You can hear church bells echo over the canals.
Bikes glide past cobbled lanes lined with cafés and tulips in the window.
It’s peaceful here – almost too peaceful for a city this close to Amsterdam.
Welcome to Haarlem, a Dutch gem locals adore and travelers often overlook.
Windmills, hidden courtyards, cozy cafés… everything feels slower, softer, more real.
Spend just one day here and you’ll understand why so many call it pure Dutch magic.
The guide is presented by Sam from Sam Sees World and is part of the free travel guides series on this blog.
Haarlem, Netherlands Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Haarlem on a Day Trip from Amsterdam, Restaurants, Hotels & Travel Tips
Haarlem is a beautiful small town located just 20 minutes by direct train from Amsterdam Centraal, making it the perfect day trip from Amsterdam. This hidden gem in the Netherlands is full of culture, history, and beauty. A visit to Haarlem offers many of the same stunning sights as Amsterdam – but without the crowds.
This fact results in a much more relaxing and enjoyable travel experience. If you are visiting Amsterdam for 2 or more days, a day trip to visit Haarlem is a must.
The character and charm of Haarlem will have you hooked by the end of your visit. The best part about visiting Haarlem is that it is beautiful and exciting year-round. However, in the winter months, it can get a bit chilly – but that means more hot chocolate stops to keep warm.
Despite its modest size, there are tons to do, see, eat, and experience in Haarlem. From historic attractions and Haarlem museums to Dutch windmills and canal tours, this Haarlem travel guide 2025 covers everything you need for an unforgettable visit.
You surely cannot go wrong with a visit to Haarlem. However much there is to do in Haarlem, some things outshine the others. Therefore, here is a list of the 15 top attractions in Haarlem to help guide your adventures.
15 Best Things to Do in Haarlem
There are many fantastic things to do in Haarlem, The Netherlands, so here are the 15 activities you cannot miss. These recommendations include both indoor and outdoor attractions in Haarlem and they perfect for all types of travelers.
When you decide to explore Haarlem it’s best to know what you can do in this city so that you can include as many activities on your list as possible. Without further adue, let’s see the 15 best things to do in Haarlem.
Check out Grote Markt
One of the top items on the list of top tourist attractions in Haarlem, the Netherlands is Grote Markt so make sure it is included on your Haarlem trip.
Grote Markt is located in the heart of Haarlem right beside the iconic De Grote Kerk Cathedral (St Bavo Church Haarlem). The Grote Markt is the main square of Haarlem and is always alive and full of exciting things to do. Visiting the Haarlem Saturday Market at Grote Markt is one of the best local experiences in Haarlem Netherlands.
The Grote Markt hosts lively markets on Mondays and Saturdays from around 9 AM – 4 PM. The square itself is free and open year-round. Visiting the Haarlem Saturday market is one of the best local experiences.
This square is one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands and regularly hosts events and concerts. More so, if you head there on a Saturday, you can enjoy one of the best street markets for miles! You can understand why this is one of the top places to see in Haarlem.
Look inside Haarlem’s Cathedral
While checking out the Grote Markt, you must also admire both the interior and exterior of De Grote Kerk Cathedral. This cathedral’s stunning exterior towers above all the other buildings in Haarlem, dominating the skyline.
Moreover, inside the cathedral is nothing short of amazing. Inside, you’ll find the Müller organ, one of the largest in the world and famously played by Mozart at age ten. Don’t miss taking a few photos of St Bavo Church Haarlem interior, one of the most famous Gothic churches in the Netherlands.
While the Grote Kerk dates back to the 14th century, its Gothic interior remains perfectly preserved which makes this one of the best places to visit in Haarlem.
Discover the hidden courtyards
Haarlem is home to a plethora of hidden courtyards dating back to the medieval ages. These courtyards are stunning green spaces hidden in plain sight and these are the next stop on this Haarlem travel guide.
These historic courtyards are called hofjes – Haarlem has more than 20 of them, including the Hofje van Bakenes, one of the oldest in the country. Exploring these Haarlem hofjes is one of the most unique hidden gems in the Netherlands and a must on any Haarlem itinerary.
You may have to go some asking around on how to find them or do some research before your adventures, because they are usually located down the seemingly ordinary alleyways. This is one of the best off-the-beaten-path things to do in Haarlem.
Have a Beer in an Old Church
De Jopenkerk is an old church turned brewery that serves delicious Jopen beer, which is brewed from a recipe dating back to medieval times.
Open daily (usually from late morning until midnight) – check the Jopenkerk website for up-to-date hours. The Jopenkerk Haarlem brewery is one of the most popular places to visit in Haarlem Netherlands for foodies and beer lovers alike.
