Things to Do in Haarlem

Things to Do in Haarlem .

Just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam, Haarlem is one of the Netherlands’ most underrated cities. With its cobbled streets, historic buildings, scenic canals, and vibrant cultural life, Haarlem offers a perfect mix of Dutch charm without the crowds. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, here’s an article about the best things to do in Haarlem.

🖼️ Museums & Cultural Sites

🖼 Frans Hals Museum Explore the life and work of one of the Netherlands’ most important Golden Age painters. The museum has two locations: Hof (in the city center) and Hal (in a historic almshouse). Highlights include dynamic group portraits and changing exhibitions on 17th-century life. 🔬 Teylers Museum Step into the 18th century at the oldest museum in the Netherlands. Exhibits range from fossils and scientific instruments to rare books and classical art. The Oval Room is a must-see and feels like a time capsule from the Enlightenment. 🏠 Corrie ten Boom House A deeply moving experience. This small museum tells the story of the Ten Boom family's efforts to shelter Jews during WWII. The hiding place behind a false wall is still intact, and guided tours offer powerful insight into Haarlem’s wartime history. 🌬 Windmill De Adriaan Take a guided tour inside Haarlem’s iconic windmill. Learn about the history of windmills, how they work, and their role in Dutch society. The views from the upper deck over the Spaarne River are beautiful. ⛓ Koepelgevangenis (Dome Prison) Once a functioning prison, this massive domed structure now hosts film screenings, exhibitions, and coworking spaces. The architecture itself—circular, panopticon-style—is worth the visit.

🛍️ Shopping

🛍 Gouden Straatjes (Golden Streets) A network of seven charming streets filled with independent boutiques, artisan shops, and vintage stores. Highlights include:

Kleine Houtstraat – fashion & design
Schagchelstraat – gifts, books, art
Anegang & Warmoesstraat – stylish Dutch brands This area is perfect for unique finds and avoiding generic chain stores.

🧀 Grote Markt Markets Every Monday and Saturday, local vendors set up stalls with cheeses, breads, fresh flowers, and clothing. It’s a lively atmosphere and a great spot for tasting local food or picking up souvenirs.

🍽️ Restaurants, Cafés & Breweries

🍻 Jopenkerk Brewery This former church is now a thriving brewery and restaurant. Watch the brewing process while sipping a house-made IPA or saison beneath stained-glass windows. The food menu features modern takes on Dutch pub classics. ☕ Hofje zonder Zorgen A cozy café set near one of Haarlem’s hofjes, known for brunch, soups, and cakes. Great outdoor seating in summer. 🍷 ML Haarlem Michelin-starred fine dining in the heart of the city. Ideal for foodies looking for a special evening out. 🍴 DeDAKKAS A rooftop café and greenhouse serving lunch and dinner with great views of the city. 🥖 Vlaamsch Broodhuys Fresh bread, pastries, and coffee—perfect for a quick breakfast before exploring.

🌿 Parks, Waterways & Outdoor Attractions

🌳 Haarlemmerhout Park Peaceful and expansive, this is the oldest public park in the Netherlands. Great for walking, picnics, or jogging. Look for the neoclassical Villa Welgelegen, now used by the provincial government. 🚤 Spaarne River Boat Tours Several operators run canal tours that pass windmills, historic warehouses, and canal houses. You can:

Join a guided highlights tour
Rent a private boat
Book themed cruises (wine & cheese, unlimited drinks, etc.)

🏘 Haarlem’s Hidden Hofjes Enclosed courtyards from the 17th century, often still residential and very tranquil. Two worth visiting:

Hofje van Bakenes – the oldest in Haarlem
Hofje van Oorschot – beautifully maintained

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly & Children’s Activities

🦴 Teylers Museum Fossils, minerals, and physics demos can fascinate kids, especially older children interested in science. 🌬 Windmill De Adriaan The interactive nature of the tour—climbing the stairs, watching gears turn—makes it great for curious children. 🛶 Canal Cruises Most boats are open-air and slow-paced, making them family-friendly. Some tours offer snacks or drinks onboard. 🌳 Haarlemmerhout Park There are often seasonal petting zoos or small animals, and wide lawns are great for kids to run around. 🍦 Ice Cream at Garrone One of the best-known ice cream parlors in Haarlem. Kids (and adults) love it after a long walk.

🌷 Seasonal Highlights

🌸 Spring

Visit the Keukenhof gardens (20 minutes by car or bus)
Rent a bike to explore the Bollenstreek tulip fields near Lisse

🏖 Summer

Day trip to Zandvoort Beach (bike, train, or bus in 20–30 minutes)
Open-air concerts in the park or city squares

🎄 Winter

The Christmas market at Grote Markt is known for its cozy atmosphere and mulled wine
Ice skating rinks are occasionally set up in the center

How to Get There

Haarlem is easy to reach from Amsterdam:

By train: 15–20 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station
By bike: Around 1 hour through scenic countryside
By car: ~30 minutes, just keep in mind that parking in the center can be a bit of a hassle

Take a Canal Cruise Through Haarlem Haarlem’s canals are quieter than those in Amsterdam, making boat tours more peaceful and scenic. Here are the top-rated options:

🚤 Recommended Haarlem Canal Cruises

Haarlem’s serene waterways are best explored by boat, with a variety of tours tailored to different tastes. The classic 50-minute sightseeing cruise offers a relaxing ride past landmarks like De Adriaan windmill, Teylers Museum, and St. Bavo’s Church, with optional audio guides. For a more personal experience, the Guided Highlights open-boat tour features live commentary and comfortable seating as you glide along the Spaarne River. Those looking to relax can opt for the Unlimited Drinks City Cruise, which includes unlimited beverages during the hour-long journey. The Private Canal Tour with Bites & Unlimited Drinks is perfect for small groups, pairing local snacks with a scenic cruise. For a deeper cultural experience, the Dutch Windmill & Spaarne River Sightseeing Cruise combines a 90-minute canal tour with a visit to Molen De Adriaan.

Final Thoughts

Haarlem is compact, easy to walk in, and full of character. With world-class museums, historic architecture, cozy courtyards, and a laid-back vibe, it offers everything you’d want from a Dutch city, without the tourist crowds. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a full weekend, Haarlem is well worth your time.