When planning a trip to the Netherlands, Amsterdam is often the first destination that comes to mind. However, just about twenty minutes by train from the capital, there is a city that is well worth the detour: Haarlem.
We discovered the city during a stay focused on the Amsterdam region, and it was a wonderful surprise. Quieter and more intimate, Haarlem still has everything we love about the Netherlands: a beautiful historic center, canals, independent shops, gourmet experiences, and a much more local atmosphere — accompanied by a guide, we were able to discover its history and identity beyond the major tourist sites.
In this guide, we share our must-sees for visiting Haarlem, our favorite addresses, and all our tips for enjoying the city in one or two days.
➺ If you are planning a stay in the capital, also check out our guide to visiting Amsterdam.
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Why visit Haarlem?
Located in the province of North Holland, Haarlem is often nicknamed “little Amsterdam.” It is an easy comparison, as the two cities do indeed share several similarities: canals, typical Dutch houses, and remarkable architecture. But Haarlem has a very different personality.
While Amsterdam is a lively and very touristy capital, Haarlem offers a gentler and more authentic experience. Its historic center is especially pleasant to explore on foot, with its cobblestone streets, old buildings, and many independent spots.
This identity owes a lot to the city’s commercial and brewing past: beer, spices, and agricultural products long circulated along the Spaarne, the river that runs through Haarlem and greatly shaped its development. You can still feel this history today, between lively markets and breweries set inside former historic buildings.
Visiting Haarlem is therefore an opportunity to combine historic heritage, strolls along the canals, gourmet discoveries, shopping in local boutiques, and breaks in cozy cafés.
The city is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area:
- Amsterdam is easily accessible by train;
- Zaanse Schans can be visited on a day trip (I am preparing a dedicated article about Zaanse Schans);
- the beaches of Zandvoort are very close by;
- Keukenhof is also accessible from Haarlem in spring (see our dedicated article about Keukenhof).
Best Things to Do in Haarlem
Discover Haarlem’s historic center on foot
The city is easy to explore on foot, and that is precisely what gives it so much charm. Here, there is no need to rush from one monument to the next: the pleasure also comes from wandering around, noticing architectural details, and discovering little streets by chance. There are plenty of things to do in Haarlem, whether you’re interested in history, architecture, museums, food, or simply exploring the city on foot.
We explored the historic center with a local guide, an experience that allowed us to see Haarlem differently. Some facades or shops would probably have simply been places we passed by without the explanations about their history — starting with Van der Pigge, an old drugstore founded in the 19th century whose wooden shelves and period jars immediately make you feel as though you have traveled back in time. It is a place that is not simply trying to attract visitors, but truly belongs to the city’s identity.
Right next door, on the Botermarkt, a lively market had been set up that day: stalls selling cheese, flowers, bread, and fresh produce. That is where we got to taste an aged Gouda (Old Gouda), matured for several months, with an intense and slightly caramelized flavor — one of the many gourmet discoveries of our stay.
Our guide also introduced us to one of Haarlem’s best-kept secrets: the hofjes. These small historic inner courtyards, often flower-filled and surprisingly quiet, were once used as housing for elderly people or widows. They are still inhabited today, but some remain accessible to discreet visitors. It is exactly the kind of place you would never find on your own, and it alone makes the guided tour worthwhile.
Good to know: guided tours are organized in high season, especially in Dutch. For a tour in English, check with the Haarlem tourist office.
Grote Markt, the historic heart of Haarlem
This large central square brings together several of the city’s major historic buildings, including the famous Grote Kerk (St. Bavo’s Church), the former meat hall (Vleeshal) — which now houses an archaeological museum — as well as the city hall.
It is an ideal place to start discovering Haarlem. Take the time to observe the facades surrounding the square: they reflect the city’s rich commercial past. The square also regularly hosts markets and local events, which further enhances its friendly atmosphere.
The alleys around Grote Markt and the small shopping streets in the center immediately immerse you in the atmosphere. This is where you really feel Haarlem’s identity: bicycles everywhere, colorful facades, locals enjoying the terraces, and an atmosphere that feels much more local than Amsterdam.
And as is customary in the Netherlands, my companions tried Dutch-style herring (Hollandse Nieuwe). A typical culinary experience to try at least once, even for the most hesitant! As for me, I have to admit that at 10:30 a.m., it was still a little early to start the day with fish… ha ha!
Climb to the top of Haarlem’s Koepelkathedraal
The Koepelkathedraal is one of the monuments that stood out to me the most during our visit to Haarlem. Built between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, this cathedral impresses with its size and spectacular architecture. Its large dome, stained-glass windows, and many details make it a fairly unique place in the Netherlands.
But the real highlight of the visit is climbing the tower. Well… as long as you are not too sensitive to narrow spaces! 😅
The spiral staircase leading to the top personally gave me a slight feeling of claustrophobia. It is not necessarily the most comfortable part of the visit, but rest assured: the effort is well worth it.
Once you reach the top, the reward is there. From the observation platform, the panoramic view over Haarlem and its surroundings is beautiful. You can see the city’s rooftops, its bell towers, and its typically Dutch architecture from a different angle.
Once back down, take the time to discover the cathedral’s interior and learn more about Saint Bavo, to whom it is dedicated, as well as the specific history of this building. We were especially charmed by its magnificent stained-glass windows, but also by some of the floor and wall decorations, with their Moorish-inspired geometric patterns that give the whole place a surprisingly oriental touch in the Netherlands.
A visit we truly recommend, even if you are not particularly fond of religious buildings. This cathedral deserves to be better known!
