You can discover a distinctive charm of Amsterdam that is different from other European cities. Many canals show a romantic atmosphere, and an endless procession of bikes represents the transportation culture of the Netherlands. But sometimes, you might want to be in a cozy and a bit quiet town rather than a crowded city.
One of Amsterdam’s most famous nearby cities is Zaanse Schans, known for its windmills. But if you have a busy plan, we recommend visiting Zaandam, which is only 15 minutes away from Amsterdam Central Station. It is a small city, but you can enjoy unique scenery that can’t be seen anywhere else.
Zaandam lego town
Zaandam is located on the way to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam. You can take a train from Amsterdam Central Station toward Uitgeest or Alkmaar. And get off at Zaandam station where you can find a small and cute city.
Or you can also go to Zaanse Schans first and have a short visit on your way back to Amsterdam.
Zaandam is known as a lego town.
Pro tip: I purchased all my train tickets in the Netherlands through the Trainline app. You can easily find the fastest and cheapest train fares, and Trainline works across 45 countries in Europe.
Data Plan: Use Airalo to stay connected at all times. The e-sim providers have very reasonable prices and work very well.
Inntel Hotels is the most famous building in Zaandam. Its architectural design is impressive and looks like a building of lego bricks (a stack of almost 70 individual Zaan houses in four colours of the traditional Zaan green).
Many tourists take a photo in front of Inntel Hotels. You don’t need to search for its location on the map because you can find this tall building as soon as you get out of the train station.
Train station, shopping street from Inntel Hotels, various brand stores. Several characteristic buildings feature Zaandam as a lego town. Take your time to discover the city.
It only takes around 10 minutes to discover Zaandam’s main attractions. It is a small and pretty town where you can feel childhood innocence.
You can combine this with a visit to the Zaanse Schans windmill village as it’s only one train stop away.
Have you been to Amsterdam yet?
