We will be staying in Haarlem later this month and hope to do a day trip to Kinderdijk on a Monday. It’s been suggested on this forum that continuing on the Waterbus to Dordrecht after seeing the windmills would be a nice addition to the day. Is the train station close to where we’d get off the Waterbus? I’m wondering if we’d have time to include a short wander around Dordrecht - which sounds lovely - and still be able to get back to Haarlem by about 5:30 PM to get ready for an evening event. Has anyone else done a similar day trip?
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
I have walked that part a couple of times, and I guess it's 20 to 30 mins from the Waterbus stop (Merwekade) to the railway station. Most of it is historical centre which you'll want to see, such as the Grote Kerk, which is at the station side of the city centre. Only the last part is boring. Use this zoomable map to orientate yourself.
Posted by
OP
Washington
66 posts
Thank you, Ton! That map is great! We’d definitely want to stop in the church. Do you happen to remember any good spots to stop for lunch or a drink along the way? I imagine that we’ll find a number of choices.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
I remember a balmy summer evening when I had dinner al fresco at a simple place near the river harbour. But where?
I'd say you have best chances for something decent near the ferry landing. The museum restaurant (in the court, before you enter the museum, if I remember correctly) might have a good choice of light snacks.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
Looking at the indeed perfect OpenStreetMap (so much better than Google Maps!) I think it was the restaurant 't Vlak, at the bridge between the two river harbours. But you'll find more in this part of the city.
Enjoy!
Posted by
OP
Washington
66 posts
Thank you again! I’ll watch for that restaurant. With the excellent information that you’ve provided, and some help from TripAdvisor, I think that I’ve come up with a plan for a short visit to Dordrecht on our way back to Haarlem. Groothoofdspoort, the beautiful old central gate, can apparently be seen as the boat comes in to dock. I think we’ll walk there, perhaps stopping for lunch on the way, and then it’s pretty much a straight shot of about a mile to get down to Grote Kirk, which looks magnificent. From there it’s a fairly short walk to the train station. I appreciate all of your help!