One Week In The Netherlands – The Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary

Last Updated on February 8, 2026 by Shiraz

Planning a trip to the Netherlands? If so, then here is how to spend one week in the Netherlands, with all of the best spots to check out!

If you’re dreaming of charming canals, storybook villages, and fields bursting with color, spending one week in the Netherlands is the perfect way to fall in love with this endlessly captivating country. Compact yet incredibly diverse, the Netherlands offers travelers the chance to experience a vibrant city life, peaceful countryside, and centuries-old traditions. This one week in the Netherlands itinerary is designed especially for first-time visitors who want to see the very best of the country at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.

In this 7 day Netherlands itinerary, I will give you all of my best tips for visiting Amsterdam, the stunning Dutch Capital. In addition, I’ll provide you with a detailed guide for every day of your trip to make planning your trip a breeze. This will include places like the colorful tulip garden of Keukenhof, and discovering the “Venice of the North” – also known as Giethoorn. I have also made sure to include destinations that showcase the Netherlands’ iconic windmills, fishing traditions, and classic Dutch architecture.

If you’re planning how to spend one week in the Netherlands, then this guide has you covered. From must-see highlights to hidden gems, practical travel tips, and seamless route planning, this Netherlands one week travel guide will help you make the most of every day. I hope that this guide provides you with everything you need to know for visiting the Netherlands! 

This post is all about how to spend one week in the Netherlands

FAQ’s about one week in the Netherlands

Is one week in the Netherlands enough?

Yes, one week in the Netherlands is enough time to experience a wonderful mix of cities, countryside, and culture. Thanks to the country’s compact size and excellent public transportation, you can easily visit multiple destinations in just seven days. A well-planned one week Netherlands itinerary allows you to explore Amsterdam’s canals and museums while also taking day trips to places like Keukenhof, Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken without feeling rushed. That being said, there are still lots of other worthy spots to see beyond this one week itinerary like Haarlem, Utrecht, and Rotterdam. 

Is the Netherlands expensive?

The Netherlands can be moderately expensive compared to other European destinations, especially in major cities like Amsterdam. Accommodation tends to be the highest cost, while transportation and food can vary depending on your choices. However, by booking accommodation in advance, using public transport, and eating at local spots, it’s possible to enjoy a one week trip to the Netherlands on a reasonable budget.

Can you visit the Netherlands without a car?

Yes, you can easily visit the Netherlands without a car. The country has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in Europe, with frequent trains, trams, and buses connecting cities, towns, and villages. I didn’t rent a car during my trip and was able to explore all of the spots in this guide! I will also provide you with public transport directions to all of the day trips in this itinerary. 

How many days should you spend in Amsterdam?

Most travelers find that spending 2–3 days in Amsterdam is the perfect amount of time to see the city’s highlights while leaving room for day trips. This allows enough time to explore the canals, museums, neighborhoods, and local food scene at a relaxed pace, while still making the most of a one week Netherlands itinerary. Personally, I would recommend 3 days for those who would like to visit museums such as the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum. 

The Netherlands Travel Tips

When to visit the Netherlands

Overall, the best time to visit the Netherlands depends on what you want to see and experience. Each season offers something unique, from colorful tulip fields in spring to cozy canal-side cafés in winter. However, the most popular and comfortable months for exploring are April to October, when the weather is mild, and transportation options are plentiful. For this one week in the Netherlands itinerary, I recommend visiting in the spring! This is because I have included a day of exploring the tulip fields. However, you can also visit in the summertime if that season suits you better! If you decide to visit in summer or even early autumn, I recommend switching the tulip fields day in this itinerary with a day trip to Utrecht. 

Spring (March to May)

Spring is ideal if you want to see the famous Keukenhof Gardens and endless tulip fields in bloom. The weather is cool but pleasant, and popular spots like Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn are less crowded before peak summer. However, spring showers are common, so pack an umbrella!

Pro Tip: If you are anyway thinking of visiting the Netherlands at the end of April, I would highly recommend considering planning your trip around King’s Day! This happens every April 27th on – you guessed it – the Dutch King’s birthday. This national holiday is celebrated by having massive street parties all across the country – but especially in Amsterdam. The city will be crowded, so it’s not ideal for sightseeing, but it’s a special day to see the city come alive and dance in the streets with the locals!

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the warmest and busiest season, making it perfect for seaside trips to Volendam and Marken or exploring the Dutch countryside. In addition, long daylight hours allow for more time to enjoy more spots each day. However, popular spots can be crowded, and hotel prices are higher.

