Things To Do
in Edam
Edam is a picturesque town in the Netherlands known for its well-preserved historic architecture and charming canals. The town is famous for its cheese, particularly the round Edam cheese that is exported worldwide. Visitors can explore the quaint streets, visit the traditional cheese market, and admire the beautiful gabled houses.
Edam offers a peaceful and picturesque setting, making it a popular destination for tourists looking to experience Dutch culture and history.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank je wel" - Thank you
- "Alsjeblieft" - Please
- "Hoe gaat het?" - How are you?
- "Tot ziens" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Edam Cheese Market where you can see the traditional cheese weighing process. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the market square, taking in the charming architecture.
Explore the Edam Museum to learn about the history of the town and its famous cheese. Wrap up the afternoon with a peaceful walk along the Edammerhout park.
Dine at a local restaurant serving traditional Dutch cuisine and, if possible, savor dishes that incorporate Edam cheese. After dinner, take a relaxing boat ride on the canal to see the town illuminated at night.
Rent a bike and cycle through the scenic countryside surrounding Edam. Visit nearby cheese farms and see where the cheese production happens first-hand.
Stop for lunch at a cozy café in a nearby village, enjoying local specialties. Continue your cycling adventure towards Volendam, a picturesque fishing village.
Return to Edam and treat yourself to dinner at a restaurant along the waterfront. Spend the evening walking along the canal, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical buildings and traditional Dutch architecture
- Vibrant local markets offering fresh produce and artisanal products
- Beautiful canals and scenic landscapes perfect for outdoor activities
- Welcoming community with a strong sense of local identity
- Proximity to larger cities like Amsterdam, providing access to urban amenities
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas
- Potentially higher cost of living relative to surrounding rural areas
- Public transportation options may be less frequent or convenient
- Tourism can lead to crowded conditions during peak seasons
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to bigger cities
Best Activities in Edam
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful countryside and picturesque villages around Edam on a bike. The area offers well-marked cycling routes that take you through lush landscapes and scenic views.
Experience the famous Edam cheese market, held weekly in the summer months. Watch traditional cheese weighing, and sample delicious cheeses while wandering through the stalls.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the charming canals of Edam, which are lined with historic buildings and beautiful greenery, providing perfect photo opportunities.
Rent a paddle boat to explore the canals and waterways around Edam. It's a fun way to enjoy the scenery and possibly see some local wildlife.
Take advantage of the local parks for a relaxing picnic. Enjoy the fresh air while soaking up the sun in one of Edam's green spaces.
Head out to the nearby Zaanse Schans, which offers opportunities for bird watching amid iconic windmills and traditional houses.
Tours
Uncover the best of Edam with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Edam
Visit one of these nice places.
The Damplein in Edam offers beautiful views of the historic buildings and canals, providing excellent photo opportunities.
The Cheese Market in Edam is not only a historic site, but also offers stunning views of the market square and surrounding architecture, making it a great location for photography.
Visiting the windmill in Edam provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and canals, making it a perfect spot for capturing memorable photos.
Food in Edam
Edam Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A visit to Edam would not be complete without trying the world-famous Edam cheese. This semi-hard cheese is known for its distinctive red wax coating and smooth, creamy texture. The cheese market, held from July to August, is a must-visit to witness the tradition of cheese trading and taste a diverse range of flavors.
Must-Try!
Stamppot is a traditional Dutch dish that is popular in Edam. It consists of mashed potatoes combined with vegetables such as kale, carrots, or sauerkraut, often served with a savory sausage. It can be found in local eateries and restaurants throughout the town.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Edam better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visitors can explore the famous Kaasmarkt, Edam's traditional cheese market, where they can sample and purchase a wide variety of local cheeses. The market also offers an array of street food options, including freshly made stroopwafels, a delightful Dutch treat consisting of thin waffle cookies filled with caramel syrup.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In the Netherlands, people value straightforwardness and honesty. When engaging in conversations, it is considered respectful to be clear and direct without being rude. This approach avoids misunderstandings and reflects appreciation for others' time.
