Contrary to what most people may think, Haarlem is a postcard-worthy city located right at the centre of North Holland. However, this particular destination is underrated providing an experience that is typically Dutch and almost as charming as Amsterdam. Haarlem exudes character as it presents its visitors with its history, marvellous buildings, and culture that leave most wishing they could walk its narrow paved paths all day long.
As you stroll through the canals and gabled houses in Haarlem, you will break into the Dutch Golden Age. However, the historical appearance of the city should not be mistaken for a stagnant city either – Haarlem is a historical city that harmonizes both its rich history and culture with the modern city lifestyle and leaves many people entranced somewhere in the cross between East and west. Everything from the top museums to brown cafes is enough to captivate your interest in all sorts of travellers in Haarlem. So why is it important to place Haarlem on your Dutch map? Let us examine this intriguing city to highlight why it should be on everybody’s travel itinerary.
Out of the many Dutch towns, Haarlem is notable not only for its remarkable conservation of medieval buildings but more importantly its artistic importance to the Netherlands. In as much as many urban areas are very modernized, Haarlem is one town that still has managed to keep most of its old-world charm. There still remains the suggestion of this style, with its winding streets and secret courtyards and 13th-century buildings. As a living piece of history, it allows the visitors to go more than a few hundred years back in time and see how the Netherlands used to be illustrating why this city is a paradise for lovers of history and photography.
But Haarlem is not only unique in its location and architecture. The city is known as a city of myths and more creation, which has been inherited for hundreds of years. Now, it expresses itself in the dynamic development of culture and an array of galleries, studios, and creative spaces spread all over the city. Also, when it comes to the size of the city. Haarlem is quite small which is unusual for most Dutch cities where larger areas and population are the norm. It is easier and more comfortable to walk around and discover historical sites, but this time without the hustle and bustle of the tourism's grazing of the cities.
Every city has a colorful history and so does Haarlem but it plays an important role in the aesthetics of the society. While walking on the streets one's steps feel the presence of artists, scientists, and merchants who not only made this one city but rather the entire period of the Dutch Golden Age. The glorious history of the city can be measured with the fine buildings it has including the tall and gigantic Grote Kerk and the small almshouses of the may called hofjes.
Among many things one could learn about Haarlem, one of the most interesting was their ‘live and let live’ approach to religion. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries when religious wars raged in most of Europe, Haarlem provided refuge for persecuted people such as Catholics and Jews restrained in silence. The openness, acceptance and tolerance turned out to be present within the character of the city and has in one way or another ensured the complex nature of the city where all people call home. In praise of such social concerns, there are still places in Haarlem recalling the times of the Nazi occupation as the Corrie ten Boom House, a site dedicated to the family that was hiding Jews in the time of World War II.
Haarlem was an important place during the Dutch Golden Age, which was a period in the 17th Century when the Netherlands saw remarkable growth in terms of economy, culture and science. The city was very active in the tulip industry, which led to the first-ever recorded economic bubble, the tulip mania of 1637. It was this era of wealth that changed the stage of Haarlem permanently. Il riches built large houses on the canals and many of those houses remain.
Maybe even more important than this was the efforts that Haarlem undertook in the field of art at this time. A lot of famous painters like Frans Hals who painted portraits that can be described as sheer vitality were in town. The Haarlem School has left its bold touch and made quite an impression throughout Europe. This museum hosts Dutch golden age masterpieces, many of which are the legacy and heritage of Frans Hals. Art lovers around the world who seek inspiration in the art of contemporary Harlem won’t be disappointed.
Haarlem is a city located in the North Holland province of the Netherlands. It is about 20 kilometres (or 12 miles) west of the Ij River and 7 km (or about 4 miles) away from the North Sea coast. This unique location places Haarlem within the Randstad conurbation, the most populated urban area in the country offering good access from the surrounding cities and sights in the nation.
The city is very well-connected with the international community as it is almost next to the Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport, a major international airport in Europe. It takes just about a 15-minute train ride to get to Haarlem from the airport which makes the adjustment after a long flight to the Dutch holiday easy. This location and the preferred slower pace of living compared to Amsterdam makes Haarlem a great location for trips in the Netherlands without being in the active part of Amsterdam and still being in all areas of the country.
