Things to see and do in Haarlem
From Zandvoort, you can be in Haarlem within 15 minutes. An ideal day trip then! Apart from the usual sights, visit these lesser-known highlights of Haarlem.
Haarlem railway station
A stunning railway station. And the only train station in the Netherlands built in Jugendstil style. So don’t head straight from the train looking for the exit, but take a leisurely look around. Take time to look at the unique tile panels, stained glass windows, wood carvings and ornamental ironwork. The original building was opened in 1839 and replaced by a new one in 1906. And nice thing is, you can still find the original first, second and third class waiting rooms on the platform.
The Grote Markt: the centre of Haarlem
The centre of Haarlem: the Grote Markt. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants with the unmissable Sint Bavo church prominently in the middle. Apart from cafés and restaurants, you will also find the beautiful city hall with the Haarlem tourist office underneath. If you still don’t have enough inspiration, you can pick it up here. The Grote Markt is less than a 10-minute walk from the train station. If you come by car, you can easily park in car park De Appelaar, next to Teylers Museum.
Corrie ten Boom huis
Corrie ten Boom House
The Corrie ten Boom House is small-scale museum dedicated to Corrie ten Boom. During World War II, the Ten Boom House was a regular hiding place for Jews, resistance fighters and others in danger. In 1943 and 1944, five to six people were constantly in hiding, either for a few hours or a few days. Partly due to the efforts of the Ten Boom family, some 800 fugitives were probably rescued.
't Dolhuys
The Dolhuys : Museum of the Mind
Near the train station, you’ll find the Dolhuys. Is what you think is normal actually normal? And what is weird? At the Dolhuys, the museum of the mind, everything revolves around these questions. The artworks, personal stories, science and life questions in the museum make you think about stigmas and the importance of mental health.
Amsterdam Gate
The Amsterdam Gate is an old city gate from 1435. Of the 14 original city gates, the Amsterdam Gate is the last remaining gate. Although the gates were removed in the 19th century, the Gothic structure is worth visiting.
Draaiorgel museum
Rotary organmuseum
Turntables are a typically Dutch phenomenon. And although barrel organs are increasingly disappearing from the street scene, you can still come across them in big cities. The turntable museum focuses on this heritage. What started with the large Marenghi/Carl Frei dance organ, was expanded over the years with several other organs. The museum is open every Sunday.
Haarlemmer Farmyard
Haarlemmer Farmyard
The Haarlemmer Nursery / Farmyard at Kleverlaan 9 is more than just a beautiful walking park. Children can have fun here with the gnome trail, a petting zoo and in the natural playground. But you can also enjoy lunch here, take a yoga class or visit the organic self-picking garden. And if you want to make your home more sustainable, be sure to visit the Sustainable Example House.
Jopenkerk
Jopenkerk Haarlem
Probably the tastiest church in the Netherlands. If you like special beer at least. Because not only is the building, an old church, worth visiting, there are also plenty of delicious beers tapped from its own brewery. The stunning stained-glass windows create a great atmosphere where you can spend hours with friends. While enjoying a beer, of course.
Artisklas
Artis class Haarlem
You can visit the smallest official zoo in the Netherlands in Haarlem Noord. The zoo has amphibians, invertebrates, reptiles, fish, birds and mammals. But you can also admire stuffed animals, skulls and shells in Artis class. Please note that you can only visit this zoo on weekends between 1pm and 4