zaandam tourist attractions

Visiting Zaandam and Zaanse Schans on a day trip from Amsterdam

Zaandam is a Dutch city well known for its Zaanse Schans – a recreated village with typical Dutch windmills and wooden houses. Zaandam is located just north of Amsterdam and along with Zaanse Schans it’s often mentioned as one of the best day trips from Amsterdam. We absolutely agree with that, and hence included Zaandam and Zaanse Schans into our ‘ Small Dutch towns you must see ‘ list.

We would recommend visiting Zaandam and Zaanse Schans in one day as they are located really close to each other and, combined, have lots of things to do and see in a day. Take a train to Zaandam (under 15 mins ride from Amsterdam Central station), spend a couple of hours in the city center, then rent a bike and go to Zaanse Schans (20 min by bike from Zaandam).

If you arrive in Zaandam by train, start your walk from the Stadhuisplein – a Town Hall Square surrounded by colorful wooden houses. Visit the tourist information center and its small souvenir shop (Zaan Store) with local produce and gifts. 

We really liked all the cute houses and quirky architecture at the Stadhuisplein. One of the most remarkable of them is the building of the Inntel Hotel .

After Stadhuisplein, continue over the pedestrian bridge and down towards Gedempte Gracht .

Gedempte Gracht is a very nice pedestrian and shopping street with a mix of old and new architecture, many shops and few restaurants. The street goes along the canal with several small bridges over it. There is even a waterfall under one of the pedestrian bridges near the Inntel Hotel.

When you reach the end of the Gedempte Gracht (or actually, that would be the beginning of the street according to the house numbers) there is a fresh seafood kiosk – Vishandel de Boer . We recommend trying the traditional Dutch food – ‘Haring’ – slightly brined herring sprinkled with chopped onions. (Read more about Dutch foods in 20 Foods to try in the Netherlands )

There is also a small playground with water features near the fish kiosk. If you’re travelling with kids, it could be a nice short stop for them to play while you’re enjoying Dutch herring.

De Dam central square

After the Gedempte Gracht, walk to the central square – De Dam . It’s a nice place to have a drink and a lunch in one of the local cafes and restaurants.  

Name of the square – De Dam (‘The Dam’) – comes from the actual dam on the Zaan river that’s located just outside the square. You can walk there to enjoy the views to the river and residential houses across it.

Besides the cafes at De Dam you will find Czaar Peter Monument in the middle of the square. The monument dates back to 1909 and commemorates the stay of Russian Czar (or Tsar) Peter in the city of Zaandam. Csar Peter visited Zaandam to learn about ship building from Dutch masters. Hence, the statue shows Tsar Peter carving a ship. 

The Czar Peter House

As mentioned above, Czar Peter 1 of Russia visited Zaandam in 1697 to learn about ship building from Dutch masters. During the visit he stayed in the house of blacksmith Gerrit Kist for seven days. The stay made this small wooden house famous. 

You can visit The Czar Peter House for a small fee (when we visited it was € 4 Adult ticket). The wooden house is now one of the oldest wooden houses in the Netherlands. Though of course it doesn’t stand under the open sky any longer, but covered by a bigger stone house.

Zaanse Schans

After visiting Zaandam you can either take a train or bike to Zaanse Schans – it will take you 20-25 minutes either way to get there. 

Zaanse Schans is a small Dutch village outside the city of Zaandam with typical 18th-19th century Dutch wooden houses, workshops and windmills. The village was recreated in the late 20th century by relocating old wooden buildings from around the region to this place. Zaanse Schans is a very popular tourist destination as it makes a perfect one day trip from Amsterdam .

Museums and windmills of Zaanse Schans

You can walk around the village and enter some of the workshops, cafes and shops for free. But if you want to visit one of the many museums or windmills on the site you’ll have to pay an entrance fee. Alternatively, you can purchase a Zaanse Schans Card  that includes entrance to some of the museums and windmills. 

There are many windmills in Zaanse Schans and most of them are fully operational and open for visitors. There is a windmill for making oil, a wood saw windmill, a windmill to mill flour and spices. Even a windmill for making paint! Some of the windmills are original ones, dated back as far as to the 17th century. Some windmills are just replicas of old windmills, but nevertheless are still beautiful and authentic looking buildings.

There are several museums in Zaanse Schans , such as Albert Heijn Museum Shop, Zaanse Time Museum, Windmill Museum and others.

Free workshops

We really enjoyed visiting the Clog Workshop and watching how the clogs are made (the entrance to the workshop is free). Clogs (or Klompen in Dutch) are traditional Dutch wooden shoes made from wood. 

It was really interesting to see a short demonstration and listen to the details of how Dutch klompen are traditionally made. There is a small exhibition of different kinds of clogs right there in the shop. You can of course buy a pair of wooden shoes too. There is a big selection of styles and sizes in the store. If buying clogs for yourself or as a gift, don’t forget they’re supposed to be worn on thick socks!

You can visit other workshops in the village such as Weaver’s House, Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm or even Liqueur distillery.

Besides the museums and workshops there are several shops in Zaanse Schans village where you can taste and buy cheese, souvenirs and other Dutch products.

Finally, visit Zaans Museum – not only to learn about the history of Zaan region, but also for its Verkade experience. (Verkade is a Dutch chocolate and confectionery company based in Zaandam).

Alternatively, if you prefer hassle free travel in a group you can always join one of the bus tours to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam:

After visiting Zaandam and Zaanse Schans, why not go to other small Dutch towns? Check our post on  6 Small Dutch towns you must see!

