Beaches

Lounging in a beach bar: Noordwijk aan Zee

Noordwijk aan Zee is one of my favourite spots in Holland. Being near the sea is so relaxing and liberating! Even in Autumn or Winter, when you can walk or cycle through the beautiful dunes – without being blown away by the wind. And the beach bars are great places to relax and lounge. You can be in Noordwijk aan Zee in 30 minutes from Leiden and 45 minutes from Amsterdam (travelling by car).

The 5 best beach bars in Noordwijk

There are lots of different, beautiful and hip beach bars in Noordwijk aan Zee. Here are my 5 favourite ones. Great for eating, drinking and most of all relaxing.

1. Witsand

It was love at first sight when I first visited Witsand! Great styling but not over-styled. Really friendly service, even when it’s busy. When the weather isn’t great, you can either sit inside near the fireplace, or outside on the sheltered terrace. The styling is natural, with lots of wood and large comfy sofas, great for lounging. But when the weather is perfect, you can sit on the beach, enjoying the beautiful sunset. Tip: this is a great spot for a party or a wedding! They have a separate area, with a gorgeous view of the sea.

2. Koele Kosta

Next door to Witsand you’ll find Koele Kosta. Another cool place. We usually go here early in the season and find ourselves a spot sheltered from the wind, at the side of the bar. The menu isn’t big and you have to order yourself from the bar. But, because of this, you can sit here all day without being noticed! You don’t need to bring any beach stuff. You can hire sun loungers, wind screens and parasols.

 

3. Bries Noordwijk

Bries is like being in a bar on Ibiza. Comfy sun loungers. Waiter-service on the beach! Beautifully styled. Every Wednesday is Fish Market. Which means you can choose your own fish which will be prepared especially for you, the way you want it. And, from April to October, you can feel all Zen by doing yoga on the beach. Tip: do check whether it is actually happening as the great Dutch weather might prevent it from happening!

4. Two beach bars at one location

Branding and  Winter Lodge. One for every season. In the Summer you can lounge in and around Branding. Having a drink, listening to great music, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, or eat in the hip, beautifully styled restaurant. During the Winter months you can warm up in the Winter Lodge, either in front of a cosy fireplace or in the cool but warm sun room.

5. Just geopend: Tulum Tulum

Hip and basic, chairs on the beach, feet in the sand and self service at the bar. This beach bar is located between Witsand and Koele Kosta. And they have an extra cottage for parties and weddings. Looks really nice!

Where to park in Noordwijk aan Zee 
From Wantveld Parking you can easily walk to beach entrance 20 (near Witsand). But you can also park in the centre, near the light house, or the parking right in the middle of town.

I can also recommend some great places to stay in Noordwijk aan Zee. Tested by me who would love to live in Noordwijk during the Summer. Trips to the beach and strolls through the dunes every day!