The town is fairly small but the surroundings are quite lovely to explore too, and known as the "green heart" of the wider region. Hiking and biking are popular and routes are widely available. Many use Oudewater as a stopover during a day's cycling or walking, enjoying lunch or a drink on one of the town's terraces before moving on. Other fun activities include:
- Boat trip. A boat trip through the compact network of canals in the city comes with a nice explanation of the historic buildings you pass. It's a fun and relaxing way to see the town and understand its history. The tours are carried out with small group boats, take about 40 minutes and leave opposite the tourist information center, which is the place to arrange them. It's best to make arrangements ahead if you want to join an English language tour. €6.