a fishing harbor without leaving the Amsterdam orbit. The draw is the Haven and the dike promenade, where you can eat kibbeling and smoked eel straight from stands for roughly €6 to 12, then walk the water as the light turns. It is also a handy hub: buses reach Edam in about 10 to 15 minutes and the seasonal ferry crosses to Marken. Because most visitors leave by late afternoon, the experienced move is to stay one night in a guesthouse, or arrive after 16:00, and get the town at its calmer pace. It suits slow travelers, photographers and solo travelers who like a simple base, as well as anyone building a Waterland loop on a budget. Nightlife is limited to a handful of bars and cafés, so those wanting a social … read more 👉
Volendam works as a half-day to one-night stop for backpackers who want a fast look at a fishing harbor without leaving the Amsterdam orbit. The draw is the Haven and the dike promenade, where you can eat kibbeling and smoked eel straight from stands for roughly €6 to 12, then walk the water as the light turns. It is also a handy hub: buses reach Edam in about 10 to 15 minutes and the seasonal ferry crosses to Marken. Because most visitors leave by late afternoon, the experienced move is to stay one night in a guesthouse, or arrive after 16:00, and get the town at its calmer pace. It suits slow travelers, photographers and solo travelers who like a simple base, as well as anyone building a Waterland loop on a budget. Nightlife is limited to a handful of bars and cafés, so those wanting a social scene are better off sleeping in Amsterdam and coming up for the day.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

  1. The Dike and Harbor Promenade: The Dijk is the town’s spine, a long walk lined with brick houses, restaurants, shops and a view over the Markermeer. It is free and takes 1 to 2 hours with stops. Go early morning or after 17:00, when the crowds have thinned and the light is softer.
  2. Volendams Museum: A compact museum of local life, with fishermen’s clothing, regional costume, models of boats and the story of the town’s music scene. Entry is roughly €5 to 7 and a visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. It is a good rainy-hour option, and it opens daytime hours only.
  3. Hotel Spaander: The old hotel became known for hosting visiting painters, and its café walls still carry paintings left by artists in the early 20th century. You can enter the café free and sit with a coffee for €3 to 5. Allow 30 to 45
… read more 👉
  1. The Dike and Harbor Promenade: The Dijk is the town’s spine, a long walk lined with brick houses, restaurants, shops and a view over the Markermeer. It is free and takes 1 to 2 hours with stops. Go early morning or after 17:00, when the crowds have thinned and the light is softer.
  2. Volendams Museum: A compact museum of local life, with fishermen’s clothing, regional costume, models of boats and the story of the town’s music scene. Entry is roughly €5 to 7 and a visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. It is a good rainy-hour option, and it opens daytime hours only.
  3. Hotel Spaander: The old hotel became known for hosting visiting painters, and its café walls still carry paintings left by artists in the early 20th century. You can enter the café free and sit with a coffee for €3 to 5. Allow 30 to 45 minutes, any time of day.
  4. Harbor Fish Stands: Smoked eel, herring and fried kibbeling are the local snack, sold in cones from stalls near the harbor. Expect €6 to 12 per portion and about 20 to 30 minutes to eat. Midday is busiest, so late morning gives the freshest fry and shorter lines.
  5. St. Vincentius Church: The big Catholic church near the center is a reminder that this fishing community is Catholic in a mostly Protestant region. Visits are free when the doors are open, and 15 to 20 minutes is enough. Go in the morning, and dress modestly.
Day trips close to Volendam include the cheese town of Edam, the tiny island-peninsula of Marken by ferry or bus, the old harbor of Monnickendam, and the windmills of Zaanse Schans. Start with the dike promenade before 9:30 or after 17:00, because it is the one thing that defines the town and it changes most with the crowds.
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Things to do around Volendam

Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam

Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam

4.8(6517) 6h 30m
From €37
per personViator
Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, "Lego-houses" and Volendam Tour

Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, "Lego-houses" and Volendam Tour

4.9(549) 5h 30m
From €33
per personViator
Zaanse Schans Windmills Volendam Private Tour from Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans Windmills Volendam Private Tour from Amsterdam

4.8(522) 6h
From €69
per personViator
Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken

Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken

4.8(449) 7h
From €695
per personViator
Zaanse Schans and Volendam Private Tour – Clogs, Cheese and More