10 thoughts on “ Visiting Zaandam and Zaanse Schans on a day trip from Amsterdam ”

I want to go here. Sadly the Netherlands is shut to Uk travellers and I already have cancelled a holiday there, These towns are so cool.

I had a few cancelled trips myself due to border closures :-/ But hopefully some time soon the Netherlands will open again and you will be able to visit it!

That is very cool. I like the houses stacked on houses and the little stream in between buildings. I wish they built like that more in America. Thanks for sharing. ~Michelle

Zaanse Schans sounds like a lovely place and the clog workshop sounds very interesting along with all the other things like the distillery cheese making visits. These are the sorts of little towns we would love

Those clogs are adorable! I must visit these towns!

I had only seen pictures of those places so far, so it is nice to get more background information. Enjoyed reading this post and lovely pictures, too.

When it comes to Holland, I’ve only been to Amsterdam. I wish to visit other cities too. Thank you for sharing some information about this small lovely town.

I love The Netherlands and have visited many time, but not to these places. They are so picturesque!

Lovely town! I live on a small touristy town so I know the feeling.

Oh these look amazing! I am planning to visit the Netherlands later this year, so this is giving me some inspiration on what to add aside from Amsterdam! Thanks for sharing x

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Top Things to Do in Zaandam, The Netherlands

Places to visit in zaandam.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

61. Windmillhopper

62. Asiatibetmassage

63. DT-Travel

64. Zaandam Taxi

65. The Palm Lounge

66. royal diamonds amsterdam.

67. Citybikes Rental

68. Cotton Spa

69. primark.

70. September Hair&Living

71. Zaan City Taxi

72. Carper Vinum

73. Het Pand

74. Peregrine Pilates

75. taxi direct zaandam.

76. Dutch Boat Tours

77. Zuiddijk Kaas & Lekkers

78. Windmill Cruises

79. Monet in Zaandam

80. Nleurotours

81. Windmill Cruises Zaanse Schans

82. Op Pad In Je Stad

83. Your Smart Trip

84. Holland Village Tours

85. geschiedenis akademie - day tours.

86. 2holland

87. Sailing the Zaan - Private Day Tour

88. one2guide - private tours.

90. Ontsleuteld - Zaandam

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Explore Zaandam

Plan Your Trip to Zaandam: Best of Zaandam Tourism

Essential zaandam.

Tourist’s guide to Zaandam and Zaanse Schans: windmills near Amsterdam

What makes the city of Zaandam (Holland) attractive for tourists? First of all, the famous house of Peter I, because it was in this Dutch city that the Russian tsar learned the basics of shipbuilding. Millions of travelers come here to visit the unique museum under the sky – the ethnographic village of Zaanse Schans, time has seemed to stop here, every corner is saturated with the spirit of history.

general information

Zaandam in the Netherlands is a settlement and at the same time the administrative center of the Zaanstad region, which is located in the western part of the country in the province of North Holland. Zaandam is a suburb of Amsterdam and is located from the capital of the Netherlands at a distance of 17 km, if you move to the north-west.

Zaandam Square is 23 km2, about 70 thousand people live here. The city has a high population density – a little more than 3 thousand people per 1 km2. This is due to the fact that Zaandam is an industrial village, where many enterprises of different directions are concentrated.

Related entries:

• Tourist’s guide to Volendam and Edam – towns with the spirit of old Holland
• Tourist’s guide to Setubal, Portugal: main attractions
• Tourist’s guide to Leiden – a city on the canals in Holland
• What to bring from Holland – gift and souvenir ideas

Interesting fact! The name comes from the name of the Zaan River, on the banks of which there is a settlement.

On the south side, Zaandam is limited by a canal connecting the Dutch capital with the North Sea. In the west, the border of the village is the Zaan River. Directly in the village there are two large reservoirs – in the northeast, in the picturesque park Jagersveld. People come here to relax and have a good time not only locals, but also guests of Zaandam. The second body of water is located in the southeastern part of the village.

Zaandam appeared at the end of the 12th century, when Western and Eastern Zaan merged. The status of the city of Zaandam received by order of the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

Good to know! Western and Eastern Zaan are two ancient settlements that appeared in the early 14th century. The settlement received a part of the word “dam” by the name of the dam built near Zaandam in the 13th century.

In the period from the 16th to the 18th century, the whaling industry was a source of income for the Dutch city. More than fifty shipyards were built in Zaandam, from where two dozen sea vessels annually came out. Since the 19th century, industry has been actively developing in the village, new enterprises are opened that operate on wind energy (it was created by numerous mills built throughout the Netherlands). In the Netherlands, paper, varnishes and paints, spices and cocoa, tobacco, oils were produced, woods were expertly processed.

In the mid-19th century, wind power was gradually replaced by steam engines, however, Zaandam managed to retain the status of a shipbuilding center. In addition, a cocoa and chocolate factory and a logging company are operating here today, and ammunition and weapons are produced in the city.

In the second half of the 20th century, Zaandam became part of the municipality of Zaanstad, and in 2011 received the status of its capital.

Interesting fact! Since 2008, the city authorities have reconstructed the city center. One of the original projects is Inverdan, in which the façade parts of modern buildings were decorated with images of traditional Dutch architecture.

Of course, the most visited place of Zaandam is Peter’s house, where the Russian tsar lived 8 days. During this time, the monarch obtained permission to work at the shipyards of the Dutch East India Company that was famous at that time.

Good to know! The Dutch city was visited with pleasure by the artist Claude Monet. For several months he created 25 paintings, a dozen sketches.

