We (2 couples in late 60's) will be in Amsterdam (in June) , 2 days before we board a river boat cruise ( rivers in Germany) which does not leave AM unitl late the following day. The cruise has arranged for us to have a Canal Boat Cruise and a full afternoon exploring AM. While we plan to see some of the sights in AM on the first day we arrive, I was wondering if we should take a train (day trip) to see some other areas on the second day? Reading past post, some suggested a train trip to Harleen? We will not have a car so would this be a problem?i
I thank all of you for all your valuable help I have already received such as booking tickets on line for Frank house .
Sheila

Haarlem is easy by rail..takes about 15 minutes one way. There are frequent departures and returns; you could do many other places by rail in less than a day as well.

If you have never been to Amsterdam there is IMO more interesting things to see and do here than in any other Dutch city and i would spend all the time right in Amsterdam. Well that's my opinion.

Amsterdam is a great little city. With such little time, I'd won't bother with a day trip. You have Van Gogh and Rembrandt Museums, Anne Frank House, ...

I agree, with so little time time you are probably better off staying in the city. There is easily enough to see and do.

If you want to see the Anne Frankhuis book your tickets online to save queueing. www.annefrank.org.

You can always change your minds once you are here, and take the train to Haarlem.

IMO sitting canalside in the Jordaan area and watching the boats and the locals on their bikes is one of the more entertaining sights in Europe. I'd stay in Amsterdam - do a museum if art is your thing. Visit "the church in the attic" and get a glimpse of the red-light area. Harlem is an easy do and a pretty town but Amsterdam deserves more than a day.

Thank you again - looks like it is settled. Decide on Harlem once we get there.
You guys are a true blessing. Sheila