12x top things to do in Haarlem, The Netherlands
To me, Haarlem is the perfect Dutch city. I think it’s even more Dutch than Amsterdam if I’m honest. The most beautiful Dutch houses, stunning museums, a traditional windmill in the city centre and the beach and one of Hollan’s most beautiful national parks just around the corner. You really want to discover this city. Take a look at the top things to do in Haarlem.
About Haarlem, The Netherlands
Archaeologists found proof of life along the banks of het Spaarne river dating 5000 years back. Logically, none of that is to be seen nowadays, though lots of historical reminders are. Just after Haarlem got city rights in the 13th century the city bloomed and became an important place of trade. During the 80 year war in the 16th century, Haarlem fought fiercely and kept the Spaniards out. After William of Orange took control of the city loads of Flemish refugees found their way to Haarlem, giving the city its southern flair. Even today.
How to get to Haarlem
- Once you fly to Amsterdam it couldn’t be easier to get to Haarlem. Simply hop on a train or on a bus and you’ll be in Haarlem within 20 minutes.
- You can also take a personalised tour from Amsterdam to Haarlem, which is especially great if you’re pressed for time.
- Since Haarlem is so much cheaper than Amsterdam, it’s a great idea to stay at one of the lovely hotels in Haarlem. If you’d rather stay at a holiday park, Center Parcs Zandvoort and Holiday park Bloemendaal aan zee are near the beach and just ten minutes from Haarlem.
- In April and early May a trip to Haarlem is perfectly combined with a trip to the tulip fields in The Netherlands.
Hotels in Haarlem
ibis Styles Haarlem City
I really like the Ibis Styles hotels. I stay in hotels from this chain often and I really like them. The Ibis Styles Haarlem City is a good option if you decide to drive to Haarlem, instead of arriving by train, as the hotel has ample parking space. There are several kinds of rooms available, including family rooms. Downstairs you van always enjoy a drink or relax for a bit. Breakfast is included in the room price.
Boutique Hotel Staats
Boutique Hotel Staats is located within walking distance of all the top things to do and see in Haarlem. All rooms have their own unique design and are luxuriously decorated for that ultimate boutique feeling. It’s a wonderful hotel to relax in. Don’t forget to enjoy a drink at the bar or in the lovely garden.
Hotel Lion D’Or
Boutique Hotel Lion D’Or celebrates all things Haarlem and is located just a stone’s throw away from the station. This makes it so easy to visit both Haarlem as well as other nearby top sights like Amsterdam, the windmills of Zaanse Schans, Zandvoort and the tulip fields of The Netherlands. The hotel has a fun (and very Dutch) decor and the rooms are specious and dressed in cilours you expect from the great Dutch masters. Tripple rooms and family rooms are also available.
Haarlem guided bike tour
It’s a great things to discover Haarlem like the Dutch do: by bike. This guided bike tour is great and takes you along the amazing sights of Haarlem, like a windmill along the river, the grand mansions, the impressive cathedral and hidden courtyards.
Haarlem by boat
The city centre of Haarlem is surrounded by water and the best way to take it all in is to discover the city from the water. Take a boat tour that will take you along the most beautiful parts of the city that are particularly enjoyable from the water. You’ll marvel over the large number of stunning historical houses, the windmill along the water and other beautiful sights.
Frans Hals Museum
Haarlem is probably one of the best places, aside from Amsterdam, to truly get to know one of Holland’s greatest masters. The Frans Hals Museum is one of the best museums in The Netherlands and is set in an absolutely stunning historical building, with red bricks, pretty gables and red painted wooden shutters. And inside it’s just as stunning with beautiful Delft blue tiles and a wonderfully peaceful courtyard. Frans Hals is famous for his ‘militia’ paintings (pretty much like Rembrandt’s Night Watch) and dozens of grand works are on display. There is also a brand new second venue on the Market square with contemporary exhibits revolving around themes in Frans Hals’s paintings.
Teylers Museum
Teylers Museum is the oldest museum, shich in itsself is enough reason to visit and it’s an absolutely stunning place to visit as well. The Ovale Hall of the museum will definitely take your breath away. Teylers Museum hosts two permanent collections. The first being an excellent collection of Dutch abd French masters, the second being a vast amount of natural-historical specimen.
St. Bavo Cathedral
The gothic spire of the cathedral can be seen everywhere in the city centre and is a nifty signpost if you find yourself lost in the dwindling streets. Step into the St. Bavo Catedral to see the amazing interior with the immense organ at its heart. This organ is really special and even Mozart played it.
