Zaanstad: sights and travel tips

Why visit Zaanstad?

Zaanstad offers the perfect mix of history, culture, and modern Dutch life. Whether you’re visiting for its famous windmills, unique food, or peaceful nature areas, the city has something for everyone. Plus, its proximity to Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden and Alkmaar makes it an easy and rewarding day trip.

Top 10 things to do and see in Zaanstad

Zaanstad has one of the most iconic sights of The Netherlands, the Zaanse Schans, which makes the city to the top of the bucket list for many travellers. Only Kinderdijk near Rotterdam can match the scenic views on these old windmills.

1. Zaanse Schans – The iconic Dutch windmills

Zaanse Schans is the biggest attraction in Zaanstad and one of the most famous sights in the Netherlands. This open-air museum transports visitors back to the 18th and 19th centuries, featuring well-preserved wooden windmills, historic houses, and traditional workshops. You can see how Dutch cheese is made, visit a clog-making factory, and even step inside working windmills that produce oil, paint, and mustard. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience authentic Dutch heritage.

If you like windmills check out our old mill guide for the Netherlands.

2. The Verkade Experience – Dutch chocolate and biscuit Factory

Step into the world of Dutch sweets at the Verkade Experience, a part of the Zaans Museum. Verkade, one of the Netherlands’ most famous chocolate and biscuit brands, originated in Zaanstad. Visitors can learn about its production history, see vintage machinery in action, and of course taste delicious chocolates and cookies.

3. Zaandam City Center – Modernity meets tradition

Zaandam, the main city in Zaanstad, is a fascinating mix of contemporary architecture and historic charm. The most striking landmark is the Inntel Hotel, a building made up of stacked traditional Zaan-style houses in different shades of green. This is also the place you want to stay for the night during a visit. If it’s full the Zaan Hotel is a second best option! Both are close to the Zaanse Schans and you hope to Amsterdam within minutes by train. The city center is great for shopping, dining, and experiencing a more local side of Dutch life.

4. Czar Peter House – A Russian connection in The Netherlands

The Czar Peter House is one of the oldest wooden houses in the Netherlands and has a surprising history. Russian Tsar Peter the Great stayed here in 1697 when he traveled to the Netherlands to learn about shipbuilding. Today, the house is a small museum showcasing his visit and the historical ties between Russia and Zaanstad.

5. Hembrugterrein – Industrial culture and creativity

Once a military-industrial complex, Hembrugterrein has been transformed into a cultural hotspot filled with art studios, unique restaurants, and creative businesses. It’s a fantastic place to explore for those interested in industrial architecture, underground art, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

6. Brouwerij HOOP in Zaandijk

Brouwerij HOOP is on Lagedijk in Zaandijk, not inside a windmill in Krommenie. Check its restaurant, tasting room and brewery visit options if you want to try local craft beer while exploring the historic Zaan region.

7. Kalverpolder nature reserve – A peaceful escape

For those who love nature, the Kalverpolder offers beautiful walking and cycling paths surrounded by waterways and lush greenery. It’s home to various bird species and provides stunning views of the windmills from a different perspective.

8. Monet in Zaandam – Discover the artist’s inspiration

Famous French painter Claude Monet spent time in Zaandam in 1871, creating multiple paintings of the city’s landscape and windmills. You can follow the Monet walking route and visit an exhibition about his time in the Netherlands. Love this walk, it’s one of my most favorite walks in The Netherlands.

9. De Zaanse Gedichtenroute – A poetry walk

This unique walking route takes you through Zaanstad while presenting poems engraved on buildings, walls, and bridges. It’s a great way to experience the city’s artistic and literary side.

10. Wormerveer – A charming riverside village

For a more laid-back atmosphere, visit Wormerveer, a picturesque village along the Zaan River. It has cozy cafés, boutique shops, and historic warehouses converted into trendy restaurants. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing stroll with stunning waterfront views.

Food and local specialties in Zaanstad

Zaanstad has a rich culinary history, particularly in traditional Dutch snacks and chocolate. Some must-try local specialties include:

• Zaansche Chocolade – Zaanstad was historically one of the main cocoa-processing regions, and its chocolate is still renowned today.
• Ossenworst – A traditional Amsterdam-Zaan region beef sausage, best eaten with mustard.
• Poffertjes – Small, fluffy Dutch pancakes often served at local markets.
• Zaanse mustard – A slightly spicy, grainy mustard produced in local windmills.
• Fresh herring – A classic Dutch treat, best enjoyed at a street vendor with onions and pickles.

Events and festivals in Zaanstad

Zaanstad hosts several exciting events throughout the year, including:

• Zaandam Culinair (September) – A food festival celebrating local and international cuisine.
• Zaanse Schans Zomerfeesten (July-August) – Traditional summer festivals with music, food, and cultural performances.
• Sinterklaas Intocht (November) – A festive event marking the arrival of Sinterklaas, with a big parade along the Zaan River.
• Zaantheater Events – The Zaantheater regularly hosts Dutch and international performances, from comedy shows to classical concerts.

Living in Zaanstad – Where to buy as an expat

Zaanstad is a great alternative to Amsterdam for expats who want a quieter environment with more affordable housing while still being close to the capital. The best neighborhoods for expats include:

• Zaandam Centrum – A lively area with modern apartments and excellent transport connections.
• Wormerveer – A charming riverside village with historic houses and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Koog aan de Zaan – Close to Zaanse Schans, perfect for those who love history and nature.
• Assendelft – A more suburban area with larger family homes.

A bit of history about Zaanstad

Zaanstad was one of the world’s first industrial areas, with windmills producing everything from paint and mustard to paper and shipbuilding materials. The region played a crucial role in Dutch economic growth, and today, it still proudly preserves its heritage while embracing modernity.

How to get to Zaanstad

Zaanstad is very accessible from major Dutch cities:

• From Amsterdam – 12 minutes by train to Zaandam
• From Rotterdam – 1 hour by train
• From The Hague – 50 minutes by train

Things to do in the area

• Amsterdam – Only 15 minutes away, offering world-class museums and nightlife.
• Haarlem – A charming historic city with beautiful architecture and great shopping.
• Alkmaar – Visit the famous cheese market.