Experience the Best of Haarlem: 5-day itinerary

Experience the charm of the Netherlands in Haarlem.

22 April 2023

Haarlem is a charming Dutch city known for its beautiful architecture, cultural attractions and vibrant food scene. As a tourist, you can visit historic churches and museums, explore the quaint streets and canals, and indulge in local delicacies such as cheese and beer. Experience the laid-back Dutch lifestyle and immerse yourself in a city full of art and history.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival & Exploration

  • Check in to the cozy Hotel Bloemendaal
  • Wander through the charming streets of Haarlem and admire the historic architecture
  • Visit the Frans Hals Museum to see stunning Dutch paintings from the 17th century
  • Take a break at Gijgaart, a cozy café with delicious coffee and pastries
  • Enjoy a refreshing beer at Jopenkerk, a former church turned brewery
Day 2

Tulip Fields & Windmill

  • Explore the colorful tulip fields in Keukenhof
  • Learn about the history of windmills and their important role in Dutch culture at the Molen de Adriaan
  • Take a leisurely bike ride through the countryside and admire the scenic landscapes
  • Stop at Teylers Museum, one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands
  • Have a taste of traditional Dutch pancakes at native hotspot The Pannekoekenhuis
Day 3

Beach Day

  • Spend a lazy day at Bloemendaal aan Zee, Haarlem's popular beach
  • Ride the waves or simply bask in the sun and watch the kitesurfers
  • Savor fresh seafood at the cozy beachfront restaurant Zomerzorg
  • Take a bike ride along the coast and enjoy the stunning views
  • Grab some snacks and drinks at Strandpaviljoen Parnassia before heading back to the hotel
Day 4

Art & Greenery

  • Visit the contemporary art museum De Hallen
  • Admire the striking architecture of the Haarlem train station, which dates back to the 19th century
  • Take a stroll through the serene gardens of the Hortus Botanicus
  • Have some delicious vegetarian food at DeDAKKAS, a rooftop greenhouse restaurant
  • Visit the Teylers Hofje, a hidden courtyard filled with gardens and historic homes
Day 5

Shopping & Farewell

  • Spend the morning shopping at the charming boutiques and antique shops in the historic center
  • Check out the bustling food market on the Grote Markt and have a taste of street food
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at the inviting restaurant ML, which serves contemporary European cuisine
  • Take a final stroll through the quaint streets of Haarlem and soak up the charming atmosphere
  • Say goodbye to the lovely town and head back home 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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