Santpoort-Noord(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The best area to stay in Santpoort-Noord is the historic Old Town district, where charming 17th-century canal houses line the waterways. This neighborhood offers an authentic Dutch atmosphere, with cobblestone streets and cozy cafés perfect for sipping local beer.

Stay at Hotel De Kromme Water, a boutique hotel nestled along the scenic canals, offering elegant rooms with period details and views of the water. Its on-site restaurant serves traditional Dutch dishes like herring with raw onions and stroopwafels made fresh daily.

For a deeper cultural immersion, walk to nearby North Holland Museum or visit the weekly farmers’ market. The town’s proximity to Haarlem and windmill villages makes it ideal for day trips while enjoying a peaceful, village-like retreat.

Yes, Santpoort-Noord offers several family-friendly hotels with excellent outdoor access. Hotel De Kromme Water provides spacious family rooms, baby cots, and a breakfast buffet with kid-approved options. Its location near the canal park allows children to play safely by the water.

The hotel partners with local providers for bike rentals, making it easy to explore nearby windmill villages and flower fields on two wheels. Families can also join seasonal workshops—like crafting traditional wooden clogs or painting windmill models—at the hotel’s cultural events.

Additionally, De Gouden Leeuw features a private garden courtyard, perfect for kids to run around. With easy access to nature trails and the North Holland Nature Reserve, it's ideal for families seeking both relaxation and interactive experiences.

Visitors to Santpoort-Noord can immerse themselves in the annual Windmill Festival held each May, celebrating the region’s iconic windmills. Attendees can witness live demonstrations of traditional wind-powered grain milling, participate in costume parades, and browse artisan markets selling handmade crafts.

The North Holland Museum offers interactive exhibits on maritime history, agriculture, and local craftsmanship, including vintage tools and sailing vessels. Don’t miss the hands-on Dutch Kitchen Experience, where guests learn to prepare classics like frikadellen (meatballs), stroopwafels, and regional cheese platters, often paired with local beer.

In summer, the Canal Lantern Festival transforms the town at dusk—hundreds of glowing lanterns float along the waterways, creating a magical ambiance perfect for photography and quiet reflection.

In Santpoort-Noord, be sure to try frietjes met vis at Frituur De Vossen, a century-old fish & chips stand famous for its freshly fried cod and hand-cut fries. The house-made mayonnaise adds a tangy kick, and the nostalgic decor draws locals daily.

For a wholesome meal, visit De Ploeg, a farm-to-table restaurant serving organic Dutch comfort food—especially their roast beef with caramelized onion sauce and herb mashed potatoes. Their riverside terrace offers serene views of the canals.

Don’t miss Bakkerij De Stilte's Windmolen Taart, a traditional Dutch pastry filled with almond cream and jam, baked daily. Paired with a steaming cup of coffee, it’s the perfect afternoon treat. All restaurants accept cards and cash, with warm, welcoming service.

The best time to visit Santpoort-Noord is from May to September, when temperatures range between 15–22°C, offering pleasant weather for exploring on foot or by bike.

Highlights include the Windmill Festival in May and the Canal Lantern Festival in June, both transforming the town with vibrant decorations and lively events. Summer is ideal for cycling trips to Haarlem or nearby windmill villages, passing through blooming tulip fields and rural landscapes.

September marks the start of autumn, with fewer crowds and cooler days—perfect for visiting the North Holland Museum or attending craft workshops. Winter brings festive charm: Christmas markets and traditional lights create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. For most travelers, May through August offers the optimal balance of weather, events, and accessibility.

The most photogenic spots in Santpoort-Noord include the De Kromme Waterbrug, a 17th-century stone bridge spanning the curved canal, lined with weeping willows—ideal for early morning shots under misty light.

Sint-Nicolaaskerk, a Gothic church with stained-glass windows and pointed spires, creates striking visuals during golden hour, when sunlight streams through the glass, casting colorful patterns inside.

The yellow windmill at the entrance to the windmill village stands out against a backdrop of open fields and blue skies—perfect for bright, cheerful travel photos. At night, the Canal Lantern Festival turns the waterways into a shimmering canvas, with hundreds of floating lanterns reflecting in the calm surface. Bring a tripod for long-exposure shots capturing the dreamy ripple effects.