Things To Do
in Badhoevedorp
Badhoevedorp is a quiet village in North Holland, nestled in the Haarlemmermeer municipality just west of Amsterdam. It sits amid flat polder landscapes layered with canals, orchards, and green spaces that epitomize Dutch rural-urban balance. The area offers easy access to Amsterdam by train or bike while preserving a peaceful, village atmosphere.
It serves as a convenient base for canal views, cycling routes, and day trips to windmills and nearby dunes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café in Badhoevedorp, sampling traditional Dutch pancakes or a fresh broodje. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Amsterdamse Bos, a sprawling park perfect for tranquil walks and enjoying nature. As you wander, keep an eye out for local wildlife and the serene waterways that flow through the area.
In the afternoon, hop on a bike and cycle towards Amsterdam, taking the scenic route along the Bosbaan, where rowers practice their strokes. Once you reach the historic center, visit the iconic Anne Frank House to learn about the poignant history of the World War II era. Conclude your time in the city with lunch at one of the charming restaurants along the canals, savoring local dishes such as herring or stroopwafels.
As evening falls, return to Badhoevedorp and dine at a cozy restaurant that offers a taste of authentic Dutch cuisine. After dinner, take an evening stroll through the village, appreciating the peaceful ambiance and the quaint architecture. If you're inclined, watch the sunset over the fields, providing a perfect end to your day.
Begin your day with breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby bakery, enjoying fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, head towards the Amsterdam Canals, where you can take a guided boat tour to learn about the city's rich history and stunning architecture. The morning light reflecting off the water creates a picturesque setting, perfect for photos.
After the boat tour, spend your afternoon at the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Dutch artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer. Allow yourself to get lost in the art and history, taking your time to appreciate the exhibitions. For lunch, visit the museum's café for a light meal before heading back to explore more of the city.
In the evening, find a local restaurant in Badhoevedorp that specializes in seafood, where you can enjoy fresh fish dishes. After dinner, unwind at a nearby bar or café with live music, soaking in the vibrant local scene. As the night progresses, take a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, reflecting on the day’s cultural experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $3-5 |
| 🥪Lunch at cafe | $8-15 |
| 🚆Public transit single ride | $3-4 |
| 🏨Hotel room per night | $90-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Amsterdam and Schiphol makes day trips easy
- Bike-friendly infrastructure and safe environment
- Diverse dining options from traditional to modern cuisine
- Relaxed village feel with quick access to nature and markets
- Touristy areas around Amsterdam center can be crowded
- Weather is often unpredictable and windy; plan for rain
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank je wel" - Thank you
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het treinstation?" - Where is the train station?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Ik ben vegetarisch" - I am vegetarian
- "Fantastisch" - Fantastic
Places to Visit in Badhoevedorp
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic canal houses, arched bridges, and gelled reflections make for postcard-perfect shots, especially during early morning or sunset.
Elegant façades and bustling activity provide dynamic street photography opportunities, particularly at dusk.
Traditional windmills and wooden houses set in a scenic open landscape—great for wide-angle and lifestyle shots.
Tranquil woods and water features offer serene nature photography with gentle light before the day crowds arrive.
A mixed urban-water setting with bridges, boats, and reflections ideal for composition practice.
Food in Badhoevedorp
Badhoevedorp Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty mash of potatoes with vegetables (boerenkool or zuurkool) usually served with rookworst. Common in pubs and family-style restaurants.
Must-Try!
Raw herring typically eaten with onions and pickles; a classic street-food staple found at markets and haring stalls.
Crispy breadcrumb-crusted croquettes filled with a rich beef ragout; a popular bar snack served with mustard.
Small fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar, often served with butter or syrup at markets and fairs.
Battered and fried chunks of fish (often cod) served with a garlic or remoulade sauce; commonly found at street stalls and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A buzzing daytime market offering fresh produce, cheeses, snacks, and ready-to-eat street foods.
A indoor market hall with a variety of vendors offering global street foods and drinks.
Local market with fresh produce, baked goods, and casual eats on certain days; great for a quick bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dutch people tend to be direct and value honesty. Clear questions and straightforward feedback are common in everyday interactions.
Being on time is important in both business and social settings.
Bike paths have right-of-way rules; give space to pedestrians, use hand signals, and stay aware of other cyclists.
Safety
Tipping in Badhoevedorp
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in the Netherlands is appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants; many places include service charges for larger groups.
Cards (including contactless) are widely accepted; cash is still used but less common for smaller purchases. Most places also accept debit/credit mobile payments and digital wallets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days with mild to warm temperatures; expect late sunsets, outdoor terraces, and canal cruises. Bring sun protection and light rain gear for occasional showers.
Mild to cool temperatures with colorful foliage. Great for scenic bike rides and market visits; showers are common, so carry a light waterproof layer.
Cool to cold and often windy with a chance of rain; canal activity drops but city lights and indoor venues shine. Pack a warm coat and sturdy shoes.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming gardens; canal and park walks are particularly lovely. Bring a light jacket for breezes and expect occasional rain.
Badhoevedorp at Night
Hiking in Badhoevedorp
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle walking and cycling paths through the forest and park in Hoofddorp.
Dune landscape with wildlife and scenic coastal routes near Vogelenzang; excellent for longer hikes.
Airports
How to reach Badhoevedorp by plane.
Major international airport just south of Badhoevedorp; quick access by car, regional train, or bus.
Smaller airport offering some international flights; reachable by rail and road with a longer transfer from the region.
Regional airport with some domestic and limited international flights; useful for certain routes and is farther from the main tourism hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Proximity to Schiphol brings a mix of international residents and short-term visitors.
Many families live in the Haarlemmermeer with good parks, schools, and community facilities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A national pastime; extensive bike lanes and flat terrain make it a primary mode of transport and recreation.
Widely played across clubs, schools, and neighborhood fields.
Popular in schools and local clubs, with good facilities in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Badhoevedorp.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Dutch restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for vleesvrije gerechten (meat-free) on menus or ask for 'vegetarisch'. Many markets and cafes label veggie choices clearly.