Corrie ten Boom House
You’d never guess from the outside, but this once watchmaker’s shop and house were used during the Second World War by Corrie ten Boom and her sister Betsie to hide Jews and take Jews to safety. The sisters were betrayed and sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp, where Betsie perished. Corrie returned and spent the rest of her days fighting for the victims of the Holocaust. Now the Corrie ten Boom House is a treasured monument and well-worth the visit.
The windmills of Haarlem
Haarlem has a couple of very beautiful windmills. In my opinion, windmill De Adriaan, which you can find near the city centre, is the finest one. The windmill was built at the end of the 18th century by a tobacco merchant. Later the mill also served as a grain mill. But now it is a museum where you can learn everything about the history of this windmill. Windmill De Eenhoorn also dates from the 18th century and is located on the Spaarne and opens its doors to the public once a month.
Haarlem station
Am I really listing a train station as one of the top things to see and do in Haarlem? Yes, I am. Haarlem station is built in Art Nouveau style and is simply gorgeous. Take a look at the glass stained windows at the entree and the tile tableaus on the platforms pointing out the different waiting rooms.
Courtyards of Haarlem
Just like Gouda and Deventer, Haarlem has dozens of hidden courtyards. I think the city has the most and also the most beautiful hidden courtyards in The Netherlands. All of these are flanked by gorgeous historical small Dutch houses and the gardens are all really well-kept by the inhabitants. Take a free self-guided walking tour along the hidden courtyards of Haarlem.
Street art in Haarlem
Although Haarlem is not really a street art city, there is plenty of street art to be seen during your visit. Just outside the cinty centre you can find various works on and around the Pieter Kiesstraat, on the Nagtzaamplein you will find a beautiful, colorful work by Munir de Vries and on the Lange Hofstraat you can see a girl with a heart balloon as a tribute to Banksy. My favorite, however, can be found on the outside of De DAKKAS: Girl in Blue and Pink (or Mona Gaga, as local residents call her) by duo Telmo Miel.
Zuid-Kennemerland national park
If you’re visiting Haarlem you’d be mad not to spend an afternoon at one of the most beautiful national parks in The Netherlands: Zuid-Kennemerland national park. The classical Dutch dunes are a real oasis and there are lots of walking and cycling trails. Take bus no. 81 from Haarlem central station to the national park. Maps and rental bikes are available at the visitor’s centre.
Zandvoort
If the weather is nice, a trip to the beach is the perfect thing to do when you’re visiting Haarlem. For example, take the bus or train to Zandvoort. Enjoy an afternoon in the beach, have a drink at one of the many hip and colourful beach clubs or head to nature park Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen for a chance to spot deer and foxes.
Jopenkerk
I honestly think brewery Jopenkerk is one of the top things to see and do in Haarlem. This brewery is set in an old church just outside the city centre. The brewing kettles and casks are right there where people once sang their Psalms. Take a brewery tour or just sit back and relaxt with a freshly draughted beer and take in this amazing Haarlem hotspot.
De Volkslust
After arriving in Haarlem by train, De Volkslust is your perfect first stop. Traditionally, De Volkslust was a Flemish bakery, but it branched out with lovely café. In the morning, simply order your coffee of choice and a piece of freshly baked cake. In the afternoon really great croque monsieurs are waiting for you. There is some outdoor seating which is the perfect spot for afternoon drinks.
Native
Your morning coffee (and cake, you will be ordering cake) should be ordered at Native. Two friends opened this café and to them, it’s all about coffee and fair trade. All the furniture in the shop is second hand and all produce is local. If you are gluten or lactose intolerant, the ladies have lots of goodies on the menu that you can order without having to worry about a thing.
By Lima
Another fabulous coffee spots, which could just turn into your favourite Haarlem living room, is By Lima. Everything on the menu is free of sugar. And there are many lactose-free and gluten-free options too. So without further guilty feelings, bite into a cookie or a brownie. Or order some soup or a wrap for lunch.
DeDakkas
The Netherlands run a bit short of rooftops bars. Amsterdam has a few, as do Rotterdam. But that’s about it. Well, and there’s DeDakkas in Haarlem. The name literally means ‘greenhouse on the roof’ and that’s what it is, as well as one of the most popular hotspot in town. On a sunny day, the rooftop terrace is the best place for a cocktail. Staying for dinner is also a good plan, as all dishes are prepared with seasonal and organic produce.
Roast
Great food doesn’t have to be fancy, nor difficult. And Roast proves just that. The chicken plays the key role in this restaurant. During the day you can order special egg dishes, like Eggs Benedict. And at night your order roasted chicken, with fries, roasted potatoes or corn on the cob. All fresh, fair and organic. No complaints here.
12x top things to do in Haarlem, The Netherlands
Save on Pinterest
More cities in The Netherlands
