The ‘Issues to do in Haarlem’ weblog put up was first printed on Tradition Vacationer on 6 February 2019 and up to date on 31 October 2025.
In case you’re in search of a stunning Dutch city to discover on a day journey from Amsterdam, take into account visiting Haarlem. Situated solely twenty minutes by prepare from the Dutch capital, it’s an enthralling city crammed with historical past, lovely structure and glorious eating places. I stay in Haarlem and am all the time keen to find new issues to do in Haarlem, so I usually replace this native’s Haarlem Journey Information. Proceed studying to be taught extra about its historical past, greatest museums, cafes, eating places and issues to do in Haarlem.
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You’ll be able to go to Haarlem on a day journey from Amsterdam, The Hague or Rotterdam. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful metropolis with so many nice issues to do, which you can simply spend a couple of days exploring it. In case you resolve to spend an evening in Haarlem, take a look at a few of my resort suggestions on the finish of this text.
⤷ Learn extra: What to see in Amsterdam space: Artwork & structure
How you can get to Haarlem from Amsterdam
Haarlem is situated solely twenty minutes by prepare from Amsterdam. Trains depart each ten minutes and normally go from platforms 1 and a pair of at Amsterdam Central Station. You’ll be able to examine their web site for the schedule. There’s no want to purchase the prepare ticket upfront. You should utilize your bank card to simply examine out and in on the prepare station.
⤷ Learn extra: 10 Finest exhibitions within the Netherlands in autumn & winter 2025
Would you want to go to Haarlem with a personal information?
If you wish to go to Haarlem from Amsterdam with a personal information, take into account Love My Metropolis Excursions. Its proprietor Dennis’ ardour and love in direction of his nation, actually shines by as he helps guests expertise the Netherlands from an area’s perspective.
He has acquired all five-star critiques on TripAdvisor, which assures you that you simply’ll be in good fingers.
Some enjoyable info about Haarlem
⤷ New York Metropolis‘s neighbourhood Harlem was named after this Dutch city. Folks from Dutch Haarlem who moved to New York (referred to as New Amsterdam again then) in the course of the seventeenth century named their neighbourhood after their residence city. And the identify remains to be in use right this moment.
⤷ Throughout the 14th century, Haarlem was the Dutch capital. It was a historic residence of the Counts of Holland, who dominated the nation again within the day.
⤷ In 1620, Haarlem had round 100 breweries. You’ll be able to nonetheless strive some authentic recipes on the Jopen Brewery in Haarlem. It’s situated within the metropolis centre inside the previous church, making it an unmissable place to go to in Haarlem.
⤷ Haarlem has extra museums per inhabitant than every other Dutch metropolis. It’s additionally residence to the oldest museum within the Netherlands, Teylers Museum.
⤷ The medieval city centre remains to be primarily intact. Whereas strolling round it, you’ll detect some very previous homes, making you’re feeling such as you stepped again in historical past.
⤷ TIP: Watch this brief video in regards to the historical past of Haarlem.
What to do in Haarlem
Effectively, let’s get to the essential stuff: what to see and do in Haarlem?
Admire Artwork Deco ornament at Haarlem Practice Station
Tackle: Stationsplein 11 L, 2011 LR Haarlem
In case you journey to Haarlem by prepare, the primary constructing you’ll see upon your arrival is its prepare station. However, don’t rush outdoors instantly! Take a couple of moments to discover that lovely place. Constructed within the Artwork Deco fashion, it’s one of many oldest prepare stations within the Netherlands. Originally of the twentieth century, the primary Dutch electrical tram related it with the town centre.
However this isn’t the place its historical past stops. The primary prepare connection within the Netherlands was between Amsterdam and Haarlem, making it the oldest railway line within the Netherlands, which opened again in 1839.
Haarlem’s Practice Station even starred in a Hollywood film! It portrayed Amsterdam Central Station in Ocean’s Twelve, filmed in 2004.
Wander round Haarlem’s medieval city centre
A superb approach to discover Haarlem is by wandering round and getting misplaced in its historic streets. Whereas strolling across the small streets round Grote Markt, you’ll come upon small retailers, eating places and bars. Search for and also you’ll see varied conventional gables adorning homes. You’ll be able to usually spot the 12 months they have been constructed written on them, too. I all the time prefer to search for the coat of arms and totally different decorations on these lovely homes, too.
Admire Haarlem from its canals
Top-of-the-line methods to discover Haarlem is on one of many canal cruises. It’s one of many locals’ favorite methods to calm down and benefit from the view of that lovely Dutch metropolis on a sunny day. You’ll be able to lease your individual boat, pack some snacks, and cruise the canals at your individual tempo. It is a firm I like to recommend for renting a ship in Haarlem.
