So, you’ve managed to find your way to Haarlem, Netherlands, otherwise known as ‘little Amsterdam’. However, now that you’ve landed in the picturesque streets, you’re likely wondering: what can I do in Haarlem? 

You’re in luck, as the centuries-old city has heaps to offer. As the second-largest city in North Holland, these canals and winding streets are chock-full of history, culture, and intrigue! 

Here are the top things to do in Haarlem!

No time? Jump to an activity below!

• 1. Take a shopping trip along the Grote Houtstraat in Haarlem
• 2. Hop on an inspiring cruise of Haarlem along the Spaarn 
• 3. Take a trip to the Netherlands’ oldest museum 
• 4. Visit the Corrie Ten Boom house to uncover a Dutch WWII icon
• 5. Watch a movie in a converted prison in Haarlem
• 6. Visit Haarlem’s Museum Van de Geest
• 7. Take a (free!) walking tour around Haarlem
• 8. Wander the Grote Markt in Haarlem
• 9. Learn about the history of iconic Dutch windmills at Molen de Adriaan 
• 10. Play a game of cards at the Boardroom Café in Haarlem
• 11. Visit Haarlem’s engaging Museum de Cruquius
• 12. Visit the St. Bavokerk in Haarlem Centre
• 13. Take a calming stroll through Haarlemmerhout
• 14. Visit Haarlem’s epic Frans Hals Museum 
• 15. Travel back to the 13th century at Brederode Castle in Haarlem
• 16. Catch a fabulous harmony at Haarlem’s Philharmonie
• 17. Take a cycle out to Bloemendaal Aan Zee beach in Haarlem
• 18. Check out the architectural wonder that is the Cathedral of St. Bavo

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1. Take a shopping trip along the Grote Houtstraat in Haarlem

If you’re in the mood to spend an afternoon shopping the sales, a trip down Haarlem’s Grote Houtstraat is just the thing! 

Grote Houtstraat is one of the Netherlands’ longest (and oldest) shopping streets. Originally referred to as just ‘houtstraat’ (Wood Street), this now bustling area was initially the major road leading from Haarlem’s city square to the forest.

Take a pit stop at one of the many high street stores, or grab a latte at Barista Cafe and sip away while you watch shoppers migrate along the street.

READ MORE | Why I love Haarlem: a local’s guide to the Spaarnestad

But remember; park your bike before you hit the street, as the Grote Houtstraat is foot traffic only.

2. Hop on an inspiring cruise of Haarlem along the Spaarn 

Another amazing thing to do in Haarlem; jump on a boat and watch the city glide by from the comfort of the Spaarne River. 

Running all through Haarlem, Heemstede, and Spaarndam, this river is perfect for spending an hour or two watching the sights. From the tall Dutch buildings to even the ducks swimming along the banks, there’s so much to see.

You can usually catch a boat in the centre of Haarlem, and there are a variety of ways to cruise and enjoy. You can take a public cruise from around €18.50 per person or splurge on a private boat with a captain for around €180.

READ MORE | Renting a boat in the Netherlands: all you need to know

3. Take a trip to the Netherlands’ oldest museum 

If you’re looking to spend an afternoon invested in a museum full of culture, art, and beautiful galleries that will leave you breathless, take a trip to Teyler’s Museum, Haarlem. 

READ MORE | 16 Haarlem museums that are well worth a visit

Living up to its reputation as the Netherlands’ oldest museum, the astoundingly old building has been open to the curious since 1784. 

With art exhibitions and lots of family-friendly stuff to bring the kids along to, you’re sure to spend a vibrant day at Teyler’s.

4. Visit the Corrie Ten Boom house to uncover a Dutch WWII icon

Haarlem’s version of the Anne Frank Museum, the Corrie Ten Boom house tells the story of a family that helped to hide fugitives during World War II. 

The Ten Boom family originally owned a watch shop, and lived in the rooms above the store but they, and the house, became a safe haven for fugitives. 

Corrie Ten Boom, who hid fugitives behind a false wall in her bedroom, miraculously survived the war after being arrested and brought to a concentration camp. The museum is named after her as she was the only family member to survive the war. 

The house has now been converted into an exhibition and museum, telling the story of the Ten Boom family and the people they saved. 

5. Watch a movie in a converted prison in Haarlem

Yes, you heard that right. Here in our beloved town of Haarlem, you can, in fact, catch a screening of the latest film in the basement of a converted prison at De Koepel!

