22 Amazing Things to Do in Haarlem, Netherlands

Last Updated on November 19, 2025 by Lauren Allen

Looking for the best things to do in Haarlem? Lovely stuff. I recently returned from my third visit and it’s one of my favourite places in the Netherlands.

Despite being just a short train ride from Amsterdam (about 15 minutes to be precise), most people skip Haarlem altogether. Even if they do make the journey, they may not realise how much it has to offer (spoiler alert: quite a lot).

That’s where I come in, I’ve spent days visiting the top attractions, finding hidden gems and learning unique facts about Haarlem. So much so that I know much more than the average tourist. After multiple trips (and countless beers at the Jopen Brewery), I know exactly what is and isn’t worth your time.

Let’s jump right in!

If you don’t have time to read the whole post, here are the VERY best activities in Haarlem ⤵️

• 🍷 Savour cheese and wine as you cruise along the Sparne River
• 🖼️ Visit the Frans Hals Museum with an audio guide
• 🏛️ Check out the Teylers Museum

Disclaimer: This post is part of a collaboration with Iamsterdam. All opinions are my own.

1. Explore the Teylers Museum

If you do just one thing in Haarlem, be sure to visit the Teylers Museum. Dating back to 1784, it’s the oldest museum in the entire country. Impressive, huh?

Not only that, but it has a wide range of items on display from fossils and old coins to paintings, drawings and scientific instruments. The Oval Room is the real showstopper with cabinets filled with rare gemstones and crystals.

You can also see the former home of the founder, Pieter Teyler. This part of the museum is incredibly well-preserved and, in my opinion, an absolute must-see. I spent ages in each room admiring the printed wallpapers, artwork and decorative features. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!

And just in case you didn’t know, you can use the Iamsterdam City Card at the Teylers Museum (and some other museums in Haarlem).

If you ask me, there are SO MANY reasons to travel beyond Amsterdam and see more of the wider regions. Beyond Haarlem, you can also visit stunning tulip gardens, stroll through medieval castles or discover picturesque villages in Old Holland.

2. Visit the Corrie Ten Boom Museum

Just a short walk from the Grote Markt, the Corrie Ten Boom Museum tells the powerful story of the Ten Boom family. In World War Two, they hid Jews in their home above a watch shop.

You can walk through the actual rooms where the family lived, see the tiny hiding place and learn about the courage it took to protect people at such a dangerous time.

Even if history isn’t your cuppa tea, this museum leaves an impression and provides a deeper understanding of Haarlem’s past during the war.

Just make sure you book a few months (yes, months!) in advance. While you can sometimes get lucky booking a few days or weeks ahead, it’s not guaranteed and I’d hate for you to be disappointed.

3. Have a beer inside a former church

If you enjoy a drink in a unique establishment (who doesn’t?), then hitting up the Jopen Brewery is one of the top things to do in Haarlem. Located inside a former church, it’s a quirky spot for a pint, with high ceilings, stained glass windows and a buzzing atmosphere.

I spent a couple of hours here on my first trip to Haarlem a few years ago and I loved it so much, I’ve been back several times since. The staff are always super friendly and they have a good selection of craft beers (Triple To The Tropics is my go-to).

4. Admire art at the Frans Hals Museum

As an artist and textile designer, I’m always on the hunt for fab art galleries in the Netherlands and the Frans Hals Museum is one of them. It’s home to the biggest collection of his works globally, alongside paintings by famous Haarlem artists.

Hals was known for his expressive portraits, which really showcased the personalities of his subjects. He painted everyone from fishermen and civic guards to local drunks.

I like the audio guide, as it’s a great way to see the museum at your own pace and find out more about its most popular paintings. However, you can also take a tour for an extra fee (€90 for up to 15 people).

Fun fact: Frans Hals was actually born in Antwerp, but he moved to Haarlem when he was young.

5. Cruise along the canals

Everyone does canal cruises in Amsterdam, but did you know you can do them in Haarlem, too? There are a few options to choose from, including:

• A cheese and wine cruise
• A boat tour with snacks and drinks
• A canal tour of Haarlem’s highlights in a Luxe Sloepen open boat

I personally went with Luxe Sloepen, who start tours from Windmill De Adriaan every day between March and October. On this particular trip, I visited Haarlem in April and was extremely lucky with the weather.

As we cruised past local sights, the knowledgeable skipper shared interesting facts that were quite a surprise. For example, the borough of Harlem in NYC was named after the Dutch city of Haarlem. How cool is that?

