The ‘Things to do in Haarlem’ blog post was first published on Culture Tourist on 6 February 2019 and updated on 31 October 2025.

If you’re looking for a lovely Dutch town to explore on a day trip from Amsterdam, consider visiting Haarlem. Located only twenty minutes by train from the Dutch capital, it’s a charming town filled with history, beautiful architecture and excellent restaurants. I live in Haarlem and am always eager to discover new things to do in Haarlem, so I regularly update this local’s Haarlem Travel Guide. Continue reading to learn more about its history, best museums, cafes, restaurants and things to do in Haarlem.

Things to do in Haarlem

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You can visit Haarlem on a day trip from Amsterdam, The Hague or Rotterdam. However, it’s a wonderful city with so many great things to do, that you can easily spend a few days exploring it. If you decide to spend a night in Haarlem, check out some of my hotel recommendations at the end of this article.

⤷ Read more: What to see in Amsterdam area: Art & architecture

How to get to Haarlem from Amsterdam

Haarlem is located only twenty minutes by train from Amsterdam. Trains depart every ten minutes and usually go from platforms 1 and 2 at Amsterdam Central Station. You can check their website for the schedule. There’s no need to buy the train ticket in advance. You can use your credit card to easily check in and out at the train station.

⤷ Read more: 10 Best exhibitions in the Netherlands in autumn & winter 2025

Would you like to visit Haarlem with a private guide?

If you want to visit Haarlem from Amsterdam with a private guide, consider Love My City Tours. Its owner Dennis’ passion and love towards his country, truly shines through as he helps visitors experience the Netherlands from a local’s perspective.

He has received all five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, which assures you that you’ll be in good hands.

Some fun facts about Haarlem

⤷ New York City‘s neighbourhood Harlem was named after this Dutch town. People from Dutch Haarlem who moved to New York (called New Amsterdam back then) during the 17th century named their neighbourhood after their home town. And the name is still in use today.

⤷ During the 14th century, Haarlem was the Dutch capital. It was a historical residence of the Counts of Holland, who ruled the country back in the day.

⤷ In 1620, Haarlem had around 100 breweries. You can still try some original recipes at the Jopen Brewery in Haarlem. It’s located in the city centre inside the former church, making it an unmissable place to visit in Haarlem.

⤷ Haarlem has more museums per inhabitant than any other Dutch city. It’s also home to the oldest museum in the Netherlands, Teylers Museum.

⤷ The medieval town centre is still mainly intact. While strolling around it, you’ll stumble on some very old houses, making you feel like you stepped back in history.

⤷ TIP: Watch this short video about the history of Haarlem.

What to do in Haarlem

Well, let’s get to the important stuff: what to see and do in Haarlem?

Admire Art Deco decoration at Haarlem Train Station

Address: Stationsplein 11 L, 2011 LR Haarlem

If you travel to Haarlem by train, the first building you’ll see upon your arrival is its train station. But, don’t rush outside immediately! Take a few moments to explore that beautiful place. Built in the Art Deco style, it’s one of the oldest train stations in the Netherlands. At the beginning of the 20th century, the first Dutch electrical tram connected it with the city centre.

But this is not where its history stops. The first train connection in the Netherlands was between Amsterdam and Haarlem, making it the oldest railway line in the Netherlands, which opened back in 1839.

Haarlem’s Train Station even starred in a Hollywood movie! It portrayed Amsterdam Central Station in Ocean’s Twelve, filmed in 2004.

Wander around Haarlem’s medieval town centre

An excellent way to explore Haarlem is by wandering around and getting lost in its historical streets. While strolling around the small streets around Grote Markt, you’ll stumble upon small shops, restaurants and bars. Look up and you’ll see various traditional gables decorating houses. You can often spot the year they were built written on them, too. I always like to look for the coat of arms and different decorations on these beautiful houses, too.

Admire Haarlem from its canals

One of the best ways to explore Haarlem is on one of the canal cruises. It’s one of the locals’ favourite ways to relax and enjoy the view of that beautiful Dutch city on a sunny day. You can rent your own boat, pack some snacks, and cruise the canals at your own pace. This is a company I recommend for renting a boat in Haarlem.

