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Zaanse Schans
No. 9 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 · 18.2km from Alkmaar
Van Gogh Museum
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Van Gogh Museum

10
4.8/5
2.1k reviews

The Van Gogh Museum is located on Museumplein in Amsterdam and is a national art museum centered on Van Gogh's works, holding more than 200 of his oil paintings, hundreds of drawings, and a large number of letters exchanged between him and his brother Theo, a collection that ranks among the foremost of its kind worldwide. The origin of this collection is itself a story: after Van Gogh's death in 1890, the paintings were kept by his brother Theo; Theo passed away shortly afterward, and his widow, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, devoted her life to organizing and exhibiting these works, which had received little attention during Van Gogh's lifetime, ultimately bringing them together into this museum. The permanent exhibition lays out a clear viewing route in chronological order of creation: from the dark-toned "The Potato Eaters" of the Nuenen period in the Netherlands, to the numerous self-portraits of the Paris period, then to "The Yellow House," "The Bedroom," and "Sunflowers" of the Arles period, and finally to "Almond Blossom" and "Wheatfield with Crows" created in the last stage of his life in Saint-Rémy and Auvers-sur-Oise, making Van Gogh's creative trajectory over a brief ten years clear at a glance. In addition to his own works, the museum also displays paintings and sculptures by contemporary artists such as Monet, Gauguin, and Rodin, many of which were personally collected by Van Gogh and Theo at the time; in Gauguin's "The Painter of Sunflowers," the protagonist is none other than Van Gogh, the painter of sunflowers. The building itself is also worth a closer look: the main building was designed by the Dutch De Stijl architect Rietveld and opened in 1973, with exhibition galleries unfolding layer by layer around an open atrium; the oval wing designed by the Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa was completed in 1999 and is dedicated to large-scale temporary exhibitions; and the all-glass entrance building opened in 2015 connects the old and new wings into one. The museum is consistently popular, with dense crowds during peak hours, so if you plan to take a close look at the permanent collection, it is recommended to allow ample visiting time.

Amsterdam · 31.7km from Alkmaar

Experiences you can't miss in Alkmaar

Featured Day tours in Alkmaar

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Discover Alkmaar with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour
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4.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 1–2 hrs
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Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Day Tour with Hotel Pick Up in Amsterdam [Daily Departure]
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4.9/5
· 358 reviews· 1.8k booked
Duration: 7.7 hrs
English
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100 consecutive positive reviews
FromPLN 453.32
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Zaanse Schans Windmill Village and Giethoorn day tour with free boat transfer
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4.9/5
· 192 reviews· 1.1k booked
Duration: 10.4 hrs
English
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62 consecutive positive reviews
FromPLN 471.27
Exploring the Dutch countryside: Zaanse Schans windmill village + Edam + Volendam + Marken from Amsterdam
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4.8/5
· 9 reviews· 161 booked
Duration: 7 hrs
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Amsterdam Windmill Village + Legoland + Giethoorn Day Trip [Lunch and Boat Tour Included]
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4.7/5
· 506 reviews· 212 booked
Duration: 9.6 hrs
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FromPLN 477.25
Amsterdam: Giethoorn, Afsluitdijk and Zaanse Schans Day Tour  [Including Hotel Pick-Up]
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4.9/5
· 146 reviews· 115 booked
Duration: 8.6 hrs
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97.3% of travelers recommend
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Zaanse Schans windmill village + cheese factory + clogs making showcase , half-day tour from Amsterdam
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4.5/5
· 2 reviews· 60 booked
Duration: 3 hrs
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1-day tour to Giethoorn with luxury bus, ample free time and 1-hour cruise
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5.0/5
· 4 reviews· 73 booked
Duration: 6 hrs
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FromPLN 224.45PLN 299.27

