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Zaanse Schans
No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Netherlands

Zaanse Schans

7.5
4.7/5
604 reviews
Zaanse Schansis a historic village built along the Zaan River. Since the 1960s, historic buildings from across the Zaan region have been relocated here, gradually forming its current appearance and recreating the scene of the Zaan region during its industrial heyday in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Zaan region was once a major industrial hub in Western Europe, where hundreds of windmills historically operated along the river simultaneously, serving industrial functions such as sawing wood, pressing oil, and grinding dyes and mustard. Today, several traditional windmills still operate along the river in Zaanse Schans, each serving different functions like sawing wood, pressing oil, and grinding dyes and mustard, with some open for visitors to explore inside. Iconic green wooden houses, warehouses, and craft workshops line the riverbank, creating a distinctively Dutch pastoral scene. The village features a clog workshop where visitors can watch the entire process of traditional clog carving; the cheese workshop showcases the craft of making Dutch cheese, with fresh products available for tasting. Additionally, traditional craft venues such as a bakery museum and a pewter casting workshop are scattered throughout. Taking a boat tour along the Zaan River is another way to experience it; with windmills slowly turning and wooden houses dotting the banks, looking back at the entire village from the water is a classic perspective of Zaanse Schans. People still live here today, and strolling through the village allows you to experience traditional Dutch industrial and craft culture while seeing a picture of a living, working historic village.Zaandam · 12.5km from Amsterdam

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Featured Culture & history in Amsterdam

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Exploring the Dutch countryside: Zaanse Schans windmill village + Edam + Volendam + Marken from Amsterdam
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· 9 reviews· 154 booked
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Zaanse Schans windmill village + cheese factory + clogs making showcase , half-day tour from Amsterdam
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Featured Outdoor & sports in Amsterdam

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Featured Day tours in Amsterdam

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Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Day Tour with Hotel Pick Up in Amsterdam [Daily Departure]
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4.9/5
· 357 reviews· 1.8k booked
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What travellers say about Amsterdam

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Anonymous user21 October 2026
5.0
The museum was beautiful and very interesting. I really enjoyed the visit and loved the overall experience. Highly recommended!

Van Gogh Museum

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_TI***7921 October 2026
5.0
The museum was beautiful and very interesting. I really enjoyed the visit and loved the overall experience. Highly recommended!

Rijksmuseum

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_TI***hq26 July 2026
5.0
The place is beautiful and the whole experience with audio book is amazing. It usually takes around 1 hour and 30 min to see the palace thoroughly. The staff was amazing and the place was tidy and really capturing

Royal Palace Amsterdam

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YoYo_0T9A3B0L1 May 2026
5.0
Giethoorn truly resembles a fairytale town, with more waterways than roads, and small boats moored in front of every house. Low houses with reed-roofed roofs line the waterways, their gardens meticulously manicured. Renting a boat and rowing yourself is the most relaxing way to experience it, slowly gliding under small bridges, with meadows and wild ducks on either side. The main street is somewhat commercialized, but turning into the side streets brings tranquility, with only the sound of oars paddling through the water. It's best to visit on a sunny day; the slippery roads can be quite inconvenient on rainy days.

Giethoorn

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Maddie913 October 2026
5.0
An amazing experience. Something I have been meaning to go to for years but could never get tickets. Definitely worth doing and experiencing.Tips: book the half hour pre talk before, even if you know all about Anne Frank, it is definitely worth it to set the scene before the tour

Anne Frank House

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_TI***jo7 October 2026
5.0
Job was a great tour guide down the canals of Amsterdam, he had lots of area knowledge and a terrific personality! We picked up at the Anne Frank House location and it was easy to find. We highly recommend Flagship Cruise

Amsterdam Canal Cruises

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Mohamed khaliel26 October 2026
5.0
Zaanse Schans feels like stepping into a postcard, where traditional Dutch windmills, charming green wooden houses, and peaceful canals create a truly magical atmosphere! 🇳🇱🌷✨ This beautiful village captures the timeless charm of the Netherlands and offers a glimpse into its rich heritage. A perfect destination for slow travel, stunning photography, and unforgettable memories! 💚 Would you love to experience this Dutch fairytale in person?

Zaanse Schans

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Viana’s Journey11 August 2026
5.0
Few small activities you can actually participate in after the guided tour such as karaoke while cycling, selfie corner (you can have the soft copy). We’ve given an extra glass of beer for tasting experience (in total, we’ve gotten 3 glass of beer for one person)

Heineken Experience

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MARK MORDOVTSEV24 May 2026
5.0
The Red Light District is one of the most unique and famous areas in Amsterdam, but I recommend visiting with respect for local people and rules. The atmosphere at night is very lively and interesting, especially with the canals, lights, and historic streets. I also suggest exploring the nearby cafes and smaller streets because some of the best views and authentic Amsterdam vibes are outside the busiest tourist spots.One important thing to remember is that photography of workers behind the windows is strictly forbidden and should always be respected. Overall, this area is much more than nightlife - it is also an important historical and cultural part of Amsterdam with a very unique atmosphere.The photo was taken in the Red Light District area in Amsterdam Centrum, near the famous canals and historic streets close to Oude Kerk (Old Church). This part of the city is easy to explore on foot from Amsterdam Central Station, which is around 10-15 minutes away walking distance. The area is surrounded by narrow canals, old Dutch buildings, cafes, bars, and nightlife attractions. Evening and nighttime are the most atmospheric times for photos because the neon lights reflect beautifully on the canals and create the classic Amsterdam nightlife atmosphere.

Red Light District Amsterdam Centrum

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EmperorXi18 February 2025
4.0
It's very good! One of beautiful spots in Europe. Kind Dutch people, and everyone can speak English. Recommend for travelers

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Amsterdam?

Don't miss these attractions in Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Royal Palace Amsterdam. If you like Food & drink, try Amsterdam: Red Light District Pub Crawl. If you enjoy Culture & history, try Exploring the Dutch countryside: Zaanse Schans windmill village + Edam + Volendam + Marken from Amsterdam.

You can give Amsterdam: Red Light District Pub Crawl and Heineken Experience: Entry Ticket a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Day Tour with Hotel Pick Up in Amsterdam [Daily Departure], Amsterdam, Netherlands: Zaanse Schans Windmill Village and Giethoorn day tour with free boat transfer, and 1-day tour in the Netherlands | 1-day tour to Giethoorn, windmill village and Legoland. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 1 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Amsterdam is around IDR 956,220 – IDR 2,159,160. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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