What to do in Haarlem? All activities listed
Haarlem, the city that is bursting with culture and history. Where on the one hand you can feast your eyes on one of the many museums, on the other hand you can enjoy the beach of Zandvoort or Bloemendaal. Discover the historical buildings from the water or discover the surrounding landscape from a height! What is there to do in Haarlem? You can read about the best activities and sights in this blog.
The beating heart of the city: The Grote Markt in Haarlem
The Grote Markt in Haarlem is not just a square. It is a square surrounded by impressive buildings full of history and stories, right in the centre of Haarlem.
The Gothic St. Bavo Church with its spire is a real eye-catcher. As soon as you enter the church, you are flooded with light that falls through the colorful stained glass windows. The smell of old wooden benches and the echo of your footsteps on the stone floor take you back in time. Don't forget to admire the world-famous Müller organ. Mozart even played it! On the other side of the square, the old city hall of Haarlem is proudly displayed. With its graceful facades and medieval architecture, this building is also not to be missed on the Grote Markt.
Besides the fact that the Grote Markt is not only a place of history, it is also the social center of Haarlem. Enjoy a cup of coffee, lunch or an extensive dinner at one of the terraces or restaurants. Be sure to visit the square on a Saturday. The Grote Markt then changes into a cozy market where you can stroll along stalls full of fresh vegetables, colorful flowers and delicious cheese.
Events and parties on the square
All year round, there are all sorts of events and parties to be found on the Grote Markt. From the swinging Haarlem Jazz & More festival in August to the atmospheric Christmas market in December. During King's Day, the entire square turns orange and turns into a sea of people celebrating together. If you are in Haarlem on the Saturday before Easter, you can enjoy a colorful spectacle full of flowers and plants for the Haarlem Flower Market.
Shopping in the Golden Streets
A fun day of shopping can be done in the Gouden Straatjes! The narrow alleys and historic streets of Haarlem are filled with shops, trendy boutiques and concept stores. One of the most beloved shopping streets in Haarlem is the Kleine Houtstraat. Did you know that this street has been voted the best shopping street in the Netherlands several times? Here you will find a mix of vintage shops, fashion boutiques and artisanal bakeries. Be sure to stop by one of the many cafés for a cup of coffee and a fresh pastry before continuing shopping.
Are you looking for a unique gift or a special souvenir of your visit to Haarlem? Stroll a little further to the Schagchelstraat and the Warmoesstraat. These streets are full of antique shops, specialty shops and shops with handmade jewelry. Want to see all 7 Golden Streets? Click here for the map.
De Grote Houtstraat
If you prefer to shop at the more well-known brands such as H&M, Hema and ZARA, then you can go to the Grote Houtstraat. Here you will find literally everything! From well-known chains to local favorites for fashion, electronics and books. Here you can shop to your heart's content and enjoy a wide range of shops.
The Vijfhoek
Take a detour from the Grote Houtstraat and explore the picturesque neighbourhood of Vijfhoek. With a village atmosphere, small streets and squares, this neighbourhood is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Vijfhoek owes its name to the shape of the area, because from the air it really does look like a pentagon! It is a maze of cosy streets where you can get lost and discover new places every time.
Food and drinks in Haarlem
From the first cup of coffee in the morning to the last cocktail in the evening, every meal in Haarlem is a party. Haarlem is bursting with different places to eat and drink. From cozy restaurants on the Grote Markt to trendy cafes and chic restaurants in the neighborhood of De Pijp.
Genuine Haarlem Jopenbier
If you are in Haarlem, a visit to the Jopenkerk is a must! This former church has been transformed into a brewery and grand café, where you can enjoy artisanal beers and delicious dishes to make your mouth water. You can choose to order a number of different bottles of Jopen beer yourself so that you can put together your own tasting, but you can also go for a beer tasting: a specially composed arrangement with an explanation of the Jopen beers and the matching snacks.
View over the Spaarne
The beautiful building De Waag is located on the river Spaarne. This iconic monument was an important part of the rich history of the city. Nowadays De Waag is still a lively place, but now in the form of a café-restaurant. Enjoy the delicious food and drinks, the beautiful interior and a great view over the Spaarne.
Enjoying the Botermarkt
The Botermarkt in Haarlem is a lively square surrounded by terraces and eateries. Fancy a good glass of wine, French cuisine or a gastronomic experience? Then you've come to the right place! There are also regular events and markets on the Botermarkt. Every Saturday the square is transformed into a market full of stalls with fresh vegetables, fruit, cheeses, bread and more. Perfect for your weekly shopping or just to stroll around and enjoy the cozy market atmosphere.