The Amsterdam - Haarlem journey is also quite easy because of the good organization of the Dutch public transport system. The most used and most easy is, of course, the train, as the trains to Haarlem run as frequently as they do from Amsterdam Central Station. It only takes 15-20 minutes of travelling time with intervals of 10-15 minutes of train departures in peak hours. Because of this fast connection, even a day trip to Amsterdam for a few hours allows you to visit Haarlem comfortably, bringing it into the Amsterdam schedule.
If instead of the faster options, you want to enjoy the journey and time is not a factor, you can also undertake a bus ride or bike. The bus ride takes a bit more time, and in a range of 30-40 minutes to reach Haarlem but gets to see the beautiful landscapes of Holland. Catching a cycle to Blanche and Amsterdam since there are nice bicycle routes from Haarlem to Amsterdam and vice versa. Riding for 25 kilometres you pass lovely places with small towns and many windmills that look like the land of the Netherlands. Many come to Amsterdam to hire a cycle to Haarlem and train back, hence the cycle and train option that Chicago visitors love. One transports oneself with all diligent modes, just as the thrill in reaching to Haarlem starts the journey towards the discovery of the hidden place.
| Transportation Option | Travel Time | Frequency | Scenic Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 15-20 minutes | Every 10-15 minutes | Low |
| Bus | 30-40 minutes | Every 30 minutes | Medium |
| Bicycle | 1.5-2 hours | Anytime | High |
Haarlem is filled with attractions that can entice almost everyone regardless of one’s hobbies, whether it is related to history or the arts, architecture or food. To cut a long story short, any visitor should prioritize a visit to the Grote Markt, the central square of the city this beating heart should be. Towering above the plaza is a number of beautiful non-modernistic structures looking down on a Vleeshal (Meat Hall) and the Great Church (Grote Kerk) plaza. You can enjoy the sights of a normal Dutch day, have a cup of coffee at one of many cafe tables outside, and shop at the local markets held in the square regularly.
Art lovers can never say that they have had the best of their experience without visiting the Frans Hals Museum. It is located in a stunning building of the 17th century and contains a superb collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, including the sages’ works of Frans Hals himself. But it is not only history that the haute cuisine of Haarlem can boast about. The Teylers Museum, which is the oldest museum in the Netherlands, is an exceptional combination of museums of art and science where you can see fossils, and minerals or Michelangelo’s drawings. Those who prefer a lighter historical experience can visit the Corrie ten Boom House and see the perils suffered by followers of the Dutch Resistance during World War II directly. With these many differing attractions, Haarlem makes sure that there is always something to hold the attention of every single person who walks through the path of its borders.
The Grote Kerk or St. Bavo’s Church is not only a place for worship, but also represents the history and the architectural skill of the city of Haarlem. This 14th-century gothic structure which is in the center of the city has seen history in the Netherlands for ages. Its grandiose if adorned with delicate cut stone and soaring spire has adorned Haarlem and has lit the eyes of many travellers while rousing the pride of the inhabitants.
What is surprising, is the interior of the Grote Kerk. You are welcomed by the beautiful Müller organ, which is one of the best organs ever created. This great masterwork was completed in 1738 and has been played by such great composers as Handel and Mozart. The church is also home to beautiful stained glass windows, tombs of great Dutch personalities and other types of wonderful art. It is necessary to add that the visit to the Grote Kerk is much more than a visit to a historical site comprising of beautiful mausoleums and tombs. It is simply much more about the Dutch art, the music, and the spirituality. The church Mel Creek can fully satisfy the desire of every person. It is ‘ without’ evidence of a touristic tag and a ‘ live’ portrait of Haarlem.
The Frans Hals Museum is hence an example of how important Haarlem was for the Dutch School of Painting in general and in particular during the Golden Age. This museum maintains its name after one of the most celebrated heads of the Dutch masters’ school of the seventeenth century. Here the visitors are given a wonderful chance to explore the depth of Dutch art. The Hague is home to two branches of the Museum (Main museum in Hof Old Masters collection; Hal modern and contemporary) providing up-to-date and ageless out-of-Holland art.
