Just a 25-minute train ride away from the bustling city of Amsterdam lies a pretty city that has everything that the Dutch capital has to offer, but at a fraction of the size and without the chaotic crowds. Boasting waterlily-filled canals lined by pretty gabled houses and plenty of bikes, Weesp in North Holland has certainly earned its nickname as “Little Amsterdam”.

Weesp lies on the river Vecht and next to the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal in an area called the Vechtstreek. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages and between the 12th and 15th centuries it was an important trade stop on the route inland. Following a period of economic decline, Weesp rebuilt itself to become characterised by breweries in the 17th century, porcelain in the 18th century and later a chocolate factory. Here, visitors can discover monumental buildings, canals and small shops – just like Amsterdam – but virtually undiscovered in comparison.

Weeso’s residents are often nicknamed “Weespermop” after a famous cookie they claimed for themselves. While it is not known if this almond paste cookie originated from the city, the official name for it is now Weesper Mop. In 1988, all the bakers from the city joined forces to bake the largest Weesper Mop in a world record attempt. The cookie ended up weighing an immense 115kg, and the event is commemorated with a small statue in the city centre. You can also get your hands on your own, smaller, cookies at many of Weesp’s bakeries, including Bakery Wesselman.

Just like in Amsterdam, with so many waterways, the best way to sightsee is by boat. Visitors can enjoy some magnificent views of Weesp’s historic bridges, fortresses and traditional Dutch windmills. You can also explore at your own pace via a rental boat.

If you’d prefer to stay on land, another great way to explore is by bike. Hire a rental and cycle around Weesp’s rural areas – a far more relaxing experience than in Amsterdam, as traffic is virtually non-existent.

Once a cornerstone of Weesp’s economy, a visit would not be complete without sampling one of the locally brewed specialities, such as a Wispe beer or Anker Jenever. Today, you can try the local beers and jenever at most cafés and restaurants in town. Since 2020, you can visit the brewery, which is situated in an old church in the historic centre of Weesp. The recipe for the Anker Jenever came from the municipality archive and dates back to 1630.

If you time your visit right, it could coincide with the local market, which takes place every Tuesday. Found at on Grote Plein in the city centre, you will find the market between the hours of 9am and 1pm, where you can buy local produce, clothing and fresh stroop waffles.

Weesp is half an hour from Amsterdam Centraal and Schiphol by train. From the last subway stop – Gaasperplas in Amsterdam South East – the centre of Weesp is just three miles away. From Amsterdam Centraal, there is a regular connection with Weesp, with trains departing four times an hour. A two-way ticket will cost you approximately €7 (£6), with discounts available for children under 12. Amsterdam itself is just a short one-hour 10-minute flight from London, with flights currently on sale for October for just £100 with easyJet, according to Skyscanner.