If you’re in Haarlem between November and February, consider booking with Eventsonwater instead, as they run tours all year round. Don’t worry, though, they have covered boats for rainy days.

6. Go on a guided tour of Windmill De Adriaan

Windmill de Adriaan is one of Haarlem’s most iconic landmarks, sitting right along the Spaarne River. Even if you’ve seen plenty of windmills already, this one is worth the stop.

You can only visit on a guided tour that is run by volunteers, who give you in-depth information (and actual demonstrations) into the past, mechanics and engineering of this historical attraction.

If you don’t mind a few steep steps, you can also admire amazing views of Haarlem from the windmill’s platform. In my opinion, this is the highlight, as you can see the city from a whole new perspective. However, I was with my auntie, who is scared of heights and she wasn’t a huge fan, so that’s something to keep in mind.

Top tip: If you’ve opted for the Luxe Sloepen tour, you may as well visit the windmill directly before or after. This is exactly what I did and it helped me make the most of my time in Haarlem.

7. Wander through the Grote Markt

Located in the heart of the city, you’ll end up returning to the Grote Markt again and again without even trying. As the main square, it’s full of beautiful buildings, like the Stadhuis (town hall), Verwey Hall and St. Bavo Church (more on this soon).

You’ll also find countless bars, cafes and restaurants – some of which come well rated, even by Haarlem’s standards.

Hoping for a quiet drink? I absolutely love Proeflokaal In den Uiver. They serve a range of beers, wines, Genevers and more in a low-lit setting, which makes it an ideal spot to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing.

8. Head inside St. Bavo Church

Standing tall over the Grote Markt is St. Bavo Church. It’s striking from the outside, but the interiors are even better. Plus, Mozart (a world-famous composer, in case ya didn’t know) played here when he was just 10 years old.

The church is known for its huge Müller organ, wooden ceiling and stained-glass windows – a nice escape from the hustle and bustle that lies outside. I’m yet to go inside myself, but I plan to make it a priority next time I’m in Haarlem.

9. See Amsterdamse Poort with your own eyes

Back in the day, twelve gates were built in Haarlem to safeguard it from attacks and let people in and out of the city walls. Nowadays, Amsterdamse Poort is the only one still standing. It was built in 1355 (AKA the 14th century), making it one of the oldest landmarks in Haarlem. It’s also incredibly photogenic.

On my most recent trip, I stayed just a few minutes away on foot at Hello I’m Local Boutique Hostel. This made it easy to visit the gate and check it off my Haarlem bucket list.

10. Join a food tour

Haarlem is one of the country’s top culinary hotspots. This makes it a good place to join a food tour. During this particular foodie experience from Feed the Nomads, you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, a beer recipe that’s thousands of years old and even make your own chocolate.

If you’re searching for unique activities in Haarlem, this is up there with the best.

11. Dine at highly-rated establishments

As I’ve said above, Haarlem is known for delicious food and was even named the Gastronomical Capital of the Netherlands in 2019/20. Unsurprisingly, there are tons of well-rated restaurants – including some that have Michelin Stars like ML and Ratatouille Food & Wine.

But it’s not just the restaurants that serve nice food; the cafes are often just as good. I’ve eaten at some fantastic spots in Haarlem. Here are my faves:

• by LIMA
• Rebel Rebel
• TOAST

I can’t wait to go back and try even more.

Top tip: If you have a popular restaurant in mind, book a few weeks (or months) in advance so you don’t miss out.

12. Take a walking tour

Walking tours are a great way to get to know a new destination and Haarlem is ideal for it. The centre is compact, flat and easy to navigate. Just make sure you wear comfy shoes!

Depending on your preference, you can go on a self-guided walk or join VVV Haarlem for a tour with a local expert. The weekly city walk costs just €9.50, but it’s only available in Dutch and on certain days of the week (Friday and Saturday).

If you’d like a tour on a different day or in another language, it costs €115 for a group of up to 14 people. This may seem spenny, but it’s less than €9 per person if you max out the number of participants. This option also gives you the chance to choose your own theme, which makes it much more tailored to your tastes (if you can get everyone to agree, that is).

13. Walk along the Spaarne River

Even if you don’t do a walking tour, you can’t visit Haarlem without at least one stroll along the River Spaarne. You’ll be treated to views of boats drifting by, stunning buildings, the Teylers Museum and Windmill de Adriaan (depending on where you walk to and from).

I’ve done this a few times now and it’s always so nice, especially when the sun is shining.

14. Visit the Museum of the Mind

This thought-provoking attraction is dedicated to the human mind and the power of creativity, making it completely different from any other museum in Haarlem. You’ll find a range of paintings, installations, films, sculptures and much more.