Read More: 6 best day trips from Amsterdam

Where to stay in the Netherlands

Overall, when visiting the Netherlands, I would recommend basing yourself in Amsterdam. This is because the Netherlands is a fairly small country, so you can visit most places in less than an hour from the city. For this exact 7 days in the Netherlands itinerary, I would definitely recommend basing yourself in the capital. 

Amsterdam offers a wide range of beautiful neighborhoods to choose from as your base. Where you stay can heavily influence your experience, as it will often determine the activities you do in the mornings and evenings. Below you can find a quick overview of the main neighborhoods and who they are best suited for.

Centrum (best for first-time visitors)

If you want to be in the heart of the action, Centrum is ideal. This area includes the famous Canal Belt, Dam Square, and the Red Light District, putting you within walking distance of top attractions. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore Amsterdam’s iconic sights with ease. However, it can be busy and touristy, so expect higher prices and lively streets.

Jordaan (best for cafe and culture lovers)

For a charming, romantic stay, Jordaan is one of the city’s most picturesque areas. Known for its narrow canals, boutique shops, and cozy cafés, this neighborhood is perfect for couples or travelers looking for an authentic Amsterdam experience. It’s quieter than Centrum but still close enough to major sights like the Anne Frank House.

De Pijp (best for foodies and young travelers)

Trendy and diverse, De Pijp is a fantastic choice for food lovers and those seeking a local vibe. Home to the famous Albert Cuyp Market, international restaurants, and hip cafés, this district has a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. It’s an excellent option if you want to experience Amsterdam beyond the tourist hotspots.

Oud-West (best for families)

If you prefer a more residential feel while still being close to attractions, Oud-West is a great choice. This area is home to Vondelpark, perfect for families or those who love outdoor spaces. It also offers a mix of stylish boutiques, great restaurants, and a quieter atmosphere compared to Centrum.

Amsterdam Noord (best for budget travelers)

For a unique, up-and-coming vibe, Amsterdam Noord is a fantastic option. Just a short free ferry ride from Central Station, this neighborhood features trendy bars, modern architecture, and creative spaces like the A’DAM Tower. It’s great for budget-conscious travelers who want a stylish but affordable stay.

How to get around the Netherlands

When it comes to exploring the Netherlands, the public transport network will take you a long way! For all of the day trips included in this one week in the Netherlands itinerary, you can technically visit them all using either trains or buses. That being said, a few of the spots on this list will be slightly harder to reach via public transport. Giethoorn is the one day trip from Amsterdam, where I would recommend joining a guided tour or renting a car. This is because the journey to Giethoorn is quite long and can be complicated if you use public transportation. 

Either way, I will be providing you with details on how to get to all of the day trips from Amsterdam listed below! While I personally relied on public transportation, I did opt for a guided tour to Giethoorn to make the journey easier. If you want to be more flexible and combine the spots in this itinerary with extra places, then perhaps renting a car will be a good idea. When it comes to car rentals, I have always relied on Sunny Cars! I have always found the lowest prices with them, and they have the best customer service I have ever experienced (+ insurance is automatically included in the price). Click here to check out their rental options!

One week in the Netherlands itinerary

Below, I will provide you with a daily itinerary that I recommend for how to spend one week in the Netherlands. Feel free to switch up the days in which you do things based on the weather and places that you would like to prioritize. If you are visiting the Netherlands outside of tulip season, I would highly recommend switching Keukenhof with a trip to Utrecht! While there, make sure to also stop by Kasteel de Haar. This is a day trip that I unfortunately didn’t have time for, but you can always include if you have time!

Before going into the detailed daily guide you will find a quick overview of how I have planned the week. In addition, you will find a Google Maps embedded below with all of the day trips and recommendations in Amsterdam. Feel free to save the map to use in real time during your trip! Just keep in mind that it does not work in offline mode. Lastly, I have also added a few extra spots that I personally haven’t been to yet, but would recommend to anyone interested in more places to see in the Netherlands. 

Pro Tip: I highly recommend purchasing a city card for your days in Amsterdam. While there are two types to choose from, both focus on being a cost-effective way to explore the best of the city. If you want a pass that includes free public transportation and is duration-based, then choose the I Amsterdam City Card. Alternatively, if you have a specific set of attractions you want to see without a duration limit, then I recommend choosing the Go City Amsterdam Pass. 

