Things to do in Monnickendam and Waterland
Monnickendam is a historic harbour town on the Gouwzee, with a compact centre and the open Waterland countryside right on its doorstep. That makes it easy to fill a day without travelling far: a stroll through the old town, a trip out on the water, a bike ride across the polder, or simply time spent around the harbour.
Monnickendam is also a natural starting point for Marken, Volendam and Edam. This page therefore starts close to home: first what there is to do in Monnickendam itself, then what you can do straight from town, and only after that the trips further into the region.
What is there to do in Monnickendam?
In Monnickendam you can explore the protected historic centre, walk past the Speeltoren, the Grote Kerk and the harbour, head out on the Gouwzee by boat and cycle through Waterland. A guided town walk is possible too. With children, the Waterlands Museum de Speeltoren, the indoor swimming pool and the harbour are practical options. Around the Middendam and the harbour you will also find a number of cafés and restaurants.
Mainly curious which historic sights you pass along the way? Have a look at our page on the sights of Monnickendam.
Out on the water: the Gouwzee
Water is part of everyday life in Monnickendam. From the harbour you reach the Gouwzee and, beyond it, the Markermeer, which makes a boat trip an obvious thing to do during a stay here.
Guests of Stay@Gouwzee can head out from Monnickendam on our sloop, the Black Pearl. Current information and availability are on the separate boat rental page.
If you would rather sail with a skipper, you can also look at what the Zeilvloot Monnickendam offers. They organise trips on historic sailing ships; availability, route and duration vary from trip to trip.
For a completely different experience on the water, you can head to Broek in Waterland. Electric 'whisper boats' can be hired there, letting you glide quietly through narrow waterways and peat meadow landscape. It is far more intimate than the open Gouwzee, and a very different way to see Waterland from the water.
Cycling through Waterland
Monnickendam is a good base for a bike ride through Waterland. The landscape is flat and defined by dikes, meadows, ditches and historic villages.
From Monnickendam you can cycle towards Marken, Volendam, Katwoude, Broek in Waterland and Edam, among others. How long a ride takes depends very much on the route you choose, the wind and your own pace.
The Laag Holland cycle node network is a useful tool. It lets you put together your own route and decide along the way whether to extend or shorten your ride.
Renting a bike
There are several places in and around Monnickendam where you can rent bikes. Guests of Stay@Gouwzee also benefit from an existing arrangement with Rent & Event: they can get a 10% discount on the rental. Details of the discount are provided through Stay@Gouwzee and are not published on the website.
Always check availability with the rental company in advance, especially in busy periods.
Combining bike and boat
A nice combination is to cycle to Volendam and cross to Marken with the Marken Express, or to do the route the other way round. The Marken Express sails between Volendam and Marken and takes bicycles on board. Check the current sailing times, fares and conditions beforehand, as these can change with the season.
Walking and the historic town walk
The historic centre of Monnickendam is compact and easy to explore on foot. A walk takes you past the Speeltoren, the Grote Kerk, the old town hall, the Middendam and the harbour.
From May to August a free town walk is offered on Friday evenings at 7.30 pm, starting at the Speeltoren. Do check in advance whether the walk goes ahead that evening.
Outside the centre you can walk further into Waterland, along dikes and past meadows. The Zuiderzeepad, a long-distance walking route following the former Zuiderzee coast, also passes through the region. You certainly do not need to walk a full stage: even a short section gives a good sense of the landscape around Monnickendam.
Out and about with children
In Monnickendam
Waterlands Museum de Speeltoren has a junior section aimed specifically at children. Opening hours can change, so it is worth checking them before you go.
When the weather disappoints, the indoor Sportfondsenbad Monnickendam is a practical alternative. And there is plenty to see without paying admission at all: for many children the harbour, the boats and the moving bridges are an activity in themselves.
In the surrounding area
In Katwoude you can visit a cheese farm and see more of how cheese is made and tasted. Het Twiske recreation area is also a short distance from Waterland, with walking and cycle paths and, in the swimming season, swimming at Doesstrand. Always check the current water quality before swimming.
Day trips from Monnickendam
Marken
Marken lies on the other side of the Gouwzee and is connected to the mainland by a causeway. The village is known for its wooden houses, its harbour and its striking setting by the water. From Monnickendam, Marken is a natural destination for a bike ride or half a day out.
