-Europe.Netherlands.North-Holland.Haarlem-
I like Haarlem , it is a more low-key version of Amsterdam. I had the impression of seeing and interacting more with the local Dutch people compared to Amsterdam, which has a lot of non-Dutch workers. I made a day trip here , it was unfortunately rainy that day – which happens quite a lot in Netherlands. I would definitely recommend a visit if you get bored with Amsterdam (highly unlikely) , but visit anyway!
Zaandvoort is the seaside resort close to Haarlem.
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Getting to Haarlem
In the Amsterdam post, I recommended highly to buy the Amsterdam Regional Travel Ticket which enables you to do multiple trips in Amsterdam and its surroundings. Haarlem is one of the valid destinations.
By Train to Haarlem
From Amsterdam Centraal there are many trains heading to Haarlem Centraal en route to Den Haag or Zaandvoort ; I only name 2 but there are way more – check the schedules before leaving.
Upon arrival , head south to cross the Canal less than 1 km away to get to Grote Markt in the centre of Haarlem.
If you like to get to Zaandvoort , just take the train to destination : Zaandvoort aan Zee.
What to see in Haarlem
Haarlem is a 30-min drive away from Amsterdam. It takes more or less the same time via train. It is a cultural hub , contributed mainly by its native son painter Frans Hals.
Grote Markt Haarlem
The Historic Center of Haarlem is this square which houses the City Hall as well as the Grote Kerk also known as St. Bavokerk.
Molen de Adriaan
Check out the views from the Windmill and get a guided tour to look around and learn more about windmills.
Zandvoort
Zandvoort has a long stretch of sandy beach which faces the North Sea. When I saw it, it was not tourist season – people were flying kites as it was very windy and the waves were strong. There were some mobile stalls selling fried seafood which we tried.
Zandvoort is a 10-min ride away by Sprinter from Haarlem.
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