The building itself was once a home for people in crisis, including the elderly, mentally unwell, alcoholics and the homeless. In fact, it has an extremely interesting past. Read more about the history of the Dolhuys on their website.

Back in the capital, Museum of the Mind is one of the most quirky things to see in Amsterdam.

15. Shop for goodies on the Golden Streets

The Golden Streets (Gouden Straatjes) are a must-see for anyone who enjoys browsing independent shops and cute boutiques. They’re absolutely packed with homeware stores, fashion boutiques, handmade crafts and everything in between.

For obvious reasons, you may want to bring some extra cash so you can treat yourself. You deserve it (wink wink).

16. Learn more about Haarlem at the Verwey Museum

If you want to dig deeper into Haarlem’s past, head to the Verwey Museum. Dedicated to the city’s history, culture and notable residents, it’s a fantastic spot to learn more.

It’s not quite as popular as the nearby Frans Hals Museum, but it’s worth adding to your itinerary regardless.

17. Check out the Barrel Organ Museum

The Barrel Organ Museum has got to be one of the most unusual things to do in Haarlem. Run by a group of friendly volunteers, there’s a small collection of decorative organs – one of which dates back to 1900.

It’s completely free, which is good if you’re visiting the Netherlands on a budget. However, it’s only open on Sundays, so you’ll need to time your trip well if you don’t want to miss out!

18. Explore Haarlem train station

As one of the oldest train stations in the country, Haarlem Station boasts gorgeous tile work, Art Nouveau touches and old-fashioned wooden features. If you appreciate design and architecture as much as I do, it really is a must-see. I’ve been through this station many times now and I always end up snapping photos.

19. Visit the Cathedral of St Bavo

Not to be confused with St. Bavo Church, the Cathedral of St Bavo is a huge (and very impressive) structure just outside of the centre. Inside, it’s full of arches, decorative mosaics, colourful murals and plenty of intricate details.

The cathedral was designed by Joseph Cuypers. If that name sounds familiar, I’m not surprised! Joseph was the son of the renowned architect Pierre Cuypers, who designed lots of buildings in the Netherlands, such as the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam Centraal Station and St. Catherine’s Church in Eindhoven.

20. Get lost in Haarlem’s historic Hofjes

Haarlem is famous for its hofjes, which are peaceful little courtyards tucked away behind unassuming doors. They’re such hidden gems that you wouldn’t find them unless you knew where to look.

Luckily, my guide on my most recent Haarlem getaway led the way to Proveniershof, where I was greeted by several resident cats.

But remember that people actually live in these hofjes. Keep your voice down, don’t go snooping and be mindful of how long you linger. As long as you’re respectful, they’re one of the most charming parts of the city.

21. Grab a drink at DeDAKKAS

Fancy a drink (or some food, or both) on top of a multi-storey car park? It may sound odd at first, but an employee at my hotel recommended DeDAKKAS. Obviously, I had to check it out for research purposes.

In addition to panoramic views of Haarlem, they serve good beer, tasty meals and most importantly, bitterballen – my favourite Dutch snack.

I was there early in the evening on a Thursday, but it had quite a relaxed vibe. I imagine it’s buzzing on a Friday or Saturday night.

22. Go on a day trip to Zandvoort

To get out in nature, jump on a quick train (literally about 10 minutes) to Zandvoort. With many things to do in the area, it’s a great place to go on a day trip from Haarlem.

You could just chill on the beach (if it’s hot enough), but for something a bit different, consider getting involved in a Juttersgeluk beach clean-up. Not only does it help the planet, but any plastic you find is then made into upcycled products. It’s an amazing social initiative that brings people together to channel their creativity in an eco-friendly way.

Elsewhere in town, the Zandvoorts Museum is worth a quick stop. It may be small, but it’s packed full of interesting information and exhibits about the area.

Last but by no means least, the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes are just a short drive away from central Zandvoort. Trust me when I say that it should not be skipped. Aside from the countless deer that roam the grounds, you can also visit underground bunkers that were built during the Second World War.

FAQs

Conclusion

As you can see, there are lots of great things to do in Haarlem and you could easily spend several days there. Every time I visit, I discover something new, like a cosy cafe or a hidden gem that most tourists are unaware of. That’s part of Haarlem’s charm and it really is full of surprises.

Whether you’re into art, museums, history, food, shopping or just aimlessly wandering through pretty streets, this place has it all. Have fun!

Need more inspo for your upcoming Netherlands adventure? Check out my list of fab day trips from the Dutch capital.