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• Haarlem

Haarlem Heaven: 5 Days of Budget-Friendly Fun!

Discover Haarlem's charm without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Haarlem is a charming Dutch city only a quick train ride away from Amsterdam, making it a perfect budget-friendly day trip. It's a great place to explore local markets, quaint streets, and picturesque canals. Visitors can enjoy beautiful architecture, historical landmarks, and world-class museums without breaking the bank.

Travel plan

• Check into Hotel Lion d'Or, a budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Haarlem.
• Start the day with a walk through the charming streets of Haarlem, admiring the stunning architecture and picturesque canals.
• Visit the Grote Kerk, a beautiful Gothic cathedral that dominates Haarlem's skyline.
• Head to the Frans Hals Museum to appreciate the works of this famous Dutch painter, who has a special place in Haarlem's art history.
• Grab a bite at Winkel van Sinkel, a cozy café that serves great coffee and yummy cakes.
• End the day at Jopenkerk, a brewery housed in a former church, where you can sample delicious beers while listening to live music.

• Take a train to Keukenhof, the world-famous tulip garden. Admire the colorful fields of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils, and stroll through the park's beautiful landscaped gardens.
• Visit the nearby town of Lisse, where you can learn more about the history and cultivation of these stunning flowers.
• Stop for lunch at De Vier Seizoenen, a traditional Dutch restaurant that serves hearty dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
• In the afternoon, head to Zandvoort beach to soak up the sun and enjoy the sea breeze.
• Try a typical Dutch snack, bitterballen, at De Haven van Zandvoort, a cozy restaurant located just a few meters from the beach.
• End the day watching the sunset while sipping a cocktail at Hippie Fish, a trendy beach club with great views of the North Sea.

• Start the day with a visit to Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands. Admire its beautiful collection of fossils, minerals, and scientific instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Take a stroll through the cozy and colorful Koningstraat, stopping for a coffee or tea at one of the cute little cafés.
• Visit the Dolhuys Museum, dedicated to the history of psychiatry and mental health. Learn about the often-dark past of mental healthcare and discover the stories of people who have struggled with mental illness throughout history.
• Enjoy a lunch of Dutch delicacies like herring and stroopwafels at In 't Goede Uur, a cozy café that serves fresh, homemade food.
• Visit the Vishal, a contemporary art gallery housed in a former fish market. Check out the latest exhibitions of local artists and enjoy the modern and inspiring atmosphere.
• End the day with a delicious dinner at Café Colette, a French-style restaurant with a charming patio and a great wine selection.

• Start the day with a train ride to Amsterdam, the bustling capital of the Netherlands. Visit the Van Gogh Museum, where you can admire some of the artist's most famous works, including The Starry Night and Sunflowers.
• Take a walk through the Jordaan, one of Amsterdam's most charming neighborhoods, full of stylish boutiques, trendy cafés, and quirky galleries.
• Stop for lunch at De Kas, a restaurant housed in a greenhouse that uses fresh, organic ingredients from its own gardens.
• Visit the Anne Frank House, where you can learn about the life of this young Jewish girl and her family during World War II.
• Stroll through the Vondelpark, Amsterdam's largest park, and enjoy the lush greenery and beautiful ponds.
• End the day with a classic Dutch dinner at Restaurant Haesje Claes, where you can try local specialties like meatballs and pot roast.

• Start the day with a breakfast at By Lima, a cozy café that serves fresh, healthy food, including tasty vegan and vegetarian options.
• Take a walk through the Begijnhof, a hidden courtyard that dates back to the 14th century and is full of charming houses and a historic church.
• Visit the Byo-rei, a small contemporary art gallery that showcases works by up-and-coming artists.
• Explore the Kleverpark, a charming neighborhood full of quirky shops, stylish cafés, and beautiful boutique hotels.
• Enjoy a lunch of delicious sandwiches and salads at Homemade, a cozy café that serves fresh, homemade food and has a great selection of teas and coffees.
• In the afternoon, visit the Haarlemmerhout, Haarlem's largest park, where you can stroll through the forest, relax by the ponds, and admire the beautiful sculptures and monuments.
• End the day with a dinner of Dutch and international dishes at De Uiver, a cozy restaurant with a great atmosphere and live music.