The prison was converted back in 2016 into housing for asylum seekers in the Netherlands. Today, the building houses an impressive cinema, coworking spaces, a café, a mini arcade, and even escape rooms!

One of the best things to do in Haarlem on a rainy day? Go for the cinema, and stay for the view of old prison cells while you sip a coffee and dissect the themes of the movie you just saw.

6. Visit Haarlem’s Museum Van de Geest

Awarded the title of European Museum of the Year 2022, this museum hosts an array of interesting exhibitions focused on artwork about the human mind. 

They also offer a low-stimulus museum visit, for visitors who can become overwhelmed by loud music and bright lights. This is a great adjustment for autistic or disabled persons visiting the museum as they can experience the history and artwork without feeling overwhelmed. 

7. Take a (free!) walking tour around Haarlem

Yes, you read that right. In our dear city of Haarlem, you can, in fact, go on a free walking tour and explore the sights on foot.

READ MORE | 10 things you’ll notice your first week in the Netherlands

Meeting at the Grote Markt, the tours take off on Fridays and Saturdays and are a perfect opportunity for those of us with tight wallets to enjoy some well-deserved sightseeing in Haarlem. Enjoyed the tour? It’s nice to give the tour guide a tip so they can continue to run them in the future.

There are a few companies who organise tours around the city, and they usually last approximately two hours, bringing visitors around major sights such as the Grote Markt, the Molen de Adriaan, and telling the history of Frans Hals. 

Not feeling like walking? Take a Haarlem Highlights tour with the Dutch’s favourite mode of transport: bike!

8. Wander the Grote Markt in Haarlem

For the authentic Dutch shopping experience, take a visit to the Grote Markt on a Monday or Saturday. Shop the small businesses and pop-up shops and find some well-deserved treats!

READ MORE | The 18 best street markets in Amsterdam: the ultimate guide

Located just steps away from St. Bavokerk, and a five-minute walk from the Grote Houtstraat, you can easily plan a day of fun activities if you start in the cultural centre of Haarlem city.

You can sample some delicious cheese, deli items, and chow down Dutch foods like kibbeling, stroopwafels, or poffertjes. 

9. Learn about the history of iconic Dutch windmills at Molen de Adriaan 

For most tourists in the Netherlands, the windmill is an object of curiosity. If you want to take a peek inside a real, working windmill, the Molen de Adriaan is the place to be. 

This family-friendly museum is situated along the Spaarne, and makes for a great activity if you’re looking for something to do in Haarlem on a colder Dutch day.

READ MORE | 7 great windmills to visit in the Netherlands

There are loads of models and installations for those visual learners, and you can take a guided tour that will make you a windmill expert! 

10. Play a game of cards at the Boardroom Café in Haarlem

In the mood for a bit of competitive Dutch Monopoly, where you can own the miniature Grote Houtstraat, or want to test the strength of your friendship with UNO? Take a visit to the Boardroom Café! 

Only a few minute’s walk from Haarlem Station, you’ll find this lovely café situated in South Haarlem. You can not just purchase games to bring home, but you can also sit and play for hours with your mates.

Practise a bit of Dutch (helaas pindakaas!) and make sure you’ve got those cards hidden up your sleeve.

11. Visit Haarlem’s engaging Museum de Cruquius

A visit to the Museum de Cruquius is a top recommendation when looking for things to do in Haarlem. 

The museum occupies an old pumping station along the Spaarne, offering a more than immersive experience into the history of the reclaimed land that most of the Netherlands is built on — a.k.a, polders!  

This museum is accessible for the family with children’s tours on offer. Of course, there’s also plenty to intrigue adults, as the museum also offers a theatrical retelling (with actors!) of the history of Nicolaus Cruquius, after whom the museum is named. 

12. Visit the St. Bavokerk in Haarlem Centre

This mammoth church is a casual hundreds of years old, after being constructed between 1370-1400. With a huge tower that once served as a fire watch and an impressive clock, the exterior of this church will leave you with the impression of being a very small fish in a very big pond.

A lovely aspect of this historical church is that visitors can catch a free concert, performed by young artists and musicians in the area. Donations are always welcome at the concerts, which take place twice weekly on Tuesday evenings and Thursday afternoons. 

While the church is open Monday to Saturday for visitors and worshippers alike, it’s only on Saturdays that one can take a tour of the church — and learn about its rich history! 

