In this guide to the best things to do in Haarlem, you’ll discover that the city is packed with history and culture. Find architectural highlights like the impressive Art Nouveau railway station and landmarks such as the Grote Markt and Grote Kerk. Wander through quiet hofjes, visit the Frans Hals Museum, and explore the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands.
Beyond the city centre, there’s plenty more to see. The beaches of Zandvoort are just a short train ride away, while National Park Zuid-Kennemerland offers excellent walking and cycling routes through dunes and forests. Visiting in spring? Keukenhof and the surrounding flower fields are practically on Haarlem’s doorstep.
Get a local perspective on Haarlem
For me, Haarlem is far more than a beautiful Dutch city. It’s closely tied to my family history and personal life.
My mother grew up here, walking the same streets I still visit regularly today. My parents even got married in the impressive St. Bavo Basilica, which makes every visit to the city feel special.
I also attended high school in Haarlem. Over the years, I’ve explored its hofjes, visited local festivals, walked along the Spaarne River and discovered countless cafés, shops and quiet corners that still feel familiar every time I return.
With that personal connection in mind, let me show you my favourite places and the best things to do in Haarlem.
Read next: One Week In Amsterdam Itinerary | Discover The City & Beyond
1. Arrive at Haarlem’s Art Nouveau Train Station
You’ll likely start your journey through Haarlem at the train station, one of the oldest railway stations in the Netherlands. But this station is more than just a transportation hub – it’s an architectural gem.
Built in the elegant Art Nouveau style, Haarlem Station is filled with stunning details: wrought-iron accents, stained glass and intricate tile work. As the first Dutch station designed in this style, it’s a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
Fun Fact: Haarlem Station has a cinematic legacy too, since it’s been a filming location for quite a few Dutch films. You probably won’t know any of those. But the station famously appeared in the 2001 Hollywood film Ocean’s Twelve.
2. Start your day at Grote Markt (Main Square)
From the train station make your way to the Grote Markt which is at the very heart of Haarlem. Need a coffee? Then check-in at AX Specialty Coffee for a coffee to go. The square is the perfect place to start your exploration of the city, either independently or by joining a guided walking tour.
The Grote Markt has been Haarlem’s main square since the 13th century, and it’s surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Town Hall (Stadhuis), the Grote Kerk and the Vleeshal.
Besides the historic buildings, the square is lined with cafes and restaurants, and also hosts a lively market on Mondays and Saturdays.
So if you want to enjoy those typical Dutch delicacies such as freshly made stroopwafels, herring with onions, fries and cheese, then this is the place to be.
Insider tip: If you like your markets, then you can find another (smaller) market on the Botermarkt square most Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
3. See the Müller Organ in Grote Kerk (St. Bavo’s Church)
Haarlem’s most iconic landmark is the St. Bavo’s Church, or Grote Kerk. As you approach the city by bus or train you’ll see the church tower above the rest of the city.
The Grote Kerk boasts impressive Gothic architecture and a famous Müller organ. This Müller organ is one of the largest in the world, with nearly 5,000 pipes. And guess who played this organ as a child… Mozart!
You can take a guided tour inside the church to admire the vaulted ceilings and medieval architecture. Without a doubt though, the main sight inside the church is the organ.
Insider tip: From mid-May to early-October the church organises weekly concerts on the Müller organ. You can get tickets right here for Tuesday evening and Thursday afternoon concerts.
4. See a Dutch Master Painter’s loose brushstroke at Frans Hals Museum
One of my favourite museums in the Netherlands is Haarlem’s Frans Hals Museum. And if you’re only visiting Haarlem on a day trip from Amsterdam, then make sure to budget time to visit this museum.
Inside this museum you’ll find the largest collection of works dedicated to the 17th century Dutch master, Frans Hals. He was actually born in Antwerp, but moved to Haarlem as an infant with his family.
Frans Hals became known for developing the loose brushstroke. And if you think so what… then know that this type of painting is what inspired impressionists such as Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh.
Some of the most impressive works inside the museum are the collection of civic guard portrait-groups. But you can also see lively depictions of Haarlem’s wealthy merchants and guildsmen.
Tip: Use your I Amsterdam City Card for free entry to the Frans Hals Museum. Or get your ticket in advance right here.
5. Explore Haarlem’s Hofjes
Haarlem is full of hofjes. And if you think ‘I don’t speak Dutch, what’s a hofje?’, then let me tell you that these are hidden little courtyards. The hofjes were originally built as housing for older women, the widowed or the less affluent, but are still used today.
