Things To Do
in IJmuiden
IJmuiden is a maritime town on the Dutch coast known for its working harbor, wide sandy beaches, and expansive dune landscapes. It pairs industrial heritage with family-friendly seaside attractions and fresh seafood straight from the North Sea. The town serves as a gateway to the Kennemerduinen and other nature reserves, making it ideal for beach days and easy coastal hikes.
Visitors enjoy a relaxed pace, ocean views, and accessible day trips to Haarlem and Amsterdam.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by enjoying a leisurely breakfast at one of the charming cafés in the historic center of IJmuiden. Afterward, visit the impressive St. Bavo Church, where you can admire its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. Stroll through the quaint streets, taking in the local shops and learning about the town's rich history.
In the afternoon, head to the local museum to delve deeper into IJmuiden's maritime history and the significance of its fishing industry. Enjoy a hearty lunch at a nearby seafood restaurant, where you can savor fresh catch from the North Sea. After your meal, take a walk along the waterfront, marveling at the views of the harbor and the impressive ships docked there.
As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot at a waterfront bar to sip on a local beer or a glass of wine. Consider dining at a restaurant specializing in Dutch cuisine, where you can try traditional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Cap off the evening with a leisurely stroll along the beach, enjoying the sound of the waves and the cool evening breeze.
Begin your day at the beach, where you can take a refreshing morning swim or simply relax on the sand while enjoying the sounds of the sea. After your swim, join a beach yoga class to rejuvenate your body and mind in the serene coastal environment. Spend some time walking along the shoreline, collecting seashells and taking in the stunning coastal views.
In the early afternoon, participate in thrilling water sports such as windsurfing or kitesurfing, with lessons available for beginners. After an exhilarating session, refuel with a beachside lunch at one of the casual eateries offering fresh seafood and light bites. Take a moment to enjoy the sun and perhaps read a book while lounging on the beach.
As evening approaches, enjoy a sunset cruise along the coast, providing breathtaking views of the horizon and the changing colors of the sky. After the cruise, return to the beach for a beach bonfire, where you can roast marshmallows and share stories with fellow travelers. Wrap up the day with a quiet walk along the water, reflecting on the adventures you’ve had.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $3-5 |
| 🥪Lunch sandwich | $6-9 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel room per night | $60-110 |
| 🚆Train ticket (local/short trip) | $5-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Accessible coastal scenery with easy day trips to Haarlem and Amsterdam
- Fresh seafood and harborside dining with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Weather can be breezy and unpredictable on coastal days
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Kunt u mij helpen?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in IJmuiden
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic lighthouse with dramatic sea and horizon views; great for long-exposure shots at sunrise or sunset.
Expansive sandy dunes and windswept beachscapes ideal for landscape photography and golden-hour silhouettes.
Fishing boats, cranes, and harbor lights create dynamic compositions, especially with reflections on calm water.
Boardwalk along the coast with sea panoramas and people-watching perspectives; good for lifestyle photography.
Food in IJmuiden
IJmuiden Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Battered cod fillets fried to crispy perfection, served with garlic sauce or tartar sauce—common at fish stalls and harborside eateries.
Must-Try!
Raw herring eaten with onions and pickles, a classic seaside snack often enjoyed from a street stand or market stall.
Shrimp prepared in various styles (often peeled and served as a fresh coastal dish or in a simple salad).
Steamed mussels in a light broth, frequently enjoyed in seafood restaurants near the harbor.
A comforting fish soup that highlights the day’s catch, commonly found in harbor cafés and bistros.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market by the water with fresh seafood stalls, fried fish snacks, and local produce—great for sampling coastal bites.
Casual stalls along the promenade offering fries, kroket, frikandel, and other Dutch street foods with ocean views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple handshake is common when meeting someone; use polite forms like 'u' for strangers, especially in formal contexts.
Dutch communication tends to be straightforward; be clear and respectful in conversations.
Yield to pedestrians on shared paths; ride on the right and use bells when approaching others; many locals bike to and from the harbor and beaches.
Queue calmly and patiently; keep personal space in public areas, especially near popular spots.
Safety
Tipping in IJmuiden
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in sit-down restaurants. In casual cafés or snack stands, tipping is less expected but welcome for excellent service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Cash is accepted but less frequently used in some places. For online or in-store purchases, iDEAL is popular in the Netherlands.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming dunes, and migratory birds. Great for nature walks and early-season beach strolls.
Warm days and long daylight hours; ideal for beach activities, picnics, and outdoor dining along the harbor.
Cooling temperatures with brisk winds and changing skies; good for misty coastal photography and quieter coastal walks.
Cool to cold with windy conditions; some beach facilities close, but dramatic sea views and stormy skies offer unique photography opportunities.
IJmuiden at Night
Hiking in IJmuiden
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive network of biking and hiking trails through dunes and pine forests with Atlantic views; excellent for birdwatching and nature photography.
Coastal trails along the sandy stretch near Zandvoort, combining sea views with dune landscapes.
Gentle to moderate hikes and easy day trips through nearby green spaces and nature reserves.
Airports
How to reach IJmuiden by plane.
Main international gateway to the region; frequent rail and road connections to IJmuiden and the wider Netherlands.
Smaller international airport offering regional and low-cost flights; a longer drive to the IJmuiden area.
Nearby regional airport with limited schedule; useful for some connections and general accessibility.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding residents who work in fishing, port services, and tourism; a tight-knit coastal community with strong ties to the sea.
Many families visit for beach days and dune excursions, attracted by the safe shoreline and parks.
Visitors drawn to the coast, nature reserves, and easy day trips to larger cities; some international residents in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely practiced along the coast seeking windy days and open water.
Common in the harbor area with practical access to the North Sea and sheltered water nearby.
A popular way to explore dunes and coastline; bike paths connect dunes, beach towns, and Haarlem.
A common pastime among locals; many teams and community facilities in the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting IJmuiden.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in most restaurants; look for salads, soups, and vegetarian versions of classic Dutch dishes. Many places can adapt dishes upon request; consider asking for simple vegetable plates or cheese-based options.