Ultimate Travel Guide to Haarlem: Holland’s Hidden Gem Near Amsterdam

Introduction to Haarlem

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.


📍 Where Is Haarlem?

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


🏙️ Top Things to Do in Haarlem

1. 🕍 Grote Markt (Main Square)

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)


2. ⛪ St. Bavo’s Church (Grote Kerk)

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


3. 🎨 Frans Hals Museum

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


4. 🌬️ Molen De Adriaan (Windmill)

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!


5. 🚶‍♀️ Stroll Along the Spaarne River

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.


6. 🛍️ Shopping in the Gouden Straatjes (Golden Streets)

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.


7. 🌺 Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market)

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.


8. 🍺 Jopenkerk Brewery

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)


🏛️ Other Museums Worth Visiting

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.


🏞️ Nature & Day Trips

1. 🚲 Bike to the Dunes or Beaches

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)

2. 🚆 Day Trip Ideas from Haarlem

DestinationTimeHighlight
Amsterdam15–20 minArt museums, canals
Keukenhof30–40 minTulip gardens (spring only)
Leiden30 minUniversity town with canals
Zandvoort Beach15–20 minSand, sea & surf

🛏️ Where to Stay in Haarlem

HotelTypeWhy Stay?
Amrâth Grand Hotel Frans Hals4★Central, steps from Grote Markt
Hotel MLBoutiqueHistoric with fine dining
Hello I'm LocalDesign HostelCozy, Instagrammable, and social
B&B Hotel MaltsB&BFamily-run with charm and breakfast

💡 Book early in tulip season (mid-March to mid-May).


🍽️ Where to Eat & Drink

Restaurants:

Fortuyn Haarlem – Modern Dutch cuisine with terrace views of Grote Kerk

Spaarne 66 – Romantic riverfront dining

Brick – International fusion with flair

Cafés:

Anne & Max – Great for brunch, smoothies, and coffee

Mogador Café – Moroccan-Dutch flair with canal-side tables

Sweet Stops:

Van der Pigge – Oldest drugstore turned candy shop

Olala Chocola – Artisan chocolates, perfect souvenir


🎭 Haarlem Events Calendar

EventWhenWhat’s Special
Bloemencorso BollenstreekAprilFlower parade from Noordwijk to Haarlem
Haarlem Jazz & MoreAugustFree concerts in the city center
Christmas Market HaarlemMid-DecOne of the best in the Netherlands
Haarlem CulinairAugustOpen-air food festival in Grote Markt

🚉 How to Get to Haarlem

From Amsterdam:

Train from Amsterdam Centraal: Direct Intercity/NS Sprinter

Time: ~15–20 minutes

Cost: ~€5–€6 (one way)

From Schiphol Airport:

Direct train or bus via Amsterdam Sloterdijk

~30–40 minutes


✅ Why Visit Haarlem Over Amsterdam?

FeatureHaarlemAmsterdam
CrowdsFewer touristsHeavy tourist traffic
AtmosphereRelaxed & authenticEnergetic but chaotic
PriceSlightly cheaperMore expensive
AccessibilityWalkable city centerLarger, more spread out
CharmDutch Golden Age vibeModern mixed with old

🧳 One-Day Haarlem Itinerary

TimeActivity
09:00Arrive and walk to Grote Markt
10:00Explore St. Bavo Church
11:00Visit Frans Hals Museum
12:30Lunch at Fortuyn or Spaarne 66
14:00Windmill tour at Molen de Adriaan
15:00Walk the Gouden Straatjes + shopping
16:30Coffee or craft beer at Jopenkerk
17:30Return or head to the beach for sunset

💬 Final Thoughts

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.