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Leiden or Zandvoort for a daytrip

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I am excited to be in the Netherlands in September. I love planning for my trips even if there is still 6 months before I actually travel. For me it's like a fun thing to do to get my mind off of waiting.

I usually plan my travel activities based on Rick Steve's book, but this will be the first time that I will be using the exact RS recommended itinerary. On Day 3 of RS recommended itinerary for the Netherlands, RS suggests doing a day trip to Leiden or Zandvoort.

I know Zandvoor is a beach destination more than anything else, meanwhile Leiden would be more of a city visit. Now my question, which of those 2 is a must see/do? Is Leiden a city that must be visited at all cost or is Zandvoort's beach so beautiful that it would be a shame to miss it?

Posted by
21139 posts

If this trip is truly 6 months away, why in the world would you want to go to a North Sea beach in November?

Posted by
43 posts

It's in September, I miscalculated the months (I thought we were still in April. I'll be visiting in mid September.

Posted by
2004 posts

I’d pick Leiden. It’s a very nice historic town with canals, museums and farmers markets. It’s also a very happening town because it’s where the Netherlands oldest and most prestigious University is located. Lotsa fun cafes, bars and energy in Leiden. It also makes a great base before flying out of Schipol Airport
because, by train, Leiden is less than 20 minutes away from the airport.

Posted by
43 posts

My gut was telling me Leiden too, but I wanted to be sure just in case Zandvoort was a beach not to miss out on.

Posted by
1587 posts

The choice between Leiden and Zandvoort is an absolute no-brainer; Leiden. Even on a hot summer’s day. The only thing going for the beach in Zandvoort is that it’s the closest beach to Amsterdam and the easiest one to reach by public transport as the train practically stops on the beach. Which is probably why it’s recommended. Other than that it’s one of the least attractive, or may I say ugly, beaches in the Netherlands. The build-up area with hotels etc is way too close to the actual beach and the beautiful dunes are home to a F1 racing track. So with a bit of bad luck, the sound of the waves crashing on the beach will be drowned out by the noise of race cars. You can tell by now that I’m not a fan of Zandvoort…
Leiden on the other hand is a beautiful town full of history and home to excellent museums. Another option for a day trip from Amsterdam could be Haarlem, which is equally lovely as Leiden. Or historical cities like Hoorn or Enkhuizen.

Posted by
43 posts

Considering that I will be following RS recommended itinerary, Haarlem is already in the plans. Easy win for Leiden in here, thanks everyone.

Posted by
6 posts

Something to consider: The Hague. It's best of both worlds. Great city with beautiful sights (Mauritshuis, Kunstmuseum, etc.), plus the beach right around the corner in Scheveningen!

Posted by
43 posts

That's actually already in RS recommended itinerary, so yes, the Hague visit will be part of my plans.

Posted by
11569 posts

Leiden is where the Pilgrims lived for ten years after leaving England and before heading out to the New World. There is a small Pilgrim Museum in Leiden.
It is a beautiful canal laced city, lots of flowers. We spent a wonderful week there.

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