Haarlem: A day trip from Amsterdam
If you’re looking to escape the bustling streets of Amsterdam for a day, let me let you in on a secret: Haarlem is only a 15-minute train ride away, and it is absolute magic. I recently took a day trip there, and it turned out to be one of my favorite experiences in the Netherlands. It has all the charm of Amsterdam—think canals, windmills, and historic architecture—but with a much more relaxed, local vibe. Here is how I spent my perfect solo day in Haarlem.
My journey started at Amsterdam Centraal, where I hopped on a direct train. Before I knew it, I pulled into Haarlem.
Instead of rushing straight to the sights, I took some time just to wander around the station area. The architecture is beautiful, and there’s something so peaceful about the simple act of exploring a new place without a strict agenda right off the bat.
Fossils and Forbidden Pages: Teylers Museum
From the station, I made my way to the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but I completely fell in love with it.
The fossil collection is stunning, but what really took my breath away was their collection of banned books. As a massive history and science nerd, seeing a first-edition copy of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species on display was an incredible, bucket-list moment. Standing inches away from a book that fundamentally changed human history gave me actual goosebumps.
Tip: Give yourself plenty of time here. The building itself feels like a time capsule from the 18th century!
Lunch by the Water at Spaarne66
After absorbing all that history, I went for a leisurely stroll along the scenic Spaarne River. All that walking worked up an appetite, so I stopped for lunch at a spot right by the canal called Spaarne66.
I scored a table with a view and ordered a classic combination: a hot cup of coffee and a chicken sandwich. It was simple, fresh, and highly satisfactory—exactly what I needed while watching the boats drift by.
Sorry: I didn't mention the glass of Rosé, oh also a Gin and Tonic :)
Drawbridges and a Historic Windmill
After lunch, I crossed over to the other bank of the canal to keep exploring. This side of the river was incredibly picturesque. I lost count of how many traditional Dutch drawbridges I passed—they are so mechanically cool to look at and add such a distinct character to the waterfront.
Eventually, I reached the star of the Haarlem skyline: Windmill De Adriaan.
Originally built in 1779, this towering windmill looks like it’s lifted straight out of a postcard. Standing along the water's edge, it’s the perfect symbol of historic Holland.
With my camera full of photos and my soul thoroughly refreshed, I made the easy walk back to the station and caught the train back to Amsterdam.
If you are staying in Amsterdam and want a day trip that offers culture, incredible history, great food, and quintessential Dutch views without the massive crowds, put Haarlem at the top of your list. You won't regret it!
Fascinating for me to read. Haarlem played a significant role in my family's history. That is Nieuw Haarlem in New York. Some of my earliest ancestors (my father's family) immigrated from the Netherlands to New York when it was first settled. Eventually, some of these traveled up the Hudson River and settled in communities on the river's shores. Years later, centuries later, my mother's family immigrated from Sicily. The first place they lived was Harlem (name change I guess when the English took over). At some point my mother's sister bought a country home among the hills of a Hudson River community. My mother went there to recuperate one summer. She met my father, and here I am :)))
It's a great blog, particularly fascinating for me. I've never seen pictures of Haarlem before.
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There are many projects and fascinating items I didn’t post :)
These are the sorts of things I would see if I visited. I tend not to go to the 'sights' but to simply wander around. I like to get a feel of the place. Chat with the shop keepers. Ask directions when I'm lost. I return sheepish sometimes because I haven't seen anything listed in a guide book :)
Well, we make our own guidebooks! The image below summarizes Haarlem for me. I didn't post it because I liked it too much :) This could be me a few years later.
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I liked Haarlem when we did our Netherlands trip but we just stayed a few hours and walked around before going on to our main destination.
Not sure if you are still in the Netherlands but if you can get to Leiden then I highly recommend it. That was our favorite city in the country.
No I am back. This was mostly a work trip. I haven't been to Leiden. I will make sure to visit next time
The Netherlands is an interesting spot for a work trip. Fun!
Really beautiful photos and looks like perfect weather. There are still a lot of people in America who think Darvin was completely wrong... That whole "Intelligent Design" crowd...
The same group probably also thinks that earth is flat; let us not consider these people humans and lose sleep over them :)
Reminds me of the windmill I just saw in Holland, MI. They have one that was brought over from somewhere over there. This looks like a really cool place to hang out and nothing like the Harlem in New York! :)
Yes, Harlem in NYC is named after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands.
When the Dutch controlled the area (then called New Amsterdam), Governor Peter Stuyvesant formally established a farming village there in 1658 and named it Nieuw Haarlem (New Haarlem) in honor of the Dutch city. When the English took over the colony in 1664, they simply adapted the spelling and anglicized the name to "Harlem"
Very interesting! It makes total sense, but I guess I never put two and two together.
By the looks of it this was an amazing trip with beautiful weather.
That week was a bit on the hot side. Otherwise great, yes.
Cool! When tourists come over and ask me where to go here in the Netherlands I always recommend Haarlem. I like the atmosphere there too. Another city, a bit further away, but is Delft. Also a city with a rich history like Haarlem.
Yes, I am sure there are other nice towns as well. It is a fun and wonderful country.
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What an excellent recommendation to escape the hustle and bustle. Visiting the oldest museum and coming across that Darwin gem by the Spaarne River sounds like the ideal short trip
Wonderful publication
Hiya, @gabrielatravels here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Travel Digest #2935.
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