Haarlem is a charming and historic city just a short train ride from Amsterdam. It offers its visitors an authentic Dutch experience with its rich history, beautiful architecture, and liveliness.
Haarlem is the place to be if you want to witness vibrant Dutch city life without massive tourist crowds. It’s an ideal destination for a day trip from Amsterdam.
Here are some of the best things to do in Haarlem, Netherlands:
Explore Grote Markt (Market Square)
The heart of Haarlem is the Grote Markt. This picturesque market square is surrounded by stunning architecture, including the impressive St. Bavo Church and the Town Hall.
There’s a lively market on Saturdays where you can buy local produce and crafts or treat yourself to Dutch culinary specialties like stroopwafels, kibbeling, or haring.
It can get quite busy here on Saturdays, but it all adds to the liveliness of Haarlem.
Visit the Impressive St. Bavo Church
At the heart of the Grote Markt stands the impressive St. Bavo Church.
This grand Gothic church was opened to church-goers in 1479, but its construction began as early as 1370.
St. Bavo Church is famous for its stunning architecture and the world-famous Müller Organ, played by both Händel and (the then 10-year-old) Mozart.
You’ll find beautiful stained glass windows and intricate artwork inside the church. The floor consists of thousands of tombstones, with over 1300 of them visible. Some essential figures from Haarlem’s past lay under these stones, including the Dutch Golden Age painter Frans Hals.
The church is a must-visit if you’re visiting Haarlem. It offers a glimpse into Haarlem’s rich history and its connection to music and arts. And it will stun you in all its impressiveness.
Visit Frans Hals Museum
Named after the renowned Dutch Golden Age painter Frans Hals, this museum has an impressive collection of his works and other Dutch masters.
The museum is housed in a historic building, HOF, that adds to the overall experience.
The Frans Hals Museum is actually divided between two locations, HOF and HAL, within short walking distance from each other.
In location HAL on the Grote Markt, you’ll find modern and contemporary exhibitions.
An entrance ticket gives you access to both museums.
The Frans Hals Museum offers a journey through Dutch art history, from the classics to the contemporary, all in one visit.
Visit Teylers Museum
Teylers Museum is the oldest museum in the Netherlands. It’s a unique combination of art, natural history, and science, featuring fossils, minerals, historical instruments, and art from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The museum was founded in 1778 after the wealthy Dutch merchant Pieter Teyler van der Hulst passed away and left his fortune to scientific and religious research.
Many famous figures, such as Napoleon, Tsar Alexander, and much later Albert Einstein, have visited the Teyler Museum.
The museum is attached to the former living quarters of Pieter Teyler. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of what it was like living as a wealthy merchant in the 18th-century Haarlem.
Molen De Adriaan
In the mid-19th century, there were over 100 windmills in Haarlem. Only 8 of them have remained till this day, one of them the picturesque Molen De Adriaan.
While most windmills are closed to the public, De Adriaan is open to visit. A ticket with a guided tour costs 7.50 € for adults and 3.50€ for children.
Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and learn about the fascinating history of windmills in the region.
Visit the Amsterdamse Poort
The Amsterdamse Poort, or the Amsterdam Gate, is an old city gate in Haarlem.
Originally called Spaarnwouderpoort, the gate dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest city gates in the Netherlands.
Once an entrance to the city and an integral part of the city’s perimeter wall, thornbushes were planted around the wall and gate to keep attackers at bay.
As the city of Haarlem developed over the years, more of the wall and gates were demolished.
The Amsterdamse Poort is a great stop on your walking tour around Haarlem.
Enjoy the Canals in Haarlem
There are several picturesque canals in Haarlem. You can enjoy these beautiful waterways by walking around the city or taking a boat ride.
Haarlem’s canals are not only beautiful, but they’re historically significant, too. They were essential for transportation and trading in the past. In addition, one of the main functions of these canals was protection from enemies.
Nowadays, the city’s canals are primarily used for leisurely activities but will always remain an integral part of the Haarlem cityscape.
Take a walk or a boat tour to appreciate the city’s canal-side architecture and charming atmosphere.
Visit Kathedrale Basiliek Sint Bavo
Another church in Haarlem named Sint Bavo is very much worth visiting.
The Kathedrale Basiliek Sint Bavo, also known as KoepelKathedraal or Cathedral of St Bavo, Haarlem, is a Roman Catholic church built in the 19th century.
The cathedral was built as a replacement for the St Bavo Church after it had been converted to Protestantism from Catholicism.
The cathedral’s architecture combines Neo-Gothic, Neo-Romanesque, and Jugendstil styles with a touch of Amsterdam School.
Visitors can climb the church’s towers and experience breathtaking views over Haarlem. Along the route are chambers featuring architecture or art displays and massive church bells that chime every half hour (don’t forget to cover your ears).
Once atop the nearly 60-meter-high towers, you’ll enjoy a view of the inner city and the copper Jugendstil dome.
In clear weather, you can even see all the way to Amsterdam.
You can also climb inside the dome to catch a magnificent view of the cathedral’s interior.
Enjoy Parklife at Haarlemmerhout Park
Escape the city and enjoy a peaceful walk in Haarlem’s largest park. Haarlemmerhout Park is a great place to catch a breath, especially during the warmer months.
In the park, you’ll also find Pavillion Welgelegen, a neoclassical government building dating to the 18th century. You can even visit some of the period rooms inside the mansion. But make sure to book a guided tour beforehand as it’s not open daily.
Join a Guided Walking Tour
Consider taking a guided walking tour to better understand Haarlem’s history and culture. Knowledgeable guides can provide fascinating insights into the city’s past and present.
