The Dutch weather has blessed you with a beautiful day. You don’t have any special plans yet and would like to hit the explore button and see something new. Get ready to meet Amsterdam’s charming neighbour, Haarlem.

What to Expect From Haarlem

Most people who’ve visited this city say it’s like a mini Amsterdam, which I didn’t find to be true. Haarlem has a certain charm to it and isn’t afraid to show it already upon your arrival. The railway station is one of the prettiest in Holland, the only one built in Art Nouveau style in the mid-19^th century.

Getting to the city center is super simple – you just head out straight from the station. If you get a bit lost on your way to it, just enjoy walking along the city streets. They will eventually lead you to where you’d like to be.

Breakfast First, Exploring Next

And the place to be is around The Great Church (De Grote Kerk). Its massive gothic towers will be the first things you see once you get close to the big square. Before admiring this cultural and visual treat, why not go grab something to eat?

With so many inviting brunch places and cafes, it can be hard to choose from. For the super Insta experience (and the kindest waiter ever) head out to by LIMA – the poached eggs are amazing, and I regret not trying a piece of cake there. For a simple but best cup of coffee go to Native Haarlem, and if you’re already up for a beer, go check out Jopen, a former church turned pub & restaurant.

You can also skip all of these and follow your senses which will undoubtedly lead you to the open market in front of the church. De Grote Markt is one of the best ways to experience the typical Dutch weekend morning. You can find anything there from new boots to the most decadent sweets. Be sure to at least try some delicious cheeses!

(Almost) Impossible Only to Window Shop

Haarlem is one of the absolute best cities in Holland for shopping. Why is this? Besides the already familiar brands, its streets are filled with interesting and unique little shops.

From shops specialized in organic fashion to nostalgic comic book shops that somehow make you feel like a kid again, there’s something for everyone. The owners are also quite friendly, with loads of tips on what you should see next.

The biggest difference from the big city you’ll be sure to notice here is its calmness. Nobody is in a rush, not even the fietsers (cyclists). Strolling along Haarlem’s streets and canals have a relaxing effect on the mind.

Putting the ‘Gold’ in Dutch Golden Age

If you’re thinking Haarlem is just another pretty city, think again. Because of its strategic position, it has been an important socio-cultural center since the middle ages. This can still be seen today, in its museums and galleries.

The most important one is the Frank Hals Museum, which boasts of the creations of the famous painter and innovator. Having this forward-thinking spirit in mind, the classics have been mixed with contemporary art, giving you an impression of how the old and the new combined can tell an interesting story.

Upon leaving the museum, take a walk along the river Spaarne through the outer canals to the windmill De Adriaan. Seeing it go round together with the direction of the wind makes you time-travel a few centuries back.

Another hidden gem that you can find in Haarlem is its beautiful courtyards, which are open to the public. Some of them are privately owned, so make sure not to disturb the tenants. Just enjoy the stroll, admire the way Dutch architecture plays with this natural oasis and be along on your merry way.

Be Sure to Re-Visit

After experiencing only a few hours in Haarlem, you will get an idea of how lovely it is. You will be a bit sad you have to leave it. That’s why you should plan to visit it again and explore it even further. Who knows what you might find!