Top 5 Zaandam Day Trips: Explore Beyond the Windmills
Zaandam, with its famously quirky architecture and close proximity to Amsterdam, is so often a really neat spot to begin any Dutch exploration. That said, it’s very, very easy to get caught up in the windmills and the general charm right there in town, which is quite a bit of a mistake! So, with just a little planning, you can venture out and discover even more of what the Netherlands has to offer. Luckily, there is quite a lot packed within a pretty short distance. From scenic villages to historic cities, here is your go-to guide to the top 5 day trips from Zaandam. That’s where we’ll uncover some wonderful Dutch gems just waiting to be explored. Now, you can grab your bike, hop on a train, or just rent a car; the adventures are actually about to begin!
1. Zaanse Schans: A Windmill Wonderland So Close
Alright, so first up is Zaanse Schans, a super easy trip and practically a must-see when you are near Zaandam. I mean, this lovely village is pretty famous for its well-preserved windmills and historic houses, giving you, like your chance to step back in time and experience the traditional Dutch life. Now, that’s very, very true, yet don’t expect a completely genuine experience since Zaanse Schans does get a fair number of tourists. Yet, that is pretty understandable since it is actually quite gorgeous.
Stroll alongside the scenic waterfront, peep inside the working windmills (some actually grind spices or saw wood!), and explore the little artisan shops. Basically, it’s very, very cute. I think, too, it’s almost worth going inside the Weavers House to get just a little glimpse into how families might have lived back in the 18th and 19th centuries. So, there’s very interesting historical context to learn.
Oh! And you may want to try a cheese tasting or pop into a chocolate shop. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Windmills & Cheese Tasting) Also, visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can actually help you avoid the bigger crowds, which is just what I suggest. You’ll, like your experience just a little slice of Dutch history. It’s super easy to reach by bus, bike, or even boat from Zaandam.
Read our full review: Zaanse Schans Full Review and Details
2. Amsterdam: The Iconic Capital, Oh So Close!
Of course, so next up is Amsterdam. As I was saying, Amsterdam is basically right next door to Zaandam, making it a super convenient and truly amazing day trip option. Really, this city doesn’t need too much of an introduction. I mean, with its iconic canals, fancy museums, and laid-back atmosphere, there really is something there for just everyone. That’s pretty accurate.
Take a stroll alongside the canals, peep the Anne Frank House, or experience the masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum. (Might be a bit packed, heads up.) If you’re pretty tired, you may want to do as the Dutch do and hop on a bike to, like your experience a tour of the city, which I think is a great, very great idea. When it is time to eat, sample some local delicacies at the foodhallen.
For something different, just relax in Vondelpark or see the floating flower market at Bloemenmarkt. That, like your really will color your view of the area. So, for getting there, the train from Zaandam to Amsterdam Centraal is actually super frequent and actually pretty quick, taking hardly any time at all. Basically, Amsterdam is very, very ready to charm you with its unique mix of history, culture, and contemporary living. I really like it! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Amsterdam Canal Cruise) Read our full review: Amsterdam Full Review and Details.
3. Haarlem: History and Charm Rolled into One Neat City
You know, Haarlem is just a little further than Amsterdam, but very much worth the trip if you are seeking out a charming Dutch city with slightly fewer crowds. So, I think it is nice for, like your visiting the area. Actually, Haarlem’s rich history is actually on display at the Grote Markt, that’s really its central square. There, you’ll find the really remarkable St. Bavo Church and the old City Hall.
The nice thing here is basically how cute Haarlem’s, like your cute, little, teeny alleyways are. You’ll discover all types of boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes, all seemingly calling out to you for a quick break and snack. Okay, so when you start to get rather tired, make a stop at Jopenkerk, which is a brewery and grand cafe right inside of an old church. Sounds neat, I think! Or, if beer is not quite a draw for, like your, well, taste preferences, just chill out and roam around the Frans Hals Museum to have a look at the works coming from this Golden Age master. Also, in fact, if you’re feeling really outdoorsy, Haarlem is a super short bike ride from the beach.
Really, all in all, it gives you a mix of urban vibes and coastal chill. A train from Zaandam is, as a matter of fact, an super simple option to get to Haarlem and might be nice if you prefer not worrying about parking. Anyway, Haarlem tends to be a real winner if you want culture, history, and some relaxation all in just a single day trip. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Haarlem Guided Tour) Read our full review: Haarlem Full Review and Details
4. Edam: Cheese, Charm, and Peaceful Canals Very Near You
Oh, I love Edam! Anyway, Edam is famous for its cheese and its general beauty. (Of course, you knew about the cheese part.) If you like a very quaint and calm setting, this could just be the outing for, like your preferences. Alright, the historic town center comes with cute canals, and super cute bridges, plus pretty old buildings, giving you almost like a picture-postcard setting wherever you actually stand. It’s that charming!
Oh, naturally you are going to sample the Edam cheese! (And bring some home too, obviously.) Just go see the Edam Museum. So, it is, very, very interesting and inside of what used to be a town hall. Too it’s almost super pretty to simply walk along the canals. So, if you’re wanting to experience more Dutch village life that’s just a bit removed from the bigger cities, then I recommend adding Edam to the itinerary. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Edam Cheese Market Tour)
A bus is probably going to be the more convenient way to reach Edam from Zaandam, though the trip is actually rather pretty if you drive as well. Anyway, that cute charm is actually only rivaled by, very, very fresh cheese! Read our full review: Edam Full Review and Details
5. Volendam: A Picture-Perfect Fishing Village Just Waiting
Okay, so last on our list is basically Volendam, which, in my view, provides an insightful peep into a Dutch fishing village. I mean, in the past, Volendam was, like your rather sleepy. Today it is just teeming with atmosphere and a super quaint harbor. Oh, it is, to some degree, another tourist spot (it’s difficult to get away from them when viewing all of the Netherlands!) but I still see it as very worth the time spent. That, really, is, in some respects, rather fair!
See, you can actually roam alongside the harbor, and look at all the boats and all the super-cute houses. Now, here’s just a tip, get your picture taken while dressed up in old-fashioned Dutch clothes! (If, like your tastes run in that way.) For a bit of background and cultural input, just pay a visit to the Volendam Museum. They, actually, do have displays covering the local history. In that case, that should really enhance, like your understanding of the spot. Really, the seafood here tends to be super fresh, too.
A bus tends to be your most simple way to make, like your travels up from Zaandam, or there are actually nice driving routes as well if you choose to go by car. Anyways, what’s awesome is that, since Edam and Volendam aren’t too far apart, I think you almost could actually pair them both into just a single day trip and get even more exploring out of the time. So, I like to recommend getting two trips knocked out with, like your travel plans all at once.
Read our full review: Volendam Full Review and Details