The main attraction in the museum collections is the art of Frans Hals himself, who changed the face of Dutch portraits forever with his innovative approaches to painting. His renowned polemical portraits of civic guards and regents are also represented here, where he captures the dynamic likeness of his sitters to an extent never before achieved. The work of Hals, nevertheless, is only the beginning of what the patrons of this establishment will see. Among the various imperial Dutch Golden Age paintings visitants can encounter still lives, portraits, flowers, landscapes and genre paintings explicating the 17th century in the Netherlands. The understanding of curation by this museum is very creative and appealing as well, almost always placing such works in the context of modern art: the viewer understands dialogues between centuries. This distinctive viewpoint helps to promote not only the history of Dutch artistic development but also the fact that these arts are still relevant and operative today.
The Frans Hals Museum is hence an example of how important Haarlem was for the Dutch School of Painting in general and in particular during the Golden Age. This museum maintains its name after one of the most celebrated heads of the Dutch masters’ school of the seventeenth century. Here the visitors are given a wonderful chance to explore the depth of Dutch art. The Hague is home to two branches of the Museum (Main museum in Hof Old Masters collection; Hal modern and contemporary) providing up-to-date and ageless out-of-Holland art.
The main attraction in the museum collections is the art of Frans Hals himself, who changed the face of Dutch portraits forever with his innovative approaches to painting. His renowned polemical portraits of civic guards and regents are also represented here, where he captures the dynamic likeness of his sitters to an extent never before achieved. The work of Hals, nevertheless, is only the beginning of what the patrons of this establishment will see. Among the various imperial Dutch Golden Age paintings visitants can encounter still lives, portraits, flowers, landscapes and genre paintings explicating the 17th century in the Netherlands. The understanding of curation by this museum is very creative and appealing as well, almost always placing such works in the context of modern art: the viewer understands dialogues between centuries. This distinctive viewpoint helps to promote not only the history of Dutch artistic development but also the fact that these arts are still relevant and operative today.
A visit to the Frans Hals Museum cannot be complete without understanding the life and work of this great portrait painter who changed the art of portrait making for good. Frans Hals was born in Antwerp in 1582 and, as a child, moved to Haarlem, where he lived the most part of his days. He became one of the famous residents of the city. The museum contains a large number of Hals' work and through it, the measurements at which he grew up can be seen with regard to his skill and how he differs from other would-be artists of the time in terms of his skills.
The first thing that grabs about Hals' paintings that you can notice around the museum, is the fleetingness of sudden actions and emotions that he manages to portray in his portraits. While the usual sense of portraits implied cold expression in regimented ones alongside heavy dresses, Hals departed from all that and his subjects appeared to have been painted with their mouths opened in laughter or reclining in comfortable positions and this was quite modern. This was cellular in nature characterized by fine brushwork enabling the artist to convey, movement in the artwork.
Following these components, it is possible for visitors of the Frans Hals Museum to appreciate not only the work of the artist but also the dynamic art scene of Golden Age Haarlem. The exhibition offers us MVP's vision with a clear view of the 17th-century Dutch society’s faces, costumes, and norms. It is a delightful way of experiencing history without the help of textbooks. Thus, the Frans Hals Museum is essential for all who are interested in art, history, and Dutch culture.
Paraphrasing the above instructions, the general visitor audience decides for themselves, what is the best time to visit Haarlem, differing in focus on more comfortable weather, activity-oriented events or inclement inhabitants. Like most of the Netherlands, Haarlem experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by cool and comfortable summer temperatures and a relatively mild winter season. However, all seasons have something special to offer and reasons to be envied.
