A city of remarkable history and culture, Haarlem is just a short hop from Amsterdam but packs a unique punch. With spectacular monuments dating back almost 800 years, such as the Amsterdamse Poort and Sint-Bavokerk, it’s no wonder that so many great artists of the Golden Age wanted to capture its beauty and atmosphere.
Frans Hals, one of the Netherlands’ greatest painters, is celebrated in the Frans Hals Museum (alongside paintings by his peers). Of course, Haarlem has made an impact in more recent times too. Its Jugendstil train station is one of the most beautiful in the country and the city is a bustling hub of great cafés, shops and restaurants.
Just 20 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station
Great shopping and nightlife: from small, quirky boutiques to fantastic concept stores, restaurants, theatres and music venues
Highlights: Grote Kerk, Het Dolhuys, Frans Hals Museum