Read More: 6 best day trips from Amsterdam

• Day 1 – 3: Amsterdam
• Day 4: Keukenhof and Lisse
• Day 5: Giethoorn
• Day 6: Zaanse Schans and Zaandam
• Day 7: Volendam and Marken

Day 1 – Amsterdam (must-see spots)

Early Morning:

For your first day in Amsterdam, I would recommend focusing on getting acquainted with the city. I always like to plan my trips around having the first day to get a feel for the destination and see some of the must-see sights. For this first day, I’ll give you some of the best spots to check out in the city, but I also highly encourage you to get lost exploring all of the beautiful canals in the city center!  

First things first – breakfast! Personally, I loved eating at PANCAKES in Damrak. It’s quite touristy, but the pancakes here are genuinely amazing, and they even have vegan options! If you are more of a savoury breakfast person, then don’t worry – they also make savoury pancake options. Best of all, the location is the perfect sightseeing starting point, and they open early!

Late Morning:

Since you are already in the area, make sure to see the stunning houses in Damrak. This is a really popular photo spot and for good reason. It’s honestly one of my personal favorites! Seeing this area in the morning allows you to enjoy the beauty of the houses without all of the noise. I will say that the best photo spot in my opinion, is from the boat docks right across the buildings. In the early morning, it can be difficult to photograph this as the boats are docked here, but you should be able to find plenty of options to do so later in the day while the boats are out.

Afterward, make your way towards the canals to take a long walk along the iconic Amsterdam canals. For the first day, I recommend focusing your time around “De 9 Straatjes,” which translates to the 9 streets. This is a cozy shopping area that encompasses 9 streets, which include some of the most picturesque canals in the city. Honestly, there is nothing better than simply strolling along the canals in Amsterdam. 

Afternoon:

In the afternoon, make your way to Jordaan. This is considered one of the coziest and most picturesque neighborhoods in Amsterdam. The area is filled with cozy cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. It’s the perfect place to find a bite to eat and spend a few hours browsing around the shops and streets. 

While in the area, I would also highly recommend stopping by the Anne Frank Museum. The history of Anne Frank and how she hid in the Secret Annex with her family is well documented in her diary. The museum is located in the exact same place as the Secret Annex. It was created together with Otto, Anne’s father, and the family’s sole survivor. One thing to note is that this museum is not included in the city passes. You will need to book your tickets in advance as they sell out quickly. Alternatively, you can also consider taking a guided tour that explores the life of Anne Frank and her family by exploring spots around the city. This is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the life of Jews under World War II. 

PS. There are also a bunch of beautiful canals in this area! I recommend taking another walk around the canals in this area, specifically Egelantiersgracht and Brouwersgracht. 

Evening:

For your first evening, I recommend staying in the central area of Amsterdam, as you are already here. Walk back to Damrak, where you can consider taking an evening canal tour. These canal tours are a great way to see the city from the water while getting lots of historical insights and fun facts to get to know the city. After a canal tour, I recommend finding a dinner spot along the Warmoesstraat street, as it’s a fun and lively street in the evenings. If you love Mexican food and great cocktails, then I recommend making a dinner reservation at Fiona! We loved it so much that we came here twice during our stay. It’s a fairly popular dinner spot, so I recommend reserving a spot in advance. Otherwise, they might be able to fit you in the bar area. 

Day 2 – Amsterdam (museums & parks)

Morning:

Now that you have seen some of the most iconic sights in Amsterdam, I recommend focusing the second day of your one week in the Netherlands on learning more about Dutch culture and exploring the largest park in the city. That being said, I’ll still sprinkle in a few tourist spots as they are absolutely worth it! 

For your second day, I recommend starting your morning at a charming coffee spot. De Koffieschenkerij is a stunning coffee shop located in a former church. I recommend wearing an extra layer today, as the courtyard is super cute, so I highly recommend sitting outside. The coffee here is absolutely delicious, and the prices are fair! Since there isn’t a lot of space here, I recommend arriving when they open at 9:00 in the morning. 

This cafe is also located in the infamous Red Light District. Personally, I didn’t love the vibe of this district during the night, so visiting in the morning is perfect. This way, you get to explore the district without the sketchy people and atmosphere. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the Red Light District, then I highly recommend booking a guided tour. You can find some of the best options for a guided tour below. 

Afternoon:

From here, I recommend making your way to Vondelpark. This is the largest park in Amsterdam and a beloved spot by the locals. The best thing to do here is simply to take a stroll along the gardens and enjoy the greenery. If you find a lunch spot on your way, you can also grab some takeaway and have a picnic at the park. This is what we did on a sunny day in Amsterdam, and it was simply perfect. Spend a few lazy hours here simply enjoying the park, then head over to the Rijksmuseum. This is the Netherlands’ museum, and it is filled with 800 years of Dutch history.

