Haarlem, Netherlands

Haarlem

A compact old town around a grand market square, 15 minutes from Amsterdam.

  • All year
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
Zuid-Kennemerland National ParkNetherlands · Nature spotZuid-Kennemerland National Park5.5 kmZaanse SchansNetherlands · Popular townZaanse Schans15 kmAmsterdamNetherlands · CityAmsterdam18 kmLeidenNetherlands · CityLeiden27 kmEdam & VolendamNetherlands · Hidden townEdam & Volendam31 kmHoornNetherlands · Hidden townHoorn40 kmGoudaNetherlands · Hidden townGouda42 kmDelftNetherlands · CityDelft46 km

Things to do

2 days in Haarlem

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit the Grote Kerk and its huge organ, once played by the young Mozart.
  2. AfternoonSee the Frans Hals Museum, then find the hidden almshouse courtyards, the hofjes.
  3. EveningHave dinner around the Grote Markt.

Day 2

Cycle through the dunes to the beach at Zandvoort or Bloemendaal.

What to eat

Jopen beer, brewed in an old church, and Haarlem's hearty pub food.

Local tips

Make the most of Haarlem

Beat the crowds

The Grote Markt is busiest on Saturdays. Haarlem is a calmer alternative to Amsterdam.

Best photo spot

The Grote Markt with the big church, and the canals with the Molen de Adriaan windmill.

Getting there

Trains from Amsterdam take about 15 minutes. The centre is walkable.

Don't miss nearby

The beach and dunes at Zandvoort and the Kennemerduinen national park, about 15 minutes away.

Good to know

In spring, the tulip fields lie just south of the city. The Frans Hals Museum holds great Dutch Golden Age paintings.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Haarlem

Our most hidden places around Haarlem: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Haarlem to take with you.

37 km away
56 km away
72 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Haarlem

Getting there

  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)12 km away
  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)50 km away
  • Amsterdam18 km away
  • Leiden25 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryNetherlands

Questions

Haarlem: good to know

Is Haarlem worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. A compact old town around a grand market square, 15 minutes from Amsterdam.

How many days do you need in Haarlem?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Haarlem?

You can visit all year. The Grote Markt is busiest on Saturdays. Haarlem is a calmer alternative to Amsterdam.

How do you get to Haarlem?

The nearest airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), about 12 km away. Trains from Amsterdam take about 15 minutes. The centre is walkable.

What is there to see near Haarlem?

Nearby hidden places include Zuid-Kennemerland National Park (5.5 km), Zaanse Schans (15 km) and Amsterdam (18 km).

Day trips from Haarlem: 18 hidden places nearby
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