Spring (April to June) is, probably, the best season to travel to. The city comes alive unlike any other time of the year as tulips and other flowers come into full bloom making for exquisite photo opportunities for your sightseeing endeavors. With temperatures ranging between 8 Deg Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit and 63 degrees Fahrenheit), it is safe to say the weather is moderately warm most of the time. This season also signals the happy return of the outdoor café culture, where locals and visitors gorge on the sun while enjoying their food and drinks on the warm terraces. Be sure to note that spring is the peak travel period as well, ensuring that you will meet more guests in famous places than in low or off-peak periods.
Summer (July to August) is when those temperatures usually rise within the 17-25 Degrees C range. Perfect for outdoor pursuits be it riding bicycles along the canals or carrying out summer picnics in the parks. Summer also brings several celebrations and events, which make your stay more interesting. Nonetheless, this is also the high and most-awaited period making it highly expensive for jaunts therefore make your reservations three weeks or two weeks before the lift-off.
Fall (September to November) is a phenomenal time to be in Haarlem, as the leaves change colour and crisp cooler days ensue. Temperatures have a range of between 43 F and 63 F. Helper months are a transition of nice weather and not many people occupy the place. Wonderful for people who like to take it easy.
Winter (December to March) brings a considerable change weather-wise, it is winter season in Haarlem. Even though it can be as cold as zero degree Centigrade to six degrees centigrade Fahrenheit, there are winter activities like stalls, ice rinks and nice warm coffee shops to keep visitors busy, the warm and inviting Dutch 'gezelligheid' is in full mode during these months. Well, you will have less crowd and probably cheaper room rates too.
All year round, Haarlem has this bee hive of activities, events and festivities, each of which adds a different aspect to the rich history and way of life of the New Yorkers. You will enhance your stay in Haarlem through the time scheduling of the visit to that of the events.
One of the deadliest events is the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek or Flower Parade and it usually occurs in April. During this parade, hundreds of decorative floured floats are paraded from Noordwijk to Haarlem in spring, an area best known for blossoms. One’s sense of sight, smell, touch and sound - an overload of fun, and all this is done in respect of the world-famous flower industry in the region. Right after this is King's Day or Koningsdag which is celebrated on 27 April when the nation, and Haarlem, are painted in different shades of orange for the celebration of the king’s birthday. Expect street parties, flea markets, and carnival-like activities.
For lovers of music, the Haarlem Jazz Festival, which usually occurs sometime in August, is one of the events held during the summer that shouldn’t be left out. This occasion makes summer with lots of jazz activities because of the various performances by artists, both home and abroad, in the numerous venues found in Haarlem. In August, if you want a more authentic Dutch cuisine, time your tour to coincide with the Harlem Culinair which is a food festival where the best dishes from the local restaurants are displayed in the Grote Markt.
When autumn comes, the Haarlem Photographic Festival which is too much for the eye brings towards the turn of the year to photography fans. Normally set in October each year this event holds exhibitions workshops and talks of prize-winning photographers. As winter approaches so does the reason for the cheer, wait – hand up. The biggest of all events is the Haarlem Christmas Market, a December festival that adheres to the Grote Markt of dazzling lights, commemorative stalls, hot wine and other dishes typical of the Dutch.
Keep in mind that these events are likely to affect the availability of accommodation and rise in the prices of such places. If one intends to explore the area during such a popular time, it is advised that one reserves for accommodation services long before the intended travel. Spending your holidays during these seasonal events does not mean that you will only enjoy the routine activities while in Harlem and will not do anything special that is related to the cheering seasons and culture of the city.
Getting a taste of ‘the real’ Dutch culture in Haarlem is akin to stripping history away, anchor and all, and only to know the present. As the city is rooted in history and has a lively modern-day ambience, there are countless ways to actually experience the real Dutch way of life. From buildings to arts, old traditions to new trends, Haarlem acts out the role of all things Dutch.
Haarlem's hofjes are among the most effective means of absorbing the Dutch cultural heritage. Accessible only through a narrow archway, these enclosed gardens were created as almshouses for retired and unmarried women, which can only be found in the Netherlands. Most buildings have a historical theme, most of which will take you back in time such as the Hofje van Oorschot which was constructed during 1769. If you were to go through these peaceful places, you would appreciate the ideals of social cohesion and, to a certain extent, social assistance that have been cherished by the Dutch for ages. It’s almost like visiting a museum, only it’s all in live action and centres on the social changes in the Netherlands.
