Zaandam

Travel 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 which includes a house

Zaanse Schans

5/5(3 area reviews)

Travelers enjoy Zaanse Schans for its museums and coffeehouses. 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
The price is ¥15,217 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥15,217
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Zaandam. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"20 mins short train ride to Amsterdam Central. The hotel is just next to station and shopping area. Nice small swimming pool and sauna. Also, thanks for the free room upgrade."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
4 out of 5
Amstel 144, Amsterdam
The price is ¥28,554 per night from May 21 to May 22
¥28,554
per night
May 21 - May 22
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (700 reviews)
"The staff was excellent; always available & helpful especially with dinner reservations. Rooms are clean but small & bathrooms lack shelving; we managed; bed is comfy. Great location. Overall a wonderful stay"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Eden Hotel Amsterdam
ibis Amsterdam Centre
ibis Amsterdam Centre
3 out of 5
Stationsplein 49, Amsterdam
The price is ¥19,828 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥19,828
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,176 reviews)
"utilitarian, small functional rooms, limited amenities, good for a work or traveler with simple needs, my spouse hated it but that’s typical. Location is why you pick it, 2 minutes to train, 5 to shop or RLD. I’d stay again but wife wouldn’t. A coffee machine in room would really be nice though."

Reviewed on May 10, 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 (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (855 reviews)
"CityDen offers a great accomodation within 20 minutes from the tourist destinations within Amsterdam. I would definitely return to the aparthotel if I return back with the family."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Cityden Zuidas
Amsterdam ID Aparthotel
Amsterdam ID Aparthotel
3 out of 5
Naritaweg 51, Amsterdam
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Anne Frank House and Leidseplein ...
9/10 Wonderful! (801 reviews)
"Nice and clean hotel with very good facilities like a gym and pool table. Located within a few stops for the airport and has good access to public transport to the city centre. The hotel staff team were excellent and very responsive to any queries."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2024

Amsterdam ID Aparthotel
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 (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (129 reviews)
"Absolutely fantastic stay in a beautiful hotel with superb staff. Amazing room and great facilities. Lovely local area and easy walk into the centre. Would strongly recommend."

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024

The July - Boat & Co
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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Reviews of Zaandam

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
72
" "5 - Excellent 64.86486486486487%
4 - Good
30
" "4 - Good 27.027027027027028%
3 - Okay
8
" "3 - Okay 7.207207207207207%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.9009009009009009%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 29, 2019

I would definitely stay here again if visiting Amsterdam!

5/5 - Excellent

Jaylynn
Nov 13, 2019

Zaandam is such a unique and beautiful city, it’s always nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. 10/10 experience.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Oct 25, 2019

Looks like they are trying to modernize to lure Amsterdam visitors to stay here. Zaandam may be losing its historic feel.

5/5 - Excellent

Alim
Oct 2, 2019

Zaanse Schans windmills village is beautiful.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 25, 2019

Quiet area. Convenient and close to public transportation which is very efficient.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 16, 2019

Very nice and clean.

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