Zaanse Schans and Volendam Private Tour – Clogs, Cheese and More

4.9(262)
From €263
per personViator
Windmills Country side tour Zaanse Schans-Cheesefactory-Volendam

Windmills Country side tour Zaanse Schans-Cheesefactory-Volendam

5.0(59) 4h
From €450
per personViator
Zaanse Schans and Volendam Private Tour from Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans and Volendam Private Tour from Amsterdam

4.9(58) 7h
From €250
per personViator
Keukenhof Skip-the-line Tickets: Countryside & Farm Private Tour

Keukenhof Skip-the-line Tickets: Countryside & Farm Private Tour

5.0(56) 8h
From €457
per personViator
Private Zaanse Schans & Volendam Tour: Windmills, Cheese & Clogs

Private Zaanse Schans & Volendam Tour: Windmills, Cheese & Clogs

4.8(58) 5h
From €306
per personViator
Private daytour from Amsterdam into the Countryside

Private daytour from Amsterdam into the Countryside

4.9(44)
From €527
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsKey areas and districts to know

Volendam is small enough that its areas blur into each other, but they follow a clear pattern: everything tourist-facing hugs the dike, and everything local sits one or two streets back.
  • The Dike (Haven and Dijk): The harbor promenade is the main stage, with smoked eel and fried fish stands, cheese shops, souvenir stores and the old-costume photo studios. It is crowded from late morning to late afternoon because tour coaches from Amsterdam arrive on the same schedule. Come before 10:00 or after 17:00 and you get the same view with room to stroll. Fully walkable, about 1.5 km end to end.
  • Zeestraat and the Center: The pedestrian shopping street runs inland from the harbor. Supermarkets, bakeries and snack bars are here, and prices drop noticeably within a block of the water. An experienced traveler
… read more 👉
Volendam is small enough that its areas blur into each other, but they follow a clear pattern: everything tourist-facing hugs the dike, and everything local sits one or two streets back.
  • The Dike (Haven and Dijk): The harbor promenade is the main stage, with smoked eel and fried fish stands, cheese shops, souvenir stores and the old-costume photo studios. It is crowded from late morning to late afternoon because tour coaches from Amsterdam arrive on the same schedule. Come before 10:00 or after 17:00 and you get the same view with room to stroll. Fully walkable, about 1.5 km end to end.
  • Zeestraat and the Center: The pedestrian shopping street runs inland from the harbor. Supermarkets, bakeries and snack bars are here, and prices drop noticeably within a block of the water. An experienced traveler buys lunch here and eats it on the dike.
  • Edam Road and Residential Streets: Brick rows, quiet canals and the football ground. Nothing to tick off, but the evenings are silent and it is the best area for a slow walk and for finding the Volendam of its residents.
  • Marken Ferry Quay: The boat departures sit at the harbor end of the dike. It is a short walk from the bus station, so it works as a natural anchor point.
Nightlife is modest: a handful of harbor cafés and bars that fill with locals on weekends, and most close by 01:00 or 02:00. For a bigger night out, people head back to Amsterdam.

⌛️ 1 dayWhat you can realistically do in a day

Volendam is a small harbor town that rewards a slow day: fish, water, a short museum and one quiet corner away from the tour groups.
8:30 AM, Dijk and Harbor: Start early, before the buses arrive. Walk the dike from one end to the other and watch boats and gulls over the Markermeer. Coffee from a bakery keeps you going, and the street feels like a normal town.
10:00 AM, Volendams Museum: A 5-minute walk inland. Spend about an hour with the costumes, fishing tools and music history, which explain what you just saw outside.
11:30 AM, St. Vincentius Church: Walk 10 minutes to the church and sit in the quiet nave for 15 to 20 minutes. Few day-trippers come here, and it shows the Catholic side of the village.
12:30 PM, Harbor Fish Stands: Lunch on kibbeling or smoked eel by the harbor, around €8 to … read more 👉
Volendam is a small harbor town that rewards a slow day: fish, water, a short museum and one quiet corner away from the tour groups.
8:30 AM, Dijk and Harbor: Start early, before the buses arrive. Walk the dike from one end to the other and watch boats and gulls over the Markermeer. Coffee from a bakery keeps you going, and the street feels like a normal town.
10:00 AM, Volendams Museum: A 5-minute walk inland. Spend about an hour with the costumes, fishing tools and music history, which explain what you just saw outside.
11:30 AM, St. Vincentius Church: Walk 10 minutes to the church and sit in the quiet nave for 15 to 20 minutes. Few day-trippers come here, and it shows the Catholic side of the village.
12:30 PM, Harbor Fish Stands: Lunch on kibbeling or smoked eel by the harbor, around €8 to 12. Eat on the bench rather than in a restaurant to save money and keep time.
2:00 PM, Hotel Spaander: Cool off with a coffee in the old painters’ café and study the artwork on the walls. It is a calm hour while the midday crowds peak.
3:30 PM, Quiet Side Streets and the Southern Dike Edge: Leave the main strip and walk the residential lanes behind the harbor, then follow the dike toward the less visited southern end. You see washing lines, small gardens and views without the shops, which is the part most visitors skip.
6:00 PM, Sunset on the Dijk: Return to the promenade as day-trippers leave. Have a drink or a simple dinner overlooking the water, then catch the bus back to Amsterdam or stay the night.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

