Weekend in Zaandam: A Quick Escape from Amsterdam

#amsterdamtrips Just a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam Centraal, Zaandam feels like stepping into a postcard of Dutch charm. Known for its iconic green wooden houses and rich industrial history, it’s the perfect weekend getaway. ### **What to See & Do** - **Inntel Hotels Zaandam**: The first stop is this eye-catching hotel, a stacked collage of traditional Zaan houses—great for photos! - **Zaanse Schans**: A short bike ride (or bus trip) away, this open-air museum boasts windmills, clog workshops, and cheese farms. Don’t miss the chance to peek inside a working windmill! - **Zaandam City Center**: Stroll past the charming **Hemonyplein** square and the **Czaar Peterhuisje**, a tiny wooden house where Peter the Great once stayed. - **Shopping at De Burcht**: This quirky, pyramid-shaped mall offers local boutiques and cozy cafés. ### **Food & Drinks** - **Restaurant De Hoop op d’Swarte Walvis**: A historic spot with delicious Dutch classics like *stamppot*. - **Lunchcafé ’t Petitie**: Perfect for a *poffertjes* (mini pancakes) break. ### **Travel Tips** - **Getting There**: Trains run frequently from Amsterdam (€3-5 one way). Biking is also scenic (~1 hour). - **Stay**: Inntel Hotels Zaandam is ideal for a stylish overnight. Zaandam packs history, culture, and Insta-worthy sights into one compact weekend—no crowds, just cozy Dutch vibes. 🌷