11 Finest Issues to Do in Haarlem, Netherlands

Everybody is aware of about Amsterdam, however not everybody has been to Haarlem; a terrific metropolis for buying, museums and tradition only a 20-minute practice experience from the capital. If you happen to’re staying in Amsterdam or have a stopover in Schiphol Airport, profit from it with my listing of the finest issues to do in Haarlem.

Haarlem is round 12 miles from Amsterdam, however is far much less visited compared. Nevertheless, it nonetheless has the identical iconic canals, cobbled streets and cultural issues to do because the capital. It’s additionally dwelling to the nation’s oldest museum and its latest hofjes (courtyards), in addition to an countless choice of bars and eating places.

Town is positioned near the River Spaarne (which is the place it will get its nickname of ‘Spaarnestad’ or Spaarne Metropolis. Traditionally, Haarlem was the primary buying and selling metropolis within the province, however then Amsterdam happened and form of took over. However right now, Haarlem is a mixture of numerous historical past with cool, fashionable locations to hang around.

It’s very easy to get to Haarlem from Amsterdam, the place the practice takes round 20 minutes (though the quickest ones are round 9 minutes) and may price below a fiver. Haarlem can also be very easy to get to from Schiphol Airport, the place the practice journey additionally lasts round 20 minutes and is pretty low cost. You can too simply get a bus. In case you have an extended visit Schiphol, heading to Haarlem is an effective way to cross the time.

So whether or not you’re planning to go to town for a couple of hours, a day journey, every week or longer, it’s useful to know the finest issues to do in Haarlem. From wandering across the conventional windmills to grabbing a pint at a neighborhood brewery, you’ll discover a vary of Haarlem actions in my listing to fill any journey period.

1. See masterpieces and fashionable artwork at Frans Hals Museum

Named after the seventeenth century portrait artist Frans Hals, the museum showcases historic works in addition to fashionable items by different Dutch artists. It’s unfold throughout two places (HAL and HOF) that you would be able to attain simply by strolling throughout the historic city in lower than 10 minutes. 

The Frans Hal HOF Museum location is an previous courtyard constructing that homes numerous historic items from the Golden Age. Throughout the best way, the HAL location has extra up to date artwork, equivalent to pictures and video artwork. Each are price seeing with equally spectacular collections – if not for the stunning scenic stroll to go from one to the opposite. Your tickets additionally cowl you for each museums too. 

2. Take a guided tour of Corrie Ten Increase Home

The Ten Increase Household dwelling was the place the place many Jews took shelter throughout World Warfare II. You’ll must ebook a guided tour to go around the open house-museum, however you’ll have the ability to see previous household images and totally different objects, in addition to the home in its authentic situation. 

The excursions additionally present a little bit of background to Corrie Ten Increase and her household, in addition to particulars of how they have been in a position to cover Jews throughout the warfare. They happen in Dutch or English daily from Tuesday to Saturday and final about an hour. You’ll want to order at the least 5 days upfront although. 

3. Wander round Grote Markt

The Grote Markt has been the center of Haarlem for hundreds of years. It has many nice buildings round it like the previous Fleshers’ Corridor, constructed by Dutch architect Lieven de Key within the early fifteenth Century. There’s additionally the city corridor (Stadhuis), which was once a palace for the counts of Holland, and the Frans Hals Museum – HAL. 

In my view, one of many nicest methods to expertise all of the structure surrounding the Grote Markt sq. (and probably the greatest issues to do in Haarlem usually) is by grabbing a espresso or beer and simply taking all of it in. It’s such a pleasant space to only be in, and you are able to do this at a number of little bars and eating places like Fortuyn Haarlem or Cafe Studio.

4. Go to church

Haarlem has numerous historic church buildings that every one have stunning structure. Among the most distinguished ones are Grote Kerk or St. Bavokerk in Grote Markt, Waalse Kerk Haarlem, Baknesserkerk and Nieuwe Kerk. 

All of them have their very own tales too, such because the St Bavokerk’s conversion to cathedral standing however reverting again throughout the Protestant Reformation and its well-known Müller Organ. And the function of Waalse Kerk Haarlem in housing refugees from Wallonia in Belgium and French Huguenots. A whole lot of them even have beautiful interiors, organs and artworks to see too.

If you happen to like seeing Gothic or Dutch Renaissance structure, then planning to go to the church buildings of Haarlem is likely one of the prime issues to do throughout your journey. 

5. Go to the Netherlands’ oldest museum

Teylers Museum is the oldest museum within the Netherlands. It homes an intensive assortment of work, historical fossils, minerals, devices, and books, and the 200-year-old Oval Corridor is an attraction in itself. 

In different areas of Teylers Museum, you’ll additionally have the ability to see authentic sketches from well-known artists like Rafael, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo.

The museum was in-built 1778, and is the one one on the planet with an genuine 18th-century inside (The Oval Corridor). This neoclassical space was designed for use for analysis, public demonstrations, particular viewings of works, and nonetheless serves these functions right now. Typically, the museum was supposed to be a temple and muse for students, which makes it fairly a particular place to go to.

6. Go on a windmill tour

Windmills are one of many stereotypical photographs you conjure up when serious about The Netherlands. There are nonetheless over 1,000 within the nation, with many nonetheless in use right now. So for those who’re visiting, probably the greatest issues to do in Haarlem is to go on a tour of town’s iconic windmill – De Adriaan. 

