4-Day Haarlem Adventure: City, Beach, & Culture

Discover the charm and beauty of Haarlem, Netherlands.

22 April 2023

Haarlem is a picturesque and historic city in the Netherlands, just a short train ride from Amsterdam. Visitors can spend their time exploring charming streets lined with boutique shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as enjoying a range of cultural attractions such as museums and historic landmarks. Highlights include the picturesque Grote Markt, St. Bavo's Church, and the Frans Hals Museum.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Getting to Know Haarlem

  • Stay at the cozy, centrally located Hotel Rauw
  • Take a walking tour of the historic city center and admire the Gothic cathedral
  • Stop by Jopenkerk, a former church turned atmospheric brewery
  • Grab lunch at Cafe Jetties with its delightful terrace seating
  • Explore the Teylers Museum, one of the oldest museums in the country
  • Take a bike ride along the river Spaarne to spot windmills and soak in the Dutch countryside
Day 2

Art and Music

  • Start the day with a hearty brunch at coffee bar Hupsel
  • Visit the Frans Hals Museum to admire the 17th-century Dutch Masters
  • Attend a concert at the Philharmonie, a stunning concert hall in the heart of Haarlem
  • Take a stroll through the tranquil gardens of Hofjes van Haarlem
  • Experience the city's buzzing nightlife at Club Stalker, a popular nightclub with international DJs
Day 3

Beach Day

  • Take a train to Zandvoort beach, just a 20-minute ride from Haarlem
  • Rent a beach cabana and enjoy a lazy day at the beach
  • Satisfy your hunger with a seafood platter at Ubuntu Beach Club
  • Take a surfing lesson with Surfana Surf School
  • Catch the sunset at the beach bar Tijn Akersloot before heading back to Haarlem
Day 4

City Escapes

  • Visit the Haarlemmerhout, a lush park near the city center perfect for a picnic
  • Take a scenic boat tour of the canals and see Haarlem from a different perspective
  • Discover the city's street art scene on a walking tour with Urban Tour Host
  • Have a traditional Dutch dinner at De Overkant, featuring homemade stews and meat dishes
  • Sip a gin and tonic at Proeflokaal de Adriaan, a cozy bar with a wide selection of gin
  • Haarlem is a hidden gem in the Netherlands, where history, art, and nature come together to create a unique experience. With this itinerary, you'll get to know the city, its culture, and its people, and leave with unforgettable memories.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

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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