Zaandam Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Zaanse Schans
See how a traditional windmill works and marvel at this picturesque small city’s unique mix of modern and old typically Dutch architecture.

Zaandam is a small city that is around 5 minutes north by train from Amsterdam. With its working windmills and traditional factories, the city’s De Zaanse Schans neighborhood produces everything from cheese and chocolate to typically Dutch wooden shoes.

Stand back and look at the new and completely unique architecture of the city hall and central shopping arcade that dominates the center of Zaandam. A modern interpretation of the traditional green painted Zaan-style houses, one of the most striking buildings is the Inntel Hotel that resembles layers of houses stacked on top of each other. Love it or loathe it, it is something that must be seen to be believed.

Head out to De Zaanse Schans near Zaandijk for a glimpse of Dutch life in the 17th and 18th centuries. Marvel at the neighborhood’s many colorful windmills and admire the green Zaan-style traditional wooden houses that are reflected so neatly in the canals. Browse the small museums and sample the traditional treats, ranging from cheese to sweets, that are made in small artisan workshops. Visit the arts and crafts shops to find a typically Dutch souvenir.

While at De Zaanse Schans, make sure you don’t miss the Zaans Museum. This museum gives an insight into the history and trading of the local area. It also includes the Verkade Experience, a tour of a still functioning chocolate and biscuit factory from the early 20th century. Of course, sampling the products will be the highlight of your time at the museum. End your visit with the small Claude Monet presentation, which highlights this French artist’s visit to the area in 1871.

Monet also painted the Blauwe Huis van Monet (Monet’s Blue House), a still partly blue corner house that you can find in the center of Zaandam. Another house with an interesting past is the Tsaar Peterhuisje (Czar Peter’s House). Czar Peter from Russia actually stayed here during a visit to the region in 1697. Built in 1632, it is one of the oldest wooden houses in the Netherlands.

Zaandam not only offers a great opportunity to see and taste Dutch history and heritage, but to also get a glimpse of the fascinating road the Dutch are taking towards the future.

Where to stay in Zaandam

Zaanse Schans showing a house

Zaanse Schans

5/5(1 area review)

Travellers enjoy Zaanse Schans for its museums and coffee shops. Consider checking out Zaans Museum while you're in the area.

Zaanse Schans
Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam
Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam
4 out of 5
Provincialeweg 102, Zaandam
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$213 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$213
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Zaandam. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Beautiful room, wonderfully located and great value."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam
Dikker & Thijs Hotel
Dikker & Thijs Hotel
4 out of 5
Prinsengracht 444, Amsterdam
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$292 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$292
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star historic hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Property overall is great! Street noise is very loud. Most of our 7 nights there was music, partying in the streets until 4am. Amenities are very minimal, and you must turn in your room key every time you leave the hotel, which is a pain at times. Building is a little dated, but cleanliness was top ..."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Dikker & Thijs Hotel
ibis Amsterdam Centre
ibis Amsterdam Centre
3 out of 5
Stationsplein 49, Amsterdam
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$262 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$262
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,094 reviews)
"Ideal for getting around."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

ibis Amsterdam Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cityden Zuidas
Cityden Zuidas
4 out of 5
Professor J.H. Bavincklaan 3, Amstelveen
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Amstelveen. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (845 reviews)
"Overall our stay was excellent. We enjoyed having a bar/restaurant right in the building. The room was clean and very spacious despite being a studio. The welcome package of dish tabs and other goodies was a nice touch. Staff was friendly and helpful. The beds were very comfortable . The only negative ..."

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2024

Cityden Zuidas
The July - Boat & Co
The July - Boat & Co
4 out of 5
500 Revaleiland, Amsterdam, NH
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (128 reviews)
"Comfortable bed, friendly, knowledgeable staff and top-notch boutique hotel atmosphere. Will definitely stay again if we return to Amsterdam!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

The July - Boat & Co
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam
3.5 out of 5
Parnassusweg 376, Amsterdam
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified aparthotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Anne Frank House ...
9/10 Wonderful! (62 reviews)
"Our family of four stayed in a spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment for 3 nights. Check-in was fast and straightforward; local government tax was levied upon checkout. Great views of the business district from the apartment. Metro, tram and train just a couple of minutes’ walk from apartment ..."

Reviewed on 18 Feb. 2024

PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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