Where to go, Den Haag, Haarlem or somewhere else?

[tim-b]

I'm taking the OH to Keukenhof at the weekend for her b'day (hopefully the tulips will still look nice!), staying in Noordwijk aan Zee. I guess Keukenhof will take up most of day 1 (we'll arrive around lunchtime), but day 2 I haven't made plans for....so I thought perhaps a visit to either Den Haag, Haarlem or even Rotterdam (I'll have the car but preferably not travel too much further than that). We've been to Amsterdam before - so maybe not there - does anyone have any other suggestions, or opinions on the above?

We like exploring quirky towns with nice little coffee shops (just coffee - I'm driving ), or more urban areas with interesting modern architecture....basically anywhere with character! Unfortunately I am completely ignorant about Holland, so any ideas or 'town/city descriptions in a nutshell' would be a great starting point.

TIA!

PS Yes I know there is a race on at Zaandvort on Sunday, I did drop a subtle hint to the missus but it didn't go down too well...;)

[tim-b]

Thanks guys, Delft sounds just about perfect, may also pop into Den Haag and have a look around if there's time.

Does anyone have any specific recommendations for Delft, i.e. 'must see' things/places/restaurants, or is the whole town agreeable? I'll have a look on tripadvisor, but I expect a bit of local knowledge is far more insightful.

Since I'm living in Cologne at the moment I'll put Leeuwarden on the list for another time (only 3hrs drive according to google)!

[tim-b]

Very much appreciated chaps, the missus will surely be impressed by 'my' research and planning!

Will definitely check out those cafe/deli/sandwich places for lunch...don't worry about those dinner recommendations Peter, we'll probably leave early evening.

Thanks!

[tim-b]

Hi chaps,

Pleased to report that Delft was a big success (as were Noordwijk and Keukenhof). We actually changed plans and went to Delft on Saturday after seeing the weather forecast would be better for Keukenhof on Sunday. So we didn't get to spend that much time in Delft, as we arrived later than expected, and due to a broken sat-nav left early to ensure we made our dinner booking in Noordwijk. But we did pop into Vrij for lunch (good choice) and enjoyed wandering the streets/canals, and the flea-markets just West of the big square. I think we'll go back again sometime when we're not in so much of a rush (especially in light of the Louwman museum!), so the other recommendations aren't wasted

Weather wasn't great for pics, but I took some anyway that can be found here. Pretty impressed by the number of classic cars in Holland, definitely more than I see in Germany.

Also some Noordwijk & Keukenhof pics if you're interested.

Thanks again,

Tim