Haarlem: Historic town with museums and culture

Visitor Fee

• Entry to Haarlem – Free (Public spaces, canals, and streets)
• Museums & Attractions – Prices vary by location
• Frans Hals Museum – €16.50 (Adults), Free (Children under 18)
• Teylers Museum – €14 (Adults), €2 (Children 4-17), Free (Children under 4)
• Molen De Adriaan (Windmill Museum) – €5 (Adults), €2 (Children 5-12), Free (Children under 5)
• St. Bavo Church (Grote Kerk) – €3 (Adults), Free (Children under 12)

Transportation

Haarlem is well-connected and easy to reach:

• By Train – Haarlem Station is 15 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal by train.
• By Bus – Buses connect Haarlem to Amsterdam, Zandvoort, and surrounding towns.
• By Bicycle – A great way to explore, with bike rentals available.
• By Car – Parking is available, but the historic center is best explored on foot or by bike.

Things to Do in Haarlem

1. Visit the Frans Hals Museum – Home to Golden Age masterpieces by Frans Hals and other Dutch painters.
2. Explore the Grote Markt – Haarlem’s historic main square, surrounded by stunning architecture.
3. See the St. Bavo Church (Grote Kerk) – A magnificent medieval church with a famous Müller organ played by Mozart as a child.
4. Walk Along the Spaarne River – Enjoy beautiful canal views and historic buildings.
5. Tour Molen De Adriaan – A historic windmill offering guided tours and city views.
6. Visit Teylers Museum – The oldest museum in the Netherlands, featuring art, fossils, and scientific instruments.
7. Explore Haarlem’s Hofjes (Hidden Courtyards) – Beautiful secluded gardens dating back to the 16th century.
8. Go Shopping on the Golden Streets – Haarlem is known for boutique shops, vintage stores, and Dutch design.
9. Visit the Corrie ten Boom House – A small museum about the Dutch Resistance during WWII.
10. Take a Canal Boat Tour – Discover Haarlem from the water with a relaxing boat tour.

Why People Enjoy Visiting Haarlem

• Historic & Picturesque – A smaller, quieter alternative to Amsterdam with charming canals and Dutch architecture.
• Rich Cultural Scene – Home to world-class museums and historic landmarks.
• Less Touristy Than Amsterdam – Offers an authentic Dutch experience with fewer crowds.
• Great Shopping & Dining – Known for trendy cafés, independent shops, and local markets.
• Close to the Beach – Just a short ride from Zandvoort and Bloemendaal beach.

How Old is This Place?

Haarlem was granted city rights in 1245, making it nearly 800 years old. It was an important trade and art center during the Dutch Golden Age.

List of Activities

• Exploring the Grote Markt & Historic Center
• Visiting the Frans Hals Museum
• Touring St. Bavo Church (Grote Kerk)
• Walking Along the Spaarne River
• Exploring Hidden Hofjes (Courtyards)
• Touring Molen De Adriaan Windmill
• Shopping on Haarlem’s Golden Streets
• Visiting the Teylers Museum
• Taking a Canal Boat Tour
• Visiting the Corrie ten Boom House

Additional Nearby Attractions

1. Zandvoort Beach – A popular seaside resort just 15 minutes from Haarlem.
2. Bloemendaal Beach – Known for beach clubs, nightlife, and nature.
3. Amsterdam – Only 15 minutes away, offering world-famous museums and canals.
4. Keukenhof Gardens – The famous tulip fields (open in spring), about 30 minutes away.
5. National Park Zuid-Kennemerland – A beautiful nature reserve with sand dunes, forests, and wildlife.

Haarlem is a charming, historic city with a relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and those looking for a quieter alternative to Amsterdam!