Is Haarlem Worth Visiting? Reasons And Things To Do
Wandering if Haarlem is worth visiting?
Located in the west of the Netherlands, Haarlem is a picturesque town with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and pretty canals.
Due to its proximity to Amsterdam, I’ve been several times to this hidden gem and in this article, I tell you everything about it.
In this article, I’ll show you the top reasons why Haarlem is worth visiting and the things you can do in the town.
Moreover, you’ll get a map you can save to your Google Maps with the most important sites to see.
Lastly, we’ll discuss how long you should spend visiting, and how to get to Haarlem from Amsterdam.
Discover why Haarlem should be on your list of destinations to explore in the Netherlands.
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Before You Go
Getting To and Around the Netherlands
The Netherlands is well-connected, and you can easily reach major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht by flying into Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.
Alternatively, you can take advantage of the efficient train system, rent a car or rent a bike and discover the cities like a local.
Two important transportation phone apps when in the Netherlands are: 9292 and NS Travel Planner.
Best Time to Visit
The Netherlands is stunning all year round, but the best time to experience its beauty is during spring (April to May) when the iconic tulip fields are in full bloom and autumn when Amsterdam transforms into a magical city. The weather is mild, perfect for exploring the cities and enjoying the outdoor attractions.
Where to Stay in the Netherlands
You can book your hotel via Booking.com as they consistently have the cheapest rates for hotels and guesthouses.
If you prefer a hostel, then you can book with Hostelworld as they have the best deals and the biggest inventory.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects you against theft, illness and cancellations. EKTA covers travellers all over the World with 24/7 client support from 1.65 USD a day.
European eSIM
With eSIMs from Airalo, you can download and install a digital data pack for over 200 countries/regions and get connected anywhere in the world as soon as you land.
Book Your Attraction Tickets
Get Your Guide, Viator and Tiqets are some of my favourites.
Reasons to Visit Haarlem
Haarlem is a charming city located in the province of North Holland, just a short train ride away from Amsterdam.
While it may not be as well-known as Amsterdam, there are many reasons to visit Haarlem and explore its picturesque streets.
These are some reasons why you should travel to the city that make Haarlem worth visiting:
- Haarlem is very close to Amsterdam. It only takes a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam.
- You can visit the town in a day if you’re short on time so it makes the perfect day trip.
- Escape the crowds of Amsterdam and relax in a more tranquil area.
- The prices are slightly lower than in Amsterdam.
- You can visit some amazing sites like the Teylers Museum and explore the hidden courtyards of Haarlem.
- The town is picturesque and you can get a better feeling of the Dutch culture.
Things to Do on a Haarlem Day Trip
Let’s explore some of the things you can do on your Haarlem trip, including must-see attractions, hidden gems and local hotspots for eating so you can make your visit unforgettable.
Walk through history
Haarlem’s history dates back to the Middle Ages. The city is home to many historic buildings, including St. Bavo’s Cathedral, which dates back to the 14th century.
Haarlem was an important centre for trade and commerce during the Dutch Golden Age, and you can still see evidence of this in the architecture on its streets.
Some of the historical sites include the Grote Kerk (Great Church), Teylers Museum, Frans Hals Museum, and De Adriaan Windmill.
Planning a trip to the Netherlands
Discover Haarlem’s hidden courtyards
Did you know that in Haarlem lies a secret world of hidden courtyards?
These are quiet, secluded spaces where you can escape from the noise of the city. They are one of the reasons that make Haarlem worth visiting.
The courtyards are usually located behind the grand façades of Haarlem’s historic buildings, but not only.
They were once used as storage areas for goods such as coal and firewood.
Please keep in mind that these areas are private and people are living in the surrounding houses. You will need to be quiet and keep the visit short, visit within the indicated areas only and lastly, dogs are not allowed.
Here are the courtyards you can find in Haarlem:
- Hofje van Bakenes is the one you can see in the photo above. This is one of the most pretty ones and you can visit it from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
- Hofje van Guurtje de Waal is open only from 10 am to 5 pm in groups of max 15 persons by appointment only. Sundays and holidays are closed.
- One such courtyard is located at the back of the Teylers Museum. The courtyard has a beautiful garden with fountains and benches where you can relax and enjoy the blooming flowers.
- Hofje Van Loo courtyard, although this one you can only see it from the street.
Stroll through beautiful parks and canals
If you’re looking for some green space close to Haarlem you can find plenty of options.
The most famous park is of course the stunning Keukenhof Gardens which is only open during springtime when millions of flowers bloom!
But there are also other parks like Spaarnwoude or Elswout where you can enjoy nature.
Moreover, like many Dutch cities, Haarlem is home to picturesque canals that surround the city. You can take a boat tour or just stroll along the canals and enjoy the views.