Many hofjes are centuries old, such as the oldest, Hofje van Bakenes, that dates back to 1395. Haarlem flourished during the 17th century, with wealthy benefactors establishing more hofjes as part of their philanthropic ventures.
Some of my favourite hofjes and ones that you should include on your visit to Haarlem are:
- Hofje van Bakenes | The oldest hofje of Haarlem
- Proveniershofje | A favourite at the end of the Grote Houtstraat
- Teylers Hofje | Impressive entrance with Doric columns
Fun Fact: Haarlem has more hofjes than any other city in the Netherlands, with 21 still in existence today. Can you find all of them?
6. Discover the collection of Teylers Museum
Next up on this list of things to do in Haarlem, is the Netherlands’ oldest museum, the Teylers Museum that was founded in 1784. The museum is housed in one of the most beautiful and characteristic block of buildings along the Spaarne River.
Once inside, make sure to check out the magnificent Oval Room that boasts a glass dome and oak cabinets filled with scientific instruments, fossils, and rare artifacts. It’s one of the most unique exhibition spaces in Europe.
Furthermore, the museum is filled to the brims with paintings from artists like Michelangelo and Rembrandt. But you can also view a large collection of 19th century Dutch artists.
Finally, the museum offers you a very hands-on experience, where you can even engage in some scientific experiments. Needless to say, visiting the Teylers Museum is a must-do on your visit to Haarlem.
Fun fact: The Teylers Museum is not only the Netherlands’ oldest museum, but is also on the list of UNESCO World Heritage nominees.
Tip: Just like the Frans Hals Museum, entry to the Teylers Museum is also free with the I Amsterdam City Card.
7. Climb to the viewing platform of the St Bavo Basilica
The next must-see is the St. Bavo Basilica, which is not to be confused with the Grote Kerk. The church has a stunning mix of Neo-Romanesque and Art Deco architecture.
A cool thing to do here is not just admire the stunning interior of the building, but you can also climb up to a viewing platform.
The views are pretty amazing from up there, because you cannot just see the centre of Haarlem, but also the dunes and the sea. On clear days you can even see as far as Amsterdam, Zaandam and Leiden.
Insider tip: You can go up to the viewing platform on Wednesday till Sunday.
8. Haarlem’s Windmill (Molen de Adriaan)
Another landmark stop on this list of things to do in Haarlem is a visit to Haarlem’s windmill, De Adriaan.
You can visit this windmill that sits right along the Spaarne River on a guided tour. During the tour you will not only discover the inner workings of the windmill, but you can also learn about Haarlem’s interesting industrial past.
After the guided tour you can climb to the viewing deck, for fantastic panoramic views of the Grote Kerk and the city centre.
Tip: Get your tickets in advance here, or combine your visit to De Adriaan with a boat tour on the Spaarne River.
9. Visit Corrie ten Boom House
For a somber yet important visit pay a visit to the Corrie ten Boom House. This is a museum dedicated to the brave family who hid Jewish refugees during World War II.
During your visit you gain insight into the Ten Boom family’s story and the impact of the Holocaust on the Netherlands.
Entry to the Corrie ten Boom House is free (please make a donation), but you can only visit the museum on one of the guided tours. Make sure to book your visit far in advance, since tickets for the English language tours sell out fast.
Tip: Read The Assault if you want to learn more about Haarlem during World War II. The book is an immersive experience and a true classic in Dutch literature by one of the best Dutch authors, Harry Mulisch.
10. Take a cruise on the scenic canals and Spaarne River
One of the best ways to explore Haarlem is simply by wandering its charming streets. But why not take to the water for a fresh perspective?
A canal cruise offers a fantastic way to see more of the city in a short time, with plenty of insights along the way. Plus, it’s just plain fun!
As you drift along the Spaarne River and through Haarlem’s canals, you’ll pass iconic sights like the striking Molen de Adriaan windmill and the historic Teylers Museum.
I recommend booking a cruise with Smidtje, which offers both open boats and heated (semi-)closed boats for year-round comfort. No matter the weather, you’re in for a memorable experience on Haarlem’s waterways.
11. Shop in the Gouden Straatjes (Golden Streets)
I love to go shopping in Haarlem and I’m not the only one. The city even won prizes for being the best shopping city in the Netherlands due to its boutique shopping scene and concept stores.
You will find all of the big brands along the main streets Grote Houtstraat and Barteljorisstraat. But for a unique shopping experience head to the ‘Gouden Straatjes’ around these main shopping streets.
