From the iconic harbour and traditional costume photos to the Marken boat trip and the hidden maze of old streets — here’s everything to see and do in Volendam.
The Harbour (de Dijk)
Volendam’s Iconic Waterfront
The harbour — locally called ‘de Dijk’ — is the beating heart of Volendam. The promenade stretches along the waterfront and is lined with fish stalls, souvenir shops, costume photo studios and harbour-side restaurants. The traditional wooden fishing boats (kwaks and botters) bob in the water and provide some of the most photographed scenes in the Netherlands.
- Walk the full length of de Dijk — it takes about 20–30 minutes at a relaxed pace
- Spot the ‘Oude Mannen Huisje’ — a small room where village elders gather to chat. You can peek through the window for an authentic slice of local life
- Watch the fishing boats from the jetty — some still go out early in the morning
- Browse the fish stalls for smoked eel, kibbeling (fried fish) and Dutch herring
Traditional Costume Photo
The Iconic Dutch Costume Experience
Dressing in traditional Volendam costume is one of the most popular activities in the Netherlands — and genuinely fun. Multiple photo studios along the harbour offer the experience, which takes about 25 minutes. You dress in authentic klederdracht — the lacy cap (hul), coral necklace, apron and wooden clogs — and are photographed by a professional in a traditional setting.
| Studio | Price (approx.) | Location | Note |
| Fotograaf Volendam | From €15 | Haven 70 | Most popular, efficient service |
| Fotostudio Volendam | From €15 | De Dijk | Multiple background options |
| Experience Volendam | €8.75 (VR + photo combo) | De Dijk | Includes VR experience |
Food & Local Specialities
What to Eat in Volendam
Food is a highlight of any Volendam visit. The village has a rich fishing heritage and you can taste it everywhere along the harbour.
- Hollandse Nieuwe (fresh herring) — hold the fish by the tail, tilt your head back and take a bite, or ask for it chopped with onions and pickles on bread. Best tried May–July when the season opens.
- Gerookte paling (smoked eel) — the local speciality. Volendam eel is considered among the finest in the Netherlands. Try it at De Visafslag on the harbour.
- Kibbeling — crispy battered chunks of white fish with garlic sauce. A Dutch street food staple, best fresh from the fryer.
- Stroopwafels — the Stroopwafel Experience Volendam on de Dijk tells how these caramel waffles became a Volendam tradition. Brief but delicious.
- Dutch pancakes — De Lunch and other harbour restaurants serve traditional pannenkoeken.
Best Restaurants on the Harbour
| Restaurant | Speciality | Price range | Tip |
| De Lunch | Kibbeling, herring, Dutch lunch | €€ | Fresh fish, generous portions, efficient service |
| Restaurant Spaander | Dutch cuisine, historic interior | €€€ | Famous for the artist paintings covering the walls |
| Fish stalls (de Dijk) | Herring, eel, kibbeling to go | € | Best for a quick authentic bite on the waterfront |
Museums
Volendams Museum — Hidden Gem
This is consistently one of the best-reviewed attractions in Volendam and it surprises most visitors. The museum brings local history to life through realistic period room sets, traditional costume collections and fishing heritage displays. The star attraction is the Cigar Bands House — an entire room decorated with mosaics made from 11 million cigar bands, depicting Dutch coats of arms, famous buildings and the Empire State Building. Free coffee and tea on arrival.
| Volendams Museum |
| 📍 Address: Zeestraat 41, Volendam |
| ⏰ Hours: Daily 10:00–17:00 (Fri until 21:00) |
| 💶 Adults €5 | Youth (13–17) €3 | Under 12 free |
Palingsoundmuseum
Located in the attic of a former eel smokehouse, this tiny museum tells the story of ‘palingsound’ — the unique musical genre born in Volendam that produced chart-topping bands like BZN and The Cats. For just €1.75, it’s one of the quirkiest cultural detours in North Holland.
Volendam Experience (VR)
Step back to 1916 and experience Volendam as it was over 100 years ago through VR glasses. The experience lasts approximately 20 minutes and is available as a standalone (€8.75) or combined with a costume photo.
The Doolhof (Hidden Maze)
Volendam’s Secret Old Quarter
Directly behind the harbour, the Doolhof (Dutch for ‘maze’) is the oldest and most authentic part of Volendam. A labyrinth of narrow lanes, canals with drawbridges and traditional wooden houses — it’s a complete contrast to the busy waterfront and one of the most photographed spots by those who know to look for it.
The tourist office Laag Holland has put together a free audio walk through the Doolhof, available on your smartphone. Allow 30–45 minutes for the full route.
Suggested Itineraries
Half Day in Volendam (3–4 hours)
- Arrive by 10:00 — walk de Dijk waterfront
- Costume photo at Fotograaf Volendam (book in advance)
- Fresh herring at the fish stalls on the harbour
- Volendams Museum — allow 45 minutes
- Explore the Doolhof before heading back
Full Day: Volendam + Marken (6–7 hours)
- Morning in Volendam — harbour, costume photo, museum
- Lunch at De Lunch or harbour fish stall
- Marken Express boat at 13:30 or 14:15 (30 min crossing)
- Explore Marken village — lighthouse, church, museum
- Return boat or bus back to Amsterdam
FAQ What to do in Volendam
Yes — but in an honest and genuine way. The harbour is lively with tour groups, but the Doolhof and the Volendams Museum are genuinely local and atmospheric. The food is authentic and the costume photo is genuinely fun rather than kitsch.
2–3 hours for a relaxed visit covering the harbour, a bite to eat and a quick museum visit. 4+ hours if you add the costume photo and the Doolhof walk. A full day if you continue to Marken.