Edam: Day Trips and Tours from Amsterdam

Despite being known worldwide for its namesake cheese, the quaint town of Edam has so much more to offer — culture, history, food and beauty combine to create what is considered to be one of the quintessential Amsterdam day trips.

From the picturesque canals, cobblestoned streets and colorful buildings to the lovely cafes, traditional Dutch markets and historic architecture, it's easy to lose yourself in the magic of Edam.

If you're looking to experience an authentic slice of Dutch culture and history, one of the Edam day trips from Amsterdam is a perfect way.

Here's all you need to know about Edam, one of the most exciting day trips from Amsterdam.

How to get to Edam from Amsterdam?

The small town of Edam is located just outside the city of Amsterdam, as part of the Zaanstreek-Waterland.

It sits in the Dutch province of North Holland, very close to the seaside village of Volendam. Edam is easily accessible by car, bus or train — or guided tour — from the city.

From Amsterdam to Edam by car

Reaching Edam by car is usually the quickest way to get there, taking around 25-30 minutes depending on traffic.

Simply drive north along the N247 highway for approximately 23 kilometers. Along the way, you'll pass through Amsterdam-Noord (North Amsterdam), picturesque countryside and the seaside town of Monnickendam.

From Amsterdam to Edam by bus

Thanks to its proximity to Amsterdam, you can also reach Edam easily by public transport. There are regular buses, such as the 314, that depart from Centraal Station in the city center.

The entire journey should take no more than 30 minutes and you'll be dropped at the main Edam bus station, from where you can easily walk to the town's main attractions.

Guided tour to Edam from Amsterdam

The most popular and convenient way to reach Edam from Amsterdam is by taking a guided tour. These tours pick you up from your Amsterdam hotel (or a central meeting point) and take you on a journey through the picturesque Dutch countryside before arriving in Edam.

Not only will you get to explore all of the town's main attractions and delve into its unique history, but your guide will provide entertaining commentary along the way — making it a very comprehensive experience.

This way, you'll get a comprehensive insight into the town's culture, history and attractions without having to worry about navigation or transport issues. Plus, many of these tours also include visits to nearby towns like Volendam, Marken, Zaans Schans and more, further enhancing your experience.

What is the typical itinerary?

Every day tour from Amsterdam to Edam is different, however, most start with convenient pickup from your hotel or a central meeting point in the city. Once all of the guests have been collected, you'll be driven in an air-conditioned vehicle to Edam.

Along the way, your friendly driver/guide will provide commentary about the local sights and attractions, so you can feel free to ask any questions that may pop up. Once you arrive in Edam, your guide will take you through some of its most famous sites, such as St. Nicholas Church (Grote Kerk) and the Cheese Market.

You'll also get to explore a local cheese factory — usually one of the 18th-century cheese warehouses — where you can learn about the town's most famous export and sample some of its delicious creations.

As you make your way through the town and its old inner city, you'll hear many interesting stories about the local culture, history and people. After this, you'll have some free time to explore attractions like the Edam Museum, the historic Fort bij Edam and Grote Kerk.

Most tours also include a visit to Volendam, another charming Dutch seaside village that is located close by. Here, you'll get to explore the harbourfront lined with colorful fishing boats, as well as traditional wooden houses, local restaurants and more.

Depending on your particular tour, you might also have time to visit Zaanse Schans, a living museum that showcases traditional Dutch windmills and the surrounding countryside.

Stop into Keukenhof, the world's largest flower garden; or even explore Marken, another quaint village on an artificial island. At some stage during the day you'll likely be provided with a delicious traditional Dutch too.

After the tour, you'll be dropped off at your original departure point or another place of your choice in Amsterdam — allowing you to continue exploring the city if desired.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Edam?

There are several different types of tours available to visit Edam from Amsterdam on a day trip, depending on your interests, budget and the amount of time you have.

Thanks to its proximity to Amsterdam, it's possible to take a guided tour that includes Edam as part of an itinerary — taking in several other nearby attractions such as Volendam, Zaanse Schans and Marken. The most popular options are listed in detail below.

Guided small-group tours to Edam, Marken and Volendam from Amsterdam

The most budget-friendly option, these guided small-group tours to Edam, Marken and Volendam from Amsterdam offer a comprehensive insight into the Dutch countryside.

You'll get to explore the three towns in one day, with convenient pickup at your Amsterdam hotel. During the tour, you'll be provided with commentary about each of the locations and their attractions.

These tours usually last between 6 and 8 hours and often include a traditional Dutch lunch and plenty of cheese-tasting.

Private tour to Edam and nearby towns from Amsterdam

Ideal for couples, families and small groups, private tours to Edam from Amsterdam are a great way to explore the Dutch countryside in a more intimate setting.

On this type of tour, you'll be chauffeured around in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle as your guide takes you through each location and its attractions, providing commentary along the way.

These tours generally are more expensive, however, you'll have more flexibility to tailor the itinerary according to your wishes and also get the full attention of your guide.

