Zaandam

Travel Guide

Zaanse Schans featuring a small town or village, a bridge and a lake or waterhole
Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans which includes a park and hiking or walking as well as a couple
Zaanse Schans showing shopping
Zaanse Schans featuring a park

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)

You'll enjoy the museums and coffeehouses in Zaanse Schans. You might want to make time for a stop at Zaans Museum or Jisper House Museum.

Zaanse Schans
citizenM Schiphol Airport
citizenM Schiphol Airport
4 out of 5
Jan Plezierweg 2, Schiphol
$127 nightly
The price is $147 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$147 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Schiphol. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,044 reviews)
"Hotel and staff were great - very convenient for the early flight - right at the airport. Everything was great except for the food, it was terrible. We ended up walking back to the airport to get something else. Apart from that it was a nice stay"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

citizenM Schiphol Airport
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
4.5 out of 5
Amstel 144, Amsterdam
$173 nightly
The price is $210 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$210 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,439 reviews)
"Great place to stay in Amsterdam"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Eden Hotel Amsterdam
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
4 out of 5
Oostelijke Handelskade 34, Amsterdam
$204 nightly
The price is $247 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$247 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (398 reviews)
"This is a beautiful property in a historic building near the water. The staff were very friendly and helpful and gave us a warm welcome to the hotel. The location is fantastic for connections to the tram and bus lines going to Centraal Station. Breakfast buffet was very good with many options. The ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

The Hoxton, Lloyd 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.
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! (973 reviews)
"A nice safe property near public transit"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

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 (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (323 reviews)
"Great room and fantastic building in a quiet area. Free bike rental was great. Really enjoyed our stay and will definitely return."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

The July - Boat & Co
Adagio Amsterdam City South
Adagio Amsterdam City South
3.5 out of 5
Professor J H Bavinckln 5, Amstelveen, NL
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Amstelveen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (466 reviews)
"Good apartment, clean and comfy, but way too hot - the ventilation did nothing to cool the room."

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Adagio Amsterdam City South
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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Things to do

Reviews of Zaandam

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
72
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
30
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I would definitely stay here again if visiting Amsterdam!

5/5 - Excellent

Jaylynn

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

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

Zaanse Schans windmills village is beautiful.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very nice and clean.

Cities near Zaandam