Things To Do
in Zaanstad
Zaanstad is a historic-district region in North Holland along the Zaan River, famed for its windmills, traditional crafts, and charming canal-side towns. It blends centuries-old industrial heritage with modern neighborhoods and easy access to Amsterdam via rail and bike paths. The area feels welcoming and compact, making it ideal for day trips by bike or on foot, with plenty of markets, museums, and scenic river views.
Expect a peaceful yet vibrant escape that showcases Dutch culture, architecture, and nature in close proximity to the capital.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin with a visit to the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans where the breeze turns wooden sails in a picture-perfect setting. Wander through the cheese farm and sample freshly made Gouda while learning about traditional cheese-making techniques. Capture panoramic views of the river and green pastures before the crowds arrive.
Take a guided tour of the historic clog workshop to watch artisans carve wooden shoes by hand. Stroll past the brightly colored warehouses turned artisan shops and pick up local crafts as souvenirs. Pause for a light lunch of stroopwafel dipped in coffee at a quaint riverside café.
Dine at a family-run restaurant offering classic Dutch stews and local beers brewed nearby. Enjoy the tranquil ambiance as the sun sets behind the windmills and casts gentle reflections on the water. End the evening with live folk music at a historic mill converted into a cultural venue.
Start your day in Zaandam with a visit to the striking Inntel Hotel, famed for its stacked green houses façade. Explore local art galleries showcasing contemporary works alongside traditional maritime paintings. Grab a takeaway coffee and a warm croissant at a cozy patisserie in the city center.
Head to the Zaans Museum to immerse yourself in the industrial heritage of the region through interactive exhibits and dioramas. Learn about the pioneering spirit that powered early factories producing cocoa, fish oil, and paint. Indulge in a mid-afternoon snack of freshly baked apple pie in the museum café.
Stroll along the picturesque canals of Zaandam as the city lights reflect on the water’s surface. Choose from an array of waterfront eateries serving international and Dutch fusion cuisine. Cap off the night with a craft beer tasting at a local microbrewery while chatting with friendly locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🥗Meal for two in mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🚆Public transit day pass | $9-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact area with easy access to Amsterdam
- Picturesque windmills and canals
- Bike-friendly with good infrastructure
- Friendly locals and safe environment
- Varied cultural experiences (museums, markets)
- Can be touristy around windmill areas
- Occasional rain and chilly winds
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Some English not universal in smaller shops
- Parking can be costly near central spots
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank je wel" - Thank you
- "Alsjeblieft" - Please/Here you go
- "Spreek je Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ik begrijp het niet" - I don’t understand
Places to Visit in Zaanstad
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic windmill row along the Zaan River, perfect for iconic Dutch countryside photos.
The distinctive stacked-house façade makes for striking architectural shots.
Historic wooden house on the Zaandam outskirts, with medieval harbor charm.
Scenic canal views with boats, bridges, and traditional Dutch houses.
Food in Zaanstad
Zaanstad Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A caramel-syrup waffle enjoyed warm; buy fresh at markets or cafés.
Must-Try!
Light, fluffy mini-pancakes often dusted with powdered sugar.
Raw herring typically served with onions and pickles; a classic Dutch bite.
Assorted Dutch cheeses like Gouda and Edam, common at markets and delis.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively center-market with fresh produce, breads, herring stalls, and snacks.
Market stalls near the windmills offering cheese, snacks, and crafts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite hello (hallo) or good day (goedendag); use formal 'u' with strangers.
Yield to pedestrians, ring your bell when passing, stay to the right on bike paths, and park bikes in designated areas.
Stand in line; pay by card or app; keep noise to a reasonable level in public.
Safety
Tipping in Zaanstad
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; service charges are often included; rounding up at cafes or leaving 5-10% is common if satisfied.
Credit/debit cards and mobile payments (PIN, contactless, iDEAL) are widely accepted; cash is accepted but gradually less common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Milder days with blooming tulips in the surrounding polder landscapes; comfortable for bike rides.
Long daylight hours, warm but usually not hot; perfect for outdoor markets and boat trips.
Showers and cooler days; vivid autumn foliage along canals; lighter crowds.
Cool and windy with occasional rain or snow; Christmas markets and festive lights; daylight hours are shorter.
Zaanstad at Night
Hiking in Zaanstad
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic inland wetlands with birdlife and easy to moderate hikes.
Leisurely trails along the windmill-lined canals.
Flat, easy terrain ideal for slow strolls and photography.
Airports
How to reach Zaanstad by plane.
Major international hub; quick rail connection to Zaandam and Amsterdam; about 15-20 minutes by train to central areas.
Smaller international airport; reachable by train or road with longer transfer times.
Smaller regional airport serving mainly domestic and charter flights; distance longer to Zaanstad.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families live in Zaanstad, attracted by schools, parks and a quieter pace than Amsterdam.
Dutch residents along with a growing number of expatriates and young professionals.
Several colleges and training centers bring student populations to the area.
A steady senior community with active clubs and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is central to Dutch culture and a staple activity for locals and visitors.
Local clubs and community fields are common; watching a match can be a fun outing.
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and canal boating are popular given the many waterways.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zaanstad.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many places offer vegetarian options; look for veggie plates or ask for plant-based substitutes. Dairy and egg-based dishes are common; inform staff of allergies.