The Rijksmuseum is a must for any Amsterdam itinerary, and it’s open daily from 9 to 5. Tickets are a little on the steep side at €25 per person (free for anyone under 18 years old). Entrance is free for anyone with either an I Amsterdam City Card or a Go City Amsterdam Pass card. I recommend planning 2-3 hours here, but it of course depends on how big of a museum fan you are. For one of the most stunning library views, make sure to check out Cuypers Library during your visit. 

If you feel like stopping by another museum, then the Van Gogh Museum and Moco Museum are both located behind the Rijksmuseum. While the Van Gogh Museum requires an extra admission fee, the Moco Museum is included in the I Amsterdam City Pass. 

Evening:

Since you will finish your afternoon in the area of the Rijksmuseum, I recommend exploring this area in the evening. There are several stunning canals to check out on an evening walk. Some of my favorite views are from the Museumbrug bridge and the Spiegelgracht and Reguliersgracht canals. For dinner (and drinks?) I recommend exploring the Leidseplein area. This is a lively area with lots of restaurants and bars, and it is within walking distance from Rijksmuseum. 

Read More: 6 best day trips from Amsterdam

 

Day 3 – Amsterdam (local neighborhoods)

Morning:

For your last full day in Amsterdam, I recommend exploring some of the more local neighborhoods. I will still sprinkle a few tips for some must-see places in between to make sure you have seen the best of Amsterdam! 

Start your morning in the De Pijp neighborhood, a vibrant and beloved area filled with amazing breakfast spots. You will be absolutely spoilt for choice here, but I recommend going to Florentin Brunch for a hearty breakfast – their Shakshuka is a crowd favorite 🤤. It’s open daily from 9 AM and is fairly popular, so make sure to get here early!

After breakfast, take a stroll through Sarphatipark, a smaller but gorgeous park in the city. This is the perfect spot to walk off breakfast!

Afternoon:

From De Pijp, walk toward the city to see the Dancing Houses in Amstel. This is a popular photo spot in Amsterdam and for good reason. The nickname Dancing Houses comes from the fact that the houses have sunk from their original foundation, making them look wobbly and appear as if they are “dancing”. The walk here from De Pijp is fairly short, but I recommend exploring the canals along the way, as you can never get enough of them! Make sure to check out Magere Brug along the route, as it’s quite unique in comparison to the other bridges. 

You can’t go to the Netherlands and not eat a Stroopwafel, so if you haven’t gotten one yet, now is the time! You can find spots selling Stroopwafels all over the city, but for my fellow vegans, I can highly recommend Van Holland Stroopwafels! It’s located just a short walk from the dancing houses, and it’s the perfect sweet treat. 

While in the area, make sure to visit Bloemenmarkt, which is a floating flower market. Although it’s quite touristy, I still think it’s worth at least a quick trip. You likely won’t even realize that you are floating, but instead you can focus on perusing all of the different flowers here! 

Evening: 

For your last evening in Amsterdam, I recommend exploring the Amsterdam Noord neighborhood. As is quite typical in European cities, Amsterdam Noord is an old industrial neighborhood turned artsy and trendy. Getting here requires hopping on a ferry from the central station, but it’s completely free, so no one has any excuses not to explore this area. You will find lots of new buildings with cool architecture, like the A’DAM Lookout. This lookout spot gives you an incredible view over the entire city and beyond!

Another must-see spot here is the NDSM Wharf. This creative hub is filled with street art on the inside and out. There are lots of exhibitions and events happening here that you can check out here. For dinner, I recommend heading to Pllek, located just by NDSM. This industrial building turned trendy restaurant is a local favorite and a great place to eat by the water. The food here is amazing, with chill vibes while enjoying views over Amsterdam. 

Read More: 6 best day trips from Amsterdam

Day 4 – Keukenhof & Lisse

For the rest of your one week in the Netherlands, I highly recommend getting out of Amsterdam and exploring beyond. While I will personally recommend a day trip for each day, feel free to explore the interactive map attached above to explore other day trip options! 

For your first day trip, I highly recommend visiting the magical Keukenhof gardens and the surrounding Lisse area. If you are traveling outside of tulip season, then simply switch this with a day trip to Utrecht and Kasteel de Haar!

