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When you plan a trip to the Netherlands, it’s easy to get hyper-focused on Amsterdam alone. However, there are more places to visit in the Netherlands. One of the best cities to visit in the Netherlands is Haarlem. This small town is just 20 minutes from Amsterdam. Haarlem offers all the same beauty and magic as Amsterdam, but with its own special charm. It is a city full of history and culture. With so many amazing things to do in Haarlem, it is a must-visit while in the Netherlands.
Guest post by Samantha Karen
One of the most enticing factors of Haarlem is that it is not nearly as full of tourists as Amsterdam. Amsterdam’s streets are often full of tourists. However, if you are looking for something a little more local and authentic, a trip to Haarlem is in order. Discover the 10 best things to do in Haarlem and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in this idyllic Dutch city.
10 Best Things to do in Haarlem Netherlands
1. Explore Grote Markt – One of the popular things to do in Haarlem
Grote Markt is the heart and soul of Haarlem. Right in the middle of the city, you will find this iconic market in the city’s main square and beside the beautiful De Grote Cathedral. This is the most lively part of Haarlem, with a contagious fresh vibrancy. The street market is only open on Saturdays. Then, you will find tons of local stands selling clothing, food, art, and more.
It is the perfect place to head to on a lazy Saturday morning to experience Haarlem’s most wonderful event. There is nothing better than planning a visit to Amsterdam in autumn and then heading to Haarlem on Saturday to skip out on the busy Amsterdam streets and enjoy the local market.
If you are not in Haarlem on a Saturday, you can still visit Grote Square to walk around and admire all the beauty. There are also events and concerts regularly hosted. Keep an eye out for anything going on when you visit!
2. Venture inside Haarlem’s Cathedral
De Grote of St. Bavokerk Te Haarlem is a huge cathedral located in the center of the city, right beside Grote Markt. This towering cathedral dominates the skyline and demands your attention. Both the interior and exterior of this cathedral are amazing to see and experience. It was built in the 14th century and is still in great condition. If you have time, entering the cathedral and viewing its beautiful interior is one of the most exciting things to do in Haarlem.
3. Visit Molen de Adriaan – An authentic Dutch windmill
Not many cities in the Netherlands have an authentic Dutch windmill in the middle of the city, except Haarlem. Windmills are an iconic Dutch symbol and viewing at least once while in the Netherlands is a must. In Haarlem, you will find Molen de Adriaan in the middle of the city. This windmill has been a staple of the city since its construction in the 18th century. Walking to see it for yourself is surely one of the best things to do in Haarlem.
4. Drink Beer in the Church in Haarlem Netherlands
If you like your beer and want one of the Netherlands’ more unique beer experiences, then you must head to De Jopenkerk. It is an old church that has been remade into a brewery and serves fresh-brewed Jopen beer. This beer is using a medieval times recipe, making it all the more unique and exciting. Stopping into De Jopenkerk to enjoy a glass of beer in this amazing and different environment is a must.
5. Take a Boat Tour – A complete tour of the city in a short time
Haarlem, like most of the Netherlands, is a city built around many canals. As a result, one of the best ways to see the city is by boat. There are tons of boat tours available that will take you all around the city and show you all the highlights of Haarlem. This is one of the best things to do in Haarlem if you are just visiting on a day trip. It will allow you to see as much as possible in a short amount of time.
6. Explore Teylers Museum Haarlem – The oldest museum in the Netherlands
Teylers Museum was the first museum ever built in the Netherlands, making it the oldest museum in the country. It was built in 1778 and is one of the top things to do in Haarlem. This museum is full of all kinds of exhibits, from art to history and science. There is an exhibit for everyone!
7. Visit The Corrie Ten Boom House – One of the most interesting things to do in Haarlem
The Corrie Ten Boomhuis is very similar to the famous Anne Frank House in Amsterdam but with its own story. This house was owned by a family who helped hide and smuggle Jewish people out of the country during WW2. Today, you can enter the house and learn more about this family who took a strong stand of resistance during a troubling time in history.
8. Have a Drink Along the River – one of the most relaxing things to do in Haarlem
The main river that runs through Haarlem is the Spaarne. Along this river, you will find iconic Dutch houses and restaurants. Choosing one of the many riverside restaurants to sit out on and enjoy the beautiful surrounding is a simple yet wonderful thing to do in Haarlem.
9. Enjoy the Quiet Streets of Haarlem Netherlands
As mentioned before, Haarlem is less touristy than Amsterdam. This means you can enjoy the streets without being amongst huge crowds of people. Take advantage of this to roam the streets freely and take many photos without anyone ruining the shot.
10. Day Trip to the Beach from Haarlem
Haarlem is conveniently located just 10 minutes by train from one of the country’s most amazing beaches. Just a quick train ride will bring you to the beachfront of Zandvoort Beach – a huge white sandy beach lined with restaurants and bars. Not many people think of beaches when they hear about the Netherlands, but the country is actually a great place to visit for huge sandy beaches in the summer months.
Zandvoort is always packed with people on a warm summer day, and the atmosphere is super electric. It is also a great place to sit on one of the beachfront restaurants to enjoy the view and eat some local Dutch food.
Did you find anything you’d like to do in Haarlem?
About the author
Samantha Karen is the founder of the travel bog Sam Sees World. She is a twenty-something traveler on a mission to explore the world to seek the new and unknown so she can document her experiences and inspire others to explore this wondrous world. Her objective is to learn about the world while also searching for her place in it. Check out Sam Sees World for valuable information on the best things to do, see, eat, and experience while traveling and making memories along the way.
Thanks for sharing, this place looks lovely to visit 🙂
This is a lovely town! I’ll have this in mind whenever I’m in Netherlands.
Beer in a church we are in. Sounds like a lovely place am yet to visit Netherlands must donthis soon, always looks so pretty
Another classic Dutch city rich in historic and architecturally beautiful buildings, of cobbled streets, churches and canals. I always wanted to visit Haarlem 😉
Great post. I love when a blog makes me rethink my travel itinerary.
We visited Haarlem during Christmas market and on a rainy day. There were so many people that we didn’t see much of the city. Looking at your pics it looks it’s a totally different experience visiting on a nice sunny day 🙂
We’re always up for a Saturday market in Europe and Grote Markt sounds like a good way to sample Netherlands. I don’t think I could turn down a boat tour of Haarlem either. We like less touristy places so Haarlem seems like a good fit.
Beer in the church and markets are the top of my list if I make it to Haarlem. Good to know it’s not far from Amsterdam too. The town square looks massive and so pretty. I love the architecture of some of the buildings
Great post! I only spent half a day in Haarlem but loved it and wished I had spent longer. Maybe if our car hadn’t broken down, lol! Would love to explore some of these places on my next trip to Holland!
I must admit I’m one of those tourists who focused on Amsterdam. I need to go back and correct my mistake. If the pretty town didn’t sell me the beer in a church sure did!