This old church is a very famous attraction in Haarlem that has a tasting room, a grand café, and a brewery. Stopping here for a beer is a welcome break from all the explorations and one of the fun things to do in Haarlem.
Admire the Iconic Windmill
There is nothing more Dutch than windmills, and in Haarlem, you can view one of the best mills without leaving the city. This windmill is called Molen de Adriaan and has been a staple of Haarlem since the 18th century.
This is, without a doubt, one of Harlem’s landmarks so you simply cannot miss it. You can visit Molen de Adriaan windmill on a guided tour or admire it from the Spaarne River promenade.
The original mill, built in 1779, was destroyed in 1932, rebuilt in 2002. You can either view the windmill from the riverside or take a guided tour inside it. Whatever you choose, this remains one of the best things to see in Haarlem.
Visiting Molen de Adriaan Haarlem windmill is among the top Haarlem attractions and one of the most photogenic windmills in the Netherlands.
Take a Boat Tour
Still wondering what to do in Haarlem? How about a boat tour?
Haarlem – much like Amsterdam – is a Dutch city that is full of canals and rivers that snake through the whole town. As a result, embarking on a boat tour around the city is one of the best ways to see it. A Haarlem boat tour is also a great way to relax and take a break from walking everywhere.
Boat tours on the Spaarne and canals operate mainly from April to October; book ahead in summer. Joining a Haarlem canal tour is one of the most relaxing things to do in Haarlem Netherlands, offering scenic views of bridges, windmills, and historic architecture from the water.
Visit a Museum
Haarlem is home to the oldest museum in the Netherlands, called Teylers Museum. This museum has been around since 1784 (founded 1778; building Oval Room in 1784) and showcases terrific exhibits dedicated to art and science.
These exhibits include paintings, drawings, fossils, books, instruments, and more. Visiting the Teylers Museum is one of the best things to do in Haarlem. The Teylers Museum Haarlem is not only the oldest museum in the Netherlands, but also one of the best stops for art and science lovers planning a Haarlem day trip from Amsterdam. Read this article to discover the top-most visited 60 museums in the world.
Explore the City Streets
One of the best things to do in Haarlem is to explore the streets. They are all stunning with a new surprise and exciting area to find around every corner. Spending some time wandering around the streets of the city is a must to appreciate the beauty of Haarlem fully.
Look at Haarlem Station
Whether you arrive at Haarlem station or take some time to walk there, exploring and admiring it is a must. The original Haarlem station opened in 1839, but the current Art Nouveau building dates from 1906.
Moreover, several movies have been filmed here, making it a fascinating station and one of the best stops on your Haarlem tour. Architecture enthusiasts will love the Haarlem train station architecture, one of the few remaining Art Nouveau train stations in Europe.
Check out some Contemporary Art
If you are interested in contemporary artwork that is socially engaging and moving, then head to De Hallen Haarlem (Verweyhal). This attraction is in the Grote Markt area.
The De Hallen Haarlem museum features modern Dutch and international artists and is perfect for visitors looking for cultural things to do in Haarlem.
Go Shopping
Haarlem is considered the Netherlands’ best shopping city due to its streets lined with boutiques of all kinds. The de Gouden Straatjes Haarlem shopping district is ideal for finding local Dutch fashion, souvenirs, and independent boutiques.
The shopping district in Haarlem is called ‘de Gouden Straatjes’ (streets of gold). These streets are home to local boutiques, big brands, and concept stores. You can easily see why this activity had to be included in this Haarlem travel guide.
Shops open Mon 13:00–17:00, Tue–Sat 9:00–17:00, late Thursday ‘Koopavond’ until 9 PM. Many shops open on Sundays in the city centre.
Take a look at Amsterdamse Poort
Amsterdamse Poort, built around 1400, is Haarlem’s only surviving medieval city gate. The Amsterdamse Poort Haarlem is a must-see historic landmark in the Netherlands and a favorite photo stop for architecture lovers.
In 1960, this ancient gate was declared a national monument. Include it on your Haarlem itinerary and you won’t regret it.
Reflect at The Corrie ten Boom House
The Corrie ten Boom House is the Anne Frank House of Haarlem. It was the house that the Ten Boom family hid in during WW2. Today, the house is a museum open to the public.
Entry is free but requires a timed ticket booked online. Closed Sundays. The Corrie ten Boom House Haarlem tickets can be booked online in advance, and visiting this museum is one of the most emotional historical experiences in Haarlem.
I am sure you can see by now that Haarlem is one of the best day-trips from Amsterdam.
Have a drink along the Spaarne River
Continue your Haarlem sightseeing by taking a walk along Spaarne River.
The Spaarne River is a large river that runs through Haarlem. It is quite lovely, with both sides lined with stunning Dutch houses and the river alive with boats during the warmer months.