13. Take a calming stroll through Haarlemmerhout

This park, with huge forest or woodlands vibes, is the oldest in the Netherlands and offers ample chance for a relaxing family outing or a romantic couple getaway. 

You can watch the changing seasons as you wander through the woodlands, and admire the orange of autumn and the silver of Dutch winter. It’s a truly magical place if you’re looking to let thoughts wander. 

With a café on site, you can even choose to have some fanciful afternoon tea and live out your dreams of royalty. 

14. Visit Haarlem’s epic Frans Hals Museum 

If you’re an art nut, looking for something to do in Haarlem, the Frans Hals Museum is the place to be! There, you can gaze in awe and wonder at the numerous art exhibitions, and really take your time in appreciating the craftsmanship. 

The museum boasts collections of art from the 17th century, as well as more contemporary pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries. 

The museum is split into two locations; HOF, where you will find the older collections, and HAL, where you can find the more modern art. 

There are separate tickets for each, and you can get access to both parts of the museum for the same price if you use the discount code given on the website.

15. Travel back to the 13th century at Brederode Castle in Haarlem

Located in downtown Haarlem, you’ll need to take a short cycle, bus ride, or drive to visit the incredible Brederode Castle.

READ MORE | Public transport in the Netherlands: the complete guide

However, we promise it’s worth it: the castle boasts an amazing moat and drawbridge, so you can really live your fairytale dreams while you wander the grounds and imagine what life might have been like nearly 900 years ago. 

There are also guided tours with actors who bring the history of the castle to life to really bring you back in time.

16. Catch a fabulous harmony at Haarlem’s Philharmonie

The Philharmonie is the place to be in Haarlem if you’re an orchestra fan. Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky; you name it, you can find it!  

A wondrous 19th-century venue, this theatre has five different halls. That’s more than enough space for a range of performances!

If you’re lucky, you might just catch the Dutch Philharmonic Orchestra or the Dutch Chamber Orchestra pumping out some sweet tunes. 

17. Take a cycle out to Bloemendaal Aan Zee beach in Haarlem

If you’re looking for a break from the cityscapes (though we’re not sure why, when Haarlem is so stunning!), we can only suggest Bloemendaal Aan Zee Beach. 

About a 25-minute cycle from the centre of Haarlem, here you can live out your sea-faring dreams. Beautiful in the Dutch summer heat, this beach is also perfect for returning to nature in winter and experiencing the Dutch art of uitwaaien.

While there, why don’t you reminisce on the flatness of the Netherlands and the lack of cliffsides?

18. Check out the architectural wonder that is the Cathedral of St. Bavo

Oh, so you’re a bit of an architecture nerd like us, huh? Well, there’s something for you to do in Haarlem too.

The Cathedral of St. Bavo, also known as the Koepel Kathedraal, in Haarlem has much to offer. Built in 1853, this church offers neo-romanesque style architecture, with influences from Byzantine and Art Nouveau styles. 

Not only is the massive cathedral a wonder to look at, but it also has a rich history. Built as a replacement for St. Bavokerk when the church was converted to Protestantism, this Roman Catholic church hosts choir recitals and an organ that could only be a musician’s dream.

There are so many things to do in Haarlem, from museums to castles to parks. There’s something for nearly everyone in little Amsterdam, so give the city a chance and explore for a day or two! 

Will you be visiting Haarlem? If so, where will you be headed first? Tell us in a comment below! 

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in October 2022, and was fully updated in August 2023 for your reading pleasure.

No matter how many times I tell my friends I live in Haarlem, every time we chat, they ask — “So how is life in Amsterdam?” Haarlem, people, Haarlem! Trust me, there is so much more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam. 

We stumbled upon the Spaarnestad (city on the river Spaarne) one sunny, summery Saturday morning. With its bustling market and happy, chatty people wandering and cycling all across its cobbled streets, Haarlem cast a bit of her magic on us.

So, in mid-2018, we made Haarlem our home, and we have no regrets.  

It’s well-connected for travel

Haarlem is the capital of Noord-Holland and it will take you about 20 minutes to reach by train from Amsterdam. With something like 148 trains per day, though, it is an easy commute.

From Haarlem, you can wiggle your toes on the beach in less than 30 minutes, depending on your mode of transport and choice of the coastal stretch.  Oh yes, you actually have a choice.

