Delft? Haarlem? The Hague? Any tips on not so touriste places in Amsterdam and around the countryside?

May I suggest that you start with doing a search in "search this forum" at the top of the page. Or, click on my screen name and you will find many posts by me on the BeNeLux region. There are many travellers here at Fodors who have posted extensively on this region, and you will probably find much of the information that you are looking for by doing a search. If you have additional questions, post a more specific question. Peace. >-

Robyn

I don't know that area so well so probably only did touristy things. But, I did really like Delft a lot, and also went to Alkmaar while they were having the cheese market. That was fun (and I love cheese). It's not very far and an easy trip. Here is a description of it:

www.holland.com/us/tulips/culture/cheese/

Haarlem -- rent a bike and ride north and west to/through the national park to the North Sea....a fun afternoon.

Volendam and Marken can be done together in one day.

I was in Amsterdam only once, for 5 days, and found plenty to do within the city.

Depending on what you want to see, I say spend two days in Amsterdam. There are so many more interesting towns outside of A'dam to explore (Delft, Utrecht, The Hague, Leiden, Rotterdam).