Things To Do
in Beverwijk

Beverwijk sits along the North Sea coast just northwest of Amsterdam, blending a lively town center with easy access to dunes and beaches. It is renowned for the Beverwijk Bazaar, a sprawling weekend market where you can find diverse goods and tasty street foods. The compact city center features quaint Dutch streets, cozy cafés, and convenient links to Haarlem, Amsterdam, and the coast.

With strong rail and road connections, Beverwijk serves as a convenient base for day trips and coastal explorations.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Dutch pastries and coffee. After breakfast, stroll through the charming streets of Beverwijk, taking in the historical architecture and quaint shops. Don't forget to visit the St. Agatha Church, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture that dominates the town's skyline.

afternoon
:

For lunch, enjoy a meal at one of the bustling eateries in the center, where you can taste local specialties. Spend the afternoon exploring the Beverwijkse Bazaar, one of the largest indoor markets in Europe, filled with an eclectic mix of shops and stalls. Discover unique souvenirs and sample delicious international cuisine as you wander through the vibrant market.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant for dinner and indulge in traditional Dutch dishes, perhaps trying 'stamppot' or fresh herring. After dinner, take a peaceful walk along the canals, enjoying the serene atmosphere and beautiful reflections of the buildings. Conclude your day with a nightcap at a local bar, mingling with locals and soaking up the warm ambiance.

day 2
Beach and Water Sports
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, then head towards the nearby beach at Wijk aan Zee, just a short drive from Beverwijk. Spend your morning soaking up the sun, building sandcastles, or taking a refreshing swim in the North Sea. For the adventurous, rent a surfboard or try your hand at kite surfing with a local instructor.

afternoon
:

After a morning of fun, grab a light lunch at one of the beachside cafes, enjoying fresh seafood while listening to the sound of the waves. In the afternoon, rent a bike and explore the scenic coastal paths, discovering hidden coves and picturesque views along the way. Alternatively, join a guided kayaking tour to experience the beauty of the coastline from the water.

evening
:

As the day winds down, enjoy a beachside barbecue, where you can grill fresh fish and vegetables while watching the sunset over the horizon. After your meal, relax by the bonfire with friends, sharing stories and laughter as the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky. End your evening with a casual stroll along the beach, feeling the cool breeze and listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🚆Public transport (single ride)$2-4
🏨Budget hotel room per night$70-120
🎟️Museum/attraction ticket$8-18

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact town with easy access to dunes and coast
  • Excellent market culture with diverse foods
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Can be busy during market days and weekends
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Dank u wel" - Thank you
  • "Waar is de metro/trein?" - Where is the subway/train?
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Alstublieft" - Please
  • "Ik begrijp het niet" - I don’t understand

Places to Visit in Beverwijk

Visit one of these nice places.

Beverwijk Bazaar Entrance

Colorful market entrances with vibrant stalls and canopy patterns that create dynamic photo opportunities.

Wijk aan Zee Beach and Dunes

Wide sandy beaches, wind-swept dunes, and dramatic sea horizons, ideal for sunrise or golden-hour shots.

Noordzeekanaal Vista near IJmuiden

Industrial waterfront views with ships, bridges, and reflections along the canal.

Kennemerduinen National Park viewpoints

Dune landscapes with protected flora and rolling ridges, perfect for nature photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Beverwijk

Beverwijk offers Dutch cuisine with regional coastal influences and multicultural options thanks to its market and diverse community. Expect hearty breakfasts, traditional Dutch staples, and fresh seafood along the coast.

Beverwijk Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Stamppot

A traditional potato-and-vegetable mash often served with sausage, commonly found in Dutch eateries around Beverwijk.

Must-Try!

Haring (Dutch herring)

Raw herring typically enjoyed with onions, a seaside staple you can encounter at market stalls.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Beverwijk Bazaar

A sprawling weekend market with a mix of snacks, street foods, and international goods.

Climate Guide

Weather

Beverwijk has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rain is common year-round, and coastal winds can be strong. Summer average highs are around 20-23°C; winter temps typically 1-6°C, with occasional snow. Spring and autumn bring variable weather but pleasant outdoor opportunities, especially near the dunes and coast.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A handshake is common when meeting; maintain polite, direct conversation.

Queueing

Always queue and wait your turn; Dutch culture values order and punctuality.

Safety Guide

Safety

Beverwijk is generally safe for travelers. Stay mindful of belongings in crowded markets; traffic can be busy near the coast and market hours. Use official taxi services or rideshare apps and know emergency numbers (112 for emergencies).

Tipping in Beverwijk

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is discretionary; rounding up bills or leaving 5-10% in restaurants for good service is common.

Payment Methods

Cards are widely accepted; contactless payments common; cash is accepted but less common in small shops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming flowers in the dunes; bring light layers and an umbrella for showers.

Summer

Warm days and long daylight hours; ideal for beach walks and outdoor markets.

Autumn

Cooling temperatures and changing leaves; quieter beaches and markets, great for moody skies.

Winter

Cool to cold weather with possible rain; coastal winds, shorter daylight, and cozy indoor spots.

Nightlife Guide

Beverwijk at Night

Beverwijk's nightlife is low-key and centered around cozy pubs, cafés, and market-side terraces. For more options, Haarlem and Amsterdam offer a broader range of bars, live music venues, and clubs, typically with late-night options on weekends.

Hiking in Beverwijk

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland

Coastal dunes, forested trails, and sea views just a short drive from Beverwijk.

Dune routes near Wijk aan Zee

Scenic coastal trails along the dunes with sea horizons.

Airports

How to reach Beverwijk by plane.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Primary international gateway; easy rail or road access to Beverwijk via train to Haarlem or Amsterdam.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)

Smaller international airport; useful for regional travel and connections, reachable by rail and road.

Getting Around

Walkability

Beverwijk is walkable in its compact center, with most attractions, markets, and cafés easily reachable on foot. Some longer trips to the coast or dunes are best done by bike or public transport. The surrounding towns and dunes are bike-friendly with signposted routes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Dutch residents

Main population group in Beverwijk, with diverse backgrounds including a small but active immigrant community.

Expats and students

Some international residents and students due to proximity to Amsterdam and Haarlem.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The Netherlands' favorite sport, widely played and watched in Beverwijk and surrounding towns.

Speed Skating

Popular in winter; nearby facilities and rinks support the sport.

Transportation

Traffic

Bevrijk has regular bus and rail connections. The North Sea coast roads can be busy in summer and market days; cycling is popular, and bike lanes are common in town and along the coast. Trains connect Beverwijk to Haarlem, Amsterdam, and beyond with frequent schedules.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Beverwijk.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in Beverwijk; ask for veggie versions of Dutch staples and look for markets with fresh produce.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

The Netherlands has high-quality healthcare. Travelers can use travel insurance or local healthcare facilities; for urgent care go to a hospital or use the general practitioner system. In Beverwijk, there are clinics and hospitals in nearby Haarlem and Alkmaar if specialized care is needed. 24/7 emergency services are via 112.

Discover Netherlands

Read more in our Netherlands 2025 Travel Guide.

Netherlands Travel Guide