Keukenhof Gardens is a breathtaking floral paradise and one of the most famous spring attractions in the Netherlands. Located just outside Amsterdam, it features over seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in vibrant, perfectly landscaped displays. Open only from mid-March to mid-May, it is by far the best place to visit during tulip season!

While the gardens get crowded on a daily basis, this is for good reason. I have personally never been to a prettier garden! We spent nearly 5 hours here and I enjoyed every moment of it. There are also a variety of attractions at Keukenhof Gardens such as the iconic windmill and stunning lakes scattered around the park. Out of all of the day trips from Amsterdam highlighted in this post, Keukenhof Gardens was my favorite. Check out my blog post below for ultimate guide for visiting Keukenhof Gardens!

Read More: How to visit Keukenhof Gardens

On your day trip to Keukenhof plan to spend a few hours cycling around the Bulb Region around Lisse to enjoy all of the tulip gardens! You can find details on how to do this at the end of this post!  

How to get to Keukenhof Gardens and Lisse:

When it comes to visiting Keukenhof Gardens by public transport, I highly recommend using the shuttle services that are offered by Keukenhof Gardens! When booking your ticket online, you have a choice of buying a combi-ticket that includes transport to and from the gardens. The prices for these tickets are typically 36.5 euros (for adults), which includes the transport and entrance fees to the garden.

Day 5 – Giethoorn

Nicknamed “The Venice of the Netherlands”, Giethoorn is a picture-perfect village that is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands in one week. Giethoorn is famous for its charming thatched-roof cottages, wooden bridges, and winding canals instead of roads. This was one of my favorite day trips from Amsterdam and in my opinion is a must-see while spending one week in the Netherlands!

The best way to explore is by whisper boat, canoe, or gondola, gliding through the tranquil waterways while soaking in the stunning scenery. With no cars in the village center, Giethoorn offers a quiet, relaxing escape from city life. Whether you’re enjoying a scenic boat ride, visiting cozy cafés, or strolling along flower-lined paths, this picturesque Dutch gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly unique experience. Check out my blog post below for a full guide on how to visit Giethoorn!

Read More: Day trip to Giethoorn

Pro Tip: Giethoorn has become very popular in the last few years. Therefore, if you plan on visiting, I highly recommend opting for springtime. I have heard that in the summer, there are days with insane traffic jams of boats due to the sheer amount of visitors – so I recommend avoiding coming in peak season!

 

How to get to Giethoorn:

When it comes to visiting Giethoorn by public transport, it’s a little complicated to get here but definitely possible. To get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam Centraal take the train to Zwolle. Once at Zwolle find bus number 70 and get off at Busstop Dominee Hylkemaweg in Giethoorn. The journey takes around 2.5 hours each way and costs around 25 euros (each way). 

Personally, if you don’t want to travel here by car, then I would recommend joining a guided tour! This is actually how we visited and I thought it was perfect! By joining a guided tour, you don’t need to worry about how to get to Giethoorn or where to park. 

Day 6 – Zaanse Schans & Zaandam

Zaanse Schans:

No 7 days in the Netherlands itinerary is complete without a trip to Zaanse Schans. Zaanse Schans is a charming, open-air museum village that feels like stepping back in time to the Dutch Golden Age. Just a short trip from Amsterdam, it’s famous for its historic windmills, wooden houses, and traditional crafts like cheese-making and wooden clog carving. Visitors can explore working windmills, stroll along scenic canals, and learn about Dutch heritage in museums and workshops. The village offers a peaceful escape from the city, with picturesque views and plenty of photo opportunities.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just soaking in the countryside, Zaanse Schans is a must-visit Dutch experience. In my opinion, if you’re only going to take one day trip from Amsterdam – then this needs to be it! For more information about how to visit Zaanse Schans and things to do check out my detailed blog post linked below! 

Read more: Zaanse Schans Windmills: Must-See Day Trip from Amsterdam

Zaandam:

Zaanse Schans is located north of Amsterdam, which means that on the way back to the city, you will pass by a city called Zaandam. Due to their proximity, combining the two is the perfect way to explore them in just one day. Zaandam is a vibrant Dutch city where you can find some seriously impressive architecture, making it a fantastic day trip from Amsterdam. Just a short train ride away, Zaandam is best known for its colorful, stacked-house architecture, especially the striking Inntel Hotel, which looks like a real-life puzzle of traditional Dutch homes.

Honestly, there is not a whole lot to do in Zaandam, so it’s the perfect pit stop on your way back to Amsterdam. I highly recommend planning to spend 1-2 hours here exploring the area near the train station. This is where you can find the most unique architecture you will likely see in all of The Netherlands. Lately, Zaandam has been called the “Lego City” on social media due to its unique structures. I think this is the perfect definition of what to expect and therefore recommend a quick trip here on your visit to The Netherlands. 

