The Netherlands – Amsterdam, Zaandam & Zaanse Schans 🇳🇱✨
November 2022
This was an absolutely perfect trip! I completely fell in love with Amsterdam. 🥰
We flew with easyJet, and the experience was great. The flights were on time, and even arrived early. The seats were comfortable and surprisingly spacious.
Where We Stayed
Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam
We stayed at the famous Inntel Hotel Zaandam, known for its unique architecture.
The hotel immediately caught my attention when I started researching accommodations. At first, I was disappointed to realize it wasn’t located directly in Amsterdam. However, after comparing options, I discovered it was significantly more affordable and incredibly convenient for reaching the city center.
In the end, the unique design won me over—and I’m so glad it did!
The hotel is located:
12 minutes by train from central Amsterdam
15 minutes from Schiphol Airport
Just a few minutes’ walk from the train station
A round-trip train ticket to Amsterdam cost €5.60. We purchased tickets each morning, although tickets can also be purchased in cash at the station ticket office, which opens at 9:15 AM.
Trains back to Zaandam run until approximately 1:00 AM.
The entire street surrounding the hotel shares the same charming architectural style. The rooms themselves are simple, spacious, and comfortable.
Places We Visited
Zaanse Schans
We traveled independently by train, just one stop from Zaandam.
This picturesque village is absolutely charming and feels like stepping into a postcard. We spent hours wandering among the traditional Dutch houses and iconic windmills.
Two highlights were:
The cheese factory, where entry and tastings are free
The wooden clog workshop, where you can see how traditional Dutch clogs are made
A wonderful half-day trip from Amsterdam.
Alpaca Eco Farm 🦙
One of the cutest experiences of the trip!
The farm offers a monthly schedule of activities, and we booked their tea-and-cookies experience with the alpacas.
During the experience, you can feed the alpacas while relaxing in the café area. They are incredibly friendly and adorable. 🥰
Advance booking through their website is required.
The farm is located about 30 minutes from Amsterdam by car. We traveled there using trains and buses from Zaanse Schans following advice from a railway information desk employee.
Getting back was surprisingly easy. There’s a bus stop directly across the road from the farm heading toward Alkmaar, where you can connect to a train back to Amsterdam.
Photography Tips 📸
Vondelpark
Photograph the trees reflected in the park’s lakes. The reflections create beautiful autumn photos, especially in November.
Dam Square
There’s often a man selling bird feed that attracts dozens of pigeons. If you sit down, the pigeons will land all around you, creating fun and unique photos with the square in the background.
It was completely spontaneous and turned into one of our funniest experiences!
Most Photogenic Buildings
The area between Amsterdam Central Station and Dam Square offers some of the city’s most beautiful architecture.
The reflections of the historic buildings in the canals create postcard-perfect photos.
I Amsterdam City Card
We purchased the I Amsterdam Card for 48 hours.
At the time, it was on sale for €81 and ended up saving us hundreds of euros because we packed our schedule with museums and attractions.
The card is fully digital:
Download the I Amsterdam app
Enter the activation code
Activate the card only when you’re ready to begin using it
The app displays two separate QR codes:
One for attractions
One for public transportation
You simply switch between them when needed.
A useful tip: multiple travelers can use cards on the same phone through the app. We were two people and found it very convenient.
We reserved time slots online in advance for almost every attraction.
Attractions & Museums
The exhibition didn’t teach me much that I didn’t already know, but standing inside the actual Secret Annex is an emotional experience that is difficult to describe.
Not included with the I Amsterdam Card and must be booked well in advance.
Absolutely incredible!
One of the best attractions we experienced during the trip.
The immersive flight simulation makes you feel like you’re flying across the Netherlands, passing over windmills, tulip fields, canals, and famous landmarks.
Included with the I Amsterdam Card. Advance reservations recommended.
Located in the same building as THIS IS HOLLAND.
We visited early in the morning before the crowds arrived.
The observation deck is included with the I Amsterdam Card, while the giant swing costs an additional €6.
The ride is short but fun, with amazing views across Amsterdam.
A horror-themed attraction with live actors.
It was scary but in a fun way! 😅
I personally loved it.
The I Amsterdam Card provides a 25% discount. Advance booking is recommended.
5. Heineken Experience 🍻
A fun and interactive museum dedicated to the famous Dutch beer brand.
The tour includes three beers and several entertaining activities.
One of the highlights was riding stationary bikes in front of a karaoke screen while being filmed “cycling” through Amsterdam’s streets.
At the end, you can scan a QR code and download the video as a souvenir.
25% discount with the I Amsterdam Card.
6. LOVERS Canal Cruise
Located near Amsterdam Central Station.
The cruise includes audio commentary and is a great way to see the city from the canals while learning about Amsterdam’s history and architecture.
Included with the I Amsterdam Card.
We visited the immersive Gustav Klimt exhibition.
The artwork is projected across the walls of a huge industrial building, creating an impressive visual experience.
25% discount with the I Amsterdam Card.
Located in the trendy NDSM district.
This graffiti and street art museum is one of the coolest museums in Amsterdam.
You reach the neighborhood via a free ferry located near the A’DAM Lookout terminal.
The ferry runs approximately every 15 minutes.
25% discount with the I Amsterdam Card.
Nearby you’ll find one of our favorite restaurants:
Pllek
A unique restaurant built from recycled shipping containers in an industrial riverside setting.
The atmosphere alone is worth the visit.
9. Moco Museum
A small but enjoyable museum featuring works by contemporary and world-famous artists.
The lower level includes several mirror installations that are especially fun and photogenic.
Included with the I Amsterdam Card.
10. Stedelijk Museum
A modern art museum.
We visited one exhibition while waiting for our next reservation. Art lovers will probably enjoy it.
Included with the I Amsterdam Card.
11. Rijksmuseum
One of Amsterdam’s most famous museums.
The collection focuses on Dutch history, culture, and classical art.
Included with the I Amsterdam Card.
Food & Restaurant Recommendations 😋
I’m vegetarian, and I found plenty of delicious options throughout Amsterdam.
Famous for its incredible toasted sandwiches.
They offer both vegetarian and meat options.
Unique and absolutely delicious.
Located in NDSM.
Great atmosphere and excellent food.
One of my favorite meals in Amsterdam.
Everything was fresh, creative, and delicious.
We had breakfast here twice.
There’s a branch directly across from the hotel in Zaandam and several locations throughout Amsterdam.
Fresh bagels, great coffee, and excellent hot drinks.
We only tried fries from this famous blue food stand.
I have no idea what sauce they gave us—it was some kind of brown sauce, but it was absolutely perfect. 🤤
We ordered online in advance and picked it up without waiting in line.
Definitely worth trying.
Chocolate-covered strawberries that are both adorable and delicious.
We tried stroopwafels from both Van Wonderen Stroopwafels and Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels at Albert Cuyp Market.
Both were delicious.
A tip: skip the extra toppings if you don’t like overly sweet desserts.
A fantastic indoor food market.
Our favorites were:
The Butcher – the vegetarian burger was excellent.
De BallenBar – famous Dutch croquettes and cheese balls. The vegetarian version was absolutely amazing.
One of the best vegetarian burgers I’ve ever had.
Highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
Beyond the beautiful canals, charming streets, and stunning architecture, Amsterdam feels even more magical during the Christmas season.
The festive lights, decorations, cozy cafés, and holiday atmosphere make the city feel like something out of a movie. 😍
Amsterdam completely captured my heart, and it’s a destination I would happily return to again and again.
Enjoy your trip! ✨
For more photos, locations, and travel inspiration, feel free to follow along on Instagram. 📸💕
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