Things to Do in Zaandam – Top Sights, Eats & Hidden Gems (2025)

The Netherlands is a beautiful country with mesmerizing landscapes and friendly people. By exploring less touristy cities (I’m looking at you Amsterdam) such as Zaandam, you can enjoy a richer experience of Dutch culture and beauty without breaking the bank. The best part is that you get to see the Netherlands from the perspective of locals, away from the tourist traps of larger cities.

While Zaandam may not be as modern as Amsterdam, its serene atmosphere and calmness will envelop you. The city’s rich history, numerous museums, and interesting spots will keep you engaged throughout your visit, while also providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.

This article covers exciting and fun things to do in Zaandam so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Tsaar Peterhuisje, or the Czar Peter House, is an excellent spot for people who love history. This house is one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands.

The museum is centred around a green wooden home, built in 1632. It was home to the blacksmith where Czar Peter I during his stay in Zaandam in 1697. This home has been toured by heads of state and royalty; as well as Napoleon and his wife.

The building itself isn’t large and features tiny wooden rooms with short doors, so watch your head!

The Zaans Museum manages Tsaar Peterhuisje, and the exhibit which dives into details about Czaar Peter and his interest in learning Dutch shipbuilding to grow the industry in Russia.

The influence of Czaar Peter in Dutch culture is not restricted only to the Tsaar Peterhuisje. Zaandam also features a Czaar Peter Monument in the middle of Dam Square, now a historical landmark. The monument, a bronze statue of Czaar Peter, dates back to the 1900s when it was installed as a gift from Czar Nicholas II in 1911. It is also an excellent spot to grab a bite when roaming the city.

Tip – The Monument is located in the middle of Dam Square in Zaandam. The spot for nightlife in Zaandam.

The Inntel Hotel in Zaandam is a must-see for those who appreciate unique architecture. This 12-story hotel, finished in 2010, features the Blue House, painted by Claude Monet.

The hotel, with its 70-stacked Zaanse houses, may appear like a cluster of traditional houses, but it is an architectural marvel that will surely pique your interest.

There are numerous polders in Zaandam, which are protected habitats and home to local wildlife.

The Westzaan polder is the closest to downtown Zaandam. It is easily walkable, and you can stroll along it via the Westerwindpad. This walk offers great water views, plant and bird life, and windmills.

Staying a few days in Zaandam? Consider heading over to the Fabriek Film House, one evening to catch a film.

Located in the city centre is this theatre offers a chance to catch art house films in English!

While it is not as big as the Pathe Bioscoop, it is among the most versatile spots in Zaandam. You can watch a movie, drink on the terrace, or enjoy a drink on the patio on the River Zaan.

The building was built in 1921 and was a school until the 1980s, when it was transformed into a filmtheatre. Today, it has three theatre rooms, an outdoor terrace, and a restaurant.

Gedempte Gracht, the bustling shopping centre in Zaandam, is conveniently located next to the station and Inntel Hotel, ensuring easy access for all visitors.

Prepare to be delighted by the diverse shopping options in the area, from unique local boutiques to popular retail giants like Zara, Primark, and H&M.

Marvel at the stunning renewed canal in the city centre, a testament to Zaandam’s commitment to rejuvenation. This picturesque spot was once closed and paved up, now it’s a sight to behold.

Are you visiting Zaandam on a Thursday or Saturday? You must experience the local market at Rozengracht (city centre). This is an absolute favourite of my parents when they visit.

The market is a feast for the eyes, bustling with energy and offering a wide variety of products. It’s a hotspot for locals looking for fresh produce, flowers, bread, fish, and of course,Cheese!

TIP: A few cheese stands will even vacuum pack your cheese, making it easier for you to travel! And the best part? The prices are far more budget-friendly than at the Zaanse Schans.

Bring your appetite and enjoy fresh Kibbling from the fish stand or a fresh stroopwafel on Saturday.

TIP: The Saturday market is a paradise for variety seekers, offering a wider range of products than Thursdays. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised!

The Hembrugterrein is located at the edge of Zaandam. It was once an ammunition factory that was closed to the public.

Today, Hembrugterrein is one of the best places for art enthusiasts. This former industrial site is now home to event spaces and artists’ studios, making it a cultural hotspot.

When you visit Hembrugterrein, you’re in for a treat. Check out the website for a plethora of ongoing markets and activities. Whether you’re a fan of unique art, history, or innovation, you’ll find something to pique your interest here.

TIP: After walking around the site, consider eating at Lab44, housed in the old laboratorium.

