The Amsterdam base: Zaandam, Purmerend and surroundings
Well, Zaandam. You have to look carefully for something fun, but once you have found what we have found (use it to your advantage), you will suddenly see Zaandam from a very enthusiastic perspective. Especially the crazy industrial one hembrugterrein deserves extra attention: the originally military site has been thoroughly overhauled in recent years and the results are impressive. Young start-ups found their way to the rugged, spacious (and beautiful) area with brick buildings and more greenery than you will find in Amsterdam. All that on the water. Plus the West side, where the VersKade opened: catering in a former branch of the Verkade factory. You can already feel it, it's delicious.
The Zaanse Schans. It doesn't get much more Zaans. And how nice if you can look at this beautiful picture from the terrace? D'Swarte Whale is the place to be. At this brasserie, restaurant and bar you can enjoy a tasty snack and drink. Extra fun: there is a weekly changing chef's menu, inspired by a specific country. The building is typical of Zaandam - with shutters on the windows and wooden planks - and has probably looked the same for centuries. How vintage! The atmosphere is cozy, the interior classic. Oh yes, do you have your own boat? You can moor at the jetty.
Okay, you're right; Purmerend is not Zaandam. We know. But it's damn close. And it would be a shame not to mention this wonderful tent in this list. Right? You will find: at the always pleasant Koemarkt, in the heart of Purmerend Roast. This restaurant knows better than anyone else how to pimp up the somewhat dusty image of a bistro into a modern establishment. The furnishings are trendiest; a mix between classic and cool – you know: leather sofa, tiled wall and steel accents. On the menu? All kinds of rolls, sushi (according to the owners the best in town), 'roast' chicken and fish dishes. In short; definitely worth a visit!
On the Hemburg site in Zaandam, a former storage area for artillery of the Dutch army, on the border between Amsterdam and Zaandam, cultural center Het Hem opened in the former bullet factory. Holla. And: run. Because we are talking about a very beautiful, raw, rugged warehouse with art (by the men of steet-brand Patta) and catering (by five friends who work for Amsterdam restaurants such as BAK and Hotel de Goudfazant worked), everything is more than nicely decorated while retaining industrial accents. On to Zaandam, on to Het Hem and restaurant Europa Zaandam, we already said it.
Read more: The Him Zaandam
In a former house for parentless children you will soon be able to get the tastiest fries (you know, fries). How about loaded fries with stew or a Dutch/Spanish/Portuguese (potato) croquette? You can find it at Frites van 't Weeshuys in Purmerend. And that is definitely worth a detour!
In Zaandam, the friendly Willemien runs her shop that she gave the Zaansch Faam. She also travels to the far north at least once a year to look for beautiful vintage items for the Zaansch Faam store and webshop of the same name. Why Scandinavia? Because everything there is slightly different from what you can find in the Netherlands, of course! Of which: anyone who spends an afternoon in Zaansch Faam will agree with Willemien's thoughts.
All items have been selected with care and the most important criterion is that they have a high 'Feel-good' character. We like that. The range consists of vintage pearls (hello beautiful cupboards, vases and desks) but also wonderful new stuff such as candlesticks, nice mugs and the most beautiful kids' stuff. Read more
Oh My Guts is a top favorite when it comes to all things tasty and all things healthy. The girls from the small, friendly shop make the tastiest ones healthy (takeaway) meals that are especially perfect for lunch. Takeaway meals, we already said: Oh My Guts is the best at that. Healthy and fresh and still 'Oh My' so tasty when you heat them up at home or in the office. Simply ideal.
Maybe you've heard it - maybe not - but many (creative) Amsterdammers who are expanding their family and no longer find housing costs in Amsterdam to be affordable are moving to Zaandam. And where young families go, good catering establishments open up. One of those things is the Italian restaurant Sagrestano. Also on the West Side and also in a building that makes you say 'oo' and 'aah'. The same applies to the dishes that come to the table. Don't mention it.
A fresh market in the former Verkade factory, where everything revolves around eating, drinking, tasting and experiencing - great Stand Up Comedy Surprise Nights are regularly organized! How nice is that. Please check the social media channels The Verskade keep track, then you will automatically see when they are. Apart from that, it is always nice to be here: there is coffee from De Koffiezaak, meat from artisanal butcher Van 't Oever and The Bakery for the tastiest pastry.
Ah, and we have arrived at the Hembrug site. A beautiful place on the water, so to speak. The Hembrug site starts with the Yada Yada Market, a food and knick-knack market in a nice building (but still... We are not completely thrilled with the Yada Yada Market. Be sure to walk inside, and then continue on) and if you continue walking (or drive: you can take your car drive all the way to the back) will be found there on the left Lab 44. And Lab 44 is a party. Beer is brewed (and stored, and tapped, and drunk), there are burgers and pizza, in the summer it is nice to relax on the outside area and there are regular parties. Read more: Lab 44
Rainy Sunday? On to The Factory! A place for arthouse films, but also to toast the weekend in the brown café that belongs to the theater. A perfectly fine theater café with wooden café chairs, a thick layer of film posters on the walls, a stray green armchair from your grandmother and a sandwich on the menu. Just like good wine and a beer from the neighborhood.
Image straight through marieke_sloep
Let's talk about the Hembrug site, which we find so beautiful: the site is – of course – suitable for a festival. Fortunately, the Zaandammers themselves think so too. The sixth edition of Festival Hembrug Happening was to take place during SAIL2020, unfortunately this is of course canceled now (covid-19). No stress, when will the sixth edition come? That is not yet known, so keep that in mind keep a close eye on the site because it's going to be a fun party, that's for sure. 'A mega-relaxed festival, for the smallest, the largest and everything in between'. There is music, live and the better DJ material, there is food, lots of organic food, there is theater and above all it is a very pleasant, intimate party.
Absolutely happy in Zaandam? Then just stay asleep. Manzo Suites is a top option.
Ps It may not come as a surprise, but still: everything is particularly kid-proof in Zaandam. So you know.