The house of Peter the Great in Zaandam is not the only attraction. There are 128 monuments of national importance and 83 – municipal ones. The list of attractions includes residential buildings, mill constructions, churches, and monuments.

Zaanse Schans – Mill Village

The settlement of Zaanse Schans in the Netherlands is located, 17 km from the capital. Given the excellent transport links between the settlements of the Netherlands, it is not difficult to get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans on your own. There are several ways to do this.

By public transport.

• By bus number 391. Flights depart every quarter hour from the railway station in the capital. The route takes 40 minutes.
• By train to Zaandeyk station. The road takes a little more than 15 minutes, then another 15 minutes will have to walk from the station.

By car . Just enter the address in the navigator: Schansend 7, Zaandam. Parking near the village is paid – for cars – 10 €, for buses – 18 € per day.

How to get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schan by bike. This is a common way of transportation in the Netherlands, bicycle lanes are equipped in every locality, and there are many places for this type of transport in the parking lot.

In the high season – from April to October – Zaanse Schans is easily accessible by bicycle taxi, which goes from Zaandeyk station to the mill village. You can also call a taxi and comfortably get to your destination.

Photo: Zaanse Schans, Netherlands

Please note: 20 km from Amsterdam is located the colorful city of Haarlem , which is not very popular among tourists, but there is something to see.

Welcome to the mill village

Zaanse Schans is one of the most distinctive and colorful sights of the Netherlands and the entire state of the Netherlands . Here you can spend the whole day enjoying the atmosphere, history and culture of the country. The houses in the village date back to the 17th century, be sure to visit the mills, several museums, take part in a master class on creating unique wooden shoes – klomps.

Interesting to know! The main street is Kalverringdijk.

If you ask locals about the main attraction of Zaanse Schans, they will probably answer you – mills. These structures are built throughout the Netherlands. It is believed that Dutch designs are the invention of the Persians, but there is no evidence for this.

Interesting fact! According to some historians, the first mill constructions in Holland appeared before the year 1000, but they were all water. The first wind structure dates from 1180.

There are seven mills in the village, which are installed on the banks of the Schans River. Many of them, despite the historical value and status of the attraction, are still used for their intended purpose – here they process wood, grind cocoa and spices, and produce butter.

Good to know! You can visit only one mill for free with a Zaanse Schans card, the cost of visiting others is 4-5 euros.

Open for free access is the first mill construction of De Huisman, in the past it was owned by a merchant from India and used to produce mustard. Millstones are installed inside the attraction, on which grasses and seeds are still grinded, a thematic film is shown to tourists. There is a souvenir shop where they sell fragrant mustard of their own production.

The closest building to the village, De Kat, was used in the 16th century to produce paints. Inside, guests are told in detail about the old process of creating flowers and grinding pigments. Today, mill facilities are used to produce coal and oil. This attraction is the most colorful, since the millstones create a vibration that is transmitted to tourists. Here you can climb to the balcony and be close to the blades.

Good to know! A complete list of mills is available on the Zaanse Schans official website.

The Netherlands is an advanced country in Europe with a high standard of living, but the famous wooden shoes – klumps – are relevant today, although they are presented more in the form of souvenirs and museum exhibits. In Zaanse Schans there is a small museum dedicated to wooden shoes, the history of which goes back to the distant Middle Ages.

Clumps appeared in France, but it was in the Netherlands that gained the most popularity. For a humid climate and marshland, such shoes were indispensable. The shoes were handmade, thought out the pattern and decorations. According to the drawing on the shoes, it was determined in which province the person lives. In special shops you could buy klomps for any occasion in life – for playing soccer, ice-skating, wedding, everyday.

Once in Zaanse Schans in the Netherlands, be sure to visit the mini-museum of klomps. Here, workshops are held on the manufacture of wooden sights, everyone can take part and try their hand at shoe production. There is a shop at the museum, a huge number of colorful, colorful shoes are presented here, believe me, it will be very difficult to choose one pair as a souvenir.

In Zaanse Schans, the smell of whey is distinctly felt and not surprising, because there is a cheese factory where you can not only get acquainted in detail with the production process, but also purchase a head of fresh cheese. In the cheese factory you can taste more than 50 varieties of the freshest cheese of different varieties, and you will be offered a specific wine for the selected variety.

It is important! Of course, similar types of cheese are in many stores of Zaandam and Amsterdam and they cost several times cheaper than in the village of Zaanse-Schans. Therefore, think about whether it is worth buying cheese during a trip to the village.

What else to do in Zaanse Schans:

• ride a boat;
• visit the chocolate shop;
• go to the Albert Heijn Museum;
• peep into the caramel store;
• visit an antique shop.

To save time during the trip, purchase a Zaanse Schans card, which gives you the right to visit several museums, workshops for free, and in some stores to get a discount on goods.

• Adult – 15 €;
• children (from 4 to 17 years old) – 10 €.

You can buy a card in the information center, in the Zaanse Teyd Museum.

On a note! 2 more villages, popular among tourists who came to Amsterdam, are located nearby Edam and Volendam. Find out more about them on this page .

House of Peter I

The landmark of Zaandam is a small wooden house located near the capital. Peter I lived here at the end of the 17th century. To preserve the structure, a brick case was built around it.

The building was built at the beginning of the 17th century and after 65 years the Russian Tsar and 35 other volunteers who accompanied Peter on a trip settled there. At that time, a blacksmith lived with the tsar, with whom the tsar worked at a shipyard in Arkhangelsk. Due to the constant attention to his person, Peter I was forced to leave the Zaandam and move to the capital, however, he came to the city more than once and always stayed in a small wooden house.