There’s 7 Gouden Straatjes in total, with most of them starting around the Grote Markt. Check them all out:
- Anegang | Shop here for the latest trends
- Gierstraat | Visit the pharmacy that’s been here for 150 years
- Kleine Houtstraat | Winner most fun shopping street in the Netherlands
- Koningstraat | Monumental buildings with home interior design stores
- Schagchelstraat | Diverse shopping experience in a tongue twister of a name street
- Warmoestraat | Most beautiful street in the city
- Zijlstraat | Another diverse street and gateway to Grote Markt
Some special mentions: Vinyl lovers head to Sounds, tea lovers treat themselves at The Art of Tea, and if you’re looking for a cool graphic novel then visit Jopo de Pojo.
And those in desperate need for finger-licking good chocolate visit Chocolaterie Pierre… omg I think I’m going there myself right now!
12. Taste beer from Haarlem’s craft beer breweries
In the Middle Ages and the 17th-century, Haarlem was one of the Netherlands’ top beer cities. There once were over 100 breweries producing the famous Haarlemsch Bier.
This high-quality beer was celebrated locally and exported across Europe, thanks to the clean water from the Spaarne River and Haarlem’s strategic trade location. The beer industry thrived here, rivaling cities like Amsterdam and Delft.
Though Haarlem’s beer scene faded with the industrial revolution, the city is now enjoying a brewing renaissance.
Okay… so where can you drink that tasty Haarlem beer nowadays then?
Modern craft breweries, like the popular Jopenkerk Brewery – located in a repurposed church (Jacobskerk) – honour Haarlem’s legacy by crafting beers inspired by historic recipes.
For anyone who loves a good Haarlem brewed craft beer check out these places:
- Jopenkerk Brewery | Taste their many own brand Jopen craft beers in what once was a 14th-century monastery.
- Uiltje Bar | 30 beers on tap, many of which are from Uiltje Brewery
- Café de Gooth | Serves Gooth Brewery beers under the St Bonniefatius Bier brand
Fun Fact: Jopenkerk takes its name from ‘jopen’, a traditional type of beer barrel once used to transport Haarlem’s famous brews.
Another fun fact: Uiltje brews a beer called ‘Dikke lul drie bier’, which is a Dutch way to say “I don’t think so”. Try saying it to your Dutch friends and watch their response. Google what it literally translates to before using it though.
13. Go to Prison at the Koepelgevangnis
Eeeehhhhmmm yes, there’s a prison on this list of things to do in Haarlem. But no worries, the Koepelgevangenis is a former prison that boasts a distinctive domed design.
The Koepelgevangenis in Haarlem is one of only three dome prisons in the Netherlands, with the others located in Arnhem and Breda. Its design was inspired by Jeremy Bentham’s ‘panopticon’ concept, an innovative 18th-century model for prison architecture that emphasized surveillance and order.
So why visit? Well it’s an architectural masterpiece and it’s very interesting to walk around the building freely. Some prison cells can even be visited.
The building was completely refurbished a few years ago and now features office space, art galleries and a beautiful cinema with 6 theater rooms. So check out what’s on at Filmkoepel and perhaps catch a movie when you stay in Haarlem overnight.
14. Indulge in Haarlem’s Culinary Scene
Now, we haven’t talked about Haarlem’s food and drink scene. But last is certainly not least on this list of things to do in Haarlem.
Haarlem offers a culinary experience with everything from Michelin-star restaurants to cozy Dutch cafes. Save the hotspots below for when you’re in Haarlem:
- PIP Deli | The best place in Haarlem for breakfast, brunch or lunch, featuring the classics and some innovative options. No better place to start the day
- Boulangerie Oscar | Small chain of Haarlem bakeries with delicious breads and pastries perfect for a quick snack
- Coffee Habits | Serving coffee from Rotterdam based Manhattan Coffee Roasters in a kind of tiny house on the Smedestraat. Or visit their more spacious shop in Kleine Houtstraat.
- DeDAKKAS | A crowdfunded enterprise on top of an ugly parking garage in the centre of the city. Visit for afternoon drinks or a falafel burger lunch with a view
- Dodici | Excellent wine bar with a terrace overlooking the Spaarne River
- Café Samabe | Delicious and hip Indonesian restaurant that gives tropical vibes
- Ratatouille Food & Wine | Best Michelin star restaurant lunch or dinner experience in Haarlem. Comes with a price tag, but the €100 lunch menu includes a wine pairing
Coffee aficionado? Check out my Haarlem Coffee Guide
More Things To Do in Haarlem on Day Trips
Most people visit Haarlem on a day trip from Amsterdam, but why not stay in Haarlem and go on day trips to Amsterdam? You will save on accommodation and can reach Amsterdam on a 15-minute train ride.
Use Haarlem not just as a base to explore Amsterdam, but also to visit other places around Haarlem on day trips. Gain a better understanding of the Netherlands by visiting the things to do in the Haarlem region below.