Read more: 6 of the best day trips from Amsterdam

How to get to Zaanse Schans and Zaandam:

Zaanse Schans:

From Amsterdam Centraal, you can take the bus number 800 going to Zaanse Schans. The bus stop at the railway station is rather large, but you should be able to find your bus at stop H. After around 22 minutes get off at Zaandam, Zaanse Schans, and you will be right by the entrance to the village. If you prefer taking the train then you can also take the Sprinter going to Uitgeest. Ride the train for 4 stops until you reach the Zaandijk Zaanse Schans stop. From here it’s a 20 minutes walk to Zaanse Schans.

Zaandam:

Since Zaandam is located just 15 minutes away from Amsterdam Centraal, it only makes sense to visit by public transport. From Amsterdam Centraal simply take the Sprinter or Intercity train for 2 stops. After around 12 minutes you will arrive at Zaandam train station. The main architectural area starts just out of the train station so you won’t need to walk far to see the main attractions in Zaandam! 

Day 7 – Volendam & Marken

Volendam:

To end your one week in the Netherlands, I highly recommend taking a trip to some nearby traditional fishing villages. The Netherlands is filled with super charming fishing villages. Two of my personal favorites are Volendam and Marken. Volendam is a charming Dutch fishing village with colorful wooden houses, a lively harbor, and a rich maritime history, making it a perfect day trip from Amsterdam. The heart of the town is its scenic harbor, where fishing boats bob in the water and waterfront cafés serve fresh seafood, including the famous Dutch herring. Strolling along the harbor, you’ll find local shops, traditional bakeries, and museums that showcase Volendam’s unique heritage.

For a taste of local life, wander into Doolhof, the village’s oldest and most picturesque neighborhood. This maze of narrow alleys and quaint houses offers a peaceful escape from the busier waterfront. Here you can find hidden courtyards and charming architecture around every corner. Photographing the Doolhof neighborhood was by far my favorite thing to do in Volendam! 🥺

Marken:

Marken is a unique Dutch village with a rich maritime past, offering a peaceful and picturesque escape from city life. Once an isolated island in the Zuiderzee, Marken retains its traditional fishing village charm. Here you will find quaint wooden houses, winding footpaths, and a serene waterfront setting. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, it feels like a world of its own, where time moves slower and history is woven into every street. It can be accessed by a ferry straight from Volendam harbor, which is why it’s perfect to combine these two spots in one day!

A highlight of any visit is Marken’s historic harbor, where you can watch boats come and go while enjoying fresh seafood at a cozy café. My favorite part of visiting Marken was strolling through the side streets. Along the way, I stumbled across horses and sheep, and many picturesque spots! Another fun thing to do in Marken is to admire the locals’ gardens (from a distance of course). Several gardens here featured a variety of fun statues that made it all the more charming 🥰. 

For more information on how to visit Volendam and Marken and things to do check out my blog post below!

Read More: Volendam & Marken – day trip from Amsterdam

How to get to Volendam and Marken:

To get to Volendam you need to get to Amsterdam Noord which is easily accessible with the city metro (line 52). You will find several bus platforms outside of the metro station. Simply look for line 110 to Volendam-Edam which departs roughly every 30 minutes. It takes just around 20 minutes to reach the city center of Volendam and I recommend getting off at “Julianaweg-Centrum”.

When it comes to visiting Marken from Volendam, I recommend taking the local ferry. This is a great way to enjoy the views of both villages as well as a nice breeze. The Volendam Marken Express sails daily with the first ferry departing from Volendam at 11:00, and the last ferry coming back from Marken at 17:30. A return trip costs €16 per person and if you want to bring a bike with you it costs another €4 return.

If you want to learn more about the history behind these villages, then I highly recommend considering joining a guided tour! 

That concludes my guide for how to spend one week in the Netherlands! This guide is mostly geared towards first-time visitors. I have personally geared the day trips towards giving visitors a mix of cities, villages, and nature to experience a bit of all the incredible destinations the Netherlands has to offer. As I have already mentioned, there are still so many more places to explore in the Netherlands. I am already looking at planning another trip to explore more of this country, and hopefully, one week in the Netherlands will only make you want to explore more as well! If you have any questions, then let me know below!

This post was all about how to spend one week in the Netherlands – the ultimate 7 day itinerary.