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 St. Bavo Church 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
ibis Amsterdam Centre
ibis Amsterdam Centre
3 out of 5
Stationsplein 49, Amsterdam
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$4,593 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$4,593
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,098 reviews)
"Ideal for getting around."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

ibis Amsterdam Centre
Dikker & Thijs Hotel
Dikker & Thijs Hotel
4 out of 5
Prinsengracht 444, Amsterdam
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$5,131 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$5,131
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star historic hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"I only stayed one night at this hotel but I wish I would’ve had more nights here! The location is perfect - walking distance to pretty much everything. A little further to the city center where I stayed earlier in The week but definitely walkable. My room had the view of the canal - was lovely to ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

Dikker & Thijs Hotel
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
4 out of 5
Amstel 144, Amsterdam
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$5,424 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$5,424
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (615 reviews)
"Great place to stay, wish the breakfast options offered more fresh cooked food other than the eggs and bacon/sausage. I would definitely come back to stay here!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/17

Eden Hotel Amsterdam
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. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (837 reviews)
"Overall our stay was excellent. We enjoyed having a bar/restaurant right in the building. The room was clean and very spacious despite being a studio. The welcome package of dish tabs and other goodies was a nice touch. Staff was friendly and helpful. The beds were very comfortable . The only negative ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/15

Cityden Zuidas
The July - Boat & Co
The July - Boat & Co
4 out of 5
500 Revaleiland, Amsterdam, NH
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (127 reviews)
"Comfortable bed, friendly, knowledgeable staff and top-notch boutique hotel atmosphere. Will definitely stay again if we return to Amsterdam!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

The July - Boat & Co
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam
3.5 out of 5
Parnassusweg 376, Amsterdam
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified aparthotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Anne Frank House ...
9/10 Wonderful! (59 reviews)
"Our family of four stayed in a spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment for 3 nights. Check-in was fast and straightforward; local government tax was levied upon checkout. Great views of the business district from the apartment. Metro, tram and train just a couple of minutes’ walk from apartment ..."

Reviewed on 2024/2/18

PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam
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

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.