If you wish to work outside of Haarlem, the commute to Leiden, Den Haag, Rotterdam, and Utrecht takes at most an hour, with excellent public transport links.

For any international journeys, you can be checked into your flight at Schiphol in under 30 minutes — if you go to the airport by car, that is. 

It boasts idyllic nature and quaint streets

This charming city is, of course, the gateway for visiting the tulip fields and Keukenhof during the flower season in spring.

READ MORE | The Dutch and tulips: how did tulips in the Netherlands become a thing?

Moreover, then the river Spaarne runs languidly through Haarlem. During the summer months, evening picnics on its banks and borrel cruises on its waters are a common sight.

Not so much during wintertime, but let’s not spoil this idyllic scene with a discussion on the Dutch weather!

The city of Haarlem dates back to 1245. No surprise that it is an aesthetically pleasing and historic little city with narrow cobbled streets, hofjes, green spaces, and its pièce de résistance — the St. Bavo Kerk (Church St. Bavo) on Grote Markt (Central Square).

Not to be confused with the St. Bavo Cathedral, though, which is an equally imposing grand lady with her ornate copper dome.

With its weekly markets, Grote Markt is the heart of the city. It is also where many exciting annual events take place, such as the Bloemencorso (flower parade), Haarlem Jazz & More, Haarlem Cullinaire, and Haarlemse Stripdage. The smaller Botermarkt offers a variety of weekly markets.  

READ MORE | 16 Haarlem museums that are well worth a visit

I often hear Haarlem described as a little city. As it is one of the most densely inhabited metropolitan areas in Europe, this reference is more of an interpretation of its village-like vibe than its populace.

It has a diverse demographic and language

Around 67% of Haarlem’s residents are Dutch, although the international community is steadily growing.

Compared to Amsterdam, Haarlem may come across as a bit of a sleepy hollow and, in all fairness, is not as diverse, colourful, or quirky and edgy as the Dutch capital.

However, Haarlem is often called little Amsterdam, which I feel undermines the unique and pleasant character of my hometown.  

READ MORE | 21 beautiful towns in the Netherlands that aren’t Amsterdam

Like most of the Netherlands, it is easy to get by in English, but if you want to integrate more and speak Dutch this is the perfect place to learn.

Dutch, spoken in Haarlem, is called Algemeen Beschaafd Nederlands (general decent Dutch) or ABN for short. ABN simply means it is one of the easiest Dutch accents to understand — leuk!

It’s bursting with culture and activities

After living here for a while, I’ve come to appreciate the various cultural and entertainment activities on offer.

For theatre and music, there is the Stadschouwburg & Philharmonie (municipal theatre and philharmonic), as well as the theatre & film house called Toneelschuur & Filmschuur.

On the other hand, De Pletterij offers more fringe music and serious debates.

I cannot refer to De Pletterij without noting their neighbour, De Werelkeuken. Here, the chefs are new Haarlemmers. They offer their guests a unique experience of world cuisine and little tastes of the homes they left behind.

READ MORE | 18 charming things to do in Haarlem

Music and Comedy

Quite a few pubs and cafés in Haarlem have a live music line-up. Both the Haarlem Comedy Club and the Haarlem Comedy Factory will tickle your funny bone with a varied bill of Dutch and international comedians. 

This little city also hosts many significant events such as De Houtfestival (which I love due to its family-friendly and green vibe) and the massive Bevrijdingspop.

One of my favourite food festivals in Haarlem is Proefpark in August — a delicious, family-friendly foodie’s delight.

It’s family-friendly

Haarlem is a family-friendly city. There is certainly no scarcity when it comes to clubs and events for children.

Websites and applications such as Kidsproof Haarlem and Mugjes are brilliant resources, both for weekly events but also for ongoing clubs or groups.

One of my favourite autumn events is the Lichtjestocht, which takes place in October in the national park Zuid-Kennemerland. You amble through the dunes after sunset, with only lanterns (battery-operated ones for safety, of course) to guide the way.

Not that I want to mention the weather again, but on those cold, rainy days, Haarlem offers a wide choice of museums and art galleries to peruse.

Not that it has to be rotten weather to visit any of these cultural beauties, but you know, when the sun is ‘a -shinin’, I am ‘a-playin’ outside.

It has shops to drop for

Haarlem is ‘the place to shop’ with its extensive range of big brands and quirky independent shops, especially the Goude Straatjes (Little Golden Streets).