In case you’d prefer to have another person cruising the boat, you may lease a small boat with a captain. I did that for my birthday final 12 months, and rented a ship by the corporate referred to as Luxe Sloepen.
You may as well be part of a number of the organised excursions, like this small boat tour with snacks and drinks. Verify this native cheese and wine boat tour in Haarlem or this canal cruise in Haarlem.
Discover Grote Markt
Tackle: Grote Markt, Haarlem
Like in lots of different Dutch cities, the principle sq. in Haarlem known as the Grote Markt. It’s some of the lovely city squares within the Netherlands. Some unbelievable historic buildings encompass it, and you could find all of the examples of conventional Dutch gables in its homes.
Throughout the hotter months, you may take pleasure in having a drink on a few of its cafes’ terraces. My favorite locations there are Grand Cafe Brinkmann or Anne&Max (which can also be a pleasant spot for a brunch). In case you’d prefer to strive some pastries whereas in Haarlem, pay a go to to the Oscar bakery situated on the Grote Markt, too.
⤷ TIP: Every Saturday, a farmers’ market is organised on the Grote Markt in Haarlem (extra about it later on this article).
Go to St. Bavo Church (Grote Kerk) in Haarlem
Tackle: Grote Markt 22, 2011 RD Haarlem
This huge church, situated on Grote Markt, is without doubt one of the metropolis’s symbols and issues it’s best to see in Haarlem. Constructed as a Catholic cathedral, it was later transformed to the protestant church. Due to its previous, it’s not a cathedral anymore. Haarlem’s Cathedral of St. Bavo is situated within the southern a part of the town.
With its lovely ornament, Grote Kerk’s wood ceiling is my favorite element on this fascinating church. Nevertheless, take a look at its flooring, as properly. That is the place the graves of many notable Haarlemmers are situated. Dutch Golden Age painter Frans Hals is probably the most well-known amongst them. The church organ can also be fairly fascinating, as a result of a 10-year-old Mozart performed on it again in 1766.
⤷ TIP: You’ll be able to go to St. Bavo Church any day of the week besides on Sunday. They organise a guided tour in English every Saturday ay 2 pm.
Laurens Janszoon Coster Statue in Haarlem
Tackle: Grote Markt, Haarlem
Laurens Janszoon Coster is one other well-known former citizen of Haarlem. You’ll discover his statue on the Grote Markt. Laurens Janszoon Coster claimed he invented a printing press similtaneously Johannes Gutenberg. However, sadly, he couldn’t show it.
Nonetheless, many individuals take into account him a real inventor. That’s most likely true for a lot of residents of Haarlem as a result of, in that Dutch metropolis, you’ll discover not one, however two of his statues (one other one is close by, at Prinsenhof).
Go to Haarlem City Corridor
Tackle: Grote Markt 2, 2011 RD Haarlem
The previous residence of the Counts of Holland, the present City Corridor, is without doubt one of the most lovely buildings in Haarlem. Constructed within the 14th century, it nonetheless exhibits Haarlem’s significance up to now. Go to it and discover its inside, crammed with lovely wall work.
⤷ TIP: Haarlem’s Vacationer Info Centre is situated on its floor flooring. Go to it to get a map of the town, booklets about Haarlem, and to study occasions, guided excursions and issues to do in Haarlem.
Discover Hoofdwacht (the Guard Home)
Tackle: Grote Markt 17, Haarlem
Constructed within the thirteenth century, Hoofdwacht is the oldest constructing in Haarlem. When it was first constructed, it was used as Haarlem’s metropolis corridor. Nevertheless, it modified a number of functions all through historical past. It was a printing store (maybe, that’s why the Laurens Janszoon Coster statue is correct in entrance of it), residence to some noble households, headquarters of the civic guards, and even a jail.
⤷ Learn extra: Is the I amsterdam Metropolis Card price it?
Admire Haarlem Vleeshal
Tackle: Grote Markt 16, 2011 RD Haarlem
Constructed firstly of the seventeenth century, Vleeshal was the one place in Haarlem the place contemporary meat was offered in the course of the seventeenth and 18th centuries. Its goal modified with time, and right this moment, it’s residence to 2 of Haarlem’s museums.
You’ll discover Haarlem’s Archaeological Museum in its basement. It’s a fantastic place to study Haarlem’s historical past, see archaeological findings and meet certainly one of its oldest residents, Cornelis, who lived in Haarlem in the course of the Center Ages. The museum is child-friendly and a fantastic place to go to in Haarlem with children.
The Hal constructing of the Frans Hals Museum is situated on its higher flooring. They normally organise glorious up to date artwork exhibitions, so check out their web site to be taught what’s on throughout your go to to Haarlem.