To comprehend Dutch culture or better the improvement of this country it is necessary to have an insight about their cycling culture. Just like other Dutch cities, Haarlem is very accommodating when it comes to cycling. Rent a bicycle and get on the actual transport used by the residents. Ride along the canals and the bustling historic city centre, wind up in approachable windmills out on the city’s edge. Not only does this allow you to see the city from the perspective of the locals, but it, also, lets you get the feel of a Dutch city’s practicality and liberties.
Art has always been and continues to be an important part of life in Holland and this is one more thing about Haarlem that is great. In addition to the well-known Frans Hals Museum, make sure to include De Vishal deck - a former fish market building built in the 15th century. The gallery focuses on modern-day Dutch artists and gives an overview of the state of art of the Netherlands today. The placement of contemporary art in a historical building is the most accurate depiction of the Dutch history the viewer is able to see.
Fittingly, don’t forget accommodation cosiness or gezelligheid which is very important in the Netherlands. Perhaps you’d like to have a drink at a brown café (bruin café), which is a style of informal Dutch pub also famous for its sepia decor. You may want to try Café Briljant or In den Uiver, both of which are good places to sit with a local beer and have a talk and, which is probably most important, enjoy the amical aspect of the Dutch society.
Haarlem has a nice combination of world-renowned Dutch cuisine and modern culinary advances. To really enjoy the food of a certain region, one must know where to go. Forward to healthy Dutch food and where to try it in Haarlem.
A fine example of Dutch cuisine can be tasted in Restaurant ML. This Michelin star eatery already features in its interior, an old structure from the 17th century but focuses mainly on recreating popular elements in the Netherlands. Also located in Amsterdam, Chef Mark Gratama creates a cuisine inspired by Dutch traditions with fresh ingredients. Don't forget to sample the North Sea fish with Zeeland oysters for a true Dutch treat.
In case you prefer something a bit more laid back, you should not miss De Haerlemsche Vlaamse. This local institution began operating in 1932, and has ever since dished out classic Dutch and Flemish cuisine. Stamppot is on the other hand their main dish, which consists of a thick puree of potatoes interspersed with vegetables and served alongside sausage. Simply put, it is the best version of Dutch food that one could come across.
What’s more, any tour to Haarlem notably its culinary facets also requires one to sample something from Dutch food stalls. Take a trip to the Grote Markt nothing less than on days when market is held looking for food stalls selling herring. Dutch cuisine is the word for this snack, which is raw fish alongside chopped onions and pickles. For those who dareabouts, do it real - get a fish by its tail & put it in your mouth – then the gentile is a new concept.
Alternatively, for desserts, you can drop by at Banketbakkerij Bitter. This family-run establishment is known for its rich history of crafting Dutch pastries since 1924. Be sure to enjoy their award-winning gevulde koek as well, an orthodox Dutch pudding of paste enveloped within a cookie. This cookie is known to go well with an ordinary Dutch coffee.
| Restaurant | Specialty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant ML | Modern Dutch cuisine | €€€€ |
| De Haerlemsche Vlaamse | Traditional Dutch dishes | €€ |
| Grote Markt food stalls | Dutch street food | € |
| Banketbakkerij Bitter | Dutch pastries | € |
Nor should one forget that Dutch food is about so much more than edibles – it is a full experience as one engages with it. Do pace yourselves, relish every single morsel, and don’t shy from chatting with the natives. You may just find out that the most delectable element of Dutch cuisine is the cosiness that comes with it.
Haarlem, like many other Dutch towns, has its very unique features when it comes to the town’s history, culture and development level. Certainly, each Dutch town has its unique attractions, but, in particular, there are several factors that make students choose Harlem over other Dutch towns, which, in their opinion, is more interesting.