In the mid-18th century, the building received the status of a historical object, a memorial plaque was laid by the emperor Alexander I personally on the fireplace. Later, the king of the Netherlands presented the house to the Russian monarch Alexander III.

Interesting fact! In 2013, the Dutch government presented a full-size model of the Russian building. You can see him at the Moscow Kolomenskoye Museum.

Practical information:

Address: Address: Krimp, 23. Schedule:

• from April to October – every day from 10-00 to 17-00;
• from October to April – every day except Monday – from 10-00 to 17-00.

It is important! Near the attraction there are two parking lots.

Ticket price:

• adult – 3 €;
• children (from 4 to 17 years old) – 2 €;
• Admission is free for children under 4 years old.

You may be interested: if you are going to the south of the Netherlands, visit the city ​​of Eindhoven – the center of modern art and design .

How to get to Zaandam from Amsterdam

The road from Amsterdam will not cause any difficulties. There are several ways to quickly and comfortably get from the Dutch capital to Zaandam.

• From Central station – Amsterdam Centraal – trains follow every 5-10 minutes, the route is designed for 10-12 minutes, a ticket to the second class will cost 3 €, and the first – 5 €.
• Trains depart from Schiphol Airport every 15 minutes, the journey takes 20 minutes, a ticket to the second class costs 4.5 €, the first – about 8 €.
• From Amsterdam Amstel trains leave every 5 minutes, you will have to travel 25 minutes, tickets to the second and first class cost 3.5 and 6 euros, respectively.

You can reach the bus carrier “Connexxion” number 92 and 94. Flights depart from the bus station, the road is designed for 30 minutes. Tickets cost 4,5 €.

The distance between the capital of the Netherlands and Zaandam is only 17 km, it will take you only 25-30 minutes to travel. Moving from the center of Amsterdam, you will need to cross the Hey bridge, leave for the northern region. From Amsterdam you need to get off the A1 highway. Near Zaandam there is a large traffic intersection, following the signs, you need to move to the left and enter Zaandam.

Prices on the page are for May 2018.

The sights of Zaandam will introduce you to the history, culture and traditions of the country. If you have one free day that you want to spend fun and profitably, without hesitation, go to Zaandam, Holland.

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Things to do in Zaandam

Top attractions in zaandam.

Price (per adult)

Tickets option.

Zaanse Schans Card

Enjoy access to all 7 museums of the Zaanstreek including the Zaans Museum, windmills and historic craft houses

Zaanse Schans walking self-guided audio tour

Book this walking audio tour at the Zaanse Schans in North Holland and discover the Dutch culture with its history and traditions!

Private Dutch food tasting and history tour in Zaandam from Amsterdam

Explore Zaandam with a private guide with tasting Dutch food with transportation from Amsterdam included.

Countryside and windmills private day tour

Don't miss the chance to enjoy a full day experience in the Dutch countryside, visit characteristic villages and admire the famous windmills!

Private day trip to Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken

Explore the Dutch countryside and windmills on a private day trip to Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken. Go inside a windmill, visit a traditional cheese farm and see how wooden clogs are made.

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World of Windmills combi ticket

Book your ticket to the World of Windmills and visit real working mills from the 17th century. Learn the history of the mills and hear stories from the people who worked and lived there - inside the interactive museum.

Amsterdam region travel ticket for 1 to 3 days

Discover Amsterdam and the surrounding area with the Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket – a special 1, 2 or 3-day public transport pass valid on metros, trams and buses.

Entrance to the Zaans Museum

Visit the Zaans Museum to learn about the culture and history of the Zaanstreek and enjoy access to the Verkade Experience to see origional cookie and chocolate machines

Privately guided sightseeing tour of Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam

A half-day visit with a private guide to Zaanse Schans, a fairy-tale windmill village. Taste local products and marvel at the scenic views.

Half-Day Trip to Zaanse Schans and Self-Guided Walking Tour

Take a self-guided walking tour and discover the picturesque windmill village Zaanse Schans.

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Tulip Experience, Keukenhof, Windmills and Cheese Farm Private Tour

Visit the iconic Keukenhof flower park and the Tulip Experience. Tour the Zaanse Schans region to admire traditional mills and enjoy traditional Dutch cheeses.

Private Sightseeing Tour to the Windmills and Giethoorn

Experience the Dutch culture by visiting the beautiful Zaanse Schans region and Giethoorn, a unique town known as the “Little Venice of the Netherlands”.

Where to go

Experiences in zaandam, introducing zaandam.

Located on the bank of the Zaan river, Zaandam was a major milling center during the Dutch Golden Age and boasted several windmills that powered their saws. Not far from Amsterdam, Zaandam blends the old with the new by showcasing a huge amount of culture, history and art.

Explore the Czaar Peterhuisje (Tsar Peter house), one of the oldest wooden houses in the Netherlands, once home to the Tsar Peter the Great, who stayed in Zaandam in 1697. The city also inspired the French impressionist painter Claude Monet, who spent four months in Zaandam in 1871. Visit the Monet Atelier to enjoy the area through the eyes of the artist.