If you’d like to have someone else cruising the boat, you can rent a small boat with a captain. I did that for my birthday last year, and rented a boat through the company called Luxe Sloepen.

You can also join some of the organised tours, like this small boat tour with snacks and drinks. Check this local cheese and wine boat tour in Haarlem or this canal cruise in Haarlem.

Explore Grote Markt

Address: Grote Markt, Haarlem

Like in many other Dutch cities, the main square in Haarlem is called the Grote Markt. It’s one of the most beautiful town squares in the Netherlands. Some fantastic historic buildings surround it, and you can find all the examples of traditional Dutch gables in its houses.

During the warmer months, you can enjoy having a drink on some of its cafes’ terraces. My favourite places there are Grand Cafe Brinkmann or Anne&Max (which is also a nice spot for a brunch). If you’d like to try some pastries while in Haarlem, pay a visit to the Oscar bakery located on the Grote Markt, too.

⤷ TIP: Each Saturday, a farmers’ market is organised at the Grote Markt in Haarlem (more about it later in this article).

Visit St. Bavo Church (Grote Kerk) in Haarlem

Address: Grote Markt 22, 2011 RD Haarlem

This massive church, located on Grote Markt, is one of the city’s symbols and things you should see in Haarlem. Built as a Catholic cathedral, it was later converted to the protestant church. Because of its past, it’s not a cathedral anymore. Haarlem’s Cathedral of St. Bavo is located in the southern part of the city.

With its beautiful decoration, Grote Kerk’s wooden ceiling is my favourite detail in this fascinating church. However, check out its floor, as well. This is where the graves of many notable Haarlemmers are located. Dutch Golden Age painter Frans Hals is the most famous among them. The church organ is also quite fascinating, because a 10-year-old Mozart played on it back in 1766.

⤷ TIP: You can visit St. Bavo Church any day of the week except on Sunday. They organise a guided tour in English each Saturday ay 2 pm.

Laurens Janszoon Coster Statue in Haarlem

Address: Grote Markt, Haarlem

Laurens Janszoon Coster is another famous former citizen of Haarlem. You’ll find his statue at the Grote Markt. Laurens Janszoon Coster claimed he invented a printing press at the same time as Johannes Gutenberg. But, unfortunately, he couldn’t prove it.

Nevertheless, many people consider him a true inventor. That’s probably true for many citizens of Haarlem because, in that Dutch city, you’ll find not one, but two of his statues (another one is nearby, at Prinsenhof).

Visit Haarlem Town Hall

Address: Grote Markt 2, 2011 RD Haarlem

The former home of the Counts of Holland, the current Town Hall, is one of the most beautiful buildings in Haarlem. Built in the 14th century, it still shows Haarlem’s importance in the past. Visit it and explore its interior, filled with beautiful wall paintings.

⤷ TIP: Haarlem’s Tourist Information Centre is located on its ground floor. Visit it to get a map of the city, booklets about Haarlem, and to learn about events, guided tours and things to do in Haarlem.

Explore Hoofdwacht (the Guard House)

Address: Grote Markt 17, Haarlem

Built in the 13th century, Hoofdwacht is the oldest building in Haarlem. When it was first built, it was used as Haarlem’s city hall. However, it changed several purposes throughout history. It was a printing shop (perhaps, that’s why the Laurens Janszoon Coster statue is right in front of it), home to some noble families, headquarters of the civic guards, and even a prison.

⤷ Read more: Is the I amsterdam City Card worth it?

Admire Haarlem Vleeshal

Address: Grote Markt 16, 2011 RD Haarlem

Built at the beginning of the 17th century, Vleeshal was the only place in Haarlem where fresh meat was sold during the 17th and 18th centuries. Its purpose changed with time, and today, it’s home to two of Haarlem’s museums.

You’ll find Haarlem’s Archaeological Museum in its basement. It’s a great place to learn about Haarlem’s history, see archaeological findings and meet one of its oldest citizens, Cornelis, who lived in Haarlem during the Middle Ages. The museum is child-friendly and a great place to visit in Haarlem with kids.

