Welcome to Haarlem, the charming capital of North Holland province, nestled just 20 km from Amsterdam. With its golden-age architecture, laid-back atmosphere, historic windmills, and flower-filled markets, Haarlem delivers a perfect blend of culture, beauty, and authenticity without the crowds of its famous neighbor.
Whether you’re in search of Dutch art, riverside dining, local beer, or vintage boutiques, Haarlem is the kind of place that surprises and enchants at every turn.
Location: North Holland province, Netherlands
Distance from Amsterdam: ~15–20 minutes by train (20 km)
Population: ~160,000
Coordinates: 52.3874° N, 4.6462° E
The heart of Haarlem, Grote Markt is a vibrant public square flanked by historic buildings, lively cafés, and market stalls. Every Saturday, the square comes alive with open-air markets selling flowers, cheese, bread, and handmade crafts.
Highlights around the square:
St. Bavo Church (Grote Kerk)
City Hall (Stadhuis)
The Vleeshal (former meat hall, now an art gallery)
This majestic Gothic cathedral, dating back to the 14th century, is famous for its Müller organ, once played by Mozart and Handel. Step inside to see towering columns, vaulted ceilings, and beautiful stained glass windows.
⏰ Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 (Mon–Sat)
💶 Entry: €3–€5
Named after the Dutch Golden Age painter, this museum showcases Haarlem’s rich artistic heritage with works by Frans Hals, Judith Leyster, and other 17th-century masters. The building itself is a former almshouse with beautiful courtyards.
Location: Groot Heiligland 62
Entry: ~€16 adults
Closed on Mondays
Perched along the River Spaarne, this iconic 18th-century windmill is one of Haarlem’s most photographed landmarks. A guided tour takes you inside the windmill, where you’ll learn about its history, functions, and the role of windmills in Dutch culture.
Entry: ~€6
Stunning river views from the top!
Haarlem’s canals and riverside paths are perfect for a slow-paced exploration. Enjoy scenic walks, rent a bike or boat, or stop by one of the many waterfront cafés for a drink with a view.
Haarlem is a haven for boutique lovers. The Gouden Straatjes—seven picturesque streets around the city center—are filled with independent shops, vintage stores, and Dutch design studios.
Held on Mondays and Saturdays, Haarlem’s flower market offers a vivid taste of Dutch floral heritage. In spring, it's also a launching point for trips to Keukenhof Gardens or the surrounding bulb fields.
Set inside a converted 14th-century church, Jopenkerk is Haarlem’s most famous craft brewery. It serves award-winning beers brewed on-site, alongside Dutch snacks and full meals.
Must-try: Jopen Koyt (historic gruit beer)
Teylers Museum – The oldest museum in the Netherlands, showcasing fossils, physics instruments, and art.
Corrie ten Boom House – A moving WWII memorial and hiding place of Jewish families during the Holocaust.
Haarlem is close to the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park—home to dune landscapes, wild deer, and sandy trails. From here, continue to Zandvoort aan Zee for a refreshing beach break.
Bike rental available near the station (~€10/day)
Destination | Time | Highlight |
---|---|---|
Amsterdam | 15–20 min | Art museums, canals |
Keukenhof | 30–40 min | Tulip gardens (spring only) |
Leiden | 30 min | University town with canals |
Zandvoort Beach | 15–20 min | Sand, sea & surf |
Hotel | Type | Why Stay? |
---|---|---|
Amrâth Grand Hotel Frans Hals | 4★ | Central, steps from Grote Markt |
Hotel ML | Boutique | Historic with fine dining |
Hello I'm Local | Design Hostel | Cozy, Instagrammable, and social |
B&B Hotel Malts | B&B | Family-run with charm and breakfast |
💡 Book early in tulip season (mid-March to mid-May).
Fortuyn Haarlem – Modern Dutch cuisine with terrace views of Grote Kerk
Spaarne 66 – Romantic riverfront dining
Brick – International fusion with flair
Anne & Max – Great for brunch, smoothies, and coffee
Mogador Café – Moroccan-Dutch flair with canal-side tables
Van der Pigge – Oldest drugstore turned candy shop
Olala Chocola – Artisan chocolates, perfect souvenir
Event | When | What’s Special |
---|---|---|
Bloemencorso Bollenstreek | April | Flower parade from Noordwijk to Haarlem |
Haarlem Jazz & More | August | Free concerts in the city center |
Christmas Market Haarlem | Mid-Dec | One of the best in the Netherlands |
Haarlem Culinair | August | Open-air food festival in Grote Markt |
Train from Amsterdam Centraal: Direct Intercity/NS Sprinter
Time: ~15–20 minutes
Cost: ~€5–€6 (one way)
Direct train or bus via Amsterdam Sloterdijk
~30–40 minutes
Feature | Haarlem | Amsterdam |
---|---|---|
Crowds | Fewer tourists | Heavy tourist traffic |
Atmosphere | Relaxed & authentic | Energetic but chaotic |
Price | Slightly cheaper | More expensive |
Accessibility | Walkable city center | Larger, more spread out |
Charm | Dutch Golden Age vibe | Modern mixed with old |
Time | Activity |
---|---|
09:00 | Arrive and walk to Grote Markt |
10:00 | Explore St. Bavo Church |
11:00 | Visit Frans Hals Museum |
12:30 | Lunch at Fortuyn or Spaarne 66 |
14:00 | Windmill tour at Molen de Adriaan |
15:00 | Walk the Gouden Straatjes + shopping |
16:30 | Coffee or craft beer at Jopenkerk |
17:30 | Return or head to the beach for sunset |
Haarlem is the kind of city that quietly steals your heart. With its rich heritage, elegant architecture, riverside ambiance, and artistic soul, it offers the best of the Netherlands without the stress of mega-tourism. Whether you visit for a few hours or stay overnight, you’ll be glad you discovered this authentic Dutch treasure.