24 hours in Haarlem: explore like a local

Day 1

Question everything you know at Het Dolhuys

From 10:00 to 11:00 

A former mental health institute and sick house now transformed into a fascinating museum, Museum van de Geest | Het Dolhuys aims to explore the people who lived on the fringes of society, whether they wanted to or not. Delving into the minds and motivations of artists, writers and scientists who dealt with disabilities or mental illness, such as Edvard Munch - painter of ‘The Scream’ - and Vincent van Gogh.

Peddle through the city on two wheels

From 11:00 to 13:00

For those pressed for time, one of the best ways to explore everything Haarlem has to offer is the Dutch way: on two wheels. There are various locations in both Haarlem and Amsterdam where you can rent bikes, and this Authentic Haarlem cycle route showcases the best of the city, including Teylers Museum, Grote Markt, and more. Make a stop at the City Hall cellars to learn more about the city. You will find several artefacts on show, as well as short movies on the construction of the imposing Sint-Baafskerk church, built in 1520.

Head to the Grote Markt and Grote Kerk

Haarlem’s main square, Grote Markt, is the city’s beating heart, with charming cafés, bars and restaurants that all offer a brilliant place to relax and people watch. A farmers’ market brimming with fresh foods and flowers pops up in the expansive square every Saturday. While visiting Grote Markt, you can’t miss the imposing Grote Kerk, Haarlem’s gothic cathedral, which was first built in the 14th century. The building’s turbulent history has seen it damaged by fire and struck by lightning, but a look inside (and out) will show that it’s still as magnificent as ever. Several famous Haarlemmers, including Frans Hals and Willem Bilderdijk, are also interred here.

Eat lunch at Meneer Frans

From 13:30 to 14:30

Located in the heart of Haarlem, Meneer Frans offers you the chance to enjoy a bit of theatre while enjoying a coffee or lunch. That’s because this quirky restaurant features various themed rooms, each offering a unique ambience. There's the ladies’ room, which celebrates 18th-century style, or another with a large metallic wall and industrial elements.

Unwind in a lush park

From 14:30 to 16:00

If you want to relax in one of Haarlem’s most picturesque green spaces, take your own food and enjoy a picnic in De Haarlemmerhout park, the oldest green monument in the Netherlands. Located at the park's edge, the beautiful neoclassical Paviljoen Welgelegen has been the seat of the provincial government since 1930. Walk around this 60-acre park and discover deer, a petting zoo and a tearoom.

De Koepel

From 16:30 to 18:30

The recently renovated De Koepel used to be be a prison. Now, it’s a centre of the community where culture, business and education mingle under its Dome. You’ll find the Filmkoepel, coworking spaces, local market events, and much more. You can tour the circular building and see how it used to function in the past, visit one of the prison cells and experience the unique architecture of the building for yourself.

Rest your head

There are plenty of options for a comfortable and affordable overnight stay in Haarlem. From trendy hostels like Hello I'm Local or boutique hotels such as the MAF Haarlem, you’ll be spoilt for choice with places to rest your head.

Day 2

Learn about the Ten Boom family

From 10:00 to 11:00

Next, head to the Corrie ten Boomhuis. During World War II, the Ten Boom family provided a hiding place for Jewish people and members of the resistance in their home. The family was betrayed, imprisoned and deported to concentration camps – only Corrie survived. The house is now a museum, the majority of which recreates how it would have looked in the 1940s.

Find Haarlem's last remaining city gate

From 11:30 to 12:00

Just beyond the city centre, you’ll find the historic Amsterdamse Poort city gate. This lone surviving gate used to be a part of the city wall that defended Haarlem. Built in 1486, it marked the road from Amsterdam to Haarlem, and was once one of fourteen city gates that welcomed the guests and guarded the inhabitants.

Refuel at Teds Haarlem

From 12:00 to 13:00

There's nothing so pleasant as settling into a cafe for a delectable lunch with a view of the water. Teds is a well-known local chain of brunch restaurants with good service, an all-day brunch menu and a cozy atmosphere. Grab a plate of Eggs Benedict or a generous serving of waffles and enjoy.

Delve into Haarlem's history

From 13:00 to 15:00

Discover Haarlem’s 1000 years of history in the Verwey Museum’s permanent exhibition. The city’s story is told through the eyes of Haarlem residents throughout the ages. The museum also features works by local modern artists through seasonal exhibits.

Take in a show at Schuur

End your day in Haarlem by catching a show at one of the city’s numerous cultural venues. No matter your proficiency in the Dutch language, Schuur usually has something for everybody, including language-no-problem shows that focus on either dance, comedy, music or film.

Dine out with style

Haarlem has a wealth of great restaurants, so spend your evening in the city enjoying some delicious food.

Pressed for time? Check out these 6 and 12-hour guides to maximise your time in the city.