How to visit windmills on your trip to Amsterdam

When you think of the Netherlands, the first things that come to mind are likely wooden shoes, gouda cheese (which I guarantee you’re pronouncing wrong), and windmills.

On my trip to Amsterdam, I found a stellar day trip that took me to see all three of these iconic Dutch experiences. This tour was easy to get to, and I felt incredibly safe as a solo woman traveler.

Depending on where you’ll be staying, you’ll likely need to take a ferry near the central station to reach the A’DAM Tower where you will pick up your tour. Don’t let this worry you – the ferry runs every five minutes and is free. I was nervous about this at first, but it was easy, fast, and efficient. The Dutch are known for their organization.

Once I arrived at the A’DAM Tower I met with my tour guide and headed off!

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Stop #1: Cheese in Edam

This is a cheese-lovers dream. Learn how to properly pronounce “gouda” and taste-test some of the world’s finest cheese. I am pretty sure I saw thousands of cheese wheels here. I wish I could have tried thousands…

Stop: 2 Historic Volendam

Every Dutch person I told I was visiting Volendam said “You can’t understand them!”. Apparently, this quaint little village is a bit stuck in the past with a thick accent. But it’s great for visiting tourists! We stopped here for a couple of hours to explore on our own. I grabbed some traditional Dutch pancakes (as seen in the first photo)and sat by the water to enjoy the view of these traditional homes and shops. While this is very much a tourist town, I really enjoyed getting a look at the colorful architecture, and the opportunity to try traditional Dutch cuisine served by folks in wooden shoes.

Stop #3: Dutch Shoes at Zaanse Schans,

After lunch, you head to the windmills. There is a wooden shoe-making shop right on site that includes demonstrations. If I wasn’t a religious carry-on-only traveler, I probably would have taken a pair back myself! . There are also numerous photo opportunities with giant wooden shoes, that well, I won’t be sharing on this public platform!

Stop #4: Windmills at Zaanse Schans

Last but certainly not least: the windmills you’ve all been waiting for. Unfortunately, a rainstorm blew in just as I was getting to the windmills so I don’t have a lot of great shots. That being said, there are eight gorgeous windmills crafted in the 17th and 18th centuries. There is a lovely paved path through the old village that takes you through breathtaking views of the windmills over a local lake. I wish it had been a nicer day because I would have spent so much time here!.

After your visit to the windmills, you’ll hop back on the bus and ride through the Dutch countryside back to the hustle and bustle of glorious Amsterdam.