Haarlem: A Day of Culture, Cuisine & Charm

Experience Dutch charm and beauty in the historic city of Haarlem.

22 April 2023

Haarlem, a small, picturesque city in the Netherlands, offers visitors a chance to experience its rich culture and history. Tourists can enjoy a leisurely stroll through its charming streets lined with beautiful, traditional architecture, and explore its many museums, such as the Frans Hals Museum or the Teylers Museum. A visit to Haarlem is not complete without trying some local delicacies like herring or stroopwafels, and enjoying a drink at one of the city's cozy cafes or bars.

Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring the Hidden Gems of Haarlem

  • Start your day with a coffee at Hofje Zonder Zorgen, a cozy café hidden in the city center’s narrow alleys.
  • Take a stroll to the Jopenkerk brewery, a former church converted to a lively hangout with craft beers on tap and a lively atmosphere.
  • Visit the Frans Hals Museum, an art lover’s delight that showcases the works of the Dutch Golden Age painter, alongside a host of other masterpieces.
  • Treat yourself to lunch at De Dakkas, a trendy rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city.
  • Head over to the Teylers Museum, an exquisite museum filled with art, science, and history exhibits that are sure to delight and educate.
  • Cap off the day with a dinner at Basic Italian, Restaurant which is great for vegans and non-vegans. Their authentic pizzas and pastas will leave you full and extremely satisfied.
  • There is so much to do and see in Haarlem, a day hardly seems like enough! But, with this itinerary, you’re sure to see Haarlem's hidden gems and taste its culinary offerings.

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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