From Musement Mag

Home » Travel Guides » The Netherlands » 15 Best Things to Do in Zaanstad (the Netherlands)

15 Best Things to Do in Zaanstad (the Netherlands)

Zaanstad is actually a municipality made up of several smaller towns and villages that is located in the northern part of the Netherlands , not far from Amsterdam . With a combined population of 151,000, it is one of the largest municipalities in the North Holland province behind the capital and Haarlem. Towns included in the Zaanstad umbrella include Zaandam, Westzaan, Wormerveer, Assendeltf and Krommenie.

Zaandam is the main city of Zaanstad and almost half the population of the municipality live here. During the Dutch Golden Age, this city was a major milling centre for the country and contained a vast number of windmills that powered the saws. Although Zaanstad lies in close proximity to Amsterdam, it has a plethora of tourist attractions in its own right and offers a huge amount of culture and history for those who seek it.

Lets explore the best things to do in Zaanstad :

1. Zaans Museum

The main attraction of the small village of Zaanse Schans, this museum is dedicated to preserve the history and culture of the region and was originally opened in 1994. Included inside this complex are several recreated buildings such as the Weavers House, the Cooperage, the Jisper House and Czar Peter House.

Aside from the faithfully reconstructed buildings, there is also an important collection of artwork and artefacts from the Zaans region included paintings from the renowned impressionist artists Monet.

An exhibition entitled “De Zaanstreek Maakt Het” (The Zaan region really makes it) displays the history of the industry in the area and what products were made here.

For an in-depth and interesting look at the history of Zaanstad, there is no better place.

2. Het Jonge Schaap

Het Jonge Schaap (which translates as young sheep!) is the first of the outstanding active windmills at Zaanse Schans and is used as a wooden sawmill.

Constructed in the 1600’s, the original mill was demolished during World War II, but a replica was rebuilt between the two existing saw mills.

Faithfully reconstructed to the original plans, the windmill is an impressive structure and together with the Molen De Kat, forms an impressive skyline on the banks of the river.

Inside this structure, you can see the milling process and learn how logs are sawn in the traditional method.

This really does provide an interesting insight into another age-old manufacturing technique and is a fun visit for all ages.

3. Molen De Kat

Windmills are synonymous with Zaanstad and the De Kat windmill is the only working windmill remaining in the entire world! Originally constructed in 1646 as an oil mill, the windmill was then destroyed in a fire but was rebuilt and used actively until 1904. The structure alone is wonderful to behold and looks extremely idyllic on the banks of the river.

Furthermore, the windmill is active and you can see how the process works and learn a great deal of information about milling and the history of the De Kat structure.

A visitor’s centre is also present where you can buy souvenirs and have a coffee.

Group tours are extremely cheap and should be a must if you want to see the windmill in action.

4. Czar Peter House

Unless you know the true identity of this small and unassuming building, you may pass it by and not realize its importance.

Within the confines of the Zaans Museum is one of the oldest wooden houses in the Netherlands.

Standing resolute as the day it was built back in 1632 from the remnants of old ships, this was the place where the great Tsar Peter once lived whilst learning the art of ship building.

A true testament to the skill and craftsmanship that is involved in building a sturdy wooden house, this building is a true marvel.

Admire the fantastic design of this structure, and stand in the same place that Peter did.

5. Catharina Hoeve

In the small village of Zaanse Schans you will find many of the iconic Dutch traditions including cheese making.

At the Catharina Hoeve cheese farm you can enjoy a detailed demonstration of the cheese making process carried out by authentically dressed staff.

Enter the intriguing world of cheese and see exactly how it is made using old traditional methods.

Furthermore, the extensive Catharina shop features a huge variety of cheese from simple plain blocks right through to speciality blends full of flavour.

You can even sample the various different cheeses on display before making a purchase! For a slice of authentic Dutch history, this Cheese Farm is a delightful place.

6. Molenmuseum

What could be more traditional than a museum about Windmills? This is exactly what the Molenmuseum is and it provides a fantastic look at both the history of windmills in general, and the history of windmills in the Zaanstad region.

Although the actual operation of the windmills is not touched upon (This is better described by an actual visit to one in Zaanse Schans), the museum details the different products the mills helped create, their design and structure, and artworks depicting various windmill scenes.

Some detailed wooden models of the windmill frames stand in perfect condition, together with actual parts that have been salvaged from now defunct windmills.

7. Zaanse Schans

One of the main reasons people visit Zaanstad is to see the delightful neighbourhood of Zaanse Schans.

Located in the northern region of Zaanstad, this small village has a host of attractions and is a great place for a day trip.

Here you can see windmills, a quaint harbour, the peaceful Zaan River and the various museums and sights that can be found here.

Sights you can see include the Molen De Kat, the Catherina Cheese Farm and the Zaans Museum.

You would not expect such a plethora of attractions in such a small place, but Zaanse Schans is absolutely full of things to see and do.

8. Forteiland Ijmuiden

Part of the historical defence line of Amsterdam created back in the late 1800’s, this fortification stands on a partially man-made island in the Noorderbuitenkanaal at Ijmuiden.

Standing for hundreds of years, the defence fortification was modified and strengthened during both WWI and WWII but fell into disrepair after these period as its importance declined.

During the public open days, you can explore the tunnels of the fortification and have a guided tour to see exactly how this intriguing place operated.

Tours are available only on Wednesdays and Sundays, and the boat to the island departs from the Cup Harbour in Ijmuiden.

9. Hembrug Museum

A unique museum located in Zaandam on the banks of the river in the Hembrug district, the Hembrug museum is dedicated to the history of military artillery systems.

If you are interested in military history and firearms, this is the perfect place.

Inside you can find a wealth of information about the munitions factories in Delft, the different types of artillery systems produced, and the military complex in Hembrug.

