Things To Do
in Purmerend

A Dutch classic—usually eaten by hand with onions; available from market stalls and fish vendors in town. Try it at the market for an authentic quick snack.

Must-Try!

Cheese from the North Holland region is excellent—visit market stalls or specialty shops to sample Gouda-style and other local cheeses.

Deep-fried savory meat croquettes served as a bar snack in brown cafés and pubs—great with mustard and a beer.

Mini fluffy pancakes (poffertjes) and syrup waffles (stroopwafels) are common at markets and cafés; perfect for a sweet treat while exploring.

Held in the central square—stalls sell fresh produce, cheeses, fish, breads and ready-to-eat snacks; best days are typically Wednesday and Saturday.

Look for pop-up food stalls near the canals during events and weekends offering regional specialties, baked goods and street snacks.

Dutch people are typically direct and value honesty—don’t be surprised by straightforward conversation.

Being on time is important for appointments and meetups; lateness is considered impolite.

Always be mindful of cycling lanes and give priority to cyclists; avoid standing in bike lanes and look both ways before crossing.

A brief handshake or a simple 'hallo' is common when meeting; use please (alstublieft/alsjeblieft) and thank you (dank je wel/dank u) appropriately.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service in restaurants. For small services (cafés, bars) rounding up is common.

Debit cards (Maestro/Visa debit), contactless cards and mobile payments are widely accepted; many places prefer card over cash. iDEAL is common for Dutch online payments.

Mild temperatures and blooming fields make spring excellent for cycling and flower photos; occasional showers are common—bring a light rain jacket.

Warm but rarely very hot; long daylight hours favor outdoor dining, boating and extended bike rides—expect more tourists and crowded cafés on sunny weekends.

Cooler, with colorful foliage in parks and woodlands; good for walks and fewer crowds but more frequent wind and rain.

Generally mild and damp with short daylight hours; canals occasionally freeze during cold spells—if frozen, you may see local skating activity, but reliable ice is rare.

Short wooded paths suitable for easy hikes, seasonal birdwatching and family walks close to town.

Flat, open routes across the polder with dikes and farm landscapes—excellent for long, low-effort walks and photography.

Wetland and marsh paths with boardwalks in spots—ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers; expect muddy sections after rain.

Large park with varied trails, water activities and picnic spots; offers longer hikes and mixed terrain within a short drive.

Purmerend is attractive to families due to schools, parks and a quieter suburban lifestyle; many residents commute to Amsterdam for work.

A significant proportion of the population commutes to Amsterdam and other nearby cities for employment, creating a daily rhythm of travel.

There is a growing number of international residents and expatriates, attracted by proximity to Amsterdam and relatively affordable housing.

Established communities and long-term inhabitants contribute to a stable local culture and active community clubs.

The most popular sport across the Netherlands—local amateur clubs are active and community-focused.

Widely played in the region with local clubs and youth programs.

Both a practical transport mode and a popular recreational sport; many residents cycle daily and regional routes attract enthusiasts.

Traditional Dutch pastime when natural ice conditions allow; speed skating is especially popular during cold winters.