Here’s your detailed Haarlem Citywalk route with honest tips
🚶♀️ Haarlem Citywalk Route Start at Haarlem Station → Walk north to Dolhuys Museum (Madhouse Museum) 🏛️ A unique museum about mental health history. Bonus: Free Christmas gift when we visited (handmade paper books – perfect for journaling!). Head south toward Grote Markt 🏛️ Pass cute shops (spotted chocolate wrenches! 🔧😂). St. Bavo Church ⛪ – Haarlem’s iconic Gothic church + Christmas market (or regular open market). Shopping street alert! Bershka area for fashion lovers. Must-visit hidden gem: Haarlem History Museum 📜 Learn about Haarlem’s Golden Age glory → modern "old-money" vibes. Nearby: Frans Hals Museum (Dutch masters!). Walk north to Teylers Museum 🖼️ Oldest museum in the Netherlands (art + science). Cafés & boutique stops along the way. ☕ Optional detour: De Adriaan Windmill 🌬️ – Classic Dutch photo spot. Amsterdamse Poort 🏰 – Medieval city gate (cool for history buffs). End back at Haarlem Station � – Feet tired but happy! 🚫 AVOID: That Overhyped Duck Pancake Place! (A mini roast because honesty matters ) 🍽️ "Famous" duck pancake (€11+) = NOT worth it! Pre-made frozen duck + soggy microwaved wrap 🥱 Tasteless sweet sauce, mushy veggies, zero crispiness. Even the bubble tea was off (weird-textured pearls ). 👉 Verdict: Skip unless you’re desperate for mediocre "Chinese" food. Final Notes 🌟 Haarlem is a charming, low-key alternative to Amsterdam – perfect for history, shopping & cozy vibes! (P.S. This is a genuine review from a career-rebooting expat sharing real travel tips. Follow for more unfiltered Euro adventures! ) #Haarlem #Netherlands #DutchChristmasMarket #Citywalk #AmsterdamDayTrip #TravelTips #HonestReviews #SkipTheHype