Weesp is a small medieval town, located only 15 minutes outside of Amsterdam. Still, however, most tourists miss out on this hidden gem! With beautiful canals, a big river, fortresses, and a vibrant little center, this town has everything you could wish for. Here are the 10 best tips to explore Weesp in a day, all from a local.

10 amazing things to do in Weesp

1. Walk (or swim) along the beautiful river

The river Vecht used to be one of the cleanest rivers in The Netherlands, and for that reason, Weesp was historically a big exporter of drinking water, but also beer and jenever! Nowadays it is still the town’s pride, flowing magically right through it. In the summer months, you will see many people swimming and on boats on this beautiful river. So take a stroll along it, and do not hesitate to jump in and join the locals!

2. Admire the Fortress and medieval Defense Works

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Weesp was one of the protectors of Amsterdam and the Ossenmarkt fortress is a magnificent example of it. Admire this powerful structure with it’s charming canal full of lily flowers from the outside. Nowadays the fortress functions as a music school, so if you are interested to see the inside, just walk in and see when someone stops you. 

3. Get brunch at Theetuin Noot

Located right behind the Ossenmarkt Fortress, Theetuin Noot is even a hidden gem for most residents from Weesp! It has a small menu with many vegetarian/vegan options and is surrounded by a beautiful garden and a tranquil atmosphere.

4. Rent a boat!

The best tip we can give you when visiting Weesp is to rent a boat and look at it from the water. This will 100% be your best experience when visiting The Netherlands. Grab your swimming gear and a few drinks and go down the river! For more information contact us, we are also able to give guided tours so you won’t have to think about anything and just hop on. 

5. Visit the windmills along the Vecht

By boat or by foot, the 2 windmills downstream of the river are as Dutch as they will get. One of the two, ‘De Vriendschap’ (The Friendship), is still in function, and products like wheat and seeds are still produced here every day. This windmill is open for the public on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.. 

6. Directors Mansion of the World’s Oldest Chocolate Factory

Founded in 1815 the Van Houten chocolate factory was the oldest functioning chocolate factory in the world. Being so innovative, the director of this factory became insanely rich and built a beautiful villa just outside of town, next to a cute little windmill. So if you are interested, visit this place! Note: the factory itself is not in use anymore, and it is not open for visits

7. Netherlands’ best gelato at Nelis’

The best way to reward yourself after a day of exploring is to get some gelato. The amazing thing about Weesp is, that it has one of Europe’s best ice cream shops! Back in 2020, Nelis’ was awarded the best gelato in The Netherlands, and that is no lie. Get 2 scoops of your favorite flavors, and walk to the canal behind it to watch some boats and relax. 

8. Wispe Brewery in The Church

Saved from breaking down a few years back, this immense abandoned Catholic Church now functions as a beer brewery. Come here to taste a few local beers in a unique atmosphere, and bring some home from the neighboring shop if you like them!

9. Have a Good Dinner in One of the Restaurants on The Canals

Weesp hosts many cute restaurants, all of which have a good view of the canals in the summer and a cozy dining setting in the winter. Whether it is a Neapolitan Pizza at La Base, fine dining at Vity’s, seafood in De Kruidenier, or delicious Indian cuisine at Khaza Ghar, you will find something for everybody.

10. Stay Overnight! 

When visiting Amsterdam, the best advice we can give you is to stay just a bit outside, in a smaller town right outside. You will have time to explore the big, crowded capital during the day (the train ride is only 15 minutes), and always return to a quieter atmosphere to spend your nights and mornings in. Next to the Airbnbs, there is also one hotel in Weesp: Het Hart van Weesp.

P.S. If you are looking for something very romantic, consider sleeping up in Weesp’s highest church tower, which was renovated to be a beautiful hotel room with the most insane views. 

Walking route

Here you can find a walking route taking you by all the main attractions in Weesp.