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City in North Holland, Netherlands
Photo: Flickr user: FaceMePLS https://www.flickr.com/people/faceme/, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Haarlem is a lovely historical city on the river Spaarne 20 km from Amsterdam. International tourism finally seems to have discovered the town's many charms, and an increasing number of visitors find their way here each year. A quick glance at the city centre makes it obvious why. Haarlem boasts a magnificent old centre with plenty of monumental buildings. As the city was home to several first class Dutch painters, including Frans Hals, there's a lot of art to go around. And if you're into shopping, a day in Haarlem is a day well spent too, as it was best shopping city of the country several times. Other towns may lay claims to that title, but Haarlem's centre undisputably offers a colorful mix of large chain stores, specialty shops, boutiques and art galleries. A broad range of bars and restaurants makes the picture complete. In short, Haarlem is well worth a visit. For those who are wondering: yes, the famous New York City neighbourhood of Harlem is named after this once powerful Dutch city.
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Sint-Bavokerk
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.
City Hall
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.
Meat Hall
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.
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.
public library
The city is notable for its many hofjes (almshouses) built around courtyards. More than 20 of them still exist in the city. Some of them are open to the public.
city gate
Built in 1355 and is the only remaining gate out of 12.
Latin School of Haarlem
An old drugstore built in 1849. It still features the original gaper at its facade.
A building of the former Vroom & Dreesmann department store which opened in 1887 and went bankrupt in 2015.
Parts are open to the public. Villa Welgelegen is a historical building in Haarlem, the Netherlands, which houses the offices of the provincial executives of North Holland. Located at the north end of a public park in the city, it is an example of neoclassical architecture, unusual for its style in the Netherlands.
It is the oldest public park of the Netherlands. With "Hertenkamp" (Deer-park)
Cathedral of Saint Bavo
This cathedral, confusingly named after Saint Bavo too, as is the much older church on the Grote Markt, was built by the Catholics from 1895 to 1930. It replaced the former Waterstaatskerk St. Joseph, which was built to replace the confiscated Sint-Bavo church, which had been converted to Protestantism in 1578. The Cathedral became the main cathedral for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam, and holds that function still today. A small museum has been created in the former sacristy, allowing visitors to see some historical artefacts from Haarlem's Catholic past.
Windmill
this beautiful windmill on the benches of the river Spaarne was of the main landmarks of Haarlem for centuries, until it was destroyed in a 1932 fire. Several plans to rebuild it failed due to lack of funds, but in 2002 the windmill was finally fully restored to former glory. It's functional, for tourist purposes, and holds a small museum. Guided tours are available.
Open since 1784, this is the oldest museum in the Netherlands. It's interesting collection is broad, reminding one of 18th-century curiosity cabinets. Apart from a fine collection of paintings and drawings, including works by Rembrandt and Michelangelo, it has a great collection of fossils, minerals and antique scientific instruments on display, but also medals and coins.
Named after one of the great Dutch Golden age painters, this museum boasts a good collection of Dutch Golden Age art. In those days, Haarlem was one of the leading Dutch cities when it came to art and many thousands of works were produced here. This museum's collection holds about a dozen painting by Frans Hals himself as well as works by a list of other renowned artists, including Jacob van Ruisdael and Jan Steen. At a separate location on the Grote Markt, the museum also has several exhibition halls with modern art.
Het Dolhuys is a national museum for psychiatry in Haarlem, Netherlands. The museum was founded in 2005 in the newly renovated former old age home known as Schoterburcht, located just across the Schotersingel from the Staten Bolwerk park. The whole complex is much older than that however, having been a hospital for centuries known as the Leproos-, Pest- en Dolhuys.
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.
The ABC Architectuurcentrum Haarlem is a center for Architecture in Haarlem, the Netherlands, dedicated to promoting interest and conserving the architectural heritage of Kennemerland.
city museum Haarlem
Across the street from the Frans Hals Museum, this small museum offers a glimpse of old Haarlem. During the city's Golden Age four centuries ago, Haarlem was a thriving commercial centre rivalling Amsterdam. Back then, the town was a port on the large Haarlemmer Lake, with the North Sea only about five miles away (threatened by floods, residents eventually diverted the lake into canals to preserve shipping business and then pumped the remaining land dry). As well as being the tulip capital, Haarlem was a manufacturing centre producing wool, silk, lace, damask cloth, furniture, smoking pipes (along with cheap, locally-grown tobacco), and massive quantities of beer. Haarlemmers were notorious consumers of beer. It was a popular breakfast drink, and the average person drank six pints a day.
NZH Transport Museum
The museum displays a number of retired trams and buses, all once belonging to the now defunct NZH public transit company. Staff may be available to provide a narrated tour of the exhibits. There is a book shop within the museum.
Stripdagen Haarlem
In the even years (2024, 2026, etc.) the biggest Dutch comic book convention 'Stripdagen Haarlem' takes place all over Haarlem. With events on the Grote Markt, in art galleries, Teyler Museum, de Toneelschuur and Patronaat.
Theater
Former prison building now serving as a cinema.