Edam, like much of the Netherlands, has a strong cycling culture. Always give right of way to cyclists, use designated bike paths, and be mindful of biking etiquette. Acknowledge when cyclists are passing by, and do not obstruct bike lanes.
Engaging in local festivals and traditions, such as cheese markets or local holidays, shows respect for the community's culture. Understanding and honoring these customs fosters goodwill and connection with residents.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Edam with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Edam
Ensure a smooth experience
In Edam, Netherlands, tipping is generally less common than in some other countries. It is customary to round up the bill or leave small change as a token of appreciation for good service in restaurants and cafes. A tip of around 5-10% is considered sufficient if the service was exceptional. Tipping is not mandatory, and service charges are often included in the bill.
Payment practices in Edam are modern and accommodate various methods. The majority of establishments accept debit and credit cards, and contactless payments are widely used. Cash is still accepted, but it is less common. Many places prefer card payments due to convenience and security. It's also common for locals to use mobile payment apps, making transactions quick and easy.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Edam, as the flowers start to bloom and the weather becomes milder. The famous Keukenhof Gardens nearby also open in spring, showcasing millions of tulips and other flowers.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Edam, with warm weather and various festivals and events taking place. This is the perfect time to explore the cheese markets and enjoy the picturesque canals and historic buildings.
In autumn, the landscape of Edam transforms with vibrant fall foliage, creating a picturesque setting for outdoor activities and leisurely strolls. The weather starts to cool down, making it a pleasant time to visit.
Winter in Edam offers a charming and magical atmosphere, especially during the holiday season. Visitors can experience festive markets, ice skating, and cozy up in traditional Dutch cafes while enjoying the winter scenery.
Edam at Night
Hiking in Edam
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
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This national park offers diverse landscapes including dunes, forests, and beaches, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
A large park located just south of Amsterdam, providing numerous trails through woods and along water, suitable for all levels of hikers.
A park located in Amsterdam that features various trails and is a great spot for a peaceful hike amidst greenery.
Amsterdam's most famous park, offering walking paths, open-air theatre, and beautiful views, perfect for leisurely hiking.
Aiports
How to reach Edam by plane.
The main international airport serving Amsterdam, located approximately 20 kilometers from Edam.
An international airport located around 80 kilometers from Edam, serving both Rotterdam and The Hague.
A smaller international airport located approximately 40 kilometers from Edam, primarily serving leisure flights.
Located about 130 kilometers from Edam, it is a significant international airport that mainly serves low-cost carriers.
Located approximately 180 kilometers from Edam, it is a major international airport serving the capital of Belgium.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary demographic group, consisting of native Dutch citizens.
A community with roots in Indonesia, often consisting of descendants of former colonial ties.
A significant immigrant community originating from Turkey.
A demographic group with North African roots, largely consisting of immigrants and their descendants.
A community with heritage from Suriname, reflecting the historical ties between the Netherlands and Suriname.
Includes immigrants from various European countries.
Comprises smaller communities from various non-European countries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Edam and the Netherlands as a whole, with many local clubs and teams participating in various leagues.
Field hockey has a strong following in Edam, with several local teams and a rich tradition in the sport throughout the country.
Tennis is widely played in Edam, with many public and private courts available, as well as local tennis clubs catering to all levels of players.
Cycling is a popular recreational activity in Edam, with many residents using bikes for transportation and leisure, thanks to the Netherlands' extensive cycling paths.
Swimming is a favored activity in Edam, with local facilities and clubs supporting both recreational swimming and competitive events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Edam.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Edam offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as hearty salads, vegetable-based stews, and dairy-free alternatives. It is advisable to check with individual establishments for specific options.
Visitors with gluten intolerances will find that some eateries in Edam cater to gluten-free diets, offering dishes made with alternative grains or gluten-free substitutes. However, it is recommended to communicate dietary requirements with the staff when dining out.