Haarlem Unleashed: A Fun-Filled 4-Day Family Adventure!

Discover the charming canals and endless adventures of Haarlem, the perfect destination for a fun-filled family getaway!

19 July 2023

Haarlem, located just a short distance from Amsterdam, offers a picturesque setting for a family-friendly trip in the Netherlands. With its charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and vibrant markets, Haarlem is perfect for leisurely strolls and exploring. Families can also enjoy visiting kid-friendly museums, such as the Teylers Museum and the Frans Hals Museum, or rent bikes to explore the city's beautiful parks and surrounding tulip fields.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Delightful Discoveries in Haarlem

  • Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at 'Tante Jans' – a charming local café serving fluffy pancakes and tasty Dutch treats.
  • Immerse yourself in art at the Frans Hals Museum, home to exceptional works by the famed Dutch painter and other talented artists.
  • Hop on a bike and pedal through the beautiful streets, exploring the hidden gems and picturesque canals of Haarlem.
  • Savor a delightful lunch at 'Brick', a cozy spot known for its mouthwatering sandwiches and artisanal cheeses.
  • Feel the buzz of the Grote Markt, Haarlem's bustling central square. Take in the stunning St. Bavo's Church and relish a refreshing drink at a terrace café.
  • End your day with a relaxing evening stroll along the tranquil River Spaarne, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and views of historic windmills.
Day 2

A Day of Museums and Local Treats

  • Start the day with a visit to the Corrie ten Boom House, a place that tells the remarkable story of the Ten Boom family during World War II.
  • Discover the intriguing history of Dutch beer at the Jopenkerk brewery, where you can learn, taste, and indulge in their delicious craft brews.
  • Treat yourself to a delectable lunch at 'By Lima', an innovative eatery offering vegetarian and vegan dishes bursting with flavor.
  • Wander through the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands, filled with an eclectic collection of art, natural history, and scientific wonders.
  • Unleash your inner child at the Museum Haarlemmermeer, featuring interactive exhibits, a mini-golf course, and a play area for your little ones.
  • Indulge in a mouthwatering dinner at 'Dodici', an Italian restaurant renowned for its wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta.
Day 3

Explore Haarlem's Neighboring Treasures

  • Embark on a short train ride to the nearby city of Amsterdam and experience the vibrant energy of the capital, from its canals to its world-class museums.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch in the tranquil Vondelpark, a sprawling oasis in Amsterdam where locals and tourists relax, play, and soak in the sun.
  • Delve into the unique charm of Zaanse Schans, a picturesque windmill village just a stone's throw from Haarlem, where time seems to stand still.
  • Discover the enchanting Keukenhof Gardens, a tapestry of vibrant colors and intoxicating scents, showcasing millions of tulips and other blooming flowers.
  • Return to Haarlem and savor a delightful dinner at 'Jopen Proeflokaal Waar?' – a lively taproom offering a wide selection of craft beers and tasty Dutch dishes.
  • Take a relaxing evening stroll through the peaceful Hofjes, hidden courtyards surrounded by quaint almshouses, for a glimpse into Haarlem's past.
Day 4

Unraveling Haarlem's Culinary Secrets

  • Kick-start your day with a visit to the bustling Saturday market, where you can sample a multitude of local delights, from fresh cheeses to herring sandwiches.
  • Immerse yourself in the world of chocolate at 'Van Velze's Chocolaterie', attending a hands-on workshop and creating your own scrumptious treats.
  • Treat your taste buds to an indulgent lunch at 'De Ripper' – a trendy bistro known for its innovative dishes showcasing local and seasonal ingredients.
  • Venture into the playful world of the Teylers Hof Wandelpark, a whimsical sculpture park filled with eccentric and enchanting artworks.
  • Round off your visit with a trip to the historic Molen De Adriaan windmill, providing panoramic views of Haarlem from its top floor.
  • Bid farewell to Haarlem with a delightful dinner at 'Stempels', housed in a renovated printing house and serving delicious European cuisine with a modern twist.

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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