How to Plan Your Private Tour to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, make sure to set aside some time for a private tour to Zaanse Schans. This picturesque windmill village is a great way to experience Holland’s old-world charm and learn about its industrial history. The tour is private, so you’ll be able to enjoy it at your own pace with a knowledgeable guide.Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan your private tour to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam.

Step 1: Book Your Tour

The easiest way to book your tour to Zaanse Schans is through Viator. The tour lasts for 3 hours and includes a guided tour of the village, as well as visits to craft workshops where you can see clogs and cheese being made. You’ll also get to visit a working windmill to learn about its history and see its spinning sails in action. Book the tour here: book the tour here.

Step 2: Plan Your Transportation

The tour departs from Amsterdam, so you’ll need to plan transportation to get there. You can take a train, bus, or taxi to Zaanse Schans. The train is the most convenient option, as it takes only 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaanse Schans Station. From there, you can walk or take a bus to the village.

Step 3: Dress Appropriately

Zaanse Schans is an outdoor attraction, so make sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking on cobbled streets and uneven surfaces. If it’s a sunny day, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Step 4: Bring a Camera

You’ll want to capture the picturesque windmills and charming houses of Zaanse Schans, so bring a camera or smartphone with a good camera. Make sure to charge your batteries and bring extra storage cards.

Step 5: Learn About Zaanse Schans

Before your tour, read up on the history and culture of Zaanse Schans. This will help you appreciate the village’s significance and heritage. You can also learn about the industrial history of Holland, as Zaanse Schans was a hub of mills and factories during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Step 6: Meet Your Guide

On the day of your tour, meet your guide at the designated meeting point. The guide will be wearing a badge and carrying a sign with your name on it. They’ll introduce themselves and give you an overview of the tour.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Tour

Follow your guide as they take you through the picturesque lanes and watersides of Zaanse Schans. You’ll see green-painted houses, wooden barns, and shops selling souvenirs and Dutch treats. You’ll also visit craft workshops where you can see traditional clog-making and cheese-making. The highlight of the tour is the working wooden windmill, where you’ll see its cogs, grindstone, and spinning sails.

Step 8: Ask Questions

Throughout the tour, feel free to ask your guide any questions about Zaanse Schans or Dutch culture. They’re knowledgeable and passionate about their country’s heritage, and they’ll be happy to share their insights with you.

Step 9: Leave a Review

After your tour, leave a review on Viator to share your experience with others. Your feedback can help other travelers plan their tours and improve the quality of the tour.In conclusion, planning your private tour to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam is easy and enjoyable. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and memorable experience. Don’t forget to book your tour in advance, plan your transportation, dress appropriately, bring a camera, learn about Zaanse Schans, meet your guide, enjoy your tour, ask questions, and leave a review.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, attracting millions of visitors every year. While the city is famous for its picturesque canals, iconic museums, vibrant nightlife, and friendly locals, many tourists still have a lot of questions about the Dutch capital. In this blog post, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Amsterdam to help you plan your trip better.

1. What is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

Amsterdam gets visitors all year round, but the best time to visit the city is from April to May or September to November when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. Summer, which runs from June through August, is the peak tourist season in Amsterdam, and the city can get crowded, expensive, and hot. Winter, from December to February, is a low season, with fewer tourists and cheaper prices, but also fewer attractions and shorter daylight hours.

2. What is the currency used in Amsterdam?

The Netherlands uses the Euro as its currency, and Amsterdam is no exception. You can exchange your dollars, pounds, or any other currency at banks, exchange offices, or ATMs, which are widely available throughout the city. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted, but it is always advisable to have some cash on hand, especially when visiting smaller shops and cafes.

3. Do I need a visa to visit Amsterdam?

Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and the duration and purpose of your stay in Amsterdam. If you’re a citizen of one of the EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or any of the countries that have signed the Schengen agreement, you don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days. If you’re from a country that requires a visa, you can apply for one at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country.

4. How do I get around in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a very walkable city, and walking or cycling is the best way to explore its beautiful canals, streets, and neighborhoods. There are also several public transport options, including buses, trams, and metros, which are operated by GVB. You can buy a GVB day or multi-day ticket, or use a contactless OV-chipkaart. Taxis and Uber are also available in Amsterdam but can be expensive.

5. Is Amsterdam safe to visit?

Amsterdam is generally a safe city to visit, and tourist-related crime is relatively low. However, like any other tourist destination, Amsterdam has its share of pickpockets, scammers, and petty crime. To stay safe in Amsterdam, you should avoid carrying large amounts of cash, keep your valuables close, and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places and tourist hotspots.