Volendam
Volendam is busier and more touristy than Monnickendam, with its well-known waterfront and harbour. It combines well with a bike ride from Monnickendam and, if you like, with the boat connection to Marken.
Edam
Like Monnickendam, Edam has a compact historic centre with canals and bridges. In summer a traditional cheese market takes place there. Dates and times differ from season to season, so always check the current programme in advance.
Zaanse Schans
The Zaanse Schans is a little further away and works best as a separate day trip. You will find historic wooden houses, windmills and traditional crafts. From Monnickendam this is an outing by car or public transport rather than a quick activity in between.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is easy to reach from Monnickendam for a day in the city. If you would like to know more, have a look at our separate page about staying near Amsterdam.
Prefer an organised excursion? Then see our page with tours and excursions.
Staying near AmsterdamTours and excursions from Monnickendam
What can you do in each season?
Spring and summer
Spring and summer are best for cycling, walking and boating. The free Friday evening town walk also runs in the months from May to August. When it is warm, swimming in the area can be an option.
Autumn and winter
In autumn and winter Waterland is quieter, which makes it well suited to a short walk through the open landscape. For indoor activities, think of the museum or the indoor swimming pool.
If there is enough natural ice, the Gouwzeetocht skating tour may be organised. That only happens in suitable winter conditions and is emphatically not an annual event.
When it rains
On a rainy day you can choose Waterlands Museum de Speeltoren, the swimming pool or a visit to a cheese farm nearby. A longer lunch or a coffee in the centre is of course also a fine way to sit out a wet part of the day.
A day in Monnickendam
There is no need for a fixed route. You might start in the historic centre and at the Speeltoren, then walk past the Grote Kerk and the old town hall and stop somewhere for coffee or lunch.
In the afternoon, choose between cycling and the water. Ride towards Katwoude or Marken, for example, or head out onto the Gouwzee. At the end of the day you come back to the harbour and the centre for a drink or dinner.
For more inspiration, see our pages on sights, restaurants, boat rental and frequently asked questions.
Sights in MonnickendamRestaurants and cafésBoat rental in MonnickendamFrequently asked questions
More activities and tours
- Tours and excursionsOrganised outings from Monnickendam and Waterland
- Sights in MonnickendamSpeeltoren, Grote Kerk, the Waag, the old town hall and the harbour
- Restaurants and cafésEating and drinking around the Middendam and the harbour
- Boat rentalOut on the Gouwzee with our sloop, the Black Pearl
- Staying in MonnickendamWhy sleeping in town itself is more comfortable
- The Stay@Gouwzee apartmentOn the Middendam, opposite the Speeltoren
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Monnickendam
- What is there to do in Monnickendam?
- You can walk through the historic centre, see the Speeltoren and the Grote Kerk, visit the harbour, head out on the Gouwzee by boat and cycle through Waterland. There are also town walks, cafés and restaurants, and activities for children.
- What can you do with children in Monnickendam?
- Waterlands Museum de Speeltoren has a junior section, and the indoor Sportfondsenbad is an option in bad weather. The harbour is enjoyable to explore together as well. Nearby you can visit a cheese farm or head to Het Twiske recreation area.
- Can you rent bikes in Monnickendam?
- Yes. There are several rental options in and around Monnickendam. Guests of Stay@Gouwzee can also get a 10% discount at Rent & Event. Information about that discount is available through Stay@Gouwzee.
- Can you go out on the water from Monnickendam?
- Yes. From Monnickendam you can head out onto the Gouwzee. Guests of Stay@Gouwzee can use the Black Pearl. There are also options to sail with a skipper or to hire a whisper boat elsewhere in Waterland.
- What free activities are there in Monnickendam?
- A walk through the historic centre and along the harbour costs nothing. From May to August a free town walk is also offered on Friday evenings at 7.30 pm, starting at the Speeltoren. Walking and cycling through Waterland are free too if you have your own bike.
- Which places can you visit from Monnickendam?
- Marken, Volendam, Katwoude, Broek in Waterland and Edam are natural trips in the area. For a bigger day out you can also head to the Zaanse Schans or Amsterdam.
- What can you do in Monnickendam when it rains?
- On a rainy day you can visit Waterlands Museum de Speeltoren or the indoor Sportfondsenbad. A cheese farm nearby or a longer lunch in the centre are good alternatives to outdoor activities as well.