Book a walking tour at the tourist information desk on Grote Markt and be fascinated by the stories of Haarlem.
Visit Corrie ten Boom House
Visit the home of Corrie ten Boom, a brave Dutch woman who, along with her family, helped Jews escape the Nazis during World War II.
The rooms are preserved much as they were during World War II, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the ten Boom family.
The heart of the museum lies in the hidden room behind a false wall where Corrie and her family sheltered Jewish refugees. This secret space, barely larger than a closet, served as a refuge for those desperately needing protection.
The Corrie ten Boom House offers a moving and insightful look into this important history chapter.
Admire Haarlem’s Architecture
Haarlem boasts various architectural styles, from medieval buildings to Dutch Renaissance and Art Nouveau.
Medieval Style
The “Houten Huys” (Wooden House) is one of the oldest wooden houses in Europe, dating back to the early 15th century. It showcases the medieval architectural style with its timber-framed construction and narrow front.
Dutch Renaissance
City Hall (Stadhuis): Haarlem’s City Hall is a prime example of Dutch Renaissance architecture, featuring a grand facade with ornate carvings and a majestic interior with a marble staircase. It was built in the 14th century but underwent significant Renaissance-style renovations in the 17th century.
Art Nouveau
The Teylers Museum: While primarily Neoclassical in design, the Teylers Museum has elements of Art Nouveau in its decorative features, including stained glass windows and complex ironwork.
Baroque
St. Bavo Church (Grote Kerk): The Gothic-style church known for its impressive Baroque organ (one of the largest in the world). The decoration and grandeur of the church represent the Baroque architectural style.
Modern Architecture
De Hallen Haarlem: The modern cultural complex showcases contemporary architecture. It features a mix of glass, steel, and concrete elements, contrasting the city’s historic buildings.
Traditional Dutch Canal Houses
Along the canals in Haarlem, you’ll find traditional Dutch canal houses. These buildings have stepped gables, large windows, and narrow facades. They reflect the classic Dutch architectural style seen throughout the country.
Taste Local Beer
Haarlem is home to several craft breweries and beer cafes. Sample some local brews and enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Dutch “brown cafe.”
Visit Jopenkerk, a brewery and restaurant inside a former church. The place is famous for reviving old Dutch beer recipes and producing diverse craft beers. Enjoy a tasting of their brews while admiring the stained glass windows and high ceilings.
Another brewery from Haarlem worth visiting is The Uiltje Brewery and Bar, or simply “Het Uiltje”. This craft beer establishment has gained a loyal following in the Netherlands, and their bar on Ziljstraat in Haarlem welcomes beer lovers to taste their 30 beers on tap every day of the week.
Explore the Many Hofjes In Haarlem
Explore Haarlem’s historic Hofjes, courtyards with almshouses around. These hofjes were built to provide housing for elderly people, mostly women.
Some of these hidden gems are open to the public and provide a glimpse into Haarlem’s past.
The oldest hofje in Haarlem and in the Netherlands, Hofje van Bakenes, dates as far as 1395. Visitors to Hofje van Bakenes can explore the almshouses’ interiors and step back in time as they wander through the peaceful courtyard.
Other hofjes in Haarlem include Hofje van Oorschot. Founded in 1769, this hofje is known for its beautiful gardens and well-preserved almshouses.
Hofje van Staats, founded in 1512, has a stunning entrance gate as well as cozy almshouses that are still inhabited today.
Hofje van Guurtje de Waal, founded in 1607, is characterized by its picturesque garden and calm atmosphere.
Visit The Historisch Museum Haarlem
Visit the Historisch Museum Haarlem to explore the city’s history, from its role in the Dutch Golden Age to its contemporary culture.
The museum offers exhibits, interactive displays, and educational activities for all ages. It’s a great way to learn about Haarlem’s past and present.
Don’t miss the chance to dive into the city’s rich heritage when you visit Haarlem!
Experience Haarlem by Bike
Rent a bike and explore the city like a local. Like most Dutch cities, Haarlem is bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and scenic routes.
Biking allows you to discover the city at your own pace easily. You can even visit some places further away from the city center, like the sawmill Molen De Eenhoorn.
Quick Facts About Haarlem:
Location: Haarlem is in North Holland, Netherlands, about 12 miles west of Amsterdam.
Population: In September 2021, Haarlem had around 160,000 people.
Historical Significance: Haarlem played a vital role in the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, known for trade, art, and culture.
Grote Markt: The central square, Grote Markt, features historic landmarks like the St. Bavo Church and Town Hall, hosting events and markets.
Flower Industry: Haarlem is known for its flower industry, earning the nickname “Bloemenstad” (Flower City). The annual Flower Parade, Bloemencorso, ends in Haarlem.
Hofjes: Haarlem is known for its Hofjes, enclosed courtyards, some dating back to medieval times.
Molen De Adriaan: An iconic windmill on the Spaarne River, now fully restored and open for visitors.
Teylers Museum: Established in the late 18th century, it’s the Netherlands’ oldest museum, featuring art, natural history, and science collections.
Architecture: The city offers a mix of architectural styles, from medieval to Art Nouveau, with well-preserved historic buildings and picturesque canals.
Map of Haarlem
Haarlem may be overshadowed by its bigger neighbor, Amsterdam, but it’s uniquely charming and has a lot to offer.
The historical significance of Haarlem, the cultural attractions, and the welcoming atmosphere make Haarlem an excellent destination for a day trip from Amsterdam or a more extended stay.
