Haarlem walking tour & city guide
A cozy Golden Age town near the beach and the tulip fields.
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Haarlem, just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam, feels like a smaller, calmer version of the capital. Its old center has a grand market square, a huge gothic church, peaceful almshouse courtyards and one of the best art museums in the country, with the beach and the tulip fields close by.
Grote Markt and St Bavo
The Grote Markt, Haarlem's main square, is surrounded by historic buildings, including the old City Hall. It is dominated by the Grote Kerk, or St Bavo's Church, whose famous Müller organ was played by a young Mozart in 1766.
The streets around the square are full of independent shops, and Haarlem regularly wins awards as one of the best shopping cities in the Netherlands.
Museums, hofjes and the windmill
The Frans Hals Museum displays the lively portraits of the Golden Age painter in a former almshouse. The Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands, is a wonderful 18th-century collection of fossils, instruments and art.
Haarlem has more than 20 hofjes, hidden courtyards surrounded by small almshouses, built centuries ago for elderly women. Many are open to visitors who respect the quiet. On the Spaarne river stands the De Adriaan windmill, which can be visited.
Visiting tips
Haarlem is a great base for visiting Amsterdam with a calmer atmosphere. In spring, cycle to the colorful bulb fields around Lisse and Keukenhof. Zandvoort beach is 10 minutes away by train.
Top sights in Haarlem
- 1
Grote Markt
A grand square in the heart of the city.
- 2
Grote Kerk (St Bavo)
A gothic church with a famous organ.
- 3
Frans Hals Museum
Golden Age portraits in an old almshouse.
- 4
Teylers Museum
The oldest museum in the Netherlands.
- 5
Hofjes
Peaceful almshouse courtyards.
- 6
De Adriaan windmill
A working windmill on the river.
Food markets & where to eat in Haarlem
Grote Markt Saturday market
A market with Dutch cheese, fish and snacks.
Botermarkt
A square of café terraces.
Lange Veerstraat
A street of restaurants and bars.
Spaarne riverside
Terraces by the water.
Food to try in Haarlem
Jopenbier
Haarlem's traditional beer, brewed in a former church.
Haarlemmer halletjes
Small spiced biscuits from Haarlem.
Herring
From the market fish stalls.
Bitterballen
Fried snacks with a glass of beer.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Haarlem
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in HaarlemCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Haarlem.
- eSIM for NetherlandsStay online from the moment you land.
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