Haarlem, a charming city in Holland, offers a delightful mix of picturesque cities and scenic landscapes. As you explore, you’ll encounter windmills, dykes, and polders that paint a vivid picture of the country’s history and culture. The eco-friendly infrastructure makes it easy to get around, whether you’re strolling along the narrow streets or biking past locals. With cyclists darting by, Haarlem gives off an authentic Dutch vibe that’s just a short ride from Amsterdam—only 20 minutes away!
During my visit in 2023, I couldn’t help but reflect on my 2018 trip, when I was a naive 23-year-old and admittedly not feeling my best. This time around, I enjoyed Haarlem’s cozy atmosphere and beautiful waterfront. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full trip, Haarlem offers the perfect blend of adventure and seamless journey through its quaint canals and welcoming environment. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or revisiting like I did, this city never fails to impress with its stunning charm and easy-going pace.
Haarlem, a beautiful city in Holland, is just a 20-minute ride from Amsterdam. Known for its picturesque cities and scenic landscapes, Haarlem is filled with windmills, dykes, polders, and canals, offering a peaceful and eco-friendly vibe. Whether you’re cycling through narrow streets or strolling along the windswept waterfront, this city offers a unique Dutch experience. Perfect for a weekend escape or a staycation, Haarlem is cozy and charming, with a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. How To Get To Haarlem
To get to Haarlem, the closest airport is Amsterdam Schiphol, just 40 minutes away. Schiphol Airport serves major European cities and intercontinental destinations, making it easy to reach the Netherlands by air. If you’re flying in, you can take a direct bus from Schiphol to Haarlem in around 40 minutes, or hop on a train from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station for a quick intercity service to Haarlem, which will take you about 30-40 minutes, depending on waiting times. Tickets for both train and bus can be purchased through the 9292 app available in English and Dutch on both iOS and Android.
Traveling to Haarlem is a breeze, especially if you’re coming from Amsterdam Central. The journey takes less than 20 minutes, which makes it a quick and convenient choice for visitors. If you’re traveling from other countries like Germany, Belgium, or France, the best approach is to take the train to Amsterdam first, and then continue your trip to Haarlem. This route is commonly traveled by those arriving via the Eurostar from London, making Haarlem easily accessible from several major European cities.
Once you reach Haarlem Central Station, you’ll be just steps away from the city’s attractions. For visitors traveling within Dutch cities, the typical journey times are quite manageable. For instance, from Leiden, it’s just 20 minutes with 0 changes, while from Den Haag, the train ride is around 35-45 minutes with no changes. If you’re heading to Utrecht, expect 1 change and a 50-60 minute journey, while Rotterdam is about 60-70 minutes with 0-1 change. The convenience of the Dutch rail network ensures a comfortable trip with minimal hassle, even when changing trains.
If you’re visiting Haarlem, I highly recommend spending an overnight stay rather than just doing a day trip from Amsterdam. It’s a rewarding experience to enjoy the city with fewer crowds, especially in the evening when the atmosphere is more relaxed.
My personal favorite stay was at the Haarlem Apart Hotel, located on the main shopping street, which offered an apartment-size hotel room—perfect for cooking your own meals if you don’t feel like dining out at a restaurant. Plus, it’s only a 15-minute walk to the train station, making it an ideal base for exploring nearby places like The Hague.
When you’re planning your stay in Haarlem, it’s important to consider various accommodation options that suit your preferences. If you visit during the summer or around Christmas, the city tends to get busy, so it’s advisable to book in advance to secure the best place for your stay. Our hotel, located on the main shopping street, was relatively quiet when we visited from Sunday to Tuesday. However, weekends can be much noisier.
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If you’re a deep sleeper, this might not bother you, but if you’re sensitive to noise, consider looking at accommodations on the outskirts of the city center. Public transport in Haarlem is quite efficient, with convenient buses and cycling routes to help you get around. If you’re willing to walk a bit, you’ll find that the surrounding area offers some great, quieter spots. While hotels near the Dutch capital, Amsterdam, can be expensive, you can find a solid deal in Haarlem. Whether you want a small, cozy room or a more spacious option, Haarlem has something for every budget.
When you’re exploring Haarlem, you’re in for a treat, especially when it comes to food and morning coffee. This small-town vibe is perfect for enjoying cozy cafés and bakeries, where you can take a relaxing break. The town offers a variety of decent restaurants, each serving something unique to enjoy while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a meal, Haarlem has plenty of recommendations for satisfying your cravings. It’s a perfect destination for food lovers!
