Haarlem offers a quintessential Dutch experience with its rich history, impressive medieval architecture, and picturesque canals. It serves as a more relaxed alternative to Amsterdam, providing a vibrant cultural scene, excellent shopping, and easy access to both the beach and national parks.
The Grote Markt, or Main Square, forms the heart of Haarlem's social life, bustling with cafes, restaurants, and bars, and frequently hosting markets and festivals. For a unique experience, the Jopenkerk, a former church, has been transformed into a popular brewery and event venue featuring craft beers and live music. The charming 'Gouden Straatjes' (Golden Streets) surrounding the square also offer a lively atmosphere with their independent shops and cafes, while various pubs and music venues throughout the city, such as Café XO and Café Stiels, contribute to a diverse nightlife.
Top 8 Things to do in Haarlem
The activities primarily involve exploring historical landmarks, engaging with art and science, enjoying unique shopping, experiencing canal life, and venturing into nearby natural landscapes.
1. Explore Grote Markt and Grote Kerk (St. Bavokerk)
Stepping into Grote Markt, the central square, you are immediately surrounded by historic architecture and a lively atmosphere. I found myself drawn to the majestic Grote Kerk, or St. Bavokerk, which dominates the square. Exploring its interior reveals impressive details and a sense of centuries-old history. During warmer months, the square comes alive with terraces, perfect for people-watching, and on Saturdays, it hosts a vibrant market. Spending time here provides a true feel for Haarlem's social and historical heart.
Cost: Exploring the Grote Markt is free. Entrance to Grote Kerk can vary; typically, there is a small fee or donation requested, often around €3-€5 for visitors, but it is free to admire from the outside.
Transport: The Grote Markt is in the very center of Haarlem and easily accessible on foot from all central accommodations and Haarlem Centraal Station (approximately 10-15 minutes walk).
2. Visit the Frans Hals Museum
Discovering the Frans Hals Museum provided a captivating journey through Dutch Golden Age art, most notably the impressive civic guard paintings by Frans Hals himself. The museum's historical building enhances the experience, and I appreciated the thoughtful curation that connects old masters with contemporary art. The audio guide offers rich insights into the works and artists, making the visit truly informative.
Cost: Tickets start from approximately $17.50 - $19.00 per person, which typically includes access to both the Frans Hals Museum and HOF Museum, along with an audio guide.
Transport: The museum is about a 20-minute walk from Haarlem Centraal Station. Alternatively, take bus line 3 or 300 from Haarlem Station to the 'Frans Halsmuseum' stop, which takes around 7-9 minutes and costs approximately €1-€2. A taxi ride from the station would be around 3 minutes and cost €11-€14.
3. Explore Teylers Museum
Stepping into Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands, felt like a journey back in time. Its unique collection spans natural history, early science, and art, from fossils to antique scientific instruments and drawings by masters like Michelangelo. The neoclassical Oval Room is a highlight, offering a glimpse into 18th-century Enlightenment knowledge. The museum provides a multimedia tour, enriching the experience with fascinating stories behind its diverse exhibits.
Cost: Adult tickets are €17.50. For children aged 6-17, the cost is €2.50, and those under 5 enter free. Note that a surcharge may apply for special exhibitions, such as the 'Michelangelo and Men' exhibition starting October 15, 2025.
Transport: Teylers Museum is a pleasant 12-minute walk from Haarlem Centraal Station. Public bus line 3 or 2 from the station can reach the 'Turfmarkt' stop in 4-13 minutes for about €1-€2. A taxi from the station would take 1-3 minutes, costing around €8-€11.
4. Wander the Gouden Straatjes (Golden Streets)
I found immense pleasure in wandering through Haarlem's 'Gouden Straatjes,' a network of charming alleys around the Grote Markt. These streets, like Kleine Houtstraat (recognized as a 'Best shopping street in the Netherlands'), Schagchelstraat, and Zijlstraat, are home to independent boutiques, vintage shops, unique craft stores, and cozy cafes. It’s an ideal way to discover one-of-a-kind items and soak in the city’s intimate atmosphere.
Cost: Free to explore, but costs will depend on personal shopping and dining choices.
Transport: These streets are located within Haarlem's city center, easily walkable from the Grote Markt and other central attractions.
5. Take a Canal Cruise on the Spaarne River
Experiencing Haarlem from its waterways offered a unique perspective of the city's historic architecture and peaceful canals. Gliding along the Spaarne River, I admired landmarks like the Molen de Adriaan windmill and passed by elegant houseboats and charming bridges. A local skipper often provides insights into Haarlem's rich history and canal system, making the 50-minute journey both relaxing and informative. The boats are often heated and can be open or semi-open depending on the weather, ensuring comfort year-round.
Cost: Adult tickets typically range from €13.50 to $20, while children (4-11 years) cost between €6.75 and €9.50. Booking online is often recommended to secure a spot and avoid waiting.
Transport: Cruises depart from the Spaarne River, often near the Gravestenenbrug bridge or opposite the Teylers Museum, both centrally located and easily reachable on foot.
6. Visit Molen de Adriaan (Windmill De Adriaan)
Standing majestically by the Spaarne River, Molen de Adriaan is an iconic Haarlem landmark. I took a guided tour inside, which provided a fascinating look into the history and workings of this 18th-century mill. From its upper levels, I enjoyed panoramic views of Haarlem's skyline, the river, and the surrounding area. The current mill is a faithful reconstruction after the original burned down, symbolizing local resilience.
Cost: Entrance fees are €5.00 for adults and €2.00 for children aged 5-12, which includes a guided tour. Online booking is available, with a small surcharge, to guarantee your desired time and skip potential queues.
Transport: The windmill is a short 10-15 minute walk from the city center and Grote Markt, along the Spaarne River.
7. Experience Jopenkerk
The Jopenkerk offers a unique blend of history and modern enjoyment. This former church has been transformed into a popular brewery and grand café, where you can see the brewing kettles and casks in what was once a sacred space. I found it to be a fantastic spot to taste local craft beers, enjoy a meal, and soak in the distinctive ambiance of this architecturally impressive venue. It’s a vibrant place, often featuring live music and events.
Cost: Free to enter and explore; costs depend on food and drink purchases. Brewery tours may incur an additional fee.
Transport: Jopenkerk is located just outside the immediate Grote Markt area, approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the main square.
8. Explore National Park Zuid-Kennemerland
For a refreshing escape into nature, I ventured to National Park Zuid-Kennemerland, a short distance from the city. This expansive park features diverse landscapes, including rolling dunes, tranquil forests, and the nearby North Sea coast. It's an excellent place for hiking or cycling, offering a chance to spot local wildlife. The visitor center provides helpful information and maps to guide your exploration through this beautiful natural reserve.
Cost: There is no admission fee for the national park. Parking fees apply at some car parks (e.g., 'Koevlak' and 'Parnassia'), with a maximum day rate of €8-€12.
Transport: From Haarlem Centraal Station, bus line 81 takes you to the 'Koevlak' (Visitor Centre) stop in about 9-10 minutes, costing €1-€3. Alternatively, a train to Overveen station followed by a 15-minute walk leads to an entrance. A taxi ride from Haarlem to the park would take around 7-8 minutes and cost €21-€27.
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