10 Historic Small Towns Near Amsterdam That Are as Pretty

Amsterdam is famous, but the Netherlands has countless hidden gems just a short drive away. These 10 historic small towns offer canals, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old charm, perfect for a quick escape from the city.

1. Broek in Waterland (7.46 Miles from Amsterdam)

If you want to learn about traditional Dutch life, then this quaint village is the place to be in the Netherlands. Located about 7.5 miles north of Amsterdam, Broek in Waterland has about 2,700 residents. The highlights of this peaceful escape are its beautifully preserved wooden houses and its charming, tranquil canals.

Wealthy Amsterdam merchants and seafarers started flocking to Broek in Waterland during the 17th and 18th centuries. However, the village itself dates back to the 12th century.

When visiting Broek in Waterland, you’ll have the chance to marvel at the historic centerpiece of the town, Saint Nicholas Church. Although this landmark was built before 1400, it was destroyed during the Eighty Years’ War. However, the Protestant church was later rebuilt in 1628.

Broek in Waterland is surrounded by meadows and waterways, so you’ll enjoy visiting if you want to experience the Dutch countryside.

2. Monnickendam (9.32 Miles from Amsterdam)

This small historic Dutch town is also located in the northern part of the country, just around 10 miles northeast of Amsterdam. Monnickendam dates back to the 14th century when it was founded by monks, and its name actually translates to “Monk’s dam.” Today, visitors enjoy coming to Monnickendam for its picturesque beauty and well-preserved architecture.

The 17th-century Weigh House (De Waag) should be at the top of your list when in Monnickendam. The same applies to the Speeltoren, which is a bell tower housing the Netherlands’ oldest playable carillon. Don’t forget to visit the 14th-century Protestant church in town, Grote Kerk, which was later restored after it was damaged during the Eighty Years’ War.

Monnickendam also hosts the annual Monnickendammer Visgaden, an event celebrating the town’s historic fishing industry. During this festival, you can experience traditional fish smoking and other local crafts.

3. Naarden (18.64 Miles from Amsterdam)

Located in the northern Netherlands, this historic town is known for its star-shaped fortifications. These are considered among the best-preserved in Europe. Naarden’s defenses are surrounded by formidable walls and a moat, a unique sight to behold in person: 16th-century military architecture.

If you want to learn in more detail about the role of Naarden in Dutch military strategy, then you’ve got to head to the Netherlands Fortress Museum or Nederlands Vestingmuseum, where you will get plenty of knowledge about the town’s rich history.

Another great thing to do in Naarden is to take a boat tour around the fortifications. Many of the buildings of the town date back to the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, so you’ll be enjoying sights dating back hundreds of years. Make sure to visit the Grote of Sint-Vituskerk. This historic church is worth visiting for its iconic painted wooden ceiling alone. You can also take in a panoramic view of Naarden and its star-shaped layout from atop the church’s tower.

4. Edam (12.43 Miles from Amsterdam)

When you stroll through the historic center of this picturesque Dutch town, you’ll see peaceful canals, monuments, and charming squares that tell stories of Edam’s past. The latter was a key hub for trade historically, thanks to its ideal location by the water. That’s because ships could dock at its ports, enabling the town to grow into a trading center. The canal-side homes and their grand facades are an iconic example of the wealth that once flowed through the northern Dutch historic town.

The name Edam is synonymous with its world-famous round cheese. The town’s traditional cheese market still draws visitors each July and August. It goes without saying that one of the top places that you should add to your bucket list in Edam is the Edam Cheese Museum, where you can learn more about the town’s dairy legacy.

5. Muiden (12.43 Miles from Amsterdam)

Muiderslot, a centuries-old castle, is the main highlight of this historic fortified town located east of Amsterdam. The castle was built in 1285 by Count Floris V and is considered one of the Netherlands’ best-preserved medieval castles. Muiderslot also had a major role in protecting the Dutch capital, particularly during the Dutch Waterline defenses.

