Things To Do
in Noordwijk
Noordwijk is a coastal town in South Holland known for its long sandy beaches, expansive dunes and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. It sits in the heart of the Bollenstreek (bulb region), making it a prime base for spring tulip-field drives and countryside cycling. The town blends traditional Dutch seaside life with international science presence — the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC/ESA) is nearby.
Noordwijk is family-friendly, popular with day-trippers from Amsterdam and The Hague, and offers easy access to nearby cultural hubs like Leiden and Haarlem.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing stroll along the pristine beaches of Noordwijk, feeling the soft sand beneath your feet. Enjoy the cool sea breeze as you grab a coffee from a nearby beach café, watching the waves roll in. Early morning yoga on the beach can help you connect with nature and set a positive tone for the day.
After lunch, spend time relaxing on the beach or engaging in water sports like paddleboarding or windsurfing. Visit the nearby shops to explore local artisanal products and souvenirs. As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot at one of the beach clubs to savor a drink while enjoying the stunning sea views.
As night falls, indulge in a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant, sampling fresh catches from the North Sea. Take a leisurely walk along the illuminated promenade, soaking in the atmosphere and sounds of the ocean. End your day with an ice cream cone while watching the stars over the water.
Begin your day with a visit to the Noordwijk Museum, where you can discover the rich history and culture of this charming coastal town. Spend time exploring the exhibits, which showcase local artifacts, art, and maritime history. Enjoy a light breakfast at the museum’s café afterwards, fueling up for the day ahead.
In the afternoon, head to the iconic Lighthouse of Noordwijk for panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding landscapes. Embrace the opportunity to snap stunning photographs and learn about the lighthouse's fascinating history. Afterward, visit a nearby local artisan market to enjoy handmade crafts and treats.
For dinner, try a traditional Dutch dish at one of the quaint restaurants in town, experiencing local flavors and hospitality. Afterwards, immerse yourself in a cultural event or concert happening nearby, connecting with the local community. Wrap up your evening with a leisurely stroll through the scenic town center filled with charming buildings and twinkling lights.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-5 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🍺Beer (pint at a bar) | $4-7 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful wide beaches and coastal dunes ideal for relaxation and photography
- Close to Keukenhof and bulb fields for spectacular spring colors
- Family-friendly with a relaxed seaside atmosphere and accessible outdoor activities
- Good base for day trips to Leiden, The Hague and Amsterdam
- Unique attraction: ESA/Space Expo nearby
- Can be crowded and more expensive in peak summer and spring seasons
- Limited train connections—no local train station, so buses or cars are needed
- Some restaurants and services reduce hours outside the tourist season
- Windy coastal weather can be unpredictable
- "Hallo / Goedemorgen" - Hello / Good morning
- "Dank u wel / Dank je" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Waar is het strand?" - Where is the beach?
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Noordwijk
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide sandy shorelines, colorful beach huts in summer and dramatic skies at sunset—ideal for golden-hour shots and long exposures.
A classic coastal landmark; photograph from the beach or the promenade for a classic maritime frame.
Rolling dunes, grasses and wildflowers create textured landscapes and natural frames, especially in soft morning light.
In spring the tulip and bulb fields explode with color—best captured with low-angle shots and a wide aperture to emphasize rows of flowers.
Modern architecture and space-related exhibits offer unique, slightly industrial photographic subjects—good for daytime visits.
Food in Noordwijk
Noordwijk Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Dutch classic usually eaten from the tail; available at fish stalls along the boulevard and in markets.
Must-Try!
Battered and fried chunks of white fish served with garlic or tartar sauce—perfect from seaside snack stalls.
Often on menus in autumn and winter; typically served steamed with broth and fries in local seafood restaurants.
Sweet treats—small fluffy pancakes and caramel-waffle cookies—found at markets, kiosks and cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small town market (commonly midweek and/or Saturday) with fresh produce, cheese stalls, fish vendors and street-food snacks—ideal for sampling local flavors.
Seasonal kiosks along the boulevard selling herring, kibbeling and other quick seafood bites—great for casual takeaway near the sea.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
The Dutch value directness and personal space—keep a polite distance and be straightforward but courteous in conversation.
Being on time for appointments and tours is important; public schedules are reliable and locals expect punctuality.
Bikes have right of way on many paths—look both ways and stay out of bike lanes; always check for cyclists when opening car doors or crossing streets.
When visiting some homes, hosts may ask guests to remove shoes; follow the host’s lead.
Safety
Tipping in Noordwijk
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is generally included in Dutch prices, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated. At cafés and fast-food spots just round up or leave small change; tipping taxi drivers a euro or two for short rides is common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Peak season for tulip and bulb-field viewing; mild temperatures and frequent sunny days interspersed with showers. Expect larger visitor numbers at Keukenhof and along scenic cycling routes.
Warmest and busiest time—long beach days, lively beach clubs and festivals. Bring sun protection; book accommodation ahead for popular weekends.
Crisp weather, quieter beaches and dramatic storms that are great for storm-watching and photography. Cooler sea breezes make dune walks refreshing.
Chilly and windy with fewer tourists—peaceful beaches and good deals on lodging. Some restaurants and beach clubs may have reduced hours; bundled clothing recommended.
Noordwijk at Night
Hiking in Noordwijk
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of dune paths directly behind the beach offering varied loops, flora, birdwatching spots and sea views—trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderate.
A short drive north; extensive dune landscapes, forest patches and marked routes for longer hikes and wildlife spotting.
While primarily cycled, many walking sections weave between bulb fields and small villages—spectacular in spring for colorful landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Noordwijk by plane.
The largest international airport in the Netherlands, about 35–45 minutes by car or 40–60 minutes by public transport depending on connections—most international flights arrive here.
Smaller international airport located roughly 30–50 minutes by car; good for some European connections and is closer to the south of the region.
Furthest of the three (about 1.5–2 hours by car); serves many low-cost carriers and can be an alternative for budget flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents including families and retirees who enjoy seaside living and small-town amenities.
Day-trippers and holidaymakers from the Netherlands and abroad, especially in spring and summer for beaches and tulips.
Personnel connected to ESA/ESTEC and related tech organizations who add an international presence to the community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing are popular due to the coastal location; clubs and schools offer lessons and equipment hire.
Cycling is ubiquitous—both recreational routes through the bulb fields and commuting by bike are standard Dutch activities.
Seasonal beach volleyball courts and informal games are common in summer along the shoreline.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Noordwijk.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and restaurants (salads, cheese dishes, egg-based mains). Many places clearly mark vegetarian dishes; larger menus often include vegetarian plates.
Vegan choices are growing but can be limited in small seaside venues—look for dedicated vegan cafés in nearby Leiden/Haarlem or ask restaurants to adapt salads and grain bowls.
Gluten-free requests are generally accommodated; bakery choices are smaller, so ask restaurants about gluten-free bread or alternatives.
Seafood is common—always mention allergies when ordering and choose land-based dishes if unsure.