Experience National Park Zuid-Kennemerland
Just outside Haarlem lies National Park Zuid-Kennemerland, a beautiful area of dunes, forests and wildlife. It’s ideal for hiking, cycling and spotting local wildlife, including Highland cattle and Konik horses.
Visiting this national park is the perfect excuse to live out your cycling-in-the-Netherlands dream. So rent a bicycle or an e-bike from Green Bikes and get going. Can you spot those deer and impressive but friendly ginger Highland cows?
Tip: If you decide to rent a bike to visit Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, you’ve almost made it to Zandvoort. So combine the two destinations for a perfect Haarlem day trip.
Practice a Dutch Lifestyle-invention at Zandvoort Beach
A short bus, train or bike ride from Haarlem, Zandvoort is a popular beach destination. Particularly during summer, but it’s fun to visit any time of the year.
Now you probably don’t associate the Netherlands with a beach holiday. I mean the year-round low temperatures and high amounts of rain don’t really help. But still the Netherlands offers a stunning coastline worthy of visiting.
Rather than planning for some time in the sun, enjoy a hike on the seemingly endless sandy beach, and take a break in a beach club. Many of these beach clubs are open year-round. Alternatively, eat fish (kibbeling) from a fish stand on the Zandvoort Boulevard.
Zandvoort is the perfect place to practice the Dutch lifestyle-invention of ‘uitwaaien‘.
The word is untranslatable, but it basically means walking in the wind and letting it all go. So go uitwaaien in Zandvoort and let me know how it felt in the comments section below.
Haarlemmermeer Museum De Cruquius
A popular saying is that ‘God created the world, but the Dutch created the Netherlands’. And that is because the Dutch claimed lots of land from the sea and lakes.
A prime example of that saying is right at Haarlem’s doorstep. The city used to be situated next to a large lake called Haarlemmermeer (Lake of Haarlem) that often caused flooding.
The Dutch government was fed up with the flooding issues and decided to drain the lake using three steam pumping stations, one of them being ‘De Cruquius’.
The Cruquius steam pumping station now houses the Haarlemmermeermuseum where you can learn more about how the Dutch used these engineering wonders to claim land.
Apart from claiming land the museum gives you a look into Dutch engineering and water management. You can also find interactive exhibits about how the Dutch have harnessed technology to control their waterways.
Fun Fact: Built in 1849, the Cruquius pumping station held the world’s largest steam engine. The station was used to pump water until 1912 and is now a national monument.
Another fun fact: Schiphol Amsterdam Airport sits right inside this claimed land that used to be Haarlem’s Lake. And guess what… that’s more than 3 metres below sea level!!
Visit UNESCO-listed Kunstfort at Vijfhuizen
Kunstfort at Vijfhuizen is a unique fusion of military history and contemporary art. Located in a fort that’s part of the UNESCO-listed Defense Line of Amsterdam, Kunstfort hosts changing exhibitions and installations by modern artists.
With its moody setting and thought-provoking artworks, it’s a fascinating destination for art and history enthusiasts alike.
After your visit to the Kunstfort you can take the 300 bus back to Haarlem from the town of Vijfhuizen. Alternatively, rent a bike and combine the fort and Cruquius on a day trip from Haarlem.
Fun Fact: The fort is part of a 135-kilometer ring of fortifications built in the 19th century to defend Amsterdam from water-based attacks.
Insider tip: Go on a 40-minute walk from De Cruquius along the Ringvaart canal dyke to Kunsfort at Vijfhuizen, passing a windmill along the way. This canal – that goes all around the former Lake of Haarlem – houses the water that used to be in the former lake to the east.
Immerse yourself in a world of tulips at Keukenhof
Mention the Netherlands and most people will instantly think of windmills, cheese and tulips. If you did all of the things to do in Haarlem in this article you should have sampled some cheese and saw a windmill or two, but tulips?
The season for tulips is usually in the months of April and May. And if the tulips haven’t shown themselves the land is filled with daffodils or hyacinths.
If you happen to visit Haarlem or Amsterdam from mid-March to mid-May you’re in luck, because you can see all these flowers and many more in De Keukenhof.
The Keukenhof, situated in Lisse is one of Europe’s largest gardens and one of the best sights in the country. A day trip to Keukenhof from Haarlem is just the perfect way to spend the day.
You won’t be the only person visiting Keukenhof in springtime though. But despite the crowds visiting these gardens is a unique and unforgettable experience.
Getting there | From the Haarlem train station you can easily take bus 850 that directly connects to Keukenhof every 30 minutes. You can pay on the bus with your debit or credit card.
