Looking for the best spots to grab a drink, sit on a terrace, or go out in Volendam? You’re in the right place.
Volendam. The village of eel, Palingsound, and tourists who think we all still walk around in traditional costume. Spoiler: we don’t. What is true? We definitely know how to do terraces, drinks, and nights that last a little longer than planned.
Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or just want a fun evening by the harbour, these are the places where “just one drink” easily turns into a full night out.
As a local with a soft spot for good drinks, food, and proper Volendam ‘gezelligheid’, here are my favourite places to eat, drink, and party. Ready?
De Molen
A true classic and for generations, the place where locals come together.
During the day, it’s all about relaxed terrace vibes right by the water. Sun on your face, a glass of wine in hand, people watching… and of course, a plate of bitterballen on the side.
In the evening, it turns into a lively party café. Think sing-alongs, dancing, and that typical Dutch ‘gezelligheid’ you can’t really explain, but you’ll recognise it instantly.
Fun fact: they have a huge selection of craft beers.
📍 Address: Haven 114, 1131 EV Volendam
🌐 Website: bardemolen.nl
📸 Instagram: @bardemolen
Bappie Pietje
Honestly, one of the most fun spots in the village right now.
During the day, it’s a cosy place to eat. In the evenings (especially weekends), it often turns into a party.
And the food? Actually really good. Think pinsa (a lighter, crispier pizza), soups, pasta, and fresh bread with dips. Everything is generous, fresh, and served with a smile.
The vibe is warm, lively, and just a little bit cheeky, but very Volendam.
Stay a bit longer and you’ll notice the music getting louder, the wine flowing faster… and before you know it, you’re dancing. Live singers show up regularly, and it gets properly cozy.
📍 Address: Haven 94, 1131 ET Volendam
🌐 Website: bappiepietje.nl
📸 Instagram: @bappiepietje_volendam
’t Havengat / ’t Gat van Nederland
Another solid favourite on the Dike, with the perfect mix of locals and visitors.
Good food, friendly staff, a beer or cocktail in hand… honestly, you can’t really go wrong here.
Inside is cosy, outside you’ve got harbour views, and whatever the weather, this place always works.
In the evenings (especially weekends), it turns into a lively bar where dancing is pretty much guaranteed.
Fun tip: in Volendam, it’s completely normal to order ‘ranja’ (a kind of lemonade) as an adult and you’ll get a HUGE glass with ice. Surprisingly perfect after a night out 😉
📍 Address: Brugstraat 2 – 8, 1131 ZW Volendam
🌐 Website: www.havengat.nl | www.gatvannederland.com
📸 Instagram: @eetcafehavengat | @gatvannl
Ome Jan (formely Café Motje)
Just behind the Dike, so slightly away from the crowds, and that’s exactly what makes it so nice.
This is one of those old-school cafés with real character. Wooden interiors, a warm atmosphere, and regular live music (because yes, music is everywhere in Volendam).
The menu is simple but good think hearty dishes and classic Dutch snacks. You come here for the vibe, a chat, and maybe a spontaneous sing-along or dance.
📍 Address: Dril 12, 1131 ZS Volendam
🌐 Website: cafeomejan.nl
📸 Instagram: @omejanvolendam
Café De Vrijheid
A cosy little café you really shouldn’t skip.
The cocktails here are genuinely good (the pornstar martinis are a favourite), the bites are better than you’d expect, and the terrace has recently been upgraded.
Perfect spot to sit, chat, and ease into your evening or just wait for your traditional costume photos to be ready 😉.
📍 Address: Haven 80, 1131 ET Volendam
🌐 Website: vrijheidvolendam.nl
📸 Instagram: @cafedevrijheid
Café de Dijk
A classic waterfront spot loved by both locals and visitors.
You know what you’re getting here: good portions, tasty food, friendly service, and a view that never gets old.
The schnitzel is great, the fish is fresh, and during holidays this place turns into a proper party café, because yes, in Volendam, we take celebrating seriously 😉
📍 Address: Haven 108, 1131 EV Volendam
🌐 Website: cafededijk.nl
📸 Instagram: @cafededijkvolendam
Where to go out in Volendam?
Not sure where to start your night? Here are a few go-to spots:
- De Molen – for dancing and drinks with the locals
- Bappie Pietje – food, drinks, and a party in one
- ’t Gat van Nederland – fun music, guilty pleasures, always a good time
- Ome Jan – live music and a bit of chaos (in the best way) and a bit ‘older’ public
- Pianobar – great cocktails, young crowd, and good beats
Good to know: nights in Volendam start early and end early too. Most bars close around 2 AM. Not a bad thing though… you’ll actually wake up feeling fresh the next day 😉
Make your day in Volendam even better
Want to get the most out of your visit? Combine your terrace stops with fun activities, tours, or tickets and skip the queues while you’re at it.
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Zo leuk dit! Ik mis wel van den Hogen. Ook echt een topper voor ouderwets lekker eten.