The unique windmill was constructed by Adriaan de Booys, an industrial producer from Amsterdam. Over time, it modified homeowners and makes use of, working to supply cement, tobacco, and extra. Nevertheless it was utterly destroyed throughout a fireplace, resulting in a reconstruction of the unique in 2002. 

At present the windmill remains to be in use, and you’ll study extra about it with guided excursions that final about 45 minutes. There are numerous flooring to discover with exhibitions and interactive experiences, in addition to panoramic views from the highest. 

7. Pattern native Haarlem beers at De Jopenkerk Brewery

If you happen to love beer, a visit to the De Jopenkerk Brewery is certainly a must-visit for you. It’s an previous church that was transformed right into a brewery, the place you may see Jopen beers being made. 

Jopen Beer was first made in 1992, the place Stichting Haarlems Biergenootschap (Haarlem Beer Society) seemed to revive previous Haarlem beer recipes they found within the metropolis’s archives. You’ll little doubt get to attempt the entire totally different variations made right here for those who’re visiting.

You may select from totally different experiences too, equivalent to lunch, dinner, and beer-tasting periods. The brewery additionally encompasses a Grand Café, an open terrace, a store and a restaurant on the primary ground that caters to teams. 

8. Get pleasure from reside music at Philharmonie Live performance Corridor, Haarlem

Haarlem’s foremost live performance venue is the Philharmonie Live performance Corridor, which usually hosts performances by the Dutch Philharmonic Orchestra and the Dutch Chamber Orchestra. It’s a Nineteenth-century corridor which makes seeing reside music there additional particular and probably the greatest issues to do in Haarlem general. 

9. See some tulips within the surrounding fields of Haarlem

Haarlem lies within the Bollenstreek, a well-known bulb-growing area, so is surrounded by numerous stunning fields of flowers. Throughout tulip season, which spans from the tip of March to the start of Might, you may go to the Bollenstreek and see countless fields of tulips. There’s additionally hyacinths, crocuses, and daffodils.

One of the crucial Dutch methods to see tulips is by renting a motorcycle in Haarlem and heading out to the fields. That is such an exquisite approach to discover town and wider countryside when the solar’s out and flowers are blooming. 

10. Watch a movie at Toneelschuur

This isn’t at all times on the listing of touristy issues to do in Haarlem, but it surely’s one I actually like. Toneelschuur is a theatre with two cinemas and two theatres. It has a little bit of a unusual exterior following its renovation and redesign by Dutch cartoonist Joost Swarte within the late Nineties/early 2000s. 

It’s nice to look at traditional and artwork home motion pictures or the most recent releases, or performs and one-off performances. Toneelschuur additionally has a restaurant that serves wonderful espresso and beers too. 

If you happen to don’t converse Dutch – don’t fear. They usually have a screening, organised in collaboration with expatsHaarlem as a part of their Expat Cinema, the place movies are proven with English subtitles. 

11. Go antiquing at Antiekmarkt de Dreef

Among the best issues to do in Haarlem is vintage buying, so you may take some souvenirs dwelling out of your journey.  

The Antiekmarkt De Dreef takes place alongside the pathway subsequent to De Dreef, stretching from Houtplein to Paviljoenslaan. This bustling market operates yearly, sometimes throughout 9 Saturdays spanning from June by means of early October. 

There’s round 90 totally different stalls the place you will discover something from silverware, porcelain, and ceramics to work, graphics, and ethnographic items. It’s necessary to notice that this isn’t simply a typical flea market; the standard of things accessible is mostly  excessive – as are the costs. You may nonetheless haggle although and may come away with a terrific discount. 

If you happen to’re on the lookout for inspiration on what else to purchase in Haarlem, take a look at my put up on the prime souvenirs in Amsterdam for what the most effective issues to purchase within the North Holland area.

Issues to do in Haarlem

The historic city in North Holland Province is commonly overshadowed by the extraordinarily common Amsterdam. Nevertheless, my listing of the most effective issues to do in Haarlem showcase simply how a lot there may be to do on this metropolis. Plus, it’s very easy and low cost to get to from Amsterdam or Schiphol Airport.

It actually has loads of what you’d anticipate from a Dutch metropolis; historical past, artwork, tradition, city squares, beer, tulips, windmills and so forth. Plus some issues you may’t discover anyplace else, just like the oldest museum in The Netherlands.

However on a smaller scale to Amsterdam, Haarlem will be accomplished in a shorter period of time. If you happen to’ve solely acquired a day in Haarlem, merely wandering across the historic Grote Markt gives you loads of alternatives to see world-famous museums and structure, pattern native beers, and calm down (or individuals watch for those who’re that sort) out there sq..

Quicklist of the most effective issues to do in Haarlem

1. See masterpieces and fashionable artwork at Frans Hals Museum
2. Take a guided tour of Corrie Ten Increase Home
3. Wander round Grote Markt
4. Go to church
5. Go to The Netherlands’ eldest museum
6. Go on a windmill tour
7. Pattern native Haarlem beers at De Jopenkerk Brewery
8. Get pleasure from reside music at Philharmonie Live performance Corridor
9. See some tulips (and different flowers) in surrounding fields of Haarlem
10. Watch a movie at Toneelschuur
11. Go antiquing at Antiekmarkt De Dreef