If you’re craving fries while exploring Haarlem, the best place to satisfy your appetite is De Haerlemsche Vlaamse, a small hole-in-the-wall shop that’s famous across the Netherlands. I stumbled upon it one afternoon, and the aroma alone was enough to draw me in.
Their potato goodies are crispy, golden, and served with a variety of sauces that make every bite unforgettable. The shop is popular among both tourists and locals, so don’t be surprised to find a long queue outside. Here’s a little warning—the large portion is truly huge, easily enough to share with a friend. It’s one of those simple food experiences that remind you how something as basic as fries can define a country’s flavor and warmth.
Address: Spekstraat 3, 2011 HM Haarlem
If you’re a Brit like me, you’ll appreciate the charm of Queen’s Tearoom in Haarlem. This cozy spot, with its English-style interior, feels like a little piece of home. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a warm afternoon tea when the Dutch weather doesn’t cooperate. T
he cakes are plenty, but my top tip? Don’t miss the scones. There are many tea choices to choose from, making it a great place to unwind with your girlfriend or friends. While we got a table with no trouble, it’s always a good idea to book in advance online to enjoy the full afternoon tea experience without a wait.
Address: Kruisstraat 31, 2011 PW Haarlem
One of my favorite places in Haarlem was Life of Yuna, a charming coffee shop just a short walk from the main square. The coffee there was solid, and the interior had a cozy vibe, making it the perfect great place to spend a few hours. While we didn’t get the chance to try the breakfast or lunch menu, it’s definitely on the list for next time. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, this is a must-visit!
The best time to visit the Netherlands really depends on what you’re looking for. If you love seeing flowers in full bloom, spring (Mar-May) is your season, especially with the peak tulip season and the spectacular tulips in places like Keukenhof Gardens. The King’s Day energy during late spring is also electric, making it a personal favourite for many travelers. The weather is usually mild, but it can be unpredictable, and the crowds can get quite large in popular areas.
For those who enjoy the long sunny days of summer (Jun-Aug), it’s the warmest weather and perfect for outdoor cafes, festivals, and even canal swimming. This is peak tourist season, so make sure to book in advance if you’re visiting then. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, autumn (Sep-Nov) brings a cosy “gezellig” atmosphere with autumn colours and fewer crowds. However, it does come with cooler temperatures and more rain, making it ideal for museum-hopping. Winter (Dec-Feb), on the other hand, has its own magical atmosphere with festive Christmas markets and even ice skating on canals if it’s cold enough, but you’ll need to wrap up warm due to the cold, damp, and shorter days.
Haarlem is a delightful place to explore, with most of the main attractions close together, making it easy to cover the city in just a few days. You can wander through the beautiful streets and along the canals, enjoying the classic Dutch city architecture. One of the must-see spots is Grote Kerk, the city’s largest church, though Bakenesserkerk is the most beautiful in my opinion. The cute houses and picturesque area around Bakenessergracht are perfect for a leisurely stroll, and you can easily rent bikes or a boat to explore the waterways and nearby waterfront areas like Korte Spaarne and Burgwal.
If you’re interested in history, visiting De Adriaan windmill is a must. Although it was originally built in 1779 and burned down in 1932, it was rebuilt in the 1960s and finished in 2002. A guided tour will help you learn about the windmill’s history, and you can even book tickets online for easy access. Afterward, relax at Restaurant Zuidam, located near Papentorenvest 1A, and enjoy the view of the windmill from the other side of the water.
Haarlem is a nice town, not far away from Amsterdam, and not a metropolis. As the capital of North-Holland, it offers a peaceful vibe compared to larger Dutch towns. Just south of Haarlem, you can explore the famous tulip fields, making it worth visiting for those seeking a charming alternative to Amsterdam.
For a perfect Dutch city getaway, Haarlem is a number one choice. Two days are enough to explore the main attractions, do a few extra things, and enjoy the city. Book accommodation and plan adventures with an easy itinerary to make the most of your time in Haarlem.
For a first-time visit, start in small-town Haarlem as a jet-lag pillow and save big-city Amsterdam for the trip finale. If you have less time, focus on Amsterdam and Delft, and for simplicity’s sake, consider home-basing in Amsterdam or Haarlem for the whole time.
An easy way to explore Haarlem for the first time is by taking a walking tour or a canal cruise with a local tour guide. This will give you the chance to visit all the main attractions and learn about the history of Haarlem while walking around the old city. It’s a great way to get a feel of the city’s charm and discover its rich past.
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