From April until November, the first Sunday of every month, the Zaan Museum organises a tour of the area. You can purchase your tickets in advance. At this time, however, the tour is only provided in Dutch.

Immerse yourself in the romantic charm of Zaandam with a leisurely boat trip (also private trips can be arranged), offering a fresh perspective of a city deeply rooted in its waterways.

The Zaan River, a small river that runs through the city, offers breathtaking views of the historical industrial buildings, a sight that will leave you awe-inspired.

With numerous operators offering boat tours, you can look forward to a diverse range of sights, from windmills to historic buildings and picturesque landscapes. It’s an exciting way to explore the city.

When in Zaandam, do not forget to add it to your must-do list! It’s truly a different way to see the city.

Want to explore the landscape by water…. but looking for a little more activity? Go Canoeing!

Visit the Arjan Bloem canoe rental, located just past Wormerveer. Here, you can rent canoes and explore the Zwet en Jisperveld polders.

Imagine the thrill of canoeing past the majestic windmill De Koker, a unique experience that will surely intrigue you, if your arms can handle it.

Windmill De Koker, a significant part of the region’s history, is the perfect spot to appreciate the past and take picturesque photographs away from the crowds.

Want to know a secret? There are far more windmills in the area than the ten located at the Zaanse Schans. Better yet, the windmills not located at the Zaanse Schans are far less touristy!

While not all of the other Zaandam windmills are regularly open, the Windmill De Schoolmeester is open 5 days a week. This is the last remaining paper windmill, and it is the best choice to avoid crowds and see inside a still-operating windmill.

Built in 1692, Windmill De Schoolmeester is a living testament to history, being the only remaining wind-powered papermill in the world. For current opening times, visit De Schoolmeester’s webpage. This windmill is truly a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

The best part about staying in Zaandam is that you can visit Amsterdam anytime—in only 12 minutes!

Trains arrive at the Zaandam Railway Station every few minutes and take you to Amsterdam within 12 minutes. Sounds great, right?

Spend your day in Amsterdam, discovering the work of Van Gogh, enjoying clubbing, devouring the local delicacies, and then returning to your hotel in Zaandam in the evening.

With numerous locations to rent a bike from (including your hotel, so check at reception) you absolutely need to get on a bike and travel like the locals.

A bike will make traveling around the area easier and allow you to view the greener sides of the area. Imagine a sunny day, sky blue (it does happen, I promise) while you bike along a polder with a windmill in the distance.

Pack a picnic and make the most of the day.

The Dutch Waterline is not strictly within the Zaan Region but parts are. This unique defence system is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Dutch Waterline is a 200 km defense line with nearly 100 forts which permitted the area around Amsterdam to be flooded in the case of potential attack.

While not all 200 km is located in the Zaan Region, parts of the more northern defence line are. I highly recommending visiting Fort K’íjk as a starting point on your tour.

The Zaanse Schans, a picturesque village (technically a neighbourhood) with the traditional green wooden houses of the Zaan Region, is a treasure trove of cultural significance. Its ten windmills, museums, and countless cultural sights are not just attractions, but windows into the rich history of the area. This will surely spark your interest and keep you engaged.

With its convenient location, it’s a mere 5-minute train ride from Zaandam or a 10-minute bus journey to reach the enchanting Zaanse Schans. The ease of travel will surely add to your excitement and eagerness to explore this cultural gem.

While the Zaanse Schans is undeniably the main attraction to the area, Zaandam and the Zaanstad offer a variety of other cultural and historical sites waiting to be explored. I highly recommend spending a day at the Zaanse Schans, but don’t let it be your only stop in the region. The diversity of attractions will surely pique your curiosity and leave you intrigued.

The Weavers’ House, located at the Zaanse Schans, is dedicated to mill cloth and sail weaving in the eighteenth century. It showcases the process of weaving these fabrics back in the day, using five looms. You also learn more about the history of weaving in the region through informational pieces in the museum.

Entree into the Weavers house is included in the cost of the Zaanse Schans Card.

No visit to Zaandam is complete without learning how the city developed throughout the centuries. The Zaans Museum will show you how a whaling town grew into the industrial hub of Europe.

The Zaans Museum offers a peek into Zaandam’s industrial and cultural history with exhibits on shipbuilding, costumes, and art, making it one of the most informational locations in Zaandam.

Once, over 650 windmills graced the River Zaan’s waterways. Today, the Zaanse Schans proudly preserves 10 of these majestic structures, offering a unique experience for visitors.

