Noordwijk aan Zee is a seaside resort about a 43 miles drive, and a 1.5 hour bus+train ride from Amsterdam. Although, the North Sea is cold and windy even in the summer and there wasn’t anyone going in the water when I was there in June sometime back, it still had that old European town by the sea charm. The beach is very long from one end to the other, ideal for long walks at sunset.
Noordwijk aan Zee Beach During Day (left) and Sunset (right)
The town’s main shopping center is a cobblestone walk through quaint little shops to cafes. My favorite was their bakery as soon as you enter the first alley way. I forget the name, but I do remember everyday I would wake up and head there first to get my breakfast of croissant and fresh local pastries. The bakery is also a cheap option for lunch as they sell savory pastries and sandwiches on baguettes.
Noordwijk aan Zee Cafe Across from Beach with Lighthouse in Back
My other favorite eatery was alongside the street across from the beach which is lined with cafes, where you can sit and just watch the world go by and enjoy the view of the North Sea. Pannekoekenhuisje (Kon. Wilhelmina Boulevard 15a-15b) is a sit-down restaurant serving delicious dutch pancakes (thicker version of the crepe with sweet and savory fillings) and other goodies. My favorite regular dutch pancakes were #4 (classic honey), #34 (strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream), and #41 (cheese and herbs). Their fluffy, bite-size pancakes called Poffertjes with strawberries, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream are yummy, too.
Travel Muse Moumita 