Discover hofjes at Witte Herenstraat
Tackle: Witte Herenstraat, Haarlem
Witte Herenstraat is without doubt one of the oldest streets in Haarlem, and it’s well-known for a lot of hofjes or little courtyards situated in it. You will see many aged homes in that charming avenue. Search for the previous doorways with the hofje’s identify above them. After you get inside, it’s going to really feel such as you’ve stepped again in time. It’s a good way to be taught extra about Dutch historical past.
⤷ TIP: Folks nonetheless stay within the majority of the previous homes surrounding a number of the hofjes. Be respectful throughout your go to and don’t disturb its residents.
Go to Saint Bavo Cathedral in Haarlem
Tackle: Leidsevaart 146, 2014 HE Haarlem
Saint Bavo Cathedral is situated outdoors the town centre however solely a 15-minute stroll from the principle sq.. Its development was completed in 1930. The church was designed by Joseph Cuypers, son of a well-known Dutch architect, Pierre Cuypers, who designed Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum and its central prepare station.
In a small museum contained in the cathedral, you may be taught extra about it and see some artefacts from Haarlem’s Catholic previous.
⤷ Learn extra: 20 Most iconic church buildings in Europe
Attempt conventional Haarlem beer at Jopenkerk
Tackle: Gedempte Voldersgracht 2, 2011 WD Haarlem
Beer brewing was some of the essential industries in Haarlem. Town was one of many largest beer producers within the Netherlands. In 1620, round 100 breweries have been lively in Haarlem. You’ll be able to strive a number of the beers made after their previous recipes on the Jopen Brewery. A brewery and the restaurant are situated in a former church in central Haarlem, referred to as the Jopenkerk.
Discover Haarlem’s flower manufacturing historical past
One other business Haarlem was well-known for throughout its historical past was the flower commerce. Due to that, certainly one of Haarlem’s nicknames is Bloemenstad, or the Flower Metropolis in English. It was an important buying and selling centre in the course of the tulipmania within the seventeenth century. You’ll be able to learn extra in regards to the tulips within the Netherlands right here.
Part of that historical past might nonetheless be felt every April when a giant flower parade is organised within the metropolis. You’ll be able to examine the Flower Parade dates and information on this hyperlink.
Store on the Saturday Market on the Grote Markt
At any time when I’m in Haarlem on Saturday, I begin my day by visiting its market on the Grote Markt. You’ll discover a wide range of meals producers from Haarlem and the encircling area there. A few of my favourites are Vishandel Jak for fish and seafood, Empanadas Maxima, and the cheese and olive stand. It’s a fantastic place to really feel like an area in Haarlem for a day.
⤷ TIP: In case you’d prefer to discover extra of Haarlem’s foodie scene, be part of this meals tour!
Take a stroll alongside the Spaarne River
Homes alongside the Spaarne River have been the place Haarlem’s wealthiest residents used to stay up to now. That’s why you’ll come upon quite a few lovely buildings there. You can begin your stroll subsequent to the De Waag constructing, proceed strolling in direction of the Teylers Museum and the Adriaan Windmill, and switch left on the Nieuwe Gracht.
A really good place to go to alongside the way in which is Museum Home Bernaart. You’ll be able to go to it and see what residing in a few of these lovely canal homes appeared like.
Go to De Adriaan Windmill
Tackle: Spaarnwouderbuurt, Haarlem, web site
De Adriaan Windmill is without doubt one of the most photographed locations in Haarlem. The unique windmill was constructed on the finish of the 18th century. Nevertheless, after it burnt down, it was rebuilt in 2002. A small museum inside tells its historical past.
You may as well go to a pleasant restaurant inside a windmill providing an exquisite view of the Spaarne River.
⤷ TIP: In case you’d prefer to discover and be taught extra about this attention-grabbing place, e-book the Windmill De Adriaan tour right here.
Finest museums to go to in Haarlem
Frans Hals Museum
Tackle: Groot Heiligland 62, 2011 ES Haarlem
One of the well-known Dutch Golden Age painters, Frans Hals, lived and labored in Haarlem. So, it comes as no shock that you simply’ll discover a museum with one of many largest collections of his work in Haarlem, too.
The Frans Hals Museum is situated in a constructing from the seventeenth century, which was constructed as a house for aged residents of Haarlem. Frans Hals Museum has two places. The one devoted to Frans Hals’ work, Hof, is situated within the previous constructing on the Groot Heiligland 62. The opposite one, Hal, the place you may see trendy painters impressed by his work, is on the Grote Markt 16.
If in case you have time to go to just one museum in Haarlem, make it the Frans Hals Museum.
⤷ TIP: Get your on-line Frans Hals Museum ticket on this hyperlink.