The best months for backpacking in Volendam are May to June and September, when days are mild and the dike is walkable without a tour-bus crush.
  • Spring (April to May): 8 to 17°C (46 to 63°F), long days reaching 15 to 16 hours of light by May. Tulip season in the surrounding region peaks in mid-April, so expect more visitors and higher bed prices.
  • Summer (June to August): 17 to 23°C (63 to 73°F), with light until about 22:00. Busiest and priciest, with weekend crowds and the occasional rain shower.
  • Autumn (September to October): 10 to 18°C (50 to 64°F). Crowds thin, prices ease, and the harbor light is at its best.
  • Winter (November to March): 1 to 6°C (34 to 43°F), wind off the IJsselmeer, and only 7 to 8 hours of daylight in December. Quiet and cheap, though some seasonal boats and stalls reduce
… read more 👉
The best months for backpacking in Volendam are May to June and September, when days are mild and the dike is walkable without a tour-bus crush.
  • Spring (April to May): 8 to 17°C (46 to 63°F), long days reaching 15 to 16 hours of light by May. Tulip season in the surrounding region peaks in mid-April, so expect more visitors and higher bed prices.
  • Summer (June to August): 17 to 23°C (63 to 73°F), with light until about 22:00. Busiest and priciest, with weekend crowds and the occasional rain shower.
  • Autumn (September to October): 10 to 18°C (50 to 64°F). Crowds thin, prices ease, and the harbor light is at its best.
  • Winter (November to March): 1 to 6°C (34 to 43°F), wind off the IJsselmeer, and only 7 to 8 hours of daylight in December. Quiet and cheap, though some seasonal boats and stalls reduce hours.
Book a midweek visit, since Saturdays and sunny Sundays bring the heaviest crowds.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: good for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
netherlands-city-volendam
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🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

The best base for a budget stay is the central area around Zeestraat, with a second option in the quieter residential streets inland from the dike.
Volendam has very few true hostels, so dorm beds are scarce and rooms cost more than in Amsterdam. Budget travelers usually find simple guesthouses, B&Bs with shared bathrooms or small apartments, and prices rise sharply on summer weekends. Booking two to four weeks ahead in peak season is sensible, and midweek rates are noticeably lower.
The center near Zeestraat puts you within a few minutes of the bus station, supermarkets and bakeries. It is lively … read more 👉
The best base for a budget stay is the central area around Zeestraat, with a second option in the quieter residential streets inland from the dike.
Volendam has very few true hostels, so dorm beds are scarce and rooms cost more than in Amsterdam. Budget travelers usually find simple guesthouses, B&Bs with shared bathrooms or small apartments, and prices rise sharply on summer weekends. Booking two to four weeks ahead in peak season is sensible, and midweek rates are noticeably lower.
The center near Zeestraat puts you within a few minutes of the bus station, supermarkets and bakeries. It is lively until early evening, then quiet, with only a few bars open late. Night noise is limited, and walking back after dark is comfortable on lit, populated streets.
The residential streets are even quieter and cheaper, and a 10 to 15 minute walk reaches the dike. Check that the bus stop is close, since the last services run late but become infrequent.
Many backpackers sleep in Amsterdam or Zaandam instead, where beds are more plentiful, and visit Volendam on a day trip. Given the 30 to 40 minute bus, that is a practical option if dorm beds matter more than staying by the water. Staying in Volendam rewards you with empty harbor mornings and evenings once the coaches leave.
Best hostels in The Netherlands


