Haarlem: The Ultimate 3-Day Dutch Adventure

Discover Haarlem's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Haarlem offers a perfect budget-friendly trip for travellers seeking an authentic Dutch experience. Visitors can enjoy historic sites, museums, and local markets on foot for free. Food options range from affordable street food to reasonably priced restaurants, while budget accommodations are available throughout the city.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Haarlem's Hidden Gems

  • Start the day with a stroll through the charming streets of the old town, admiring the architecture and quaint shops.
  • Visit the Teylers Museum, a fascinating natural history museum housed in a stunning 18th-century building.
  • Head to the Frans Hals Museum to see the impressive collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings.
  • Grab lunch at Hofje Zonder Zorgen, a hidden courtyard café serving up delicious sandwiches and cakes.
  • In the afternoon, rent a bike and cycle to the nearby beach town of Bloemendaal for beautiful views of the North Sea.
  • End the day with a drink at Jopenkerk, a former church turned brewery that serves up delicious craft beer.
  • Hotel recommendation: Stayokay Haarlem, a budget-friendly hostel with a central location and cozy atmosphere.
Day 2

Flowers, Windmills, and Cheese

  • Start the day by visiting the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens to see the stunning displays of colorful tulips and other flowers.
  • Next, head to the historic windmill district of Zaanse Schans to see a collection of perfectly preserved windmills and try some traditional Dutch cheese.
  • For lunch, stop at De Kraaij, a local spot known for their hearty sandwiches and homemade soups.
  • In the afternoon, take a canal tour through Haarlem to see the city from a unique perspective.
  • Grab dinner at De Adriaan, an elegant restaurant overlooking the river and serving up delicious Dutch cuisine.
  • End the day with a cocktail at Bar Wigbolt, a trendy spot with a great atmosphere and creative drinks.
Day 3

Relaxing and Enjoying Haarlem's vibe

  • Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at Mica Coffee Bar, a cozy café serving up delicious coffee and baked goods.
  • Spend the morning exploring Haarlem's art scene, with a visit to the Museum De Hallen and the ABC Architectuurcentrum.
  • For lunch, check out Het Veerkwartier, a funky outdoor spot with live music and delicious food.
  • Spend the afternoon strolling through one of Haarlem's many parks, such as the beautiful Houtman park or the charming Spaarne river.
  • Dinner at Basq Kitchen, who specialize in Spanish cuisine, and cocktails with a view from the rooftop of Stempels Hotel.
  • Overall, Haarlem is a charming and welcoming city, full of hidden surprises and delightful experiences. Embrace the local lifestyle, take your time, and enjoy every moment.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Haarlem

If you thought Harlem was all about hip-hop and soul food, think again! Haarlem is a charming Dutch city that combines stunning architecture with windmills, canals, and cheese – lots of delicious cheese.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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