Monnickendam

This is a bustling little town without the full-on folkloric ex–fishing village effect of its neighbors Marken and Volendam, but no less charming for that. Now a yachting base with an interesting mix of old and new and swanky vessels in the harbor, there are some good restaurants, a boutique hotel, and (not only tourist-kitsch) shopping opportunities. Its landmark is the Speeltoren with its famed carillon sporting galloping knights.