Displays contain many original documents and artefacts together with interactive image databases and films.

Scattered over a series of buildings that are surrounded by woodlands, this really is an interesting place.

10. De Jonge Dirk

This beautiful natural area is situated between Westerkoog and Westzaan and lies on the banks of De Gouw.

Only accessible by boat, this small piece of land features a beautiful windmill that once served as a spice mill and can now be seen by guided tours.

Once you are on this magical strip of land, you can see the fantastic surrounding countryside and the various waterways and flat stretches of fertile green pasture.

It really is a stunning natural beauty and the various windmills dotted in the distance provide many photographic opportunities.

11. The Clog Museum

The Dutch are famed for many traditions – Windmills, Cheese and of course clogs! In the charming village of Zaanse Schans there is a renowned clog maker that has created a museum to display this fantastic piece of footwear.

Kooijman Souveniers and Clogs have a fascinating range of shoes that have been collected over many years and from a wide variety of countries and time periods.

Aside from the beautifully arranged wall displays, you can also see a live demonstration on the clog making technique, and also see how they are traditionally decorated.

12. Burgemeester in’t Veldpark

Zaanstad has a host of beautifully designed parks and natural spaces and the Burgemeester in’t Veldpark is a wonderful place that is spread out over the Gouw waterway in central Zaandam.

Contained within the grounds of the park are many different footpaths and cycle routes, small lakes and winding waterways, and some beautiful forestland and open grassland.

Here you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the grounds, an invigorating bike ride, or simply sit back and watch the boats sail on the calm and pleasant waters.

Alternatively, there is a basketball court and a small football pitch if you fancy partaking in some sport.

13. Zaanse Golf Course

To the east of the popular Zaanse Schans is the fantastic and challenging Zaanse Golf Course.

With 18 demanding holes and surrounded by some stunning natural scenery, this really is a premier golf location.

Wind remains a challenging factor throughout the course, but you must also adapt to the narrow fairways and teeing off can be hugely important.

Maintained to a high degree of quality, the course is in perfect condition and the facilities include a driving range, a short game practice area and modern club house with extremely friendly staff.

14. Blauwe Huis van Monet

Claude Monet is one of the most famous and world-renowned artists of all time.

He is best known for founding the impressionist movement in the early 1900’s and his water-lily paintings are some of his best known.

One other famous painting is the simply titled “Blue house” which was completed in 1871. The actual house this painting depicts is located in Zaandam and still stands today and has been renovated to display its original colour.

See the house in all its glory and maybe take a guided tour of Zaandam to see the other historical places that Monet painted.

15. Het Twiske

Located to the north east of Zaandam, Het Twiske is a large recreational park consisting of many waterways, fields and forests.

For a true retreat from the city, there is no better place in the region – Some of the quieter areas are unbelievably peaceful and wild.

Wildlife here includes Bittern, the Bearded Tit, Foxes, Stoats and even Buzzards.

Aside from the fantastic natural landscape and wildlife, there are also several beaches, adventure playgrounds and even a diving platform for those who want to enjoy the warm waters.

Surrounding the reserve is also a 15km route that is perfect for cycling or even skating.

15 Best Things to Do in Zaanstad (the Netherlands):

• Zaans Museum
• Het Jonge Schaap
• Molen De Kat
• Czar Peter House
• Catharina Hoeve
• Molenmuseum
• Zaanse Schans
• Forteiland Ijmuiden
• Hembrug Museum
• De Jonge Dirk
• The Clog Museum
• Burgemeester in't Veldpark
• Zaanse Golf Course
• Blauwe Huis van Monet

• Zaandam Tourism
• Zaandam Itineraries
• Zaandam Tours
• Zaandam Hotels

Top Tourist Attractions in Zaandam

• Netherlands
• North Holland
• Things To Do In Zaandam

Best Things To Do in Zaandam, Netherlands

Have you ever visited a new place and felt ‘wow’ about it? For many visitors, it happens at Zaandam.

Zaandam may not be as popular as other cities in Netherlands, but don’t let that fool you. Zaandam is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.

You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Zaandam.

If you have plans to visit Netherlands and are not sure if Zaandam should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Zaandam and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.

• Things to do with Family & Kids in Zaandam
• Leisure Activities in Zaandam
• Museums in Zaandam

Tourist Attractions in Zaandam

Here is the list of things to do in Zaandam and tourist attractions in city.

Cheese Farm Catherina Hoeve

Specialty Shop

Address: Zeilenmakerspad 5, 1509 BZ Zaandam, Netherlands

Indie's Welvaren Spice Warehouse

Address: Kalverringdijk 23, 1509 BT Zaandam, Netherlands

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• Things to do in Amsterdam
• Things to do in Antwerp
• Things to do in The Hague
• Things to do in Rotterdam
• Things to do in Eindhoven
• Things to do in Assen
• What to do in Zaandam in 1 day
• What to do in Zaandam in 2 days

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Zaandam amsterdam: fab alternative spot to the dutch capital.

Tired of the insane accommodation prices and the hectic crowds in central Amsterdam?

Then isn’t it time you stayed somewhere different the next time you visit this city?

If the answer is yes and you’re keen to get ahead of the cool curve, then can I recommend the flourishing nearby city of Zaandam!

Just 2 short train stops from Amsterdam Centraal, this canalside city, found in the Zaan region, boasts big on the quirky local vibes, great places to eat, super galleries to explore, beautiful architecture, historic trails and even a whole host of windmills nearby thrown in for good measure!