Speaking of independent shops, there are a few shop owners known for their eccentric natures, making it quite the experience to enter their world. Every Thursday, there is a koopavond (shopping evening) when many shops are open till 9 PM. 

Ten minutes walk from the station, and you are in one of the longest retail streets in the Netherlands. Generaal Cronjé Straat, or the Cronjé, as it is affectionately known by the locals, offers a retro shopping experience.

It has the best coffee and dining scene

Haarlem is proud of its gastronomical flair and diverse cuisine choices — from cosy cafés to hip coffee bars to romantic and family-friendly restaurants and even fine dining, the list of great eateries is far too long to review here and can only be done justice in another focused write-up.

Being a bit of a coffee snob, I am spoiled for choice.

My vote of where to go for the best coffee in Haarlem is Native, Ax Speciality Coffee, Cleeff, Mogador, Mica Coffee Bar, By Lima, and Het Koffie Kantoor. But this is also a topic that’s definitely worth a whole article on its own!

It’s a stone’s throw from beaches

Haarlem’s proximity to the beaches is a big drawing card. Whether you cycle or take the train, numerous beaches are easily reachable from Haarlem.

To get to Zandvoort aan Zee, jump on bus 80 or take the train, which goes every 30 minutes. 

Bloemendaal aan Zee is another great option and can also be reached within 20 minutes with bus 81. As a Haarlemmer, my personal favourite is Parnassia aan Zee, which can be easily reached by bike or car. 

READ MORE | Best beaches in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide to Dutch beaches

Alternatively, a 12-minute cycle south of Zandvoort aan Zee, and a big climb up a dune, there’s also Zuidstrand 7 — a nudist beach. While not a nudist myself, I prefer Zuidstrand 7 for its tranquillity and serenity. It also boasts the wonderfully unconventional and cosy strandpaviljoen, Fosfor.

Here, we’ve spent many happy hours swinging in the hanging chair, sipping on cocktails, and nibbling delicious bites.  

It offers a choice of nature hotspots

Haarlem’s national park Zuid-Kennemerland offers superb choices for the nature lover, the runner, the hiker, and the cyclist alike.

Spending time at the small inland lakes and recreational areas such as ‘t Wed, Westbroekplas, Meerwijkplas, Veerplas, and Molenplas is a must, especially with children.

On the banks of Veerplas is the cheerful Het Veerkwartier. A delightful café with a variety of events on offer.

Additionally, Haarlem boasts two luscious urban forests, De Haarlemmerhout and Elswout.

De Hout is where we spend hours exploring the Netherlands’ oldest urban forest, while Elswout is a great place to check out a wonderful children’s theatre. 

READ MORE | Hiking in the Netherlands: 4 myths, busted

A short bike ride south of Haarlem and you reach the magical Wandelbos Groenendaal with a kinderboerderij (petting farm) and a large speeltuin (playground).

Speaking of speeltuinen, parents are spoilt with choice, with lovely playgrounds dotted all over Haarlem. 

Have you visited Haarlem? Tell us what you love about it in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in June 2020, and was fully updated in March 2023 for your reading pleasure.

Haarlem, for its size, has a fair amount of museums to browse, and after months of museums being forced to close, we’re sure that you’re dancing in your seat to soak up some culture yet again.

If you haven’t explored the stunning city of Haarlem yet, it may be just the place for you to scratch that museum itch — after all, there are stacks of great museums that are filled with collections for you to visit!

Here are 16 (yes, that’s what we could narrow it down to!) that are some of the best.

1. The Teylers Museum

Even if you visit the Teylers Museum only to admire its architecture, it will be well worth it.

This museum is the oldest in the Netherlands, built for purpose, and has been open continuously since 1784 to the public, (bar of course during the COVID-19 lockdown). The oldest part, The Oval Room, was built adjoining the Foundation House; home to the wealthy silk merchant, Pieter Teyler, the original benefactor of the museum. He believed in the 18th-century enlightenment ideal that “knowledge is power” and this ‘museum of wonder,’ as its logline proclaims, certainly lives up to it. It offers diverse collections of art and science. It’s almost as if one walks through a real-life encyclopaedia.

My favourite exhibition displays drawings of Michelangelo and Rembrandt.  Of course, for preservation reasons, the actual pictures are not always on display but represented with replicas.