Saint Bavo of Ghent Catholic Cathedral, Leidsevaart
Leidsevaart 146, 2014 HE Haarlem, Netherlands
Free visit, except for the climb to the dome or towers. The official website here.
Take a boat ride on Haarlem’s canals
Like many Dutch cities, Haarlem can also be discovered from the water. A boat ride allows you to completely change perspective and admire the historic facades from the canals and the Spaarne, the river that greatly contributed to the city’s development.
We had already seen the De Adriaan windmill during our guided walking tour of the historic center. Seeing it again from the boat allowed us to discover it from a completely different angle, with a beautiful perspective over the river and the facades lining the Spaarne.
But this ride above all gave us a special experience: we enjoyed a meal on board, comfortably seated on the boat, while discovering Haarlem from the water. Our captain took us farther than a classic route, into a much more natural and peaceful setting, away from the bustle of the city. A true suspended moment, where we simply took the time to enjoy Haarlem differently.
If you visit Haarlem on your own, know that there are also cruises available individually, including tours of around 45 to 50 minutes that allow you to discover the city from the canals.
Book your boat ride with Luxe Sloepen by clicking here.
Where to eat in Haarlem?
During our stay, we had the chance to have dinner at De Dakkas, a restaurant with a rather original concept. Its name, which literally means “greenhouse on the roof,” perfectly sums up the place: located on the roof of a parking garage, the restaurant looks like a huge greenhouse with large windows offering a lovely view over Haarlem.
We especially appreciated its modern and relaxed atmosphere, but also its local approach: around 80% of the products used in the kitchen come from the region. A lovely way to discover the local terroir in a truly unusual setting.
An address we really liked and an excellent option for ending a day of sightseeing in Haarlem.
➺ De Dakkas – Parkeergarage de Kamp, Address: on the roof, De Witstraat 1A, 2011 DV Haarlem, Netherlands
Where to stay in Haarlem?
To discover Haarlem, we set down our bags at Metzlr House, a hotel located in a rather unusual place: the former penitentiary complex of the Koepelcomplex.
The building has been renovated while preserving part of its history, particularly with De Koepel, the former prison dome, now transformed into a space open to the public. So this is far from a standardized hotel: here, the setting is truly part of the experience.
We liked the atmosphere of the place, both modern and warm, as well as its convenient location for reaching the center of Haarlem. And above all, sleeping in a former prison gives the stay a little unusual touch you won’t forget!
Breakfast is also excellent, with a very generous à la carte option that lets you start the day well. The hotel restaurant is also open in the evening, convenient if you prefer to have dinner on site after a day of sightseeing, in a pleasant and cozy setting.
Even if you are not staying there, feel free to come take a look; access to the Koepelcomplex is free.
➺ Metzlr House : Harmenjansweg 4, 2031 WK Haarlem, Netherlands
Visiting Haarlem in 1 day: our recommended itinerary
If you are coming from Amsterdam for a day, here is an itinerary that lets you discover the must-sees.
Morning: Grote Markt → historic center → Van der Pigge → market
Lunch: enjoy a spot in the center to discover some Dutch specialties.
Afternoon: Koepelkathedraal → boat
End of the day: finish with a drink or dinner at De Dakkas.
Visiting Haarlem in 2 days
With two days there, you will be able to enjoy the city’s atmosphere even more.
Day 1: Historic center → Grote Markt → hofjes → KoepelKathedraal → De Dakkas
Day 2: Museum → walk along the Spaarne → shops → market depending on the day → excursion around Haarlem
Take the opportunity in particular to discover one of the city’s museums: the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands, or the Frans Hals Museum, dedicated to fine arts and to the painter of the same name.
Haarlem is also an excellent base for exploring other places around Amsterdam, such as Zaanse Schans or Zandvoort.
How to get to Haarlem from Amsterdam?
Haarlem is a very easy destination to reach from Amsterdam. The train connects Amsterdam Centraal to Haarlem in about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the train. It is therefore an ideal day trip for travelers staying in the Dutch capital. It is also possible to reach Haarlem by bike for a more local experience.
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As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Haarlem for a day trip or a longer stay! We especially liked its atmosphere, both lively and peaceful, its lovely historic center, and all these experiences that give the city a real personality. The guided tour also allowed us to discover places we probably would not have found on our own, such as the hofjes, and to better understand Haarlem’s history.
Just about twenty minutes from Amsterdam, Haarlem is therefore an excellent idea for a day trip, but we also recommend spending a night there to take the time to discover the city once the visitors have left. Between heritage, canals, gastronomy, and great addresses, it fully deserves its place in a Netherlands itinerary.
FAQ – Things to do in Haarlem
Click here to view the FAQ
How long does it take to visit Haarlem?
One day is enough to discover Haarlem’s main sights. To fully enjoy the city and its great restaurants and cafes, two days are ideal.
Can you visit Haarlem on foot?
Yes, Haarlem’s historic center is compact and very easy to explore on foot.
Haarlem or Amsterdam: which city should you choose?
The two cities complete each other. Amsterdam is larger and livelier, while Haarlem offers a quieter and more authentic atmosphere.
Is Haarlem suitable for families?
Yes, Haarlem is a great destination for families, thanks to its easy-to-explore center, boat trips, and peaceful atmosphere.
Is Haarlem worth visiting?
Yes, without a doubt! Haarlem is an excellent alternative to Amsterdam if you want to discover a quieter and more authentic Dutch city that is easily accessible by train from the capital.