Haarlem Day Trips: Explore 5 Amazing Nearby Destinations

Haarlem, often spoken of as Amsterdam’s charming little sibling, isn’t just some pretty place to visit. Very, it’s actually also a fantastic base for discovering even more of the wonderful Netherlands. So, if you’re staying in Haarlem and searching to spread your wings a bit, there’s a whole host of great day trip options right at your doorstep. The Netherlands is very, well, small, it’s almost, a breeze to get to different towns and attractions. You see, this guide showcases five superb day trips from Haarlem, with helpful suggestions and recommendations to ensure a very memorable experience.

1. Zandvoort aan Zee: A Beach Escape

Looking for sand between your toes? Just a short ride from Haarlem is Zandvoort aan Zee, which is a coastal town really popular for its beautiful beaches. This trip, it’s almost, ideal for those you need a break and a change of pace. It’s a different atmosphere from Haarlem’s lovely city vibes, you know?

What to do: Very, simply kick back on the beach, or possibly grab a cozy spot at one of the beachside cafés. Like your adrenaline pumping? Zandvoort is quite, a spot for watersports, or in that case, you can even go for a relaxed stroll along the shoreline. Another idea? The Circuit Zandvoort racetrack, quite, close by, draws a ton of motorsports people, particularly when there’s a race going on. Still, if that’s not your interest, perhaps a relaxed beach walk as you relish the salty sea breeze would be? Check out the Zandvoort aan Zee Full Review and Details for a fuller run down of this awesome day trip.

Getting There: It’s pretty easy, really! So, hop on a train straight from Haarlem Central Station, and you’ll be there in about 10 minutes. In that case, there’s bus connections to Zandvoort from Haarlem but still, trains could be a faster and much simpler choice.

2. Amsterdam: The Iconic Capital

Yep, you read that right. Really, a trip to Amsterdam is quite a possible day outing from Haarlem, with pretty straightforward transport links that are often quick, too. You’re so close, that is that, you definitely can’t pass up the opportunity to explore the Dutch capital.

What to do: First, visit spots people usually go to see. Basically, this usually covers Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and perhaps a tranquil cruise along the beautiful canals. Is that there’s something slightly offbeat about you? Wander via the really, vibrant Jordaan district. Or that maybe, find a charming cafe for you, which allows the Dutch culture absorb. Check out the Amsterdam Full Review and Details. Don’t forget that, even though the city’s usually jam packed with people, there’s plenty more to find around if you keep on looking!

Getting There: Trains, so, run constantly between Haarlem and Amsterdam Central Station. So, the travel usually lasts just approximately 15–20 minutes, and therefore it really enables you to easily spend a full day touring the capital.

3. Leiden: History and Charm

You need an area with historic beauty that’s just so cute? Leiden might be the right trip for you. Still, with its oldest university, lovely canals and attractive architecture, you could find that is that Leiden’s an area worth investigating for that charm on a day trip.

What to do: The Hortus Botanicus is there, very, that’s the earliest botanic garden within the Netherlands, it’s almost, definitely a treat. There’s the Museum de Lakenhal as well, is that it’s the area for art lovers. So, explore the beautiful canals by foot (it’s almost necessary) or think about that maybe you should take one of the city’s charming boat tours. Read our full review: Leiden Full Review and Details.

Getting There: A quick train trip that lasts around 30 minutes, could be, too, is that, is going to take you from Haarlem to Leiden, rendering it a really simple location for that day’s exploring!

4. Alkmaar: The Cheese Capital

For those who just go nuts for cheese, Alkmaar, you know, may be where it is, you just have to go. What’s so fascinating, that is that, it’s known for its antique cheese industry. Although very fascinating for tourists and so photogenic, I promise.

What to do: Attend the Cheese Market (Zaanse Schans Cheese Market), a showy spectacle that gives insight into old trading traditions of the location. Get your bearings in that historic centre. Additionally, investigate the Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk church. Really, a boat tour offers one thing just a bit distinct. Have a look through: Alkmaar Full Review and Details for more information.

Getting There: Trains, therefore, are again your safest bet: there’s very frequent service in that centre which is approximately 30 minutes in that case, if you wanna visit.

5. Edam: A Quaint Taste of History

Edam offers the best tranquil atmosphere and the taste that could be, the best Netherlands you’ll remember forever. Which usually draws crowds who seek out the calmer pace and charming roads rather.

What to do: The area really gives many picture-taking chances. Plus, exploring a cheese factory, is that that might actually get quite the memorable experience. Very, investigate also the Edams Museum, in that case, it is set during a stunning antique developing. Plus, perhaps spend time walking gently in that main area! All information is within the Edam Full Review and Details guide here.

Getting There: Get your journey right. You’ve got more than just two methods available! As a result of train is not able to access town (that almost needs more transportation such that could be accessed), perhaps instead consider hopping onto that bus. It really usually requires a small longer journey from that train stations around Haarlem or Amsterdam though therefore a planning journey beforehand might actually facilitate better for any routes.

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