Best quality hotels in The Netherlands

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

A bus ride from Amsterdam to Volendam costs about €5 to 6 by tapping a contactless bank card or an OV-chipkaart on the reader when boarding and again when leaving. Cash is not accepted on Dutch buses, so carry a card. Fares are distance-based, which is why contactless check-out matters: forgetting to tap out charges you a higher default fare.
Volendam itself is compact and flat, so most backpackers walk. Volendam has no train station, which is why the connection from Amsterdam is a bus rather than a rail line.
  • Walking: Free, and it covers the whole dike, the center and the ferry quay in under 30 minutes. The old town is mostly pedestrian, so walking is faster than anything with wheels.
  • Bus 314 and Regional Lines: The Amsterdam Centraal to Volendam bus (line 314) takes about 30 to 40 minutes,
… read more 👉
A bus ride from Amsterdam to Volendam costs about €5 to 6 by tapping a contactless bank card or an OV-chipkaart on the reader when boarding and again when leaving. Cash is not accepted on Dutch buses, so carry a card. Fares are distance-based, which is why contactless check-out matters: forgetting to tap out charges you a higher default fare.
Volendam itself is compact and flat, so most backpackers walk. Volendam has no train station, which is why the connection from Amsterdam is a bus rather than a rail line.
  • Walking: Free, and it covers the whole dike, the center and the ferry quay in under 30 minutes. The old town is mostly pedestrian, so walking is faster than anything with wheels.
  • Bus 314 and Regional Lines: The Amsterdam Centraal to Volendam bus (line 314) takes about 30 to 40 minutes, with departures every 10 to 15 minutes in the daytime and a reduced service late at night. Buses run roughly from 05:30 until after midnight. Check the last departure before an evening out, since night service thins considerably.
  • Bicycle: Rental runs about €10 to 15 a day. The Netherlands’ cycle paths make the dike road to Edam (about 6 km) easy and safe. Experienced travelers rent for a half day, since many shops charge a flat day rate and a deposit.
  • Marken Ferry: The seasonal boat to Marken costs roughly €9 to 11 return and takes about 30 minutes. It runs mainly from spring to autumn, and sailings are less frequent in winter, so confirm the timetable at the quay.
  • Taxi: Expect €15 to 25 for short local rides. Taxis are rarely needed, but they exist for late arrivals after the last bus. Booking by app is often cheaper than waiting at the stand.
An OV-chipkaart is not worth buying for a single trip because of the card fee, so contactless payment is the smarter route for short stays.

👛 Costs (as of 16 October 2026)Travel costs and budget guide for Volendam

Volendam costs roughly €85 to 140 a day for a backpacker, with accommodation as the largest expense because dorm beds are limited and guesthouses carry a premium.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodation€45 to 80True dorms are rare, so expect a budget room or guesthouse bed. Amsterdam dorms are an alternative.
Meals€20 to 35Bakery lunches, supermarket groceries and a fish snack on the dike. Restaurant mains run €15 to 25.
Local transport€5 to 12Bus to Edam or Amsterdam costs about €3 to 6 each way. Walking is free.
Basic activities/entry fees€5 to 15The dike is free. Marken ferry runs about €9 to 11 return, and small museums cost €5 to 15.
Miscellaneous expenses€10 to 15Coffee, beer at €4 to 6, and occasional snacks or souvenirs.
Total Daily Budget€85 to 140Lower end if you sleep in Amsterdam
… read more 👉
Volendam costs roughly €85 to 140 a day for a backpacker, with accommodation as the largest expense because dorm beds are limited and guesthouses carry a premium.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodation€45 to 80True dorms are rare, so expect a budget room or guesthouse bed. Amsterdam dorms are an alternative.
Meals€20 to 35Bakery lunches, supermarket groceries and a fish snack on the dike. Restaurant mains run €15 to 25.
Local transport€5 to 12Bus to Edam or Amsterdam costs about €3 to 6 each way. Walking is free.
Basic activities/entry fees€5 to 15The dike is free. Marken ferry runs about €9 to 11 return, and small museums cost €5 to 15.
Miscellaneous expenses€10 to 15Coffee, beer at €4 to 6, and occasional snacks or souvenirs.
Total Daily Budget€85 to 140Lower end if you sleep in Amsterdam and visit by bus.
Buy groceries at the supermarkets on Zeestraat and cook or picnic, since dike-front prices are noticeably higher.


source: holland.com
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsWhere to go beyond the main area

