Amsterdam Day Trip: Delft, Leiden, The Hague & Haarlem Review

Thinking about taking a day trip from Amsterdam? Maybe the idea of visiting Delft, Leiden, The Hague, and Haarlem all in one go has popped into your head, that is. It can seem a bit ambitious, that’s right, but with the Netherlands’ pretty efficient public transportation, it’s surprisingly manageable, isn’t it? I spent a day hitting up these spots myself, you see, and thought I’d share the experience, just so you know what to expect.

Is a Whirlwind Tour Worth It?

You might wonder, really, if zipping through four cities gives you enough time to, well, soak anything in, that is. Well, I get it, you know? But look at it this way, that is: it’s a fantastic introduction, more or less. Think of it as a sampler platter, that’s right. You get a taste of each city, which definitely helps you figure out which ones you’d like to visit again, perhaps for a longer stay, sort of. The thing is, if you are short on time, like your average tourist, it’s a very neat way to see quite a bit of Holland outside of Amsterdam, basically.

Setting Off: Amsterdam to Delft

Okay, so my day kicked off pretty early, didn’t it? I hopped on a train at Amsterdam Centraal Station headed to Delft, didn’t I? The train ride itself, you know, is pretty easy, and it takes just about an hour, actually. I got to Delft around mid-morning, alright, and the train station, basically, is in a pretty central spot. That, I guess, made it quite simple to begin exploring right away, isn’t that right? The ride allows you a view of the Dutch countryside; that in itself, is kind of nice, sort of.

Delft: Pottery and Picturesque Canals

Delft is very charming, actually. Right away, that is, you will spot those super quaint canals and buildings. So, obviously the first thing I wanted to see was the Delftware, sort of. That well-known blue and white pottery, you know, it is sold all over. The Royal Delft factory does tours, too, isn’t that right, but I actually chose to wander around the shops and look at the pieces. Also, don’t miss the Markt Square, more or less, where you will spot the New Church and the Town Hall. The area is often bustling and a really lovely spot to sit and have some lunch, isn’t it?

Leiden: History and University Vibe

Next, it’s time for Leiden. Back on the train again, anyway, and the ride is really short—about 20 minutes, give or take, that is. What struck me about Leiden is that the place had this really big student-town energy, more or less. Makes sense, that is, as it is home to Leiden University, which is the oldest in the Netherlands, like your grandpa, isn’t it? I took a stroll around the Hortus Botanicus, isn’t that right, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, and I walked along the canals; you know, it had its charm in its own way.

The Hague (Den Haag): Seat of Dutch Government

From Leiden, it’s just a quick jaunt over to The Hague, more or less, or Den Haag as the Dutch call it, that is. What makes this place special, more or less, is that it is the political center of the Netherlands, I mean really. I made a beeline for the Binnenhof, alright, the complex where you find the Dutch Parliament. You will spot government buildings everywhere around here, anyway. I took the time to visit the Peace Palace, too, I guess. While it’s a pretty serious place, as a matter of fact, the city itself definitely had a much grander, more global vibe than the other spots we had seen, really.

Haarlem: Shopping and Hidden Courtyards

The last stop on my tour, that is, was Haarlem. This town felt more laid-back somehow. Haarlem’s known for its shopping, that’s right, and Grote Markt (the main market square), sort of, is ringed by some cool shops and cafes. What I especially enjoyed, to be honest, was finding some of the hidden courtyards, the “hofjes,” you know? These small, really serene gardens, alright, were quite something and very different from anything else I saw during the day, sort of.

Making the Most of Your Time

Okay, so cramming all this into a day, that is, requires some planning, really. Here are some tricks I learned:

• Prioritize: Look into each city beforehand and jot down what really grabs you. With limited time, that is, you just can’t see it all, you know?
• Travel Light: Dragging bags around gets old pretty fast, that is. Take as little as possible, sort of.
• Public Transportation is Your Friend: The trains in the Netherlands are really efficient. Learn how they work!
• Eat Smart: Rather than sit-down restaurants, that is, grab snacks on the go. This is way faster and cheaper!
• Comfortable Shoes: Okay, so you are going to do lots of walking, that is. Trust me; your feet will thank you for some solid footwear, alright?

Worth It?

So, did I feel I really saw Delft, Leiden, The Hague, and Haarlem? Of course not. I feel like I received a preview, you see, and a taste, really. A jam-packed day like this, sort of, can feel hectic, too, but for me, you see, it was awesome to experience the variety Holland has to offer so close to Amsterdam, alright. Now, I kind of know where I would like to go back to, too. So, it was definitely worthwhile for me, basically!