6. What are the must-see attractions in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has many must-see attractions, and it’s impossible to cover them all in one blog post. However, some of the most popular ones include the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Vondelpark, the Red Light District, and the Jordaan neighborhood. There are also several canal cruises and bike tours that offer a unique perspective on the city.

7. What is the legal drinking and smoking age in Amsterdam?

The legal drinking age in Amsterdam is 18, and you can buy alcohol in bars, cafes, and supermarkets. However, it is illegal to drink alcohol in public places, and you can get fined for doing so. The legal smoking age in Amsterdam is 18, and smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas, bars, and cafes.

8. What is the food like in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a diverse and exciting food scene, with a mix of traditional Dutch dishes and international cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes in Amsterdam include stroopwafels, herring, bitterballen, poffertjes, and cheese. The city also has several Michelin-starred restaurants, trendy cafes, and street food markets, where you can sample some of the best food in town.

9. What should I wear in Amsterdam?

What you wear in Amsterdam depends on the season and the activities you plan to do. In general, Amsterdam is a casual city, and you can dress comfortably and stylishly without standing out. If you’re visiting in spring or fall, bring a light jacket or sweater, as the weather can be unpredictable. In summer, wear light and breathable clothes, and in winter, bundle up in warm coats, hats, and gloves.

10. Can I take pictures of the canals and buildings in Amsterdam?

Yes, you can take pictures of the canals and buildings in Amsterdam, and it’s one of the best ways to capture the city’s beauty. However, be respectful of the locals and their privacy, especially in residential areas, and don’t take pictures of people without their permission. Also, don’t disturb the traffic or block the sidewalks while taking pictures, and be aware of cyclists and pedestrians.

Conclusion

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, we hope this blog post has answered some of your burning questions and helped you prepare for this vibrant and historic city. From the best time to visit and the must-see attractions to transport options and safety tips, Amsterdam has something for everyone, and we’re sure you’ll have a great time exploring its unique charm and atmosphere.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city with a lot to offer to tourists. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich culture and history, enjoying its beautiful canals, or indulging in some of its famous nightlife, there is something in Amsterdam for every visitor. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Amsterdam.

1. Visit the Museums

Amsterdam is home to some of the most significant art and cultural museums in the world. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum are must-visit places. You can purchase a Museumkaart, which is valid for one year and gives you access to 400 museums in the Netherlands.

2. Explore the Canals

The canals are the heart of the city, and a boat tour is an excellent way to admire Amsterdam’s beauty. The tours are available all day, and many companies offer a hop-on-hop-off service that allows you to explore different parts of the city.

3. Visit the Red Light District

The Red Light District is one of Amsterdam’s most famous attractions. You’ll find people visiting the area during the day, but it’s more popular at night. It’s known for the legalized sex work, but the district also has a fascinating history and architecture. However, tourists must be respectful and follow the rules while visiting the Red Light District.

4. Rent a Bike

Amsterdam is famous for its biking culture, and renting a bike is the ideal way to explore the city. Bike rental shops are available throughout Amsterdam, and they rent bikes at affordable prices. The city has extensive bike paths, and it’s easy to navigate. However, tourists should know the necessary biking etiquette and observe the bike rules.

5. Visit the Parks

Amsterdam has plenty of green spaces, and Vondelpark is the most famous. It’s ideal for picnics, jogging, cycling, and skateboarding. Other parks worth visiting include the Oosterpark and Westerpark.

6. Taste the Local Foods

When visiting Amsterdam, you must try some of its local delicacies. The Dutch are famous for their cheese, and you can find cheese shops throughout the city. Stroopwafels, poffertjes, and bitterballen are other popular Dutch foods worth trying.

7. Visit the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam. It’s the home where Anne Frank wrote her diary while hiding from the Nazis. The museum is an emotional experience and is a must-visit for anyone interested in World War II history.

8. Explore Amsterdam’s Different Neighborhoods

Amsterdam has several unique and distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and culture. The Jordaan is a charming, historic district, while De Pijp is a multicultural neighborhood with excellent street food. The Oud-Zuid area is home to some of Amsterdam’s most affluent and upscale neighborhoods.

9. Go Shopping

Amsterdam is an excellent city for shopping, with a wide variety of boutiques and stores to choose from. The Nine Streets area is ideal for boutique shopping, while the Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk are more mainstream shopping areas.

10. Visit the Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is a museum and tour of the Heineken brewery. You’ll learn about the beer-making process and the history of the Heineken brand. At the end of the tour, visitors can taste several different Heineken beers in the tasting room.

Conclusion

There are countless things to do in Amsterdam, and this guide only scratches the surface. However, by visiting the museums, exploring the canals, trying the local foods, and experiencing the Red Light District, you’ll have a fantastic experience in this vibrant city. Remember to be respectful, follow the rules, and enjoy Amsterdam’s unique and vibrant culture.