10x what to do in Purmerend - Enjoyment in the heart of the region

Discover Purmerend and its beautiful surroundings with these 10 comprehensive tips! From excellent shopping opportunities to a diverse selection of catering establishments where you can relax. For walking enthusiasts, there are several routes through the town centre that will introduce you to Purmerend's rich history and there are plenty of events organised that you should not miss. Just outside the town are the Purmerbos and Leeghwaterpark, ideal for a day of fun for children. What are you waiting for? Explore Purmerend, the town between the polders!

Purmerend events city

Year-round entertainment!

Did you know that Purmerend is also called the event city of Laag Holland? From (weekly) markets to the Purmerend fair and from the Beemster Feestweek to the four-day Reuring Festival. The best events are organised all year round.

Purmerend also has two theatres. Here you can witness the impressive performing arts of young and experienced theatre-makers. At the Pop & Cultuurpodium you can go wild at a concert or private party.

Check the Events for the best events.

Shopping in the town

Shop till you drop!

Stroll through Purmerend's charming streets and discover unique boutiques hidden in historic buildings. Here, in the cosy old streets, locals are always ready for a chat and you will find hidden gems.

From local shops to big chains, Purmerend has it all. The Eggert Shopping Centre is home to the bigger brands. With a wide range of shops, this shopping town offers something for everyone, so you will almost always succeed.

Discover the range of shops in Purmerend.

  • Two ladies decorate BOTH's shop on the Peperstraat in Purmerend.
  • An act in the tree of Reuring on the Cheese Market in Purmerend that all kinds of people watch.
  • A gift is wrapped at the Pears & Swines shop

The region's living room

Good food and drink

Trendy lunchrooms, cosy restaurants and sunny terraces make Purmerend the living room of the region. Enjoy a well-earned break after shopping or start your weekend with a cosy drink.

Most restaurants can be found on Koemarkt, but Neckerdijk and Kaasmarkt are also great places to hang out. With a wide choice of eateries, there is always something to suit your taste.

Discover all the hospitality industry in the heart of the region.

Purmerends Museum

Learn the history of this city

Take your time and discover the history of Laag Holland Holland's oldest town. At the Purmerends Museum, you will learn all about how the former fishing village became an important market town. From 1895 to 1907, the centre was entirely dedicated to the factory production of decorative pottery. Today, the museum still displays a rich collection of Jugendstil pottery.

You will find the museum in the middle of the Cheese Market in a former town hall. Visit one of the changing exhibitions and discover why residents are so proud of Purmerend. Looking for a souvenir to take home? In the VVV | Museum Shop you will find the nicest (local) gifts and souvenirs, as well as interesting information about Purmerend and the surrounding area.

Discover the Purmerends Museum.

  • The Purmerends Museum with tulips in the foreground
  • Information board at the museum

Walking in the city centre

Discover the city interactively

Learn about Purmerend's history, architecture and nature on one of four walks through the town centre. The Canal Walk, Tree Walk, Art Walk and City Walk are between 2 and 4 kilometres long. A good outing to take in Purmerend's sights.

Stroll past extraordinary trees, along beautiful canals or through centuries-old streets. Also, don't forget to check out the 17 beautiful works of art created by renowned artists.

Explore the centre on one of the walks.

6. In, on & by the water

Discover the region from the water

Simply hire a sloop online and enjoy a silent cruise through UNESCO World Heritage Site Droogmakerij de Beemster. A lovely day out in the Purmerend area. The iconic geometric allotment pattern, picturesque villages, characteristic farms and regional products define the landscape here.

Purmerend 's Jachthaven is a nice place to moor your own boat. From the marina, you can walk straight into town. Ask the harbour master for information on places of interest and activities in Purmerend.

  • Man sailing in an electric sloop from Greenjoy Purmerend
  • Two women walking in Purmerend
  • A group of people are chatting at the waterfront in Purmerend.

7. Purmerend Techstad

High-tech fun in Purmerend

For the game lovers among us, there are also various activities in Purmerend. Enter the world of technology and get to know the world of VR and e-sports at the H20 Esports Campus, the largest e-sports and gaming centre in Europe.

Are you looking for fun group activities in Purmerend? The H20 Esports Campus is a place where friends, family and colleagues come together. Put on your VR glasses and dive into the world of La Casa de Papel. Together, you will try to rob the Spanish Mint building and stay out of the hands of the police.

8. Market in Purmerend

Browse for bargains

As of old, Purmerend is a true market town. Products grown in the region were traded in Purmerend on one of the market squares. Trading is in the blood of the people of Purmerend and this can be seen every Tuesday morning at the weekly market. North-Holland cheeses, fresh flowers and other delicacies. Purmerend's cosy streets then fill with various stalls.

Other places in North Holland also have regular markets to visit. For instance, each town has its own weekly market. Other special markets are also organised in this region every year. Will we see you soon at the flea market or the car boot market?

  • A stall with people at the De Laag Hollandse Makersmarkt in Purmerend
  • All people during a market at the Cheese Market

The Purmer forest

Out of town for a while

There is always something to do in Purmerend and the surrounding area. Put on your walking shoes and visit the Purmerbos. One of North Holland's youngest forests. The winding paths take you past poplars, ash, oak and beech trees.

Children can also have a great time in the play forest here. Make tree houses together out of loose branches or climb across the rope bridge to the other side. Rather recharge your batteries in the open air? Then the silence and nature forest is a very nice place to walk.

Discover all the activities in the Purmerbos.

10. Leeghwater Park

For a great day out with the kids

Tucked away in the Leeghwater Park you will find the Speelkraam, Petting Farm de Ridder and the Leeghwaterbad, perfect locations for a family outing in Purmerend. Cuddle with the animals at the petting zoo, climb and scramble in the playground, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool.

The city park is also often used for events. In summer, there are many children's performances and small-scale festivals for young and old.

Read all the tips about Leeghwater Park here!

  • Various playground equipment from De Speelkraam playground in Purmerend.
  • De Ridder petting zoo