These windmills, were once the heartbeat of the region, used for wood sawing, oil extraction, pigment production, and other purposes.

Check out which windmills are open on the day you visit. With the Zaanse Schans Card, you can include a visit inside (along with all museums) or purchase individual tickets for each windmill you wish to see. I highly recommend visiting the viewing deck of Windmill De Kat, if you dare.

The Cheese Farm at Zaanse Schans is a place of pure joy for cheese lovers. It’s a bustling hub where you can revel in the pleasure of cheese tasting and savor a multitude of unique cheese types.

Remember to take home your favourite cheeses once you’ve indulged in the delightful cheese-tasting experience. It’s the perfect way to savour the memories of your visit to the Cheese Farm.

TIP: try the smoked cheese. It’s a truly unique flavour profile.

Have you ever experienced the unique charm of a shoe-making workshop? If not, you’re in for a treat!

While the idea of wooden shoes might seem impractical, they were a practical choice for Dutch farmers in the past. They effectivelykept their feet dry in the boggy wetland.

Today, you can see different types of clogs (wooden shoes) in the workshop, not simply wooden farming clogs. These wooden shoes are woven into all elements of Dutch life, from weddings to specific clogs for different professions. View a variety of historical wooden shoes before wrapping up your tour with a visual workshop and shopping experience.

The Molen Museum, a hidden gem for windmill lovers, is housed in an unassuming small brick house. But don’t be fooled by its exterior-this museum is a comprehensive treasure trove of knowledge about windmills. It delves into the intricate details of windmill construction, operation, and the products they churned out, making it a must-visit for any windmill enthusiast.

Entree is part of the Zaanse Schans Card, and it will take you approximately an hour to an hour and a half to view all the exhibits. This is a must-stop for kids as well, as many of the models move and light up, showcasing how the windmill actually works.

As a bonus, a film room showcases various aspects of windmill life.

Opened in 2016, the Hoop Brewery in the charming village of Zaandijk is a must-visit pub for food and locally brewed beers. The pub, located just a 20-minute walk from Zaanse Schans, offers a relaxing atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely meal after a day of sightseeing.

Hoop Brouwerij offers various unique beers, that you will struggle to choose. But you must try the Mustard Beer! This one-of-a-kind brew is made from the local Zaans mustard, giving it a unique flavor profile that you will never find in another beer. It pairs perfectly with a portion of bitterballen!

Hemels is nestled in the charming Wormerveer on the Zaanbocht, a picturesque curve on the River Zaan. It’s a unique spot to savor an ice cream from Hemels while watchingthe boats go by.

This restaurant is a local favourite for breakfast and lunch, but the ice cream drives the line-ups!

At Hemels, you’re spoilt for choice with a selection of 25 traditional and non-traditional ice cream flavours. Whether you’re a fan of classic tastes or adventurous combinations, there’s something for everyone, including my personal favourite, Lemon Basil.

TIP: Taking a private boat tour? Check if you can include a stop at Hemels. Children and Adults love docking by the ice cream hotspot to get a cool treat.

The Zaanstad and the River Zaan are tightly interwoven. While historically life occurred on the River, and it was the main travelling route, today, the River is often tucked behind homes and less accessible. One of the unique features of the area is the number of restaurants that feature terraces (outdoor seating) on the River’s edge. You can sit and enjoy dinner or lunch while watching the local cacao boats slowly pass.

Local Restaurants with Water-Side Seating:

Baz Climbing hall and restaurant (it sounds like a weird combination but its a great spot for a round of wall climbing before dinner!).

De Toog in Koog aan de Zaan, in a traditional green wooden house.

Castell, located downtown with view over the Wilhelmeniasluis. Watch the locks while you dine.

Zaandam brought forth the creativity of Claude Monet in numerous works, as well as inspired it’s local artists.

Something about the Dutch Sky, the windmills, and the Zaan River running through it all inspires creativity.

While visiting, consider visiting one of the numerous creative workshops designed by locals. These workshops provide you with a chance to make your own truly unique souvenir.

Zaandam and the surrounding Zaandstad region is a bustling city, wrapped up in a small town atmosphere. It’s a place where an abundance of hidden gems are waiting to be discovered, each one more intriguing than the last. So take your time, grab a bike or rent a boat and truly explore what this area offers—a true look at Dutch life and history outside of the bustling Amsterdam.

Unsure how to get to Zaandam? Consider using the Trains! You can easily travel to Zaandam from Amsterdam Central Station or even from Schiphol Airport.