I’ve been in Amsterdam since New Year’s Eve where it was foggy and overcast for two days. Can you imagine my excitement when I saw the sun on the 2nd of January? The plan was to visit the city of Haarlam which is outside Amsterdam.
The night before, I did my research on which train would get me to Haarlem. I said to myself — it is only two trains. That is pretty easy! So before I left for my adventure, I packed two croissants and an apple. A girl has to eat while traveling 😉 I was so ready!
When I arrived at the station, a train was approaching and without reading the route, I got on. The train made a stop at the Amsterdam Airport station which was one of the stops on the route to Haarlem station. Well, pretty much everyone exited the train and I stayed on. While I was sitting there waiting for the train to depart, I decided to take a selfie (okay is more than one selfie — this one just made the cut – lol)
The conductor (no better word to describe the person) kept saying that this train was going to Den Haag station and I thought he was saying Centraal Station. Well after 5 minutes or so, I asked where was this train going as it was not moving, and the conductor said “Den Haag”. (Well, it did sound like Centraal Station). I thought to myself, I was not supposed to go in that direction. I needed to go the Centraal Station route.
Anywho, I finally got on the correct train and was on my way to Haarlem. I still had some sun but the rain clouds were showing their ugly heads. As soon as I walked out of the station, this was the picturesque scene that said “Welcome To Haarlem” and I immediately fell in love.
Haarlem is the capital of the province of North Holland and as Iamamsterdam.com describes it:
“With its ancient buildings, cobbled streets and winding waterways, the medieval city of Haarlem is one of the most photogenic destinations in the Netherlands. Easily reachable by train (just fifteen minutes from Amsterdam Central Station) Haarlem is often referred to as a scaled-down version of its more famous neighbour. But to think of it in such terms does a disservice to a city that beats with its own vibrant pulse and overflows with a rich history, epoch-spanning architecture and a thriving cultural scene all of its own.”
The Digital Stroll
So come on and take this digital stroll with me and enjoy the beauty of Haarlem.
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Haarlem Train Station
Even the train station has charm.
Would you believe that I left the United States and crossed an ocean to finally visit the city of Haarlem lol? (Note: There is a Harlem, New York)
So if your travels take you to Amsterdam, make sure to check out the city of Haarlem.
What a beautiful little town! My sister was here just two weeks ago actually. I hope to get over there in the near future!
Haarlem is absolutely beautiful. Definitely pinning this one. Just curious did you book Airbnb or a hotel?
Great post and great pictures. I have not been to Harlan but you make it very interesting!
I’m heading to Amsterdam for the first time in April and I am definitely going to try to fit in a visit to Haarlem. Thank you.
Amsterdam is a wonderful city, I am very glad to read about your trip there! It is pretty unusual to catch such a sunny day in Amsterdam in January, so you were really lucky! 🙂
I’ve never been here before. It looks really lovely. I love all your photos.
Lovely little town. I love your pictures. Looks like you had fun. Thanks for sharing. One day hope to visit this beautiful tall buildings:)
http://www.hugshomemade.com
I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Hoofddorf. It was a 15 minutes train ride to the Amsterdam.
Ooh, my friend lived in Amsterdam for a while- I’ll have to ask her if she ever visited! Photos are gorgeous, looks like a lovely place. I’d love to go one day 🙂 Katie x
I was just talking to my friend about visiting Amsterdam. Looks like a beautiful place.
Id love to visit Denmark. I would get so confused with the train schedules, since I’ve never been on one! Great pictures
Thanks for sharing – you made me want to book a ticket to Amsterdam ASAP
Thank you!
I have never heard of this town before, but I really love the character of the place. The architecture is really lovely. Also, I am glad that you managed to catch the right train; that kind of stuff makes me nervous!
wow such a beautiful place!! Sorry to hear about the train ride but at least you got there!
Harlaam is very picturesque, you are right! I Would love to visit there someday myself. I just love to travel.
Haarlem is also a beautiful site. It would be shame not to have a look and also snapped some souvenir selfies 🙂
OMG I thought you meant Harlem (which is near where I live in NYC). I didn’t know Amsterdam had a Haarlem! That’s so cool. Love these photos too.
Simply a beautiful, quaint place. The architectures are sublime, and your photo shots are nice!
Seems like a beautiful, quaint town. I like your “digital scroll” section very clever lol
a wonderful place it is, though i havnt heard of it before. great experience oo
What a beautiful town! Your picture came out lovely