Volendam and Marken are the Netherlands most people picture before they've ever visited - colourful harbours, traditional costumes, and a slower pace of life, all around 30 minutes from Amsterdam.
Volendam is the livelier of the two, its harbour lined with seafood restaurants where fresh herring is very much the local specialty. Marken, a short ferry ride across the water, feels more like stepping back in time - a former island of green-and-white houses on stilts, connected by narrow lanes built for walking rather than driving. Most visitors combine the two into a single trip, taking in Volendam's harbour before crossing to Marken for the contrast.
Both villages are compact enough to see thoroughly in half a day, which is why they're so often paired with Zaanse Schans for a full countryside day out.
→ Continue planning: Complete Guide to Zaanse Schans