Travelling to Haarlem from Amsterdam is convenient, and the tourist traffic is nowhere as insane as in Amsterdam. The canals and museums in Amsterdam are fantastic and, indeed famous the world over, however, the queues can be truly frightening. On the contrary, Harlem offers a similar perspective with its own canals and historical structures but at a cooler setting. Plenty of visitors are able to view the Renaissance architecture and paintings of the Netherlands’ Golden Age without having to wrestle their way through the populous crowds.
When it comes to history, Haarlem as a city is not any less significant than the small Dutch towns such as Delft or Gouda, but it also has a better scope of entertainment. For example, while the namesake of Delft alias Dutch, as well as a typical town, is blue pottery, Chaucer, here the centres present Gouda cheese, Haarlem has a combination of all these attractions from museums to a whirlwind of cuisines. You make it therefore easier for a traveller there who is in search of different elements of the Dutch cultures without going to separate destinations.
On the other hand, there is Utrecht which is most favourite for many people who undertake a day trip from Amsterdam. Haarlem offers a better organized and easily walkable town central than Putrys Anne Franks house and the rest of Amsterdam X at Daytrips in Holland. However, while structures such as Utrecht's dom tower along with split-level canals look great, Haarlem offers a more focused historical setting with its gre Weando cathedral as well as surrounding circa medieval streets. Thanks to Haarlem characterized structure, it is also possible for tourists to cover the most important sights in a single day, but there is no burden.
Considering the treasure of artistic heritage heaped inside Haarlem as compared to other Dutch cities emerges as breathtaking. Although, The Hague is filled with great museums or cities like Rotterdam have many cultural events, Harlem stands out in history - since Frans Hals was one of the Dutch masters there. Nevertheless, the additional value of the Frans Hals Museum, as well as many art galleries and other creative studios in the city makes Haarlem very attractive to art lovers.
Haarlem is, however, a cut above since it has a reasonable compromise of history, culture, art and present-day facilities. Finally, though every Dutch town has its own identity, Harlem is quite compact, offers enough to experience culture and feels genuinely Dutch which is rare to most of the Dutch cities.
To truly maximize the experience of visiting Haarlem; one has to plan and balance her visit with autoflow. This beautiful Dutch city is so rich that little planning can help avoid missing out on important sights and even the lesser-known ones. While this is very important, it should be approached with caution because it is the ratification of the plan that leads to the best parts of the journey.
Make sure you wake up early so that you can times the most out of your time. First of all, get out of bed and have a walk in the old town with a lovely vibe in the early hours of the day. Visit some of the local patisseries such as Banketbakkerij Bitter, where you can order a typical Dutch breakfast pastry like – a gevulde koek or appellant. Such engagement will prepare you for the day’s adventure and enable you to sample the local culture.
It is best to start your visit to the Frans Hals Museum early in the morning in order to escape the anticipated rush. That way, you’ll have enough time to enjoy the Dutch Golden Age paintings at your own pace. Then, head to the Grote Markt, the centre of Haarlem. Look at the Great Church and have your lunch at any of the several cafes at the square. It is a good time to sip coffee, plan a further walk, try to do some people-watching and soak in the spirit of the place.
Then, in the afternoon, go and discover one of the many special hofjes in Haarlem. These tranquil green spaces constitute a wonderful break from the crowded colonial cities and are also a window into the inner workings of Dutch society. The Hofje van Oorschot and the Proveniershof are especially worth the trip.
As evening approaches, you can opt for a journey around the canals in a boat. Watching Haarlem from the water is an entirely new experience and it gives your legs a break after a long day of walking. Have supper in one of the local cafes or restaurants, for example, restaurant ML for high-end Dutch cuisine or something affordable in Amsterdam De Haarlemse Vlaamse.
It is okay to make plans. But also, don’t be afraid to go off your intended course. You may even have some of your most interesting moments in places such as a quiet little alley or a charming store that you decide to visit. Haarlem is a relatively curious place so be prepared for some surprises.
We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the vibrant life of Haarlem. For more stories, tips, and local insights, keep exploring HaarlemToday. Don’t forget to share your favourite articles with friends and join the conversation on our social media channels. Until next time, keep discovering the unique flavors and experiences that make our city special.
