Edam

This town with about 7500 inhabitants is located in the municipality of Edam-Volendam, some 20 km northeast of Amsterdam. Historically a chartered town since 1357, thriving on trade and agriculture, it has nevertheless remained relatively small. The town has nowadays grown together with neighbouring Volendam.

• VVV tourist information office, Damplein (in the City Hall), ☏ +31 299-315125. 

Edam is close to Amsterdam and some 25 km away from Schiphol International Airport. The main road to Edam is via the N247.

There is no train station, but from most major places in the country you can take a train to Amsterdam, Purmerend or Hoorn and take the bus from there. From Amsterdam you can take a regional bus to Edam, lines 110, 112, 114,116,117 or 118. From Purmerend you can take the 113 (to Volendam, but stops in Edam) and from Hoorn you can take the 114 (to Amsterdam, but stops in Edam). As Edam is situated on the banks of the IJsselmeer (IJssel lake) and has its own harbour, the village can be reached by boat.

A great way to get to Edam is by bike. There are many cycle routes that will take you there:

• From Purmerend train station - Volendam Cycle Route (45 or 37 km).

Edam is best explored on foot or by bike. For bike rental, try:

• Ton Tweewielers, Schepenmakersdijk 6, ☏ +31 299-371922. Also for tandems and kick scooters 
• Fietsspeciaalzaak Ronald Schot, Grote Kerkstraat 7/9, ☏ +31 299 37 21 55. 

Although Edam is small there are quite some things to see and do.

• Carillion Tower (De Speeltoren). 
• Cheese market, in the centre of town. The original commercial cheese market, as it was held here for a long time, was cancelled in the 1920s. In 1989 it was re-installed, mostly of course for tourist purposes. It is held only in July and August, on Wednesdays, and organized largely by volunteers. Although a bit of a, well, cheesy tourist attraction, the market is still fun to see. It's become a folklorist event, with traditional costumes worn for the occasion, music and games. Explanations are given in English, too. (updated Oct 2016)
• Edam Museum, Damplein 1 en 8, ☏ +31 299-372 644. Housed in the town's oldest brick house, build in 1530,this museum gives a good idea of a house and it's furniture in the 17th century. On the first floor there's an exposition on Edam's history. Your entrance ticket also allows a visit to the nearby "raadhuis", the city council's 18th century building, in which the museum has a few rooms in use. €4. (updated Oct 2016)
• Great Church (De grote kerk), Grote Kerkstraat 57. The towns main church is dedicated to St. Nicolas, and was built in parts from the early 15th century. 
• Kwakel Bridge (De Kwakelbrug). 
• Mill (De Molen). 
• Town Hall (Het stadhuis). 

As Edam is home to a major kind of cheese, a piece of the real thing makes a good souvenir. You can buy it in several stores and of course at the cheesemarket.

• Het Geheim Van Edam, Spui 5, ☏ +31 299 371 070. This small but popular restaurant serves only small dishes, almost like tapas, in order to allow for a broader taste of the menu. The food is mostly tasty, with some great dishes. dishes from €7. 
• Restaurant & Pizzeria La Galera, Gevangenpoortsteeg 1, ☏ +31 299 371 971. This place offers a nice selection of Italian food. I you want to stay for a late night drink, there's an adjoining café too. The menu is available in English. €10-25 for mains. 
• De Prinsenbar, Prinsenstraat 8, ☏ +31 299-372911. Cosy pub with a range of club sandwiches and simple but tasty dishes. The service is casual and friendly. €7. 
• Restaurant Jimmy Garden, Zuidervesting 5, ☏ +31 299-316288. Allegedly the best Chinese restaurant in town, with the menu that's really broader than Chinese cuisine alone. 

De Harmonie Cafe is a wonderful music bar on Voorhaven situated on the canal.

• Hotel & Restaurant De Fortuna, Spuistraat 3, ☏ +31 299 371671. Some 24 rooms in 5 adjoining, ancient houses. There's a delightful garden and a good downstairs restaurant. Rooms can be noisy and some are a bit cramped, but the service is friendly and overall this is not a bad pick. €100 for a double, breakfast included. 
• l'Auberge Damhotel, Keizersgracht 1, ☏ +31 299 371766. Has 11 clean rooms, all with different, antique-style decorations. Some rooms are small but the lovely atmosphere makes up for that. Ask for a room on the front size, as they have better views and some of the ones in the back suffer from ventilation noises. €125.00. 
• Strandbad Camping, Zeevangszeedijk 7, ☏ +31 299-371523. This camping place is popular with families, as its location on the water side allow for swimming and water sports. There's a pub-style restaurant with ditto food. The dishes include steak or fried salmon with fries, spareribs or saté. For lunch, there's also a range of baguettes. camping places from €5, + €3 per person. 

Nearby destinations of interest include:

• the adjoining village of Volendam
• Hoorn, to the north
• Marken
• Monnickendam
• Zaandam, with the famous Zaanse Schans