Featured Food & drink in Alkmaar

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Heineken Experience: Entry Ticket
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3.7/5
· 6 reviews· 113 booked
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FromPLN 109.81
Amsterdam: Bols Cocktail Experience and Cocktail Workshop
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4.8/5
· 171 reviews
Duration: 1.5–2 hrs
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44 consecutive positive reviews
FromPLN 151.84
Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam
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Amsterdam Winkel 43 popular restaurant reservation service
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FromPLN 32.51
Heineken Experience: Entry Ticket + Rooftop Bar
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Amsterdam Ciel Bleu viral restaurant reservation service
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FromPLN 32.51

Featured Culture & history in Alkmaar

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Alkmaar Highlights Audio Tour: Historic Treasures and Landmarks
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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Amsterdam City Card - I amsterdam City Card
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4.7/5
· 12 reviews· 247 booked
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Red Light Secrets Museum: Entry Ticket
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 61 booked
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Moco Museum Amsterdam: Entry Ticket + Audio Guide
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 49 booked
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FromPLN 77.02

Featured City sightseeing in Alkmaar

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Amsterdam: Airport Express Bus Transfer to/from City Center
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4.7/5
· 343 reviews
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93% of travelers recommend
FromPLN 28.61
Amsterdam city card: includes free admission ticket and free transportation
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5.0/5
· 10 reviews
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From Amsterdam: 2-hour walking tour to learn about Anne Frank
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Amsterdam: Red Light District Tour in English or German
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4.9/5
· 119 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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1-day tour from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken
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1-day tour to The Hague parliament building, Delft Blue Pottery Factory and Rotterdam (departure from Amsterdam)
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FromPLN 207.72PLN 259.66
Alkmaar Today's weatherPartly cloudy 2-8℃
Alkmaar weather for the next 2 days11/15: 8-11℃, 11/16: 4-10℃

Free things to do in Alkmaar

What travellers say about Alkmaar

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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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_TI***ww8 November 2026
5.0
Not bad! Get the guide otherwise you will be lost. Iconic museums so it’s a must to go.

Van Gogh Museum

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Tomo智🐬南宫亦月2 November 2026
5.0
A must-visit place when you come to the Netherlands, this is the museum with the most works by Van Gogh. Of course, the exhibits in the Rijksmuseum also show that the Netherlands is a very wealthy country.

Rijksmuseum

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Jmebaby甄心話·大冒險2 April 2023
5.0
There is a big logo here, showing Amsterdam, but it is spelled with different sounds. The Dutch are really creative. You can spend a whole day in this Museum Square and rest leisurely here.

Museum Square

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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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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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Aries Patrick Abadilla Reyes5 November 2026
5.0
We really enjoyed our canal cruise in Amsterdam! It was such a relaxing and beautiful way to see the city from a different perspective. Cruising along the canals, passing under the charming bridges, and admiring the traditional Dutch houses was definitely a highlight of our trip.I travelled with my parents, and it was a lovely experience for all of us. It was especially nice to be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights without having to walk around too much.The views were beautiful, and it was a great opportunity to take photos and appreciate Amsterdam’s unique charm.Overall, a wonderful experience and definitely something I’d recommend when visiting Amsterdam, especially if you’re travelling with family. A lovely way to make memories together! ❤️

Amsterdam Canal Cruises

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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

Canals of Amsterdam

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Alkmaar?

Don't miss these attractions in Alkmaar: Zaanse Schans, Van Gogh Museum, and Rijksmuseum. If you like Day tours, try Discover Alkmaar with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Heineken Experience: Entry Ticket.

You can give Heineken Experience: Entry Ticket and Amsterdam: Bols Cocktail Experience and Cocktail Workshop 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 Discover Alkmaar with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour, Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Day Tour with Hotel Pick Up in Amsterdam [Daily Departure], and Amsterdam, Netherlands: Zaanse Schans Windmill Village and Giethoorn day tour with free boat transfer. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 15 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Alkmaar is around PLN 74.27 – PLN 477.25. 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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