Haarlem Havens: 3 Days of Family-Friendly Fun!

Discover Dutch charm in Haarlem, where family fun meets historic wonders!

19 July 2023

Haarlem, located just a short distance from Amsterdam, offers a delightful family-friendly trip with its charming canals and historic architecture. Explore the beautiful Grote Markt square, visit the interactive Teylers Museum, and take a relaxing boat tour along the picturesque canals. Enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere, cycle through the scenic countryside, and savor delicious Dutch treats while creating wonderful memories with your family.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Haarlem's Charms:

  • Unwind at the family-friendly Carlton Square Hotel, with its spacious rooms and delightful view of the city.
  • Get your history fix at the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands showcasing art, science, and natural history.
  • Stroll around the picturesque Grote Markt, the heart of Haarlem, adorned with charming restaurants, cafes, and shops.
  • Indulge in some retail therapy at the De Gouden Straatjes, a network of quaint shopping streets filled with unique boutiques.
  • Climb the 250 steps of the Grote Kerk's tower for panoramic views of Haarlem's rooftops, as far as Amsterdam on a clear day.
Day 2

Family Fun and Outdoor Adventures:

  • Begin your day with a scrumptious breakfast at native's favorite hotspot, Meneer Frans, serving a range of delicious Dutch treats.
  • Discover the hidden treasures of the popular De Hout neighborhood while renting bikes for the whole family.
  • Interact with exotic animals at the Artisklas Haarlem Zoo, where you'll find everything from meerkats to pythons.
  • Take a leisurely boat ride along the picturesque Haarlem canals, admiring the charming houses and beautiful gardens.
  • Enjoy a picnic at the family-friendly Haarlemmerhout Park, complete with a playground and plenty of grassy areas to relax.
Day 3

Haarlem's Culinary Delights:

  • Start your day with a hearty Dutch breakfast at Anne & Max, a cozy cafe known for their excellent coffee and scrumptious pastries.
  • Explore the vibrant market at Botermarkt, where you can sample local cheeses, pick up fresh fruits, and buy unique souvenirs.
  • Treat your taste buds to a delicious lunch at restaurant Stempels, housed in a former printing office with a charming outdoor terrace.
  • Go on a culinary journey at Jopenkerk, a brewery inside a converted church, offering a delicious array of craft beers and tasty bites.
  • End your day with a dinner at Toujours, a family-friendly restaurant serving mouthwatering French cuisine, with options for kids too.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Haarlem by plane is to fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which is located approximately 15 kilometers from Haarlem. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Haarlem Central Station, which usually takes around 15 minutes.

Car

To reach Haarlem by car, you can take the A4 highway from Amsterdam. The journey usually takes around 20 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.

Train

To get to Haarlem by train, you can take a train from Amsterdam Central Station. Trains run frequently, and the journey takes about 15 minutes.

Boat

There is no direct boat route to Haarlem, as it is located inland. However, you can enjoy a boat tour on the nearby Spaarne River in Haarlem, providing a unique perspective of the city.

Bus

If you prefer to travel by bus, you can take bus number 346 from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The bus journey to Haarlem takes approximately 40 minutes.

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