Finding a café that overlooks the river is the perfect place to grab a drink and enjoy some of the best views of Haarlem. Enjoying a drink by the Spaarne River in Haarlem is a highlight of any Haarlem itinerary, especially at sunset.
Toneelschuur
Toneelschuur is a performing arts theatre and cinema (opened 2011) featuring independent films, theatre, and dance.
The Toneelschuur Haarlem is a great choice for art lovers looking for independent films in the Netherlands and local Dutch performances. This cinema has a stunning architecture that you must see.
Where to Eat in Haarlem
There are many great restaurants in Haarlem, but if you are wondering where to eat in Haarlem, here are my personal favs (These spots are among the best restaurants in Haarlem Netherlands for travelers seeking local flavors):
Truffels – This is a high-quality French restaurant that serves a six-course meal at a fair price.
In ‘t Goede Uur – The Netherlands is crazy about its cheese, and this restaurant is all about it too. They offer the best cheese fondue accompanied by pristine wine.
Both are top-rated hotels in Haarlem city centre, perfect for those visiting on a Haarlem day trip from Amsterdam who decide to stay overnight.
For more options, check restaurants in Grote Markt Haarlem or along the Spaarne River.
Where to Stay in Haarlem
Wondering where to stay in Haarlem? Look no more, as these are the best hotels in Haarlem for you:
Amadeus Hotel – Located in the heart of Haarlem, this hotel offers easy access to all the best parts of the city.
Ambassador City Hotel – This hotel is also located in the city center and has outdoor terraces with views of the famous Haarlem Cathedral.
For more options, see hotels near Haarlem Station for easy train access to Amsterdam.
Tips for visiting Haarlem
Walk the city – it is most easily accessible by walking
Take your time – Haarlem is small so you can explore at a slower pace here
Trains from Amsterdam Centraal to Haarlem run every 15–30 minutes and cost about €6 each way.
Spring (April–May) is perfect for visiting Haarlem and the nearby tulip fields.
Bring layers and an umbrella – Dutch weather changes fast!
As you can tell, Haarlem is a magical city in the Netherlands, and spending some time here is a must. It is a dream destination that you must head to next time you are visiting the Netherlands.
This Haarlem, Netherlands travel guide showed you the best tourist attractions in Haarlem as well as some of the offbeat things to do in Haarlem.
Author bio
Samantha Karen is the founder of the travel blog Sam Sees World. She is a millennial traveler on a mission to seek the new and unknown so she can document her experiences and inspire others to explore this wondrous world. Her objective is to provide valuable information on the best things to do, see, eat, and experience while traveling and getting some good Instagram photos along the way. Follow her travels on Pinterest and Instagram as well.
More fantastic Netherlands articles:
- Your complete guide to Amsterdam museums
- Local’s guide to Amsterdam
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Amsterdam
- Madurodam, the amazing park in The Hague
- Quirky things to do in Amsterdam
FAQ – Visiting Haarlem, Netherlands
1. Is Haarlem worth visiting on a day trip from Amsterdam?
Absolutely! Haarlem is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam, just 20 minutes away by train. The city combines historic Dutch architecture, cozy cafés, and beautiful canals with far fewer crowds than Amsterdam. Many travelers say Haarlem offers a more relaxed and authentic Dutch experience.
2. How do I get from Amsterdam to Haarlem?
The easiest way to get from Amsterdam to Haarlem is by train from Amsterdam Centraal Station. Trains run every 15–30 minutes and take about 20 minutes each way. Tickets cost around €6 one-way, and you can pay with an OV-chip card or a contactless bank card.
3. What are the best things to do in Haarlem, Netherlands?
Top things to do in Haarlem include:
- Visiting the Grote Markt and St. Bavo Church (Grote Kerk)
- Touring the Molen de Adriaan windmill
- Exploring the Teylers Museum (the oldest in the Netherlands)
- Relaxing by the Spaarne River
- Discovering hidden hofjes (courtyards)
You can see most highlights on a one-day Haarlem itinerary.
4. When is the best time to visit Haarlem?
The best time to visit Haarlem is April to September, when the weather is mild and boat tours operate. Spring (April–May) is especially beautiful thanks to the nearby tulip fields in bloom. Winter visits are quieter and cozy, with festive lights and warm cafés.
5. Where should I stay in Haarlem if I visit overnight?
If you decide to stay overnight, top hotels in Haarlem city centre include the Amadeus Hotel (great budget choice) and the Ambassador City Centre Hotel (4 stars, near St. Bavo Cathedral). Staying in Haarlem allows you to enjoy the city after day-trippers leave and catch an easy morning train back to Amsterdam.