Art, culture and history in Haarlem
There is no shortage of art and culture in Haarlem! On every corner in the city you will come across a piece of history. Whether you visit a museum in Haarlem or stroll through the city. Art lovers, those interested in history and/or special stories will be amazed by this.
Teylers Museum
Step inside the oldest museum in the Netherlands. The Teylers Museum shows a fascinating collection of art, science and natural history. The building itself is a work of art! Explore the 18th-century building, walk through the beautiful halls and discover impressive fossils, glistening minerals and masterpieces by great artists. The museum is generally open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. Please note: you can get tickets online with a time slot, even if you have a Museum card. Curious about the agenda of the Teylers Museum? Then click here.
Frans Hals Museum
For a taste of the Golden Age, the Frans Hals Museum is the place to be. Meet the portraits of the famous painter Frans Hals, who masterfully captured the faces and stories of Haarlem's citizens. Also discover a rich collection and exhibition of other famous Haarlem artists such as Judith Leyster and Cornelis van Haarlem. You can get tickets online with a time slot. You can visit the museum from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00.
Historisch Museum Haarlem
Discover the stories of the city during a visit to the Historical Museum Haarlem. In this museum, you will learn all about the development of Haarlem, from the Middle Ages to the present, through interactive exhibitions and beautiful artifacts! Discover how the city has developed over the years and which events have shaped Haarlem into the charming place it is today.
Corrie ten Boom House
Discover the inspiring story of the Ten Boom family, who provided shelter to Jewish people in hiding during World War II. Walk through the rooms of this modest house and discover the secret hiding place behind a false wall…
The Adriaan mill
Haarlem's showpiece, Molen de Adriaan, is hard to miss when you're walking through the city. This proud windmill has stood along the banks of the Spaarne since 1779. The mill also has a museum where you can learn all about the operation and history of mills in the Netherlands. Climb the stairs and enjoy a breathtaking view of Haarlem and the surrounding landscape!
The Courtyards
Discover the hidden gems of peace during a city walk through Haarlem and end up in small green oases hidden behind historical facades. Haarlem is full of charming courtyards. These courtyards were once founded for poor and single women, but are now beautiful places of rest in the city. Take a courtyard walk through Haarlem where each courtyard tells its own story. Stroll through the narrow alleys and discover the serene gardens and picturesque houses.
Nature in Haarlem and surroundings
Avid hiker, beach lover or just looking for a quiet place to relax? Haarlem has something for everyone! Let's take a refreshing dip in the green oases and recreational gems this city has to offer.
Discover Haarlem from the water
One of the most relaxing ways to explore Haarlem is from the water. Take a boat trip on the Spaarne and enjoy the beautiful views of the historic buildings, bridges and green banks.
The Kennemer Dunes
A stone's throw from Haarlem you will find the Kennemerduinen, a vast dune area that stretches from IJmuiden to Zandvoort. During a walk or bike ride you can expect a landscape of dunes, forests, heathlands and lakes. Explore the numerous walking and cycling routes that meander through the area. Who knows, you might even spot some wild animals such as deer, foxes and Scottish highlanders...
Sun, sea and sand
Haarlem is located a short distance from the North Sea. Zandvoort and Bloemendaal aan Zee are the nearest beaches, ideal for a day of sun, sea and sand! Go for a lovely swim on a warm summer day, enjoy a walk on the beach or relax at one of the beach pavilions for a nice drink.
The Kweektuin
De Kweektuin is a hidden gem in Haarlem. It is a botanical garden and city park full of flower beds, herb and vegetable gardens and a pond. The children have also been thought of. For example, there is an adventure playground and an animal meadow. Adults can relax in the tea house with a cup of coffee or tea. Green fingers? De Kweektuin regularly organizes workshops and activities in the field of gardening and sustainability.
Overnight stay in Haarlem
There is so much to do and discover in Haarlem, and we understand that you can't see everything in one day. Why not turn your day trip into a night away? Bastion Hotel Haarlem is the perfect base to explore the city and its surroundings. On a nice day, you can combine the city with the beach. The beach of IJmuiden and the beach of Zandvoort are both a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The center of Haarlem can be reached in less than 10 minutes!
Bastion Hotel Haarlem
The hotel in Haarlem has Comfort and Deluxe rooms where you can relax after a day of exploring. Save on expensive parking fees by parking your car for free at the hotel. From here you can easily travel further by public transport. The hotel is easy to reach by car and public transport. The hotel is located on the N208, near the A9 and has a direct bus connection to Haarlem Central Station.
