When you inform individuals you’ve been to Haarlem, they often consider the Harlem neighbourhood in New York, however this couldn’t be extra totally different from the tempo of the Large Apple; it’s additionally much less tourist-saturated than neighbouring Amsterdam, solely quarter-hour away by prepare, however nonetheless bursting with tradition. 

Through the “tulip mania” of the seventeenth century, when the monetary craze for tulip bulbs was just like right now’s cryptocurrency bubble, Haarlem was the centre of the tulip commerce. Lately it’s the top level for the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek flower parade each April, with intricately adorned floats passing via the streets, groaning with big shows – that is miles away out of your fundamental flower association.

Haarlem additionally has a rising music scene, with a well-established jazz pageant, plus 2023’s new Haarlem Vinyl Competition (29 September-1 October), which can draw document lovers from throughout the globe.

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What to do

Discover your new favorite museum

The Frans Hals Museum is unfold throughout two websites, giving a double artwork repair (tickets €8-16; some concessions free). Work by Frans Hals are proven alongside trendy artwork by the likes of Lubaina Himid and Kerry James Marshall.

The Teylers Museum was based in 1784 to show science and pure historical past collections, and its age is a part of the attraction. Peel again layers of historical past as you browse the wood specimen cupboards, the gorgeous Oval Room and the artwork galleries of the Netherlands’ oldest museum. A brand new a part of the location opened in 2021: the lovingly restored Pieter Teyler Home, as soon as residence to the museum founder.  

A ground-breaking attraction devoted to psychological well being, the Museum van de Geest, or Museum of the Thoughts, was named European Museum of the 12 months in 2022 (tickets €10-20; some concessions free). It’s on the location of a leper colony and plague hospital that then grew to become the native asylum. Robust and emotive material is sensitively dealt with. One other stirring sight is the Corrie ten Growth Home (free, however donations inspired; guided excursions solely), the place one Haarlem household hid Jewish individuals through the Nazi occupation of Holland within the Second World Conflict.

Discover the hofjes

Haarlem has some stunning hidden courtyards with well-kept gardens surrounded by former almshouses, which most vacationers overlook. The oldest hofje dates from 1395, however the latest was based in 2007. Although not all hofjes are open to the general public, some might be seen from the road, together with van Lavatory, van Oorschot and van Noblet.

Join with nature

Uncover town from a distinct angle with canal excursions (April to October). Alternatively, persist with dry land on the Haarlemmerhout, a public park with its personal petting zoo, wild deer, and strolling trails. That is additionally a music venue, so examine the live performance schedule beforehand.  

Haarlemers additionally love the close by Zuid-Kennemerland Nationwide Park, the place you possibly can see wisents (European bison), go climbing, or swim in a dune lake – swimming season is Might to October. The Nationwide Park stretches from Zandvoort to Ijmuiden; there’s a direct bus from Haarlem to the customer centre. 

The place to remain

The décor at Lodge Lion D’or balances Instagram-friendly aesthetics with real consolation. This resort can be near the railway station and the principle sights. hotelliondor.nl

The Niu Dairy is, unsurprisingly, on the location of a dairy, and it performs into this heritage with some cow-themed decor. Discover Niu Dairy subsequent to the Patronaat Music Corridor. the.niu.de

The boutique hostel Hey I’m Native is a no-frills possibility. Restricted Wi-Fi and no TVs – friends are inspired to play board video games or chat. helloimlocal.com

Metropolis Attic Haarlem places you proper by the Grote Markt, above the homeowners’ tapas restaurant, in a classy condo. cityattichaarlem.nl

Learn our greatest Netherlands resort critiques

The place to eat 

Hofje Zonder Zorgen interprets as “courtyard with out worries”, and it is a worry-free selection for both a easy lunch (€15 for 2 contemporary seasonal soups, salads and desserts) or a four-course excessive tea (€25pp). 

Whereas Thrill Grill appears meat-heavy at first look, this upmarket burger joint from Dutch chef and TV star Robert Kranenborg additionally caters to vegetarians and vegans – you possibly can’t go fallacious with the Veggie Korean Thriller. 

Native, on a quiet, plant-covered road, stands out amongst Haarlem cafes for not simply the calming environment but additionally its brunch menu and low. 

The place to drink 

Jopenkerk is unforgettable: a brewery and restaurant inside a former church, paying tribute to Haarlem’s brewing tradition. Beer is brewed right here six days per week, and you may watch the method as you sip. Strive Excessive Beer, a tasting menu paired with a beer flight (obtainable Thursday – Saturday, 1pm-4pm, €31pp; guide prematurely). 

Dedakkas is a rooftop bar and restaurant with a different menu. You don’t want a reservation through the day however positively guide for night drinks within the greenhouse, the place you’ll be surrounded by native photographers’ work.  

Proeflokaal in Den Uiver has a altering menu of beers and spirits, all housed in a former fishmonger’s – look out for the unique tiles. 

The place to buy

Haarlem’s purchasing scene is award-winning. The seven best-known purchasing streets are collectively generally known as the Gouden Straatjes, or Golden Streets. Many outlets are child-friendly, together with Meneer Paprika, a kids’s toyshop and café, and Loco Fabriek, an idea retailer. 

Away from the Golden Streets, go to Jutka & Riska, a cute boutique promoting new and classic trend, together with eye-catching jewelry. Kunst Centrum Haarlem sells items by Dutch manufacturers like Susan Bijl (baggage constituted of recycled supplies), Puc (leather-based items) and Storytiles (whimsical painted tiles). 

Don’t miss the bargains on the Botermarkt: second-hand clothes on Mondays, and books, music and homeware on Wednesdays, ranging from simply a few euros. Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for a farmers’ markets and common produce.

Architectural spotlight 

The Grote St. Bavokerk, on the Grote Markt, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Bavo, away from town centre – devoted to the identical saint, however the church is Protestant and medieval Gothic whereas the Catholic cathedral was accomplished in 1930. The huge basilica mixes a number of design kinds, similar to Moorish influences, neo-Gothic and Artwork Nouveau. 

FAQs

What forex do I would like?

Euros.

What language do they communicate?

Dutch, however English is extensively spoken in Haarlem. 

Ought to I tip?

10 per cent if service is sweet.

What’s the time distinction?

GMT+1.

How ought to I get round?

The Netherlands is bike-friendly, so cycle rent isn’t an issue; nevertheless, most Haarlem sightseeing is straightforward on foot. Haarlem has good bus and rail hyperlinks to close by hotspots. Zandvoort seaside is simply quarter-hour away by prepare. 

What’s the perfect view?

It could be a cliché to recommend a windmill within the Netherlands, however the view alongside the River Spaarne to the spectacular Molen De Adriaan (which you’ll be able to tour for €3.50-7.50) is standard for a purpose. 

Insider tip?

Pay a go to to the Hannie Schaft statue, commemorating the Dutch resistance fighter who was executed by the Nazis in April 1945, when she was simply 24 years previous. Discover her monument on the Kenaupark.

Getting there

You’ll be able to catch a direct Eurostar from London to Amsterdam and a 15-minute onward prepare to Haarlem.