Haarlem and Leiden
Holland Pictures

Leiden image below | The Hague photos

An historic bridge over the River Spaarne, Haarlem.

Haarlem is the capital of North Holland province, only 20kms from Amsterdam and adjacent to large, and attractive coastal sand dunes around Bloemendaal. Haarlem dates from the 10th century; the origin of its name is a pretty fair description of it's location - 'a sandy, high place covered with trees'.
Haarlem has been the focus of Netherlands' tulip bulb growing industry for many years which is why it's Dutch nickname is 'Flower City'.
Haarlem has a well-preserved medieval town centre including a 14th century city hall and a main square which hosts a lively market. Don't miss St Bavokerk's Cathedral - known for its 5,000 pipe organ, said to have been played by Mozart.

Leiden is a small, peaceful but lively town 40 minutes by train from Amsterdam, with a 16th/17th century centre and plenty of history.

The Hague photos

Near Leiden are the spectacular flower gardens of Keukenhof [best March-May], while the town offers fine buildings including a couple of windmills, a big market on Wednesdays and Saturdays and a lot of watery intersections. There is a fine collection of Egyptian artifacts in Rijksmuseum van Oudheden [National Museum of Antiquities].
Due to the complement of university students Leiden has plenty of energy and activities.

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