Zaandam

Travel Guide
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

Tribe Amsterdam City
Tribe Amsterdam City
4 out of 5
Termini 9, Amsterdam, 1022LB
The price is $148 per night from Apr 16 to Apr 17
$148
per night
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast. Popular attractions Dam Square and Anne Frank House are located nearby. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (134 reviews)
"Excellent hotel in a good location. Around 5/6 minutes on the metro from the central station."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2023

Tribe Amsterdam City
Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam
Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam
4 out of 5
Provincialeweg 102, Zaandam, 1506 MD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $149 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
$149
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Zaandam. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"In a very convenient location close to the train. Lots of dining options, shopping and grocery within a few minutes walk. Staff very helpful and friendly. Rooms clean, comfy beds. Could use a bit of a touch up here and there as some walls were pretty stained or scuffed up."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2023

Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam
Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam, an IHG Hotel
Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 5, Amsterdam, 1012 RC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $317 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
$317
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (997 reviews)
"A really short walk to and from Amsterdam Centraal Station and pretty central in general. A gem of a place to stay!"

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2023

Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam, an IHG Hotel
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, 1183AT
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Amstelveen. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the convenient parking and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (755 reviews)
"Aside from the bed placement and having to crawl over someone sleeping if you’re sleeping against the wall and although I understand why, I didn’t love that the electricity only works when your room card is plugged in, the staff couldn’t be nicer or more accommodating & knowledgeable. The location ..."

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2023

Cityden Zuidas
Quiet and bright studio close to Amsterdam
Quiet and bright studio close to Amsterdam
Zaandam, NH
Stay at this apartment in Zaandam. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a patio. Our guests praise the comfy beds and the overall value in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (70 reviews)
Great location, great price
"My boyfriend and I wanted to stay near Amsterdam but couldn't afford any expensive hotels until we came across this stay. True to its description, very close to train station, Zaandam is a lovely town to check out as well!"

Reviewed on Nov 16, 2022

Quiet and bright studio close to Amsterdam
Corendon Apartments Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel
Corendon Apartments Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel
4 out of 5
285 Schipholweg, Badhoevedorp, NH, 1171 PL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Badhoevedorp. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Van Gogh Museum ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (139 reviews)
"Apartment was clean. We were able to get early check-ins (for a price). Buffet dinner is a bit pricey but the food is very good and beer and wine are included. Airport transportation is convenient."

Reviewed on Feb 18, 2023

Corendon Apartments Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel
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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