I mean, the famous French impressionst painter, Claude Monet, was a huge fan and ended up spending 4 months living and painting here, so inspired was he by the character-filled buildings, in particular The Blue House.

So if you want to really enjoy another city close to Amsterdam that’s easy to get to and heavy on the cultural offerings, Zandam comes highly recommended.

Here’s my full travel guide to this wonderful alternative to the Dutch capital…

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Brief History of Zaandam & the Zaan Region

The perfect blend between nature and urban, the old and the new, the Zaan region, where Zandaam is located, is known for its rich cultural heritage and peaceful green landscapes and waterways.

Back in the 17th century, thanks to its river access, this region became a vital transport route for Amsterdam’s industrial activities.

In the 19th century, this developed further as an extensive network of waterways was created and hundreds of windmills sprung up to pump water out of the polders and use this energy to power sawmills, oil mills and paper mills.

Later, the windmills were also used in the food production industry – grinding spices, nuts and cocoa shipped in from the Dutch colonies.

As such, the Zaan region became known as the larder of the Netherlands, famous for its landscape of canals, windmills and wooden houses.

Once a former industrial heartland, this area in the wider Amsterdam metropolitan area has now undergone extensive regeneration that has brought its strong heritage back to life.

In particular, Zaandam, the major city in the area, is now a beautiful place to stroll, cycle, eat, shop and relax.

It throbs with a creative and community vibrancy – not a million miles in feeling from where I live in Hackney, London.

It’s just the sort of diverse place I love to visit, where historic working-class streets mingle with artists and alternative types amidst quirky cafes, pop-up installations and bicycles bustling by.

How to Get to Zaandam?

The best way to get to Zaandam is to first get to Amsterdam Centraal, from here you can use any number of trains that head north.

Fast SPR Sprinter options, as well as regular trains, run several times an hour, so you’ll never have to wait long!

The journey from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandam can take as little as 12 minutes, as there’s only 1 stop on some services, and the ride costs just 3€.

You can check train times and departure platforms via the handy NS Dutch train travel site, which has a great journey planner feature here .

I suggest picking up a 1-3 Day Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket , so that you can simply tap in and off without having to buy separate tickets each time you journey in this region.

When it comes to getting to Amsterdam Centraal in the first instance, you have a number of options.

From London, I highly recommend travelling by Eurostar , which goes directly from St Pancras International to Amsterdam Centraal. The heart of one city to another in just under 4 hours!

If you’re already in Europe then check out your train and bus options from numerous cities to Amsterdam here .

These posts I wrote may also help you…

• Amsterdam to Frankfurt
• Amsterdam to Cologne
• Amsterdam to Prague

If you’re travelling from elsewhere in the UK to Amsterdam, or from further afield, then KLM Airlines – the national Dutch carrier – are your best choice for flying.

They offer hundreds of flights daily into Amsterdam’s Schipol airport from around the world – including London City Airport. Get the best flight prices here .

From Schipol airport, you can then actually travel directly to Zaandam in under 20 minutes on a direct SPR Sprinter train that doesn’t require you to change at all – super handy if you’ve got a bit of luggage!

Tickets cost around 5€, or you can use your 1-3 Day Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket .

Where to Stay in Zaandam?

No question in my mind that the best place to stay in Zaandam is the Inntel Hotel.

Situated just a 2 minute walk from the train station, this iconic hotel has really put Zaandam on the map, so staying here is pretty much a must!

The instantly recognisable architecture and canalside location make it a popular hit and if you want to grab some great snaps to remember your Dutch trip, then it’s hard to do better than the Inntel Amsterdam Zaandam.

With an exterior design based on the typical Zaan cottages, uniquely stacked on top of each other, inside, the huge rooms, great staff and excellent facilities also make this a top stay.

Ideal if you want somewhere to relax after a busy day of sightseeing the onsite spa, sauna and pool are fantastic, or opt for a workout winddown in the gym, followed by a relaxing bath in your huge in-room tub!

After enjoying the buffet breakfast, you simply need to step outside and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Zaandam action, with the main street and all the attractions I’m going to talk about being super easy to reach.

Book your stay at the Inntel Amsterdam Zaandam Hotel today.

Best Things to Do in Zaandam

#1 The Playroom

This great gallery space is run by a pair of talented artists who passionately showcase fresh, contemporary artists’ work in their emerging space in the heart of Zaandam.

With revolving exhibitions and regular events, this is a welcoming and inclusive spot that feels part of the diverse community in Zaandam.

Housed in an original butcher’s building, which was constructed in 1894, this place is very much part of a progressive and exciting regen ambience in Zaandam.

Open Friday to Sunday, you can learn more about visiting The Playroom here .

#2 Heritage Walk

And the ideal way to get to The Playroom if you’re staying at the Inntel Amsterdam Zaandam is to follow one of the fantastic heritage walks that have been mapped and marked to showcase the best of this area.

Grab your trail map from the ZaanStore (Stadhuisplein 96, Zaandam) and set about exploring the fascinating history of Zaandam using your own 2 feet.

My recommendation is to follow walking route number 8 (Industrial Heritage Trail) to take you to The Playroom, but if you’ve got more energy and want to discover further, then walking route number 10 (the Zaan Port Area Trail) is also a great option.

Visiting Zaanse Schans from Zaandam

Technically a great thing to do from Zaandam, I’m nevertheless covering Zaanse Schans in a separate section here, because it probably deserves it!

Loads of tourists travel from central Amsterdam to see the beautiful windmills in this pretty-as-a-picture town.

