Wijk aan Zee is a genuine "village by the sea": a cosy, low-traffic village centre between beach and dunes, where you can eat and drink within walking distance of everything.
Where the eateries gather: the greatest concentration of places to eat is around the Zwaanstraat, the Voorstraat and the Julianaplein, all a stone's throw from the beach entrance.
Fresh fish from IJmuiden: in nearby IJmuiden, one of the largest fishing ports in the country, the fish is landed and traded directly, so fresh North Sea fish reaches your plate in Wijk aan Zee in no time.
A convivial chess village: every January the world-famous Tata Steel Chess Tournament comes to town, and the cafés and restaurants fill with chess players and fans from all over the world, lively bustle in the depths of winter.
Regional products: the taste of the IJmond
Wijk aan Zee lies a stone's throw from IJmuiden, one of the largest fishing harbours in the country, and you can taste it: here the local flavour revolves around fresh and smoked fish, straight from the North Sea.
Fresh from the auction: in IJmuiden the North Sea fish is landed daily and traded at the fish auction, so the catch of the day, from cod and plaice to sole, reaches your plate perfectly fresh at the fish restaurants and beach pavilions.
Traditionally smoked fish: the IJmond is known for its smokehouses, where mackerel, salmon, butterfish and herring are still smoked by hand in the traditional way, a near-vanished craft with an unmistakable, full flavour.
Dutch new herring: let yourself be tempted by a fresh maatjes herring, cleaned by hand the same day, eaten in the classic way held by the tail or on a roll with onions, a true Dutch treat.
Something sweet on the promenade: after a beach walk there's nothing better than a coastal classic, from kibbeling and a lekkerbek to a fresh waffle or an ice cream, perfect to enjoy as you stroll by the sea.
Restaurants
For many people, not having to cook is one of the greatest luxuries of a holiday, and Wijk aan Zee. offers plenty of scope for it.
For every moment: pull up a chair in a pancake house, a restaurant or an eetcafé. From a quick, tasty bite to a beautifully prepared multi-course dinner, there is something in every price range.
Breakfast and lunch: many hotels and eateries serve breakfast until 10:00, and in the Netherlands lunch is usually taken between 12:00 and 14:00.
Dinner and later: dinner is generally served between 17:00 and 20:00. Many restaurants close around 22:00, but various venues, terraces and bars still serve dishes and snacks after that.
Current opening hours: for a full overview with details and opening times for each restaurant, see TheFork.nl and Eet.nu.
Fish from close by: thanks to the nearby fishing harbour of IJmuiden, many places work with day-fresh North Sea fish, from fried cod and kibbeling to fresh herring, straight from the auction to your plate.
Terraces
Thirsty after a warm day, tired from an outing, or simply fancy a drink? In the centre you're well served all day long.
For every thirst: all day long they pour soft drinks, beer, cocktails and more, whatever you're in the mood for.
The right spot: settle down at one of the many cosy terraces or cafés in the centre of Wijk aan Zee., nicely in the sun, in the shade or out of the wind.
Convivial until late: at the bar or around the table, with friends or to meet new people, enjoy the atmosphere and let yourself be indulged into the small hours.
Nine beach pavilions
The beach in Wijk aan Zee is a treat in summer and winter alike, with as many as nine beach pavilions that turn it into a full day out.
From a snack to dinner: on the sandy beach you'll find several pavilions where you can stop for a drink, a bite or a full meal, while the sun casts its last light across the beach.
Handy for the beach: some sell beach gear such as kites, the toilets are open to everyone on the beach, and there is often hire of beach cabins, beach chairs and windbreaks. In summer there's usually a volleyball net too.
Open in winter as well: especially at weekends, a number of pavilions in Wijk aan Zee now stay open. Wonderful after a bracing walk through storm and wind along the roaring sea: gazing out over the wild water from behind the glass, with a hot coffee or a good drink in hand.
Overview: these are the nine beach pavilions you'll find on the beach at Wijk aan Zee:
Wijk aan Zee's nightlife is villagey and easy-going: no big clubs, but characterful pubs and terraces where everyone runs into everyone.
Around Zwaanstraat and Voorstraat: here you'll find the greatest concentration of nightlife, from heated terraces and traditional brown cafés to trendy bars, ideal for a drink, a bite or a dance.
From the beach to the bar: in summer the conviviality carries on from the beach pavilions into the village, where some cafés put on live music or a DJ into the small hours.
More nightlife nearby: if you really want to go out, Beverwijk and lively Haarlem are close by, and even Amsterdam is less than half an hour away.
Handig om te weten
Een paar praktische tips maken je uitje uit eten net wat soepeler.
Reserveer in het hoogseizoen: in de zomer en op mooie weekenddagen zitten de populaire zaken snel vol, dus een tafel vooraf reserveren voorkomt teleurstellingen.
Pinnen kan bijna overal: betalen met pinpas of contactloos is in de meeste zaken vanzelfsprekend, maar kleinere strandtentjes rekenen soms een minimumbedrag voor kaartbetaling.