Day tour to Edam plus the Zaanse Schans windmills from Amsterdam

In addition to visiting Edam, these day tours from Amsterdam also take in the nearby Zaanse Schans region, a picturesque area famous for its historic, postcard-worthy windmills.

Day tour to Edam plus nearby towns and Amsterdam river cruise

Suited to travelers looking to experience a wide variety of Dutch landscapes and attractions, this type of tour allows you to visit Edam plus nearby towns such as Volendam, Marken and Zaanse Schans — and tops it off with the chance to take in the views from the river on a leisurely boat tour.

The cruise will be either in/from Amsterdam or nearer to Edam, depending on the specific tour. This type of tour generally lasts around 7 hours.

How much does a day trip to Edam from Amsterdam cost?

The price of a day trip to Edam from Amsterdam starts at around €30 but varies according to the type of tour you choose, as well as the number of people in your group.

Generally speaking, guided small-group tours start at around €30 per person. Day tours to Edam plus Zaanse Schans start around €30 per person too.

Tours which include a river cruise are priced between €70 and €80 per person.

Private tours to Edam and nearby towns from Amsterdam are more expensive, usually starting at €120.

Some private tours are priced per person, while others are per group (of up to 5 people, usually).

What will you see and do?

On any of the Edam day trips from Amsterdam, you'll get to experience a variety of attractions, both in Edam itself and in the nearby surrounding cities and regions.

You'll spend time exploring the picturesque cobbled streets of Edam, tasting traditional Dutch cheese, visiting traditional Dutch cheese warehouses and learning about the city's history.

While each tour will visit slightly different points of interest, the most popular attractions, outlined below in further detail, are seen on the majority of Edam day excursions.

Edam Cheese Market

The beating heart of Edam, this iconic market is held every Wednesday between early July and late August, typically starting at 10:30 AM and ending at 12:30 PM.

Here, you'll get to sample some of the city's best traditional Dutch cheeses, witness the traditional cheese-weighing ceremony and watch as the vendors — dressed in traditional white outfits — haggle over prices.

The iconic Cheese Market dates back to the 17th century, and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Edam.

Grote Kerk

The Grote Kerk — also known as St. Nicolaaskerk — is the oldest and most important church in Edam. Built in the 15th century, this iconic building boasts beautiful Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows and a bell tower that can be climbed for views of the city.

Fort Edam

Just a short walk outside of Edam, you'll find the ruins of Fort Edam. This early 20th-century fort sits on the northeasternmost part of the town and was operational during both World Wars. These days, it's no longer operational — instead, it's used for tours and occasional special events

Edam Museum

Found inside a merchant's house from 1540, this fascinating attraction is one of the oldest museums in North Holland.

Showcasing a range of artifacts and artworks, the museum tells the story of Edam's history and its cheese-making legacy. It also features an interactive exhibit that allows visitors to experience what life would have been like in Edam centuries ago.

The secondary location, which houses many regular short-term exhibitions, is within the Edam Town Hall. Here, you'll be able to see the historic Mayor’s Chamber.

Zaanse Schans Windmills

The Zaanse Schans region is renowned for its iconic windmills, which are scattered throughout the area in a picturesque fashion. On most day trips to Edam, you'll get to visit this region and take in the views of these historic and traditional windmills, which date back to the 17th century.

Volendam

A stone's throw from Edam, Volendam is a charming fishing town with plenty of attractions. On most day trips to Edam, you'll get to explore this quaint area and marvel at the traditional Dutch houses that line its narrow cobbled streets.

Volendam is famous for its fishing industry, so be sure to try some of the seafood here – it's considered some of the best in the Netherlands.

Marken Peninsula

The Marken Peninsula is a small rural region located just outside of Amsterdam. On your day trip to Edam, you'll most likely get to visit this beautiful area, which is renowned for its traditional wooden houses and windmills.

It's an incredibly photogenic region and visitors can even take a boat tour around the peninsula to get some of the best views.

Amsterdam canal cruise

Amsterdam, and the surrounding cities and villages, are famous for their picturesque canals. On some day trips to Edam, before being taken back to your hotel, you'll be able to take part in a canal cruise in Amsterdam.

This experience will allow you to admire the iconic Dutch scenery from a unique perspective, passing by Golden Age canal houses, the Westerkerk (the city's biggest church) and the Anne Frank House.

Cruises typically last around one hour and feature commentary from knowledgeable guides.

When is the best time to visit Edam?

The famous Edam cheese market happens every Wednesday between early July and late August. This is considered the best time to visit Edam, as the market is bustling with locals, music and traditional Dutch food. Additionally, the weather in the summertime is also pleasant and sunny.

As for the time of day, it's recommended to book one of the Edam day trips from Amsterdam that starts in the morning, so you'll have more time to explore.

Travel tips

• When visiting Edam, make sure to dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly.
• Wear comfortable shoes so you can explore the town and its attractions without having any issues on the cobblestoned streets.
• Book your tour online and in advance to make sure you secure a spot and get the best price.