The Hal building of the Frans Hals Museum is located on its upper floors. They usually organise excellent contemporary art exhibitions, so take a look at their website to learn what’s on during your visit to Haarlem.

Explore hofjes at Witte Herenstraat

Address: Witte Herenstraat, Haarlem

Witte Herenstraat is one of the oldest streets in Haarlem, and it’s famous for many hofjes or little courtyards located in it. You will find many old houses in that charming street. Look for the old doors with the hofje’s name above them. After you get inside, it will feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s a great way to learn more about Dutch history.

⤷ TIP: People still live in the majority of the old houses surrounding some of the hofjes. Be respectful during your visit and don’t disturb its residents.

Visit Saint Bavo Cathedral in Haarlem

Address: Leidsevaart 146, 2014 HE Haarlem

Saint Bavo Cathedral is located outside the city centre but only a 15-minute walk from the main square. Its construction was finished in 1930. The church was designed by Joseph Cuypers, son of a famous Dutch architect, Pierre Cuypers, who designed Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum and its central train station.

In a small museum inside the cathedral, you can learn more about it and see some artefacts from Haarlem’s Catholic past.

⤷ Read more: 20 Most iconic churches in Europe

Try traditional Haarlem beer at Jopenkerk

Address: Gedempte Voldersgracht 2, 2011 WD Haarlem

Beer brewing used to be one of the most important industries in Haarlem. The city was one of the largest beer producers in the Netherlands. In 1620, around one hundred breweries were active in Haarlem. You can try some of the beers made after their old recipes at the Jopen Brewery. A brewery and the restaurant are located in a former church in central Haarlem, called the Jopenkerk.

Explore Haarlem’s flower production history

Another industry Haarlem was famous for during its history was the flower trade. Because of that, one of Haarlem’s nicknames is Bloemenstad, or the Flower City in English. It was a vital trading centre during the tulipmania in the 17th century. You can read more about the tulips in the Netherlands here.

A part of that history could still be felt each April when a big flower parade is organised in the city. You can check the Flower Parade dates and info on this link.

Shop at the Saturday Market at the Grote Markt

Whenever I’m in Haarlem on Saturday, I start my day by visiting its market on the Grote Markt. You’ll find a variety of food producers from Haarlem and the surrounding region there. Some of my favourites are Vishandel Jak for fish and seafood, Empanadas Maxima, and the cheese and olive stand. It’s a great place to feel like a local in Haarlem for a day.

⤷ TIP: If you’d like to explore more of Haarlem’s foodie scene, join this food tour!

Take a walk along the Spaarne River

Houses along the Spaarne River were where Haarlem’s wealthiest citizens used to live in the past. That’s why you’ll stumble upon numerous beautiful buildings there. You can start your walk next to the De Waag building, continue walking towards the Teylers Museum and the Adriaan Windmill, and turn left at the Nieuwe Gracht.

A very nice place to visit along the way is Museum House Bernaart. You can visit it and see what living in some of those beautiful canal houses looked like.

Visit De Adriaan Windmill

Address: Spaarnwouderbuurt, Haarlem, website

De Adriaan Windmill is one of the most photographed places in Haarlem. The original windmill was built at the end of the 18th century. However, after it burnt down, it was rebuilt in 2002. A small museum inside tells its history.

You can also visit a nice restaurant within a windmill offering a beautiful view of the Spaarne River.

⤷ TIP: If you’d like to explore and learn more about this interesting place, book the Windmill De Adriaan tour here.

Best museums to visit in Haarlem

Frans Hals Museum

Address: Groot Heiligland 62, 2011 ES Haarlem

One of the most famous Dutch Golden Age painters, Frans Hals, lived and worked in Haarlem. So, it comes as no surprise that you’ll find a museum with one of the largest collections of his work in Haarlem, too.

The Frans Hals Museum is located in a building from the 17th century, which was built as a home for elderly citizens of Haarlem. Frans Hals Museum has two locations. The one dedicated to Frans Hals’ work, Hof, is located in the old building on the Groot Heiligland 62. The other one, Hal, where you can see modern painters inspired by his work, is at the Grote Markt 16.

If you have time to visit only one museum in Haarlem, make it the Frans Hals Museum.