It’s also worth visiting the Great Sea Lock (Groote Zeesluis) when you’re in Muiden. This sea lock connects Muiden to the IJmeer river, so this is where you can watch boats passing on the waterways. Also, don’t forget about the Muizenfort, a UNESCO-listed Defense Line of Amsterdam. This is a system of fortifications that was built to protect the Dutch capital.

6. Marken (13.67 Miles from Amsterdam)

This site was once an island in the Zuiderzee, so it was separated from the mainland until a causeway was built in 1957. This was when it got connected to the rest of the Dutch nation. The notable feature of Marken is its car-free center, filled with traditional wooden houses and clogs displayed outside. The town really resembles something from a storybook.

Because this historic Dutch town was isolated for centuries and has a unique geography, its distinct culture has been preserved to this day. This includes the traditional clothing and the architecture of Marken.

One of the essential things you need to do in town is to head to the Marker Museum to learn about the history and lifestyle of the village. The Paard van Marken lighthouse is another landmark worth witnessing. It’s a symbol of Marken’s maritime history.

7. Weesp (9.32 Miles from Amsterdam)

This town is over 700 years old and is the perfect escape for exploring Dutch history and charm. It’s just a short 15-minute ride from Amsterdam and boasts scenic canals, windmills, and neoclassical architecture.

Museum Weesp is housed in the 18th-century town hall and offers you a glimpse into early Iron Age settlements in town as well as Weesp’s contributions to Dutch porcelain and jenever production.

The Wispe Brewery is also a unique attraction that’s worth visiting. This event is set in a historic church and offers tastings of locally brewed beers and a dive into the brewing tradition of Weesp.

In addition to the scenic canals and bridges that run through the town, be sure to explore the Ossenmarkt Fortress, a notable historical landmark. Weesp, once a fortress town, played a major role in the Dutch Waterline, a defense system that could flood surrounding areas to protect the nation’s major cities.

8. Abcoude (8.08 Miles from Amsterdam)

This charming Dutch village is home to approximately 8,000 residents and is located in the Green Heart of the Netherlands. Abcoude is based just southeast of Amsterdam, in the province of Utrecht. With a history dating back more than 900 years, the town was first mentioned in records from 1085. It began as a modest village, with a strong focus on fishing and architecture. What makes Abcoude unique is its location at the confluence of the Angstel, Gein, and Holendrecht rivers, surrounded by meadows, farmland, and peaceful waterways.

A must-see historical site in the village is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Defense Line of Amsterdam, Fort Abcoude, which is open to visitors only from May to September. Add the 17th-century church tower and the old town hall to your must-visit list.

9. Ouderkerk aan de Amstel (6.84 Miles from Amsterdam)

Ouderkerk aan de Amstel offers a tranquil slice of Dutch countryside living. It’s located approximately 7 miles south of Amsterdam. The charming Dutch village is located along the Amstel River, making it a perfect escape for riverside terraces, peaceful views, and scenic windmills.

Ouderkerk aan de Amstel is also home to historic churches and is famous for housing the Netherlands’ oldest Jewish cemetery (Beth Haim).

10. Volendam (12.43 Miles from Amsterdam)

Over the years, 14th-century Volendam has transformed into a popular tourist destination, especially in summer, with its colorful wooden fishermen’s houses now serving as restaurants, souvenir shops, and photography studios where visitors can dress in traditional Dutch costumes.

The fishing village is about 13 miles north of Amsterdam, nestled along the shores of the Markermeer. Back in the 14th century, the town served as the harbor for the nearby town of Edam. Later, it developed into a bustling fishing community.

Make sure to visit the Volendams Museum to learn about the village’s cultural heritage, such as its art and traditional costumes. Also, visit the local eateries for delicious smoked eel and seafood, which Volendam is famous for.

Quick Guide to Historic Small Towns Near Amsterdam