A round of Westzijde in Zaandam has been on my wish list for ages. Because thanks to Instagram, I came across some surprising places on this historic street in the centre of Zaandam.

Quarter West

Only just festively opened and already a great success! Kwartier West is one of those shops that makes you really happy and heerlijk browsing at your leisure. Here, at Westzijde 132, they think corporate responsibility is important. That is why the coffee is fair and they use sustainable alternatives as much as possible.

This concept store offers vintage furniture, clothes and books, fun gift items, toys but also very beautiful plants. In the Coffee Corner, Zaan sisters Dagmar, Gwen and Kathleen provide coffee and homemade cakes or a delicious sandwich. They bake something delicious every day!

Prince on the Pea

Kwartier West is an initiative of enthusiastic Zaan entrepreneurs who think it is a shame that buildings are empty and therefore joined forces. One of those entrepreneurs is Laura Dumas of toy shop Prins op de Erwt. In the shop-in-shop in Kwartier West, you will find special and educational toys of high quality from brands such as Djeco and Jellycat.

The Plant Room

Miranda from the Plant Room loves plants. Throwing plants away is a waste, which is why she gives every plant a second chance. In her beautiful plant shelter in Kwartier West, she takes in unwanted or sick plants, which she lovingly cares for until they find a new home. Specially, Miranda passes on the story of the old owner. So at the Plant Room, you will find beautiful plants -from small to very large- and you can buy cuttings, vintage pots, plant books but also fun plant goodies. Miranda also gives workshops on taking cuttings and EHBK: First Aid for Houseplants.

HET Zaandam

HET in Zaandam was tipped off to me by my friend Doris, who regularly pops in. Here at Westzijde 136, you will find well-maintained second-hand brand clothing but also beautiful vintage clothes and accessories. The coffee is always ready and owner Hetty from HET likes to think with you. If you have any clothes you never wear anymore, it is good to know that you can also bring in clothes. Also fun: girlfriend night! For a group of six to 10, HET also opens outside opening hours for shopping and catching up over drinks and snacks.

Zaansch Faam

A small but very nice shop at Westzijde 130! Here, owner Willemien runs her shop with love and pleasure. At Zaansch Faam, you will find a mix of vintage furniture, accessories, lamps and crockery combined with new products and a touch of Scandinavia. If you buy a present, Willemijn will wrap it festively for you. Good to know: Zaansch Faam also has an online shop.

Sagrestano

A nice place for a coffee or lunch break during your tour of the Westzijde. At number 82, next to De Vermaning, on the Zaan, you will find restaurant Sagrestano where they would like you to enjoy all kinds of Italian delicacies. Weather permitting, you can sit outside overlooking the Zaan. Highly recommended!

Llofs ConceptStore

Llofs is Lilian Kraaij's home, gift and lifestyle shop. In the beautiful green Zaanish building at Westzijde 84, Lilian Kraaij sells everything she likes and gives advice on interior design and styling. You will also find clothes and accessories. A lovely feel-good shop!

The Shop

This is where you really need to drop in. Because the former IJzerhuis on Westzijde 78 has been transformed into an atmospheric shop. It is now home to The Shop and The Atelier of Stichting Enzo. This Zaanish organisation offers day care to people with a mental disability, psychological problems or a non-congenital handicap. De Winkel sells unique items made by the Foundation's clients. Everything is handmade, from ceramics to drawing and painting, home accessories as well as jewellery and bags.

Cultureel Centrum Bullekerk

And of course this one should not be missing from this list of special places on the Westzijde: The Westzijderkerk, or the iconic Bullekerk. Today, the church is no longer in use as a church but is now Cultureel Centrum Bullekerk. There is everything on the programme: from a gala dinner to a labour market but also workshops and concerts, from classical to modern. I already tip you off to the ABBA tribute on 27 December 2019!