Haarlem on a budget: a 4-day adventure!

Discover the charm of Haarlem without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Haarlem, a charming Dutch city, offers a delightful experience on a limited budget. Visitors can explore the quaint streets and the lively market square, Grote Markt, for free. There are also many affordable accommodation and food options available in the city, making it an ideal destination for budget travelers.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Historic Center

  • Check into the budget-friendly Ambassador City Centre Hotel
  • Wander through the charming Grote Markt square
  • Visit the stunning St. Bavokerk church with its towering spire
  • Pop into the Teylers Museum for a dose of art and science
  • Enjoy a cozy dinner at Cafe XO
Day 2

Discovering Haarlem's Parks and Hidden Gems

  • Have a hearty breakfast at Anne & Max café
  • Stroll through the beautiful gardens of Haarlemmerhout park
  • Explore the hidden courtyards of the Begijnhof enclave
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with a Dutch pancake at Kraantje Lek
  • Venture to the lush grounds of the Molenplas lake for a picnic
Day 3

Getting Artsy in Haarlem

  • Fuel up for the day with coffee and croissants at Native Haarlem
  • Visit the Frans Hals Museum to admire the Dutch master's portraits
  • Wander through the De Vishal contemporary art space
  • Take a break for lunch at the charming Hofje Zonder Zorgen
  • Attend a performance at the Philharmonie concert hall
Day 4

Tripping to the Coast and Beyond

  • Board a train to Zandvoort beach for a day of swimming and sunbathing
  • Grab a bite at one of the beachside fish shacks
  • Head back to Haarlem to explore the Jopenkerk brewery and tasting room
  • End your trip with a cozy dinner at the atmospheric Cafe Colette
  • Pack your bags and reminisce on all the charm and beauty of Haarlem as you head home.

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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