The museum expanded over the years to include an instrument room, fossil rooms, entrance hall, picture gallery, exhibition gallery, print room, and library.  The beautifully atmospheric library, built in 1885, can only be visited by appointment or during a guided tour. It is unique in that it has the most extensive collection of 18th and 19th-century botany, zoology, and earth sciences literature.

A bright and airy café offers delicious refreshments for the parched reveller.

Spaarne 16, 2011 CH, Haarlem

2. Museum Haarlem

Its unassuming exterior, blending perfectly into the historic street, reveals nothing about the treasures to be found inside. The Museum of Haarlem creatively tells the story of the city’s history through photography, art, films, and interactive exhibitions.

We were transported back in time as my son tried on the uniforms of orphans, lay on a small, hard bed, and played guess-the-content in the drawers, using our five senses.

Besides the permanent exhibition, the museum regularly highlights the work of local artists and city marvels in temporary exhibitions. The building dates back to 1697 when it housed the St. Elisabeth Gasthuis or hospital.

Groot Heiligland 47, 2011 EP, Haarlem

3. Architectuur- en Bouwhistorisch Centrum Haarlem (ABC)

Adjoining the Museum of Haarlem is a fascinating place to learn about all things architecture related, especially in Haarlem and its surrounds.

I have to be honest, though, with a five-year-old in tow, we usually visit with the sole purpose of building LEGO structures. Across two rooms, and two large tables, boxes filled with something like 60.000 LEGO blocks are available for your creations; your imagination is the only limit.

Groot Heiligland 47, 2011 EP, Haarlem

4. Frans Hals Musem: Hof and Hal

Across from Museum Haarlem and ABC, you step into an art world where old meets new. This art gallery museum has two locations, Hof and Hal, seven minutes walk apart.

It mixes contemporary and historical works, in a way, which make you appreciate art with a refreshed perspective. Tickets allow you entry to both locations.

There is a lively café, serving delicious lunches, tea, coffee, and even alcoholic tipples at the Hof location, which is open to museum visitor and non-visitor alike.

Hof: Groot Heiligland 62, 2011 EP, Haarlem
Hal:  Grote Markt 16, 2011 RD, Haarlem

5. Archeological Museum Haarlem

If you want to delve even deeper into the history of Haarlem, 6000 years to be exact, then pop next door (to the Frans Hals Hal) and climb underground into the Archeological Museum.

It is a little gem with a big heart, playfully teaching children history with mock excavations, ‘artefact’ puzzles, and castle construction activities. Artefacts from various archaeological excavations are displayed with fascinating, historical facts.

Cornelius, the medieval Haarlemmer, is brought back to life with a reconstruction. His skeleton, which is the centrepiece of the museum, was excavated at the Botermarkt.

Entry is free!

Grote Markt 18K, 2011 RD Haarlem, Haarlem

6. De Vishal

Still on the Grote Markt, is De Vishal (fish market).  It was rebuilt in 1769 as a fish market to replace the one from 1603.  It functioned as a covered market selling fish till just after World War II, after which it was transformed into an art exhibition space.

Today, it is a freely accessible exhibition space for contemporary visual art and design. There are about ten exhibits a year, showcasing the work of local and other Dutch artists as well as international artists.

Grote Markt 20 2011 RD, Haarlem

7. Anno Haarlem

Next to the visitors’ centre, on the Grote Markt, you can explore the 14th-century cellars of the city hall and delve further into the history of Haarlem.

Grote Markt 2 2011 RD, Haarlem

8. De Grote or St. Bavo Kerk

The centuries-old Grote or St. Bavo Kerk, overlooking the Grote Markt, is not a museum in the strictest sense, as it is still an active church with Sunday services, but its beautiful architecture is steeped in history.

Artists often exhibit in its magnificent hall, and organ concerts are mesmerising. The magnificent Müller organ dates back to 1738 with pipes almost 11 metres in length.

Grote Markt 22 2011 RD, Haarlem

9. Koepelkatedraal Haarlem

One cannot chat about the previous beauty without mentioning the other grand old dame of Haarlem, the dome cathedral. It is unique and considered as one of five of the most important churches in the world, built between 1850 and 1950; the others being the Sagrada Familia, the Sacré-Coeur, the Westminster Cathedral, and the Basiliek van Koekelberg.

