Top things to do in Haarlem
Attractions, tours, and activities in Haarlem
Recommended museums in Haarlem
Where to find art and culture in Haarlem
About Haarlem
Including tips for the best time to visit Haarlem
Easily accessible from Amsterdam, Haarlem is a historic city in the Netherlands. Its iconic monuments, bustling markets and rich heritage add to the touristic charm of this beautiful city.
Haarlem’s historic character is on full display at its city centre, with gabled houses, cobblestone streets and a massive cathedral towering overhead. Located in the central square, the Grote of St.-Bavokerk has an imposing presence highlighted by its wooden tower and Gothic facade. Inside, you’ll find impressive stained glass windows and the Müller Organ, where a young Mozart is said to have played once. If you’re keen on learning about the history of Haarlem, the waterfront Teylers Museum will satisfy your curiosity. It showcases all manner of exhibits related to the city – from paintings and books to fossils and instruments. A break at Lunchcafé Teylers Museum is highly recommended too.
Haarlem is renowned for its shopping options – from themed markets to atmospheric streets lined with artisanal stores. There’s also seasonal bazaars, like the one during Christmas, where you’ll find stalls selling beautiful, occasion-specific items. The Golden Streets is a popular place to indulge in some retail therapy, with its fashion boutiques, trendy concept shops and more. During your Haarlem trip, make time to visit the famous Grote Markt and Botermarkt, which offer an abundance of local items like baked goods, fresh produce, souvenirs and antiques. Exploring the fantastic clothing stores and lively eateries housed in heritage buildings of Kleine Houtstraat and Grote Houtstraat is a satisfactory experience too.
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| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | € 1 = $1.08 |
| Language | Dutch |
| Average weekend price | $145 per night |
| Average weekday price | $128 per night |
| Average stay | 1 night |
Points of interest in Haarlem
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Haarlem
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Amsterdamse Poort
0.4 miles from downtown
Haarlem reviews
What other travelers say about Haarlem
After the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, it was nice to be...
March 21, 2023
After the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, it was nice to be in a Dutch city where the Dutch out-number the tourists! Great architecture, lovely to walk around the old centre. Don't miss the Frans Hals museum- wonderful art! I can recommend BistroIndonesia and Metzo for dinner.
Medieval city with a lot of canals.
March 1, 2023
Medieval city with a lot of canals. Reminds Amsterdam. But perhaps it was a Monday evening it was too ;quiet .T here were not lot of people around and the shops were empty. At 8 o clock some were eating .
It's a Magic town really lovely where you can find nice...
December 3, 2022
It's a Magic town really lovely where you can find nice coffee shops, restaurants, shopping places, museums. This time I discovered a local market in the main square where you can find everything at a very good price
probably my favorite city in NL.
October 26, 2022
probably my favorite city in NL. I admit I am biased because on side of my family comes from here. Not as quiet as it used to be, but still far less hectic than nearby Amsterdam, especially in the evening.
much quieter than Amsterdam and great walking and biking...
October 17, 2022
much quieter than Amsterdam and great walking and biking options. Saturday market is lovely! Bike rentals from train station are easy and inexpensive. Lots of easy bus connections and train connections.
It's a charming city with lots of historical interest...
October 17, 2022
It's a charming city with lots of historical interest and things to see. It has a great range of bars and restaurants. It's small enough to get round in a few days but still contains a lot.And it doesn't seem to be overrun with tourists. First stop the information centre in the main square. Leaflets for self-guided walks are very good. The Frans Hals museum is terrific - allow 3-4 hours. The windmill is also worth a visit as is of course, the cathedral in the main square. If you like a boat trip take the Haarlam Canal Tour with Jeroen - brilliant. If you fancy a good walk take Bus 81 to the entrance to the Zuid- Kennerland National Park (15 minutes) and walk across the sand dunes to the sea. Terrific!! Oh, and there are plenty of great shops of every kind!
Popular places to stay in Haarlem
Stay in some of the best accommodations Haarlem has to offer
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Lovely, 1898 Jugendstil Design Apartment, old Haarlem city Centre, Fully Renovated with Parkview near Amsterdam and Zandvoort, Bloemendaal Beach Haarlem, Netherlands
From $369 per night
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RiverSide Suite - Haarlem City Centre Haarlem, Netherlands
From $205 per night
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City Attic Haarlem Haarlem, Netherlands
From $289 per night
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Bed & Breakfast Hotel Malts Haarlem, Netherlands
From $124 per night
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Cavallaro Hotel Haarlem, Netherlands
From $194 per night
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