⤷ TIP: Get your online Frans Hals Museum ticket on this link.

Teylers Museum

Address: Spaarne 16, 2011 CH Haarlem

Located in a beautiful classical building next to the Spaarne River, Teylers is the oldest museum in the Netherlands. Within its collection, you’ll find Michelangelo’s and Rembrandt’s artwork, together with a fantastic natural history collection. It’s also where the top of Mount Blanc is stored. Quite an unusual exhibit, right?

Teylers Museum often organises fantastic temporary exhibitions, so check their website before your visit. In a moment, you can see the “Michelangelo and Men” exhibition there.

Corrie Ten Boom House

Address: Barteljorisstraat 19, 2011 RA Haarlem

This inspiring museum is located in the house of the Ten Boom family in Haarlem. They lived there between 1837 and 1945. It’s also a place where they were hiding Jewish people during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

The museum can only be visited on a guided tour (they are organised both in English and Dutch). So, be sure to reserve your spot on this link.

⤷ TIP: Join this tour if you’d like to learn more about the life of Corrie Ten Boom and Haarlem during the Second World War.

Archaeology Museum Haarlem

Address: Grote Markt 18K, 2011 RD Haarlem

This small museum is one of my favourite places in Haarlem. Located at the old Vleeshal building at the Grote Markt in Haarlem, you won’t spend more than 30 minutes in it. The museum displays archaeological findings from Haarlem and the surrounding area.

My favourite thing there is Cornelis. It’s a skeleton of a man who lived in Haarlem during the Middle Ages. It was found during the archaeological research at the Botermarkt. His face reconstruction makes it possible to see what a man living in Haarlem eight hundred years ago looked like.

The museum entrance is free!

⤷ TIP: This museum is child-friendly! From building the fortified city with blocks and playing with puzzles to looking for archaeological artefacts in the sand, visiting this museum should be on your list of things to do in Haarlem with kids.

Explore Haarlem’s surroundings

Haarlem is surrounded with beautiful nature, so prolong your trip and spend a few more days in that lovely Dutch town. Here is what you can see just outside Haarlem.

Zuid-Kennemerland National Park

If you want to see Dutch dunes and spend a day in nature, visiting the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park could be a great idea. It has beautiful nature, many cycling routes, and walking paths. During some of my visits, I’ve also seen deer and highland cattle there. So, it’s always fun to visit it.

⤷ Read more: Biking through the Dutch dunes

Go to the North Sea beach

Did you know there is a beautiful sandy beach only 20 minutes by train away from Haarlem? It’s a perfect place to walk by the sea, swim in summer or enjoy a coffee or breakfast with a nice sea view. Take a city bus no. 81 or a train to Zandvoort aan Zee from Haarlem Station. It’s a popular place among the locals, especially at weekends.

Shopping in Haarlem

Haarlem has been pronounced the best shopping city in the Netherlands several times. It’s a small town, so you can find many different shops within walking distance. Besides some big brands, there are many local shops with Dutch brands. You’ll find most of them on the streets between the Grote Markt and Gedempte Oude Gracht. However, some of the best fashion stores are on the Zijlstraat.

⤷ TIP: You can get a special brochure at the Haarlem Tourist Office with the list of small local shops to visit during your trip to Haarlem.

Where to stay in Haarlem

Haarlem is a compact city you can explore on foot, so I recommend looking for a central accommodation. I stayed in two hotels in Haarlem and loved them both. That’s why I’m recommending them here, too.

Hotel Lion D’Or

Located right next to the Haarlem train station, this hotel has cosy, modern, spacious rooms and a great breakfast. It’s perfect if you’d like to explore Haarlem on foot. But also, if you’d like to go on some trips outside Haarlem, too. You can book the hotel using this link.

Amrâth Grand Hotel Frans Hals

This hotel has more of a feel of a historic grand hotel. It’s located just a few steps from Haarlem’s main square and the Spaarne River. You can book the hotel on this link.

Haarlem is a charming Dutch town worth a visit. With the help of this travel guide, you will find all the exciting things to do in Haarlem and enjoy your trip to that lovely town.

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