Escape from Amsterdam | A Half-Day Trip to Haarlem

After returning from Iceland, I found Amsterdam a bit too crowded. A quick search led me to Haarlem—just 15 minutes 🚇 from Amsterdam Central. Right after visiting the Van Gogh Museum (@Van Gogh Watch), I headed straight to the train station. Lucky me—it was Saturday, and I stumbled upon the local Open Market. Busy but not overwhelming. As the church bells chimed at 3 PM, I made my way to the Teylers Museum 🏛️, the oldest museum in the Netherlands. ✨ Highlights: Fossils galore (dinosaurs!! 🦖) Exhibits on old magic tricks and illusions A well-preserved 17th-century map of Yunnan, China (mind-blowing! The Dutch really did explore everywhere 🌍✈️) And of course, no Dutch town is complete without: A classic windmill (no need to rush to Zaanse Schans!) A vibrant, inclusive vibe (🌈 everywhere!) Haarlem has all the charm of Amsterdam but none of the chaos—perfect for those who love a quiet escape with a touch of local life. ❤️ #NetherlandsTravel #HiddenGems #HaarlemDiaries #OffTheBeatenPath