My wife and I will be in Haarlem from Oct. 1-4 (4 nights). We plan on touring Haarlem one day, train trip to Amsterdam one day (maybe 2?) . Looking for possible day trips (train or bus) outside of Haarlem. Many people on the forum indicated they did tours through Viator ( eg. Dutch Windmills Tour) and other tours but they were all based out of Amsterdam. We are looking for similar tours but based out of Haarlem. Any ideas? Thanks for your help Rick
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
With the quality of the public transport in the Netherlands you don't need tours.
The windmill complex par excellence is Kinderdijk. It's a 1,5 hr train to Dordrecht, from where you can take a direct bus or the river ferry. Planning on: http://9292.nl/en# Dordrecht itself is a nice historical city.
Something quite different are the industrial windmills of Schiedam, used for the gin industry. Schiedam itself, neighbour of Rotterdam, is amazingly attractive. On the way to or from, you pass Delft, of picture postcard quality.
The much advertised Zaanse Schans is a windmill museum. You might like it, but I don't find it the real stuff.
Posted by
NSW Australia
703 posts
have you considered going to the aalsmeer flower auction? we stayed in haarlem and drove the short distance to aalsmeer. you could check if there is transport to there? the tour is free and self guide. it really was an eye opener.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2449 posts
In Haarlem, don't miss the Corrie Ten Boom House. One of the highlights of our visit. If going to Amsterdam, be sure to book the Anne Frank house tour ahead of time. We did enjoy our day trip to Delft from Haarlem. Enjoy your visit.
Posted by
St. Louis , MO
228 posts
If the weather is nice , you could go to the beach town of Zandvoort . It's a very short bus-or train ride from Haarlem , only 6 miles .
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8876 posts
Another vote for the Corrie Ten Boom House. This was a great tour. It is possible to write for reservations for the English language tours in advance.