Tip: Rent a bicycle at Keukenhof and explore the flower fields in the area for a fantastic day trip in the Haarlem region. Check out the fields around Lisse, De Zilk and Hillegom.
Read next: Keukenhof Gardens & Tulip Fields | How To Visit From Amsterdam
Map of Things To Do in Haarlem
Haarlem is a compact city just west of Amsterdam and a stone’s throw away from the North Sea beaches. The Spaarne river which is lined with historical buildings flows right through the city center.
You can visit most of the things to do in Haarlem simply by walking around. Check out the map below to help you plan out your trip.
Practical Information for Visiting Haarlem
Travelling in the Netherlands is easy, but sometimes you just need to know how it works. Take a look at these tips to make you trip to Haarlem even better.
Where To Stay in Haarlem
Haarlem offers the perfect day trip on any Amsterdam itinerary. But explore more by staying overnight as Haarlem has plenty of accommodation options.
Haarlem’s hotel are more budget friendly than similar properties cost in Amsterdam. Maybe you will even prefer to stay in Haarlem over Amsterdam and go to Amsterdam on day trips from Haarlem. It’s totally doable!
Check out these three accommodations for a perfect base in Haarlem.
- Boutique Hotel Staats | Beautiful cozy hotel with unique rooms close to the train station and all of the main sights of Haarlem
- Holiday Inn – the niu, Dairy Haarlem | New hotel next to nightlife establishment Patronaat and short walking distance to the centre
- Hello I’m Local Boutique Hostel | Probably the coolest hostel you’ll ever stay. Think design all around with dorms and private rooms
How to get to Haarlem
Haarlem is easily reached from Amsterdam, and also from Schiphol Amsterdam Airport. These are your best connections:
- From Amsterdam City Centre | Take the direct trains from Central Station to Haarlem’s train station, which is close to the city centre of Haarlem. Trains depart about every 10-15 minutes.
- From Amsterdam South | If you’re staying near the Amsterdam Zuid station, then take bus 346. The bus departs every 10 minutes most days and stop right in the city centre of Haarlem. Just get out at Houtplein or Raaksbrug.
- From Schiphol Amsterdam Airport | Getting the train from the airport to Haarlem is very inconvenient, but there’s a direct bus 300. Exit the bus at Centrum/Verwulft.
You can pay for your bus ticket as you board the bus. Just tap your credit card. Similar for the train. Usually there are gates you have to go through where you can tap your card. You cannot buy train tickets on the train itself, so keep that in mind.
How to get around in Haarlem
You can visit all of the things to do in Haarlem mentioned in this article on foot. Except for the things to do mentioned under more things to do on day trips. For those you need to either take the bus, rent a bike, or book a tour.
Get Travel Insurance for the Netherlands
If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. Honestly, it might sound cliché, but I firmly believe it’s true. Travel insurance gives me peace of mind, because if something happens I don’t have to worry about expensive bills.
I always have travel insurance, 365 days a year, because I travel quite a lot. And it usually turns out cheaper than taking out separate policies for each trip. Find my recommendations for travel insurance below:
- Under 50 years old? | My recommendation is to check out Heymondo Annual Multi-Trip travel insurance. It covers all your trips for a year up to 60 days per trip. You can also get insurance through Heymondo for trips with specific travel dates. As a reader of Next Journey Ahead you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance.
- Over 50 years old? | Older than 49 and travel a lot? Then you want to check out World Nomads travel insurance. They also offer annual travel insurance, or you can insure trips with specific travel dates.
- Digital Nomad? | If you’re always on the move then I recommend checking out the Nomad Insurance of SafetyWing. This insurance company offers subscription based insurance. That means it renews every month until you cancel. But you can also insure specific travel dates.
Staying Connected in the Netherlands with an eSIM
In all my travel guides my advice is to check before you travel whether your phone and data provider also got you covered in the Netherlands. If not then you can buy and install a Saily eSIM in your phone.
I always prefer Saily when my data plan from home doesn’t cover my travel destination. You only ever have to install the eSIM once, and then use their app to buy country data packages. Super easy!
Final Thoughts on Visiting Haarlem
I hope I’ve encouraged you to visit Haarlem when you come to the Netherlands. Trust me, you’ll love it! Stay longer and go on day trips from Haarlem for a total Dutch immersion.
Have you been to Haarlem already, or have any questions? Then leave a comment below, or send me a message on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you. Also sign up to my newsletter to receive new city guides and travel itineraries as they get published.
Planning your trip to the Netherlands? Check out my Netherlands Travel Guide for more articles, or read the latest posts right below:
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