But, if you stay in Zaandam, you’ll be much closer than the Amsterdam city centre dwellers – just 5 minutes away by train – and this will definitely help you get there as early as possible and avoid the crowds!

I recommend a half day for visiting Zaanse Schans.

Getting to Zaanse Schans

To get to Zaanse Schans, simply head to Zaandam train station and use your 1-3 Day Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket to tap in and head off as you head to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, which is just 2 stations and 7-8 minutes away.

There’s a few trains per hour, but do check the journey times here .

Once you arrive, it’s then about a 10-15 minute walk from the station to the main windmills area.

In the summer months, you can also sail down the River Zaan from Zaandam to Zaanse Schans – a fantastic way to appreciate the important waterways that characterise this area.

Lagedijk Street

Clearly marked by helpful signs, on the way to the windmills you’ll pass through the centre of this historic town and my recommendation is not to miss grabbing a coffee and an organic bakery treat from the wonderful Het Zaanse Bakkertje – especially if you missed breakfast to get here early!

Otherwise, if you’re coming in the afternoon, the restaurant and bar Wolfsend next door, may be your preferred option!

While you’ve popped down this street to either of these lovely eateries, don’t miss the chance to explore a little further.

If you picked up a Zaan region walking map from the ZaanStore (located right by the Zaandam train station), route number 6 (Gortershoek and Domineestuin), covers this area and will take you to some beautiful, historic homes, former merchant houses, a sculpture park and the lovely Honig Breethuis Museum.

Known as the Pearl of the Zaan region, this is a well-heeled and stunningly restored area you should not miss!

Zaanse Schans Windmills

After your heritage street stroll, head back to the main street, cross the Julianabrug Zaandijk bridge and get ready to see those iconic windmills that most people have come to enjoy.

People stop to snap them from the bridge, but trust me, you’ll want to wait, because you’re going to get much closer than that!

And the place to get much closer is along the quaint, cobbled Kalverringdijk street.

Like a model village, this is actually a real street where people live and run local businesses from, but it’s certainly well-trodden by tourists now too!

Head to the end to see the windmills in a beautiful sweeping curve along the canal and grab your snaps before strolling around this quaint area to take in all the mega Dutch feels.

Honestly, these are the best windmills spot I’ve visited across the Netherlands, so highly recommend it!

After all, who doesn’t want to see these beautiful water-powered icons!

You can also see restored wooden cottages, barns and workshops here, like something straight from the 18th and 19th century, and enjoy visiting a traditional sawmill, weaving workshops and even chocolate making classes.

Where to Eat in Zaandam?

And after your day out sightseeing, it’s time to head back to Zaandam and grab a bite to eat.

Here’s my top lunch and dinner options in the city…

#1 JP 1886 Café

Situated right opposite The Playroom, in the iconic, renovated Verkade biscuit factory, this great café boasts a huge indoor seating area, as well as a lovely outside, canal side spot for sunny days.

With a large international menu, I love the small and big plates concept and the great selection of wines – ideal for enjoying outside in the sun!

Staff were super helpful too and the décor is just what I love – the delightful urban regen style!

Take a look at the menu here .

#2 Cafe Fabriek

A hot local spot where I headed for dinner, this relaxed place is at the end of the main street in Zaandam, again just along the canal.

Affordable and vibey, the place was throbbing with locals when I turned up and there was not an English menu in sight – always a good sign!

Couples canoodled in corners, girls gossiped over a coffee, while a group of male friends played chess and drunk beer in the centre of this top neighbourhood spot.

Genuine and totally down-to-earth, I really loved the vibe of this cute bar come café and the veggie burger I ate, and yummy beer I washed it down with, certainly hit the spot!

Learn more about this place here .

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Mini Travel Guide to Zaandam

When to Visit?

There’s no question in my mind that the best time to enjoy Zaandam is during the months from April through October, when the warmer weather and amazing colours bring this city to life.

How Long to Stay?

If you’re looking to enjoy Zaandam, Zaanse Schans and the centre of Amsterdam, then I’d suggest a 3-5 night stay.

I’d honestly recommend basing yourself in Zaandam the whole time, as you can get away from the heaviest crowds but still reach, see and explore everything in the centre of Amsterdam you want.

Where to Stay? Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam get my vote every time thanks to its fab location, comfort and iconic appearance.

5 Packing Essentials for Zaandam & Zaanse Schans

• Camera – You’ll want something to snap those beautiful windmills with.
• Straw Hat – We are living in an Instagram world and I’m an Instagram girl!
• Rain Jacket – You just never know in the Netherlands!
• Tripod – Crucial if you’re flying solo and want to get those windmill pics.
• Day Pack – Keep all the things for your sightseeing excursions in one handy place.

Spending Money in Zaandam

When it comes to paying for things in Zaandam, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates when using your card abroad, which is why I always take my Wise Card away with me wherever I travel.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups, no sneaky transaction fees and a free Euros account, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card in the Netherlands… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Get yours here .

Travel Insurance for Zaandam

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So that’s my guide to the wonderful city of Zaandam in the greater Amsterdam metropolitan area.

The only place I’ll be basing myself whenever I visit this part of the Netherlands in the future, I love the very authentic and arty vibes here and highly recommend checking into the Inntel Amsterdam Zaandam to get the best of them!

Have I convinced you yet?!

Any questions you have about visiting Zaandam, please drop them into the comments box below and I’ll get back to you…

My trip to Zaandam was sponsored by Amsterdam&Partners but, as always, all views are my own.

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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