Purmerend is a historic market town in the Netherlands, lying just north of Amsterdam. It offers a visit that blends traditional Dutch character with the comforts of a modern town, making it a practical and pleasant place to spend a day or more.
The market and the town centre
The heart of Purmerend is its town centre, where a weekly Saturday market has been held for over 750 years. Stalls and shoppers fill the streets, and the setting of older buildings gives the scene a distinctly local feel. Visiting on a Saturday is the best way to see the town at its most lively.
Canals, buildings and countryside
- Canal walks: Strolling along the waterways is a relaxed way to see the town's layout and its Dutch character.
- Historic buildings: The older architecture around the centre reflects the town's long past as a market place.
- Waterland countryside: The beautiful Waterland landscape is within easy reach, so a short trip out of town brings open polder scenery.
Because Purmerend sits close to Amsterdam, it works well as a quieter base or a complement to a visit to the capital. Visitors who want both a historic market town and easy access to the countryside will find it a sensible choice.