Volendam works well as a base for short trips because buses and bike paths radiate to several towns within an hour.Edam: The cheese town is a 20-minute bus ride or an easy 6 km cycle along the dike road. Its canals, small cheese-weighing house and quiet streets feel far calmer than the harbor. Budget around €5 to 8 for transport if you take the bus, and visit on a Wednesday in July or August for the cheese market. First-timers often arrive in the afternoon after the market has packed up.
👉 Explore EdamMarken: A ferry crosses in about 30 minutes for roughly €9 to 11 return. The former island village has wooden houses on mounds and a small lighthouse at the point. It is best from April to October, when boats run most often. Many visitors miss that the last return boat leaves in the early evening, … read more 👉
Volendam works well as a base for short trips because buses and bike paths radiate to several towns within an hour.Edam: The cheese town is a 20-minute bus ride or an easy 6 km cycle along the dike road. Its canals, small cheese-weighing house and quiet streets feel far calmer than the harbor. Budget around €5 to 8 for transport if you take the bus, and visit on a Wednesday in July or August for the cheese market. First-timers often arrive in the afternoon after the market has packed up.
👉 Explore EdamMarken: A ferry crosses in about 30 minutes for roughly €9 to 11 return. The former island village has wooden houses on mounds and a small lighthouse at the point. It is best from April to October, when boats run most often. Many visitors miss that the last return boat leaves in the early evening, so check it before wandering off.
👉 Explore MarkenZaanse Schans: This cluster of working windmills and workshops lies about an hour away by bus plus a short connection. Outdoor areas are free to wander, with museum tickets costing extra, so total costs run about €10 to 20. Go early on a weekday to avoid tour groups.
👉 Explore Zaanse SchansHoorn: A harbor town with a historic center reached by bus in roughly 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the connection. Expect €8 to 12 for transport. It is lovely in late spring and early autumn, when the old port is lively but not busy.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Volendam is a very safe town, and the main issue is petty theft in crowded places rather than crime against people.
The dike and the bus to Amsterdam are busiest from late morning to afternoon, which is when pickpockets operate. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket or zipped bag, and take extra care on crowded buses and in Amsterdam Centraal while connecting. Bicycle theft is common across the Netherlands, so lock a rented bike with two locks to a fixed object.
Solo travelers, including women, usually find evenings relaxed, with lit streets and plenty of locals out. Late buses run less often, so check the last departure to avoid a long wait alone. Wind and sudden rain are more likely to cause trouble than people. Photo studios and souvenir stands are friendly but expensive, so ask the price before posing for a costume portrait.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Volendam is worth a half day to one night, but not much more. The dike promenade, fish stands and the Volendams Museum (about €5 to 7) cover the main interest in 3 to 5 hours, and it makes a handy base for Edam and Marken. If you want nightlife, hostels or hiking, Amsterdam or the Waterland countryside suit you better.
One night, or a full day, is enough for most backpackers. A day lets you do the dike, museum, church and a fish lunch in 5 to 7 hours. Staying overnight adds a calm evening after the tour buses leave, and a second day only makes sense if you also do Edam (10 to 15 minutes by bus) and Marken.
Yes, it is an easy day trip from Amsterdam. Buses from Amsterdam Centraal take roughly 30 to 45 minutes each way, and a day return costs about €7 to 10 with an OV-chipkaart or contactless payment. Leave by 8:30 to beat the crowds, and you can return by evening or add Edam or Marken on the same day.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Dutch towns near Volendam

Explore more nearby:

  • Edam—Cheese weigh house, drawbridges, Damplein, canal loop| 2 km away
  • Monnickendam—Smoked fish, Speeltoren, Markermeer dike, Waag| 5 km away
  • Naarden—Star-shaped bastions, moats, Comenius mausoleum, Grote Kerk| 23 km away

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Come at the end of the day, or early morning, and Volendam is a different town. Between 10:00 and 16:00 the dike is a souvenir corridor. After 17:00 the harbor goes amber, the fish stands wind down and locals reclaim the benches. Late spring or early autumn gives mild light and thinner crowds. It will not fill a week, but one evening here is easy to love.

✈️ When did I visit The Netherlands?
Netherlands is my home base, so whenever I don’t travel, you can find me in this tiny spot on the globe. When friends from abroad visit me, it’s the time to actually explore my own country as a traveler.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in The Netherlands, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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