What to do in Zaandam, Netherlands?

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Tourists usually recognise Zaandam for two reasons: the picturesque neighbourhood of Zaanse Schans and one of the most unusual buildings in the Netherlands.
Aside from that, there’s not much else to see, so if you’re short on time, you can safely skip the town itself—just not Zaanse Schans though!

On our way back from Zaanse Schans, we stopped in Zaandam for a quick look around and to grab a bite before continuing on to Bruges.

The city centre is charming, with plenty of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. As we were short on time, we simply wandered along Zaandam’s most well-known street—the picturesque Gedempte Gracht.

What to do?

Tsar Peter House: built in 1632, this is one of the oldest wooden houses in the Netherlands and where Tsar Peter the Great stayed in 1697. You’ll find it at Krimp 23; check Tsar Peter House opening hours and tickets before visiting.

Monet Atelier: during his stay in Zaandam in 1871, Monet painted the town and its surroundings. The atelier at Westzijde 14g displays reproductions of his work. Find out more about visiting Monet Atelier in Zaandam.

Inntel Hotel: this is the building I mentioned earlier. The hotel is one of the strangest buildings in the country. Designed to resemble traditional colourful Zaanse houses stacked on top of each other, creating a visually stunning effect. Address: Provincialeweg 102

How to get to Zaandam?

Zaandam is just 15 km (about 9 miles) from Amsterdam and very easy to reach by public transport.

By plane
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a convenient starting point for visiting Zaandam. Check your onward connection using the NS journey planner.

By train
You can reach Zaandam by train from Amsterdam and other Dutch cities. Check the NS journey planner for connections on your travel date.

You can also compare train times and tickets on Trainline.

By bus
For bus routes to Zaandam and local connections, check the 9292 public transport planner.

By taxi
A taxi is another option, but the fare and journey time depend on your starting point and traffic. Ask for a quote before travelling.

Car
If you are driving, you will have to leave your car in a car park as there is almost no free parking. Some options include Q-Park Rozenhof at Zilverpadsteeg and Hermitage Q-Park at Provincialeweg 56.

If you are hiring a car, you can compare options through Discover Cars because it brings together providers in one place and makes it easier to find a car that suits the trip and budget.

Once you arrive in the town, you can explore it on foot, rent a bicycle or use local buses. Don’t miss the windmills nearby — read my guide to Zaanse Schans for more about our visit.
Have a lovely trip!