Shopping experience in Haarlem
Haarlem has so many shops selling everything from clothing to antiques to speciality foods.
The city offers more local boutiques allowing you to shop like a local. It’s known for its small independent stores offering unique products made by local artisans.
You have to go to The Grote Houtstraat as this is one of the main shopping streets in Haarlem.
Moreover, on Saturday, the local market takes place in the centre of the town Grote Markt.
Enjoy the nightlife
Haarlem comes alive at night with lively bars and clubs. You can find bars with jazz or rock music or simply enjoy a cosy pub atmosphere.
Every August, the city hosts the event Haarlem Jazz & More Festival.
Have you drunk alcohol in a church before? Well, in the JopenKerk you can. Kerk means Church in Dutch, so this brewery is built in a former church. It’s another reason why Haarlem is worth visiting.
Your map of what to do in Haarlem
How to use this map: Use your fingers or mouse to zoom in and out. Click the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner to see the index and the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google account. To view the saved map, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places/Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.
Where to Eat in Haarlem
Haarlem is home to amazing restaurants and cafes, with delicious Dutch specialities like herring and jenever as well as international cuisine.
You can also try traditional dishes such as bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs) or stroopwafels (syrup waffles), or explore the city’s trendy foodie spots.
Some places I recommend are:
- Spaarnee66 – enjoy your lunch or dinner along the canal
- DeDAKKAS – have your lunch with 360 views of Haarlem
- Piccolo Forno – taste delicious Neapolitan pizza
- Restaurant Table 24 – French dining resembling tapas
- Tierney’s Irish Pub – great for a couple of pints of Guinness and a burger
How Long Should You Spend in Haarlem?
As a general guideline, I would recommend spending at least one full day in Haarlem to see the main sights and get a feel of the city.
This will give you enough time to visit the Frans Hals Museum, explore the historic city centre, walk along the canals, and enjoy a meal or drink at one of the city’s many cafes and restaurants.
If you’re interested in art and history, you may want to spend an additional day in Haarlem to visit the Teylers Museum, which is one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands and has a fascinating collection of art and science exhibits.
If you are short on time, it’s possible to visit Haarlem as a day trip from Amsterdam or other nearby cities.
However, if you want to experience the city at a more relaxed pace and have time to explore its many attractions, stay in Haarlem for at least two or three days. Like that, you can take your time and enjoy the city.
How to Get to Haarlem from Amsterdam
Haarlem is located just 20 kilometres west of Amsterdam and is easily accessible by several modes of transportation.
Here are the main options for getting to Haarlem from Amsterdam:
Amsterdam to Haarlem by train
The most convenient and fastest way to get to Haarlem from Amsterdam is by train.
There are frequent trains from Amsterdam Central Station to Haarlem, with a journey time of around 15 minutes.
Trains run throughout the day and evening, so you can easily fit a trip to Haarlem into your itinerary.
Amsterdam to Haarlem by bus
There are also several bus services that run between Amsterdam and Haarlem, including the Connexxion bus line 300, which operates 24 hours a day.
The journey time by bus is around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Amsterdam to Haarlem by car
If you prefer to drive, it’s easy to get to Haarlem from Amsterdam by car.
The journey takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
You can book a car rental in Amsterdam if you don’t have your own vehicle.
Amsterdam to Haarlem by bicycle
Cycling is a popular way to get around in the Netherlands.
You can rent a bike in Amsterdam and cycle to Haarlem along a scenic route that follows the Spaarne River.
The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace.
Overall, there are several easy and convenient ways to get to Haarlem from Amsterdam, so you can choose the option that suits your schedule and budget.
Is Haarlem Better than Amsterdam?
It’s difficult to say whether Haarlem is better than Amsterdam, as both cities have their own unique charm and attractions.
Amsterdam is a larger and more international city. Haarlem, on the other hand, is a smaller and more relaxed town.
Both cities have their own unique attractions and appeal to different types of travellers.
Amsterdam is a great choice if you’re looking for a lively city with lots of nightlife and entertainment options.
Haarlem is a better choice if you’re looking for a more laid-back and picturesque destination.
Ultimately, whether Haarlem is better than Amsterdam depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in your trip.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Haarlem is a great city for anyone looking to experience the best of the Netherlands. The city boasts history with world-class museums and delicious food.
Haarlem is often overlooked in comparison with Amsterdam. However, if you are looking for a more relaxed and authentic Dutch experience, Haarlem is well worth a visit.
Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or just enjoying the Dutch way of life, Haarlem has something to offer. So why not plan your next trip to this wonderful city and see for yourself why Haarlem is worth visiting?
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Itineraries:
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Seasonal Guide:
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Is Haarlem Worth Visiting? Reasons And Things To Do