It has 12 towers, with its dome reaching an impressive 65m high. Apart from admiring the art, the architecture and the organs, one can also climb the spiral steps up the towers for a magnificent view across the whole city.

Leidsevaart 146 2014 HE, Haarlem

10. Corrie Ten Boomhuis

Leaving Grote Markt, walking towards Haarlem Station, you will pass the Corrie Ten Boom House.

There is often a queue around the time a tour starts, and with good reason. Built around 1600, it is a living memorial to the bravery and altruistic behaviour of Corrie, her sister, Betsie, and their father Casper Ten Boom.

Their home was a refuge;  they saved countless Jewish people and refugees hunted by the Nazis, during the Second World War.  During the tour, knowledgeable guides enlighten you with the Ten Boom family history: walking through their home and seeing their photographs and possessions.

The traumatic reality of their history becomes painfully real when you climb into the cramped hiding place in Corrie’s bedroom.

Barteljorisstraat 2011 RA, Haarlem

11. Museum van de Geest | Dolhuys in Haarlem

About five minutes walk from the Haarlem Station is Museum van de Geest, Dolhuys in Haarlem, a museum dedicated to mental health.

I have yet to visit this museum of the mind but have been told, “het is de leukste museum van Haarlem“, which translates as “the best museum of Haarlem.” Between major renovations and coronavirus measures, it was closed for more than a year. Given that the building is 700 years old, a major renovation was well overdue.

This medieval building used to be referred to, incorrectly and insensitively, as the “lepers-, plague-, and madhouse,” keeping people considered to be the outliers of ‘normal’ society outside the city walls.

Visitors can see one of only a few isolation chambers still existing in Europe, to reflect what it must have been like to be locked in such a cold and dark place.  Exhibitions allow you to peek inside the minds of brilliant and celebrated artists, writers, and scientists, some of whom lived with a disability or mental illness.

The current museum values people’s uniqueness and the beauty of our minds. It encourages the visitor to question the concept of ‘normality.’

Schotersingel 2 2021 GE, Haarlem

12. Molen de Adriaan

Windmill Adriaan is a loved icon on the Haarlem skyline with a colourful history.

It was originally built in 1778, by businessman Adriaan De Boois, on the ancient defence tower (i.e., Goë Vrouwtoren) on the banks of the Spaarne. It changed hands frequently.  In its lifetime it crushed stone, milled grain and tobacco, and was both a wind and a steam mill.

Sadly, on April 23, 1932, it burned to the ground; the cause a mystery forever. Although the city pledged to rebuild it, it was 70 years before the newly-built Windmill Adriaan opened its doors as a demonstrative mill museum on the 23rd of April 2002. Adriaan is quintessential Dutch, as you can only visit him by appointment (a.k.a reserving a ticket online).

Papentorenvest 1-A 2011 AV, Haarlem

13. Draaiorgel Museum

The barrel organ museum is only open on Sundays from midday. If you find this 140-year musical Dutch tradition charming, it is well worth a visit. The barrel organ is part of a street music culture unique to the Netherlands, and the oldest instrument in the museum dates back to 1900.

Kuppersweg 3 2013 EA, Haarlem

14. NZH Vervoer Museum

Another museum only open on Saturdays is the transport museum. Its primary collection of  four trams (oldest dates back to 1896) and 11 buses will intrigue young and old.

A.Hofmanweg 35 2031 BH, Haarlem

15. Sterrenwacht Copernicus

The observatory opens its doors to the public every Friday night (except during summer) from 20:00 to 23:00. It also opens on the first Saturday of each month between 13:00 and 16:00. During your visit, you can observe various celestial bodies, such as planets, nebulae, and globular clusters.

Entry is free, and you need to reserve a space online. Be warned, these observatory nights are so popular that spaces are booked out months in advance.

Zeeweg 15, 2051 EB Haarlem (Overveen)

16. Noord-Hollands Archief (Janskerk)

Here, you will find a collection of documents, which could cover the distance of more than 45 kilometres archiving the history of Noord-Holland, Kennemerland, and Amstel-and-Meerlanden. It is fitting that the archives are housed inside the Janskerk, which is the oldest church of its kind preserved in its original form.  It was built in 1318!

Jansstraat 40 2011 RX & Kleine Houtweg 182012 CH, Haarlem

Using this list of museums, I hope it is easy to plan a great day out in Haarlem.

Will you be paying any of these museums a visit soon? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Nikon-2110/Pixabay