Hofje van Oorschot

During World War II, the Ten Boom family, who lived and ran a watch shop in this house, used the top floor to hide Jews and others from the Nazis. After being discovered by the Nazis in 1944, only Corrie Ten Boom survived. She wrote several books about her experiences, which served as a basis for the museum that was opened after her death in the 1980s. It's in the centre of town and is run by volunteers. You will have to join one of the guided tours; starting times are indicated on the door. Since it's a small building, you can't wait indoors for the next tour to start.

Built in the 13th century, this is one of the oldest monuments in the city and the first century of its existence, it served as the first town hall. Later, it was used as private housing for several prominent Haarlem families. From April-Sept, the building is open to visitors but only on weekends.

After fires destroyed the Count's castle on this location in the 14th century, this city hall was built. The current façade is slightly younger, and originates from the 17th century.

From 1604 until the 18th century, the Meat Hall was the only place in town where it was permitted to sell fresh meat. Butchers had to pay rather steep amounts to be granted a spot in the Dutch Renaissance style building that had been designed and built for the purpose. It's now part of the Frans Hals Museum.

This impressive Gothic-style church has been the heart of the city and its main landmark for centuries. It was built in the middle of the Grote Markt as a Catholic church between 1370 and 1520. In 1559 it became the cathedral of the Diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam, but less than 20 years later it was confiscated in the name of the Protestant Reformation and it has been a Protestant church ever since. Much of the antique interior remains, including the great Müller-organ that, according to records, has been played by Händel, Mozart, Mendelssohn and other famous people throughout its history. When built, this organ was the largest one in the world, leading Herman Melville in his famous novel Moby Dick to compare the inside of the whale's mouth to the many pipes of Haarlem's great organ.