When we arrived in the Netherlands, we had three days before boarding our European River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.
At first, we considered staying in Amsterdam – a place that we love and one that could easily entertain us for weeks. However, we were on a streak of visiting new places and wanted to stay in that groove.
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Our focus shifted from Amsterdam to the historic and charming town of Haarlem – just 12 miles away. During our, we packed our days with sightseeing and discovered the Top 6 Things To Do in Haarlem, Netherlands!
Best Haarlem, Netherlands Things To Do
Our list of the top things to do in Haarlem is based on our experiences. Below, you will find information about where we stayed and how to get from Haarlem to Amsterdam.
#1 Grote of St. Bavokerk (Great Church of St. Bavo)
Churches abound in the city of Haarlem, their steeples rising above the gabled houses to create a lovely skyline. The Grote of St. Bavokerk, however, is one that can’t be missed.
Not to be mistaken for the Haarlem Cathedral (also named St. Bavo), Grote of St. Bavokerk is located in the center of town on Grote Markt (big market square).
Main features of the church – once Catholic, now Protestant – is the 255-foot-tall tower, the organ (dating to 1738, with more than 5,000 pipes), the choir, stained-glass windows and more than 400 gravestones.
#2 Molen De Adriaan (Haarlem Windmill)
Molen De Adriaan stands on the bank of the Spaarne River at the edge of the Old Town. Built in 1778 atop a former guard tower, the windmill has been used to crush stone, tobacco and grains.
Due to fire in the 1930s, it had to be completely reconstructed and only reopened in 2002. Inside there is a museum and tours are also possible.
#3 Jopen Brewery and Haarlem Craft Beer Bars
Wherever we are in the world, we seek out the flavor of local craft beer. The task can be difficult in some cities, but in Haarlem it’s easy find some of the Best Dutch Craft Beer.
While there are several bars in Haarlem that serve craft beer, Jopenkerk was the one that grabbed our interest.
Located inside the former Jacob’s Church, they use classic recipes that date to the 15th and 16th centuries, as well as producing some unique brews.
If you are not into beer, you should still take a break from your Haarlem sightseeing to check out the interior. Those who are looking for microbrews, be sure to try Uiltje Bar and Bierlokaal de Uiver!
#4 Corrie ten Boom House
The Corrie ten Boom House is one of the best places to visit in Haarlem to learn about the history of the city during World War II.
Now a museum, the home was occupied by the ten Boom family from 1837 until 1945. In 1943 and 1944, the devout Christian family opened their residence to Jews and others trying to escape the Nazis.
#5 Hofje (Haarlem Courtyard Gardens)
There are at least 20 courtyard parks in Haarlem that are called Hofje and are open to the public. The trick is: you can only go in if you find the door!
The secret gardens – most of which date to the 17th and 18th centuries – once served as the communal area for the houses that surrounded them. Today they are peaceful, green retreats in the Haarlem city center.
The oldest hofje in the Netherlands, Hofje van Bakenes or Bakenesserkamer, is in Haarlem and dates to the year 1395.
As people dwell in the homes around the gardens, the hofje aren’t exactly Haarlem tourist attractions, but visiting them was certainly one of our highlights!
#6 Market at Grote Markt Haarlem
The market at Grote Markt is one of the top things to do in Haarlem, but it only takes place one day a week. If you visit on a Saturday, be sure to check it out!
The space overflows with fresh produce, meat, cheese, flowers and other goods. Peruse the booths for picnic items or buy fresh flowers to brighten your room!
For shopping every other day of the week, stroll The Golden Streets in the city center. The historic area lined with hip stores and trendy boutiques.
Tips For Your Trip to Haarlem, Netherlands
We have a few final travel tips and packing hacks, and then you’re ready for your vacation to Europe!
More Haarlem Activities
We have shared our top things to do in Haarlem, but it is by no means an exhaustive list. Here are a few more suggestions for your Haarlem visit.
- Art lovers may wish to check out the Frans Hals Museum.
- History buffs might like the Teylers, the Netherlands oldest museum founded in 1778.
- Anno Haarlem are the city hall cellars that detail the history of the area.
- The Frans Hals Museum combines classic works of art and contemporary pieces all under one roof.
- If you’re visiting the Netherlands in summer, discover the sand dunes and beaches of Haarlem.
- For those interested in outdoor activities, consider this Haarlem Canal Tour or take a Guided Bike Ride.
- Tour Haarlem with a professional guide or wander on your own to find hidden gems, historic buildings or quirky sights.
- Going to Europe For the Holidays? Learn about what it’s like to spend Christmas in The Netherlands!
Places To Stay in Haarlem, Netherlands
During our visit to Haarlem, we stayed in the classic and centrally located Ambassador City Hotel.
We had a spacious room that looked right out to the main square. If they’re full-booked, there are many highly-rated Haarlem Hotels to choose from in – or close to – the center.
Getting from Amsterdam Central to Haarlem
The Haarlem-Amsterdam Train is the easiest way to get between the two city centers. However, if you are closer to the west side of Amsterdam, Bus #300 may be faster.
For more information on Amsterdam public transportation or to plan your journey in the Netherlands, check with the official website.
Before You Go to The Netherlands
- Haarlem is a walkable city…but only if you have the right travel shoes! I (Sarah) always pack comfortable trainers, like these by New Balance. Kris prefers wearing trail shoes by Merrell.
- Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera. We travel with a Canon Rebel.
- Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you’ll also want a great day bag for all your essential daily travel items.
- Get (and stay) organized while planning your Holland Itinerary by using our Trip Planning Printables!
- If you haven’t already, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to The Netherlands! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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