Things To Do
in Weesp

Weesp is a small, historic town in North Holland, nestled on the Vecht river just southeast of Amsterdam. Its compact center is lined with charming gabled houses, timber-framed façades, and quiet canals that invite relaxed strolls. The town has a laid-back atmosphere, making it a perfect base for day trips to Amsterdam, Utrecht, and the countryside.

With easy bike-friendly streets and waterfront views, Weesp blends heritage with easy access to the region's outdoor and cultural attractions.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Canals
morning
:

Begin your day with a leisurely stroll along the charming canals of Weesp. The early morning light reflects beautifully on the water, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for photography. Stop by a local bakery and enjoy a fresh pastry while soaking in the serene surroundings.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, take a guided boat tour to explore the scenic waterways of Weesp from a different perspective. Learn about the history and architecture of the town as you glide past picturesque houses and gardens. After the tour, find a cozy café for lunch and sample some local delicacies.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a riverside restaurant for dinner with a view. Enjoy traditional Dutch dishes and perhaps a local beer while the vibrant hues of sunset paint the sky. After your meal, take a peaceful evening walk along the canals, feeling the warmth of the atmosphere.

day 2
Visiting Weesp's Historical Sites
morning
:

Start your day at the Weesp's old city center, where you can wander through narrow streets lined with historical buildings. Visit the iconic Weesp City Hall with its striking architecture and enjoy the morning quietude of this charming neighborhood. Grab a coffee from a local café to fuel your exploration.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head over to the Fort at Uitermeer, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can learn about the region's history. Take a guided tour of the fortifications and admire the surrounding landscapes. Spend some time near the fort's park, enjoying the greenery and fresh air.

evening
:

Conclude your day with a visit to one of Weesp’s quaint pubs or wine bars. Engage with the locals and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while tasting unique beers or wines. This evening, savor the afterglow of the day’s adventures and perhaps catch some live music.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🛏️Budget hotel room (per night)$70-120
Coffee$3-5
🥗Lunch in cafe$10-15
🧀Local cheese or pastry$5-12

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable town with canal scenery
  • Beautiful riverside setting near Amsterdam
  • Easy day trips to cities and countryside
  • Limited large-city nightlife
  • Smaller selection of big-brand services compared to Amsterdam
  • "Dank u wel" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Waar is het treinstation?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Ik heb een reservering" - I have a reservation

Places to Visit in Weesp

Visit one of these nice places.

Vecht Canal Promenade

Picturesque canal lined with gabled houses and quiet activity along the water.

Weesp Town Gate and Gabled Houses

Medieval-style gate and ivy-draped façades create classic Dutch postcard scenes.

Lock and Dam at Weesp

Functional locks with reflections on the water and seasonal boat traffic for dynamic photos.

Market Square at Sunset

Colorful facades and lively street life glow during golden hour.

Culinary Guide

Food in Weesp

Weesp offers classic Dutch flavors with canal-side dining, market-fresh produce, and welcoming cafes. Expect fish fries, cheese tastings, and sweet treats paired with strong coffee.

Weesp Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Haring

Raw herring typically eaten with onions; found at fish stalls near the market.

Must-Try!

Poffertjes

Fluffy mini pancakes dusted with powdered sugar; a market favorite.

Stroopwafel

Caramel-filled waffle; perfect with a hot cup of coffee.

Stamppot

Hearty mashed potatoes with vegetables and sausage; a traditional Dutch comfort dish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weesp Market

Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses, fish, baked goods, and ready-to-eat snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Weesp has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rain is common year-round, so bring a light rain jacket and layering options for changes in weather.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time is valued; queue calmly and speak politely in public spaces.

Cycling rules

Stay to the right on bike paths; signal turns and give pedestrians space; bells are helpful.

Language courtesy

A basic greeting in Dutch is appreciated, but English is widely spoken.

Safety Guide

Safety

Weesp is generally very safe for visitors. Practice standard water edge safety around canals, keep valuables secure, and use licensed taxis or public transport at night.

Tipping in Weesp

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charges are usually included; rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is common but not mandatory.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days with pleasant temperatures; bring sun protection and water; outdoor cafes and canal life thrive.

Autumn

Cooler weather with colorful foliage; some showers, perfect for moody canal photography.

Winter

Chill, possible frost or light snow; many outdoor venues close early, but cozy cafes and markets remain inviting.

Spring

Blooming trees and mild weather; ideal for riverside walks and bike rides.

Nightlife Guide

Weesp at Night

Weesp offers a relaxed nightlife with canal-side pubs, small live music bars, and cozy cafes. Most venues close by midnight, but there are occasional summer outdoor events and seasonal markets with music and drinks.

Hiking in Weesp

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Vecht River Trail

Scenic riverside paths with water views and rural landscapes.

Molenpolder Nature Reserve

Open fields and bird-rich habitats near the town outskirts.

Airports

How to reach Weesp by plane.

Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Amsterdam's major international airport, about 25–30 minutes by rail or car from Weesp; excellent connectivity.

Lelystad Airport (LEY)

Smaller regional airport with limited international flights; about an hour by train or car.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)

Regional airport farther away; typically a longer journey to reach Weesp.

Getting Around

Walkability

Weesp is highly walkable, with a compact historic center and pleasant canal-side paths. Bike lanes make it easy to explore the town and connect to nearby villages; longer trips can be done on rental bikes or public transport.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

A mix of families, professionals, and retirees; a sizable expat-friendly community due to proximity to Amsterdam.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cycling

A predominant mode of transport and recreation in the area.

Rowing and sailing on the Vecht

Water sports are popular along the river and canals.

Football (soccer)

Local clubs and community leagues engage residents year-round.

Transportation

Traffic

Weesp has light local traffic with good public transport links to Amsterdam and other cities. The town is bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and bike parking; car trips are convenient but slower during peak hours due to canal bridges and narrow streets.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Weesp.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available in most cafes and restaurants; look for egg, cheese-based dishes, and fresh vegetables.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in the Netherlands is high-quality. For visitors, travel insurance is recommended; local general practitioners (huisartsen) serve residents, and major hospitals are in Amsterdam or Lelystad if needed. In an emergency, dial 112.

Discover Netherlands

Read more in our Netherlands 2025 Travel Guide.

Netherlands Travel Guide