Teylers Museum
Tackle: Spaarne 16, 2011 CH Haarlem
Situated in an exquisite classical constructing subsequent to the Spaarne River, Teylers is the oldest museum within the Netherlands. Inside its assortment, you’ll discover Michelangelo’s and Rembrandt’s art work, along with a unbelievable pure historical past assortment. It’s additionally the place the highest of Mount Blanc is saved. Fairly an uncommon exhibit, proper?
Teylers Museum usually organises unbelievable non permanent exhibitions, so examine their web site earlier than your go to. In a second, you may see the “Michelangelo and Males” exhibition there.
Corrie Ten Increase Home
Tackle: Barteljorisstraat 19, 2011 RA Haarlem
This inspiring museum is situated in the home of the Ten Increase household in Haarlem. They lived there between 1837 and 1945. It’s additionally a spot the place they have been hiding Jewish individuals in the course of the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
The museum can solely be visited on a guided tour (they’re organised each in English and Dutch). So, you’ll want to reserve your spot on this hyperlink.
⤷ TIP: Be a part of this tour when you’d prefer to be taught extra in regards to the lifetime of Corrie Ten Increase and Haarlem in the course of the Second World Battle.
Archaeology Museum Haarlem
Tackle: Grote Markt 18K, 2011 RD Haarlem
This small museum is certainly one of my favorite locations in Haarlem. Situated on the previous Vleeshal constructing on the Grote Markt in Haarlem, you received’t spend greater than half-hour in it. The museum shows archaeological findings from Haarlem and the encircling space.
My favorite factor there’s Cornelis. It’s a skeleton of a person who lived in Haarlem in the course of the Center Ages. It was discovered in the course of the archaeological analysis on the Botermarkt. His face reconstruction makes it potential to see what a person residing in Haarlem eight hundred years in the past appeared like.
The museum entrance is free!
⤷ TIP: This museum is child-friendly! From constructing the fortified metropolis with blocks and taking part in with puzzles to in search of archaeological artefacts within the sand, visiting this museum ought to be in your listing of issues to do in Haarlem with children.
Discover Haarlem’s environment
Haarlem is surrounded with lovely nature, so lengthen your journey and spend a couple of extra days in that beautiful Dutch city. Here’s what you may see simply outdoors Haarlem.
Zuid-Kennemerland Nationwide Park
If you wish to see Dutch dunes and spend a day in nature, visiting the Zuid-Kennemerland Nationwide Park might be a fantastic thought. It has lovely nature, many biking routes, and strolling paths. Throughout a few of my visits, I’ve additionally seen deer and highland cattle there. So, it’s all the time enjoyable to go to it.
⤷ Learn extra: Biking by the Dutch dunes
Go to the North Sea seaside
Do you know there’s a lovely sandy seaside solely 20 minutes by prepare away from Haarlem? It’s an ideal place to stroll by the ocean, swim in summer season or take pleasure in a espresso or breakfast with a pleasant sea view. Take a metropolis bus no. 81 or a prepare to Zandvoort aan Zee from Haarlem Station. It’s a well-liked place among the many locals, particularly at weekends.
Buying in Haarlem
Haarlem has been pronounced the most effective procuring metropolis within the Netherlands a number of instances. It’s a small city, so you could find many alternative retailers inside strolling distance. In addition to some large manufacturers, there are numerous native retailers with Dutch manufacturers. You’ll discover most of them on the streets between the Grote Markt and Gedempte Oude Gracht. Nevertheless, a number of the greatest style shops are on the Zijlstraat.
⤷ TIP: You will get a particular brochure on the Haarlem Vacationer Workplace with the listing of small native retailers to go to throughout your journey to Haarlem.
The place to remain in Haarlem
Haarlem is a compact metropolis you may discover on foot, so I like to recommend in search of a central lodging. I stayed in two inns in Haarlem and liked them each. That’s why I’m recommending them right here, too.
Lodge Lion D’Or
Situated proper subsequent to the Haarlem prepare station, this resort has cosy, trendy, spacious rooms and a fantastic breakfast. It’s good when you’d prefer to discover Haarlem on foot. But additionally, when you’d prefer to go on some journeys outdoors Haarlem, too. You’ll be able to e-book the resort utilizing this hyperlink.
Amrâth Grand Lodge Frans Hals
This resort has extra of a really feel of a historic grand resort. It’s situated just some steps from Haarlem’s principal sq. and the Spaarne River. You’ll be able to e-book the resort on this hyperlink.
Haarlem is an enthralling Dutch city price a go to. With the assistance of this journey information, you’ll discover all of the thrilling issues to do in Haarlem and revel in your journey to that beautiful city.
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