Haarlem

Travel Guide
Haarlem featuring a river or creek and boating
Relax on a scenic beach after exploring churches, markets and intriguing museums in this tulip-filled land in northwest Netherlands.

Haarlem is a quaint city on the River Spaarne near the northwest coast of the Netherlands. Perhaps the most recognizable center of tulips in the country, it has an intriguing past. Haarlem passed through Spanish and French rule during the Middle Ages. The architecture is varied, reflecting the blend of influences over the centuries.

Visit the Cathedral of St. Bavo, one of Haarlem’s most well-known churches. Explore remnants from its Catholic past in the museum inside the building. Outside are headstones of royalty and celebrities from the 13th century. Admire the gothic design of the Grote Kerk, a church dating back to the 1300s. Locate its 18th-century organ, one of the largest in the world.

The church is located in the city’s central square, Grote Markt. Haggle with vendors for flowers, fabrics and food in the twice-weekly market. Marvel at fascinating historical buildings, including the church and the 14th-century city hall, known as the Stadhuis. Remarkable works of art hang on the walls of the building.

Take a tour of the Corrie Ten Boomhuis, the house-turned-museum of a Dutch Christian who sheltered Jews during World War II. The house appears just as it did in the 1940s. Discover the hidden room behind a false wall in a bedroom.

Explore revered works of art in the 20th-century Frans Hals Museum. See the collection by the 17th-century artist after whom the site is named. The building itself has an elegant brick façade.

Learn about scientific discoveries and cultural changes over the last few centuries in Haarlem in the Teylers Museum, which opened in 1784.

Make a relaxing trip to Zandvoort Beach. Stroll along miles of warm sand and take a refreshing dip in the sea.

Haarlem was founded in the 13th century. It now incorporates the former city of Schoten and other surrounding regions. The area enjoys warm summers and mild to cool winters.If you’re visiting Amsterdam, take a side trip to lovely Haarlem, just 12 miles (19.3 kilometers) west.

Where to stay in Haarlem

Haarlem featuring street scenes

Centrum

5/5(28 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Centrum, Grote Markt and Corrie ten Boom House are top sights worth seeing.

Centrum
Alkmaar - North-Kennemerland featuring street scenes and a river or creek

Stationsbuurt

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

While visiting Stationsbuurt, you might make a stop by sights like Hofje van Staats and Tmall History Museum.

Stationsbuurt
citizenM Schiphol Airport
citizenM Schiphol Airport
4 out of 5
Jan Plezierweg 2, Schiphol
The price is ¥19,828 per night from May 26 to May 27
¥19,828
per night
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Schiphol. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,130 reviews)
"We need a place near airport. This hotel works prefect for us, just a few minutes walk to the airport. Room is small but tidy with all smart controls, which is cool. The commonn areas are decorated tastefully. The bar has decent food choices. But airport has plenty of restaurants."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

citizenM Schiphol Airport
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
4 out of 5
Amstel 144, Amsterdam
The price is ¥28,554 per night from May 21 to May 22
¥28,554
per night
May 21 - May 22
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (700 reviews)
"The staff was excellent; always available & helpful especially with dinner reservations. Rooms are clean but small & bathrooms lack shelving; we managed; bed is comfy. Great location. Overall a wonderful stay"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Eden Hotel Amsterdam
ibis Amsterdam Centre
ibis Amsterdam Centre
3 out of 5
Stationsplein 49, Amsterdam
The price is ¥19,856 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥19,856
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,176 reviews)
"utilitarian, small functional rooms, limited amenities, good for a work or traveler with simple needs, my spouse hated it but that’s typical. Location is why you pick it, 2 minutes to train, 5 to shop or RLD. I’d stay again but wife wouldn’t. A coffee machine in room would really be nice though."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

ibis Amsterdam Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cityden Zuidas
Cityden Zuidas
4 out of 5
Professor J.H. Bavincklaan 3, Amstelveen
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Amstelveen. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (855 reviews)
"CityDen offers a great accomodation within 20 minutes from the tourist destinations within Amsterdam. I would definitely return to the aparthotel if I return back with the family."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Cityden Zuidas
Nice and comfortable house Haarlem south
Nice and comfortable house Haarlem south
Haarlem
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Haarlem. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and balconies. Popular attractions Circuit Park Zandvoort and Zandvoort Beach are ...
8/10 Very Good! (107 reviews)
Haarlem
"The host was very good with communication, very responsive and helpful and met with us on our arrival."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Nice and comfortable house Haarlem south
Amsterdam ID Aparthotel
Amsterdam ID Aparthotel
3 out of 5
Naritaweg 51, Amsterdam
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Anne Frank House and Leidseplein ...
9/10 Wonderful! (801 reviews)
"Nice and clean hotel with very good facilities like a gym and pool table. Located within a few stops for the airport and has good access to public transport to the city centre. The hotel staff team were excellent and very responsive to any queries."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2024

Amsterdam ID Aparthotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Haarlem

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
43
" "5 - Excellent 75.43859649122807%
4 - Good
12
" "4 - Good 21.05263157894737%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 3.508771929824561%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Melanie
Jan 26, 2020

Haarlem had a lot a great, friendly vibe. It looks a lot like Amsterdam but it’s not as busy. Great shops and restaurants

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 8, 2020

Only stayed one night, would love to spend a week in this beautiful little town!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Nov 21, 2019

Your location are not situated in Haarlem!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Tammy
Oct 19, 2019

Lovely little town with lots of history and culture.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 13, 2019

The Teyler Museum and the Frans Hals Museums were excellent.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 24, 2019

My first time in Haarlem and loved it. If I get another chance I would go back. Also Amsterdam, who wouldn’t like these two places? I loved all the little streets in Haarlem winding in and out.

Cities near Haarlem