Cafe Bruxelles
If you're on a budget, Bruxelles' €5.5 or €6 "dish of the day" is a good option. Besides the daily specials, there's a menu with plenty of options under €15.
The people behind Pakhuis restaurant have a vision. They want to sell tasty food for affordable prices. The food isn't spectacular but it's good enough and all menu items cost €10 or less.
Typical Dutch "eat-café" with simple food for low prices. It's nothing special but you get a fair portion and it's good value for money. The unlimited spareribs for €24.95 are popular, but you can also choose from steaks, pasta, fried chicken, veggie dishes and more. Good place for lunch, too.
Salads served in large bowls.
This place serves nice food from all over the world. Good quality for the price, modern establishment. There's also a good selection of dishes for vegetarians.
A nice restaurant in a historic setting. Throughout the centuries, this place served as a refuge and care centre for pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela and later for the elderly and the poor. De Kloosterkeuken serves simple, pure food for a good price.
Popular, modern style restaurant. Not the cheapest place around but the service is good and the food is tasty. If you're not too picky, the surprise menu is good value for money.
Well-prepared Indonesian food in a remarkable setting. The combination of the old Dutch building and the Indonesian decorations are interesting at least. All in all, this place gets good reviews across the board.
Suitable for children.
ML is one of two Michelin-star restaurants in town. As often in establishments like this, the menu is limited and prices are fairly high, but for that you get artistically plated, top class food. Calling ahead is a good idea.
Lovely old Proof Lokaal facing the side of the Bavo Kerk. Great choice of beers and friendly staff and customers. Free jazz sessions Sunday evenings and Thursday nights.
Just off the Grote Markt, the only traditional Irish pub in Haarlem, friendly, nice crowd, show all major sporting events including Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) Irish sports (if it doesn't clash with a football match), live Irish session every first Sunday of the month.
Café De Vijfhoek
Cosy, local bar, highly recommended for atmosphere.
Good beer!
Can there be anything more Dutch than changing a church into a brewery? Meet locals of all ages and drink special brew: Jopen beer.
R&B like it was supposed to be (hence not R'n'B). Expect blues performances, alternative bands and an occasional unexpected jam session. Good for an alternative dance night on Fridays or Saturdays.
Coffeedate is a small and cosy coffeebar, used by students to take away or by workers to read and use the free wifi.
Haarlem's largest venue for live music. Their Fridays and Saturdays are dance nights and generally packed.
Students' café 'the King'
If you want to see what the 14- to 18-year-olds do in Haarlem, go for a visit. Even though you won't want to stay long, you have to have seen this.
Ajax cafe
Typical Ajax cafe, but you can watch other sports as well in this cosy place. The 5 TV screens ensure you a front row seat wherever you sit.
The Stay Okay Hostel chain generally offers simple and clean private rooms as well as dorm beds. It's popular with international youngsters and one of the cheapest options around. This one is located out of Haarlem, so you will have to take a bus, but connections are good. Line 2 stops right in front of the door. Alternatively, you can take a train to Santpoort-Zuid and walk 10 minutes.
Ambassador Hotel offers plain but fine rooms right in the city centre. Under the name Joops Hotel it offers cheaper, more basic rooms too. The location is great and service is friendly. Breakfast is not included in the price. The reception is open 24/7.
One of the best hotels in town, with good rooms and facilities right in the centre of town. Breakfast is rather expensive (€18.50) but good. If you're not on a budget, there are spacious deluxe rooms and junior suites available.
Friendly hotel with 15 small but clean rooms, located in a historic building on the main square. A rather steep stair will take you to the reception, which is located on the first floor. From there, an elevator is available to take you higher up in the building. Good value for money. Rooms on the square side have nice views but can be a bit noisy. Breakfast is included.
Classic, good hotel in the historic centre of town, with good rooms and spacious suites available. Rooms are equipped with all the amenities you would expact from a 4 star hotel and the staff is helpful. Here, as in comparable hotels, breakfast is extensive but doesn't come cheap, at .
This "hotel" offers a few lovely, individual apartments, all in the direct neighbourhood of the reception. Most are in old houses, all are adequately equipped with furniture and small kitchens, allowing for self-catering. Mind that they are on the first floor, with no elevator. Expect service like in a mid-range hotel, including towels, shampoo etc. Reception is shared with Lambermons suites and is not open 24/7.
By bus
A good alternative is to use the big red and grey "R-net"-bus, line 300. It runs every 6–10 minutes between Schiphol and Haarlem Central Station, or you can get out at Wulft/Centrum.
By ferry
DFDS operate an overnight ferry from Newcastle, UK to IJmuiden, which is only about 30 minutes from Haarlem by local bus.5 km walk to Planetenweg (bus stop Zwaanstraat).00 in 2026.
By bike
If you have – or rent – a bike, it takes between an hour and an hour and a half to cycle (depending on the cyclist) from the centre of Amsterdam, a fairly relaxing ride on typically level terrain.
Haarlem is best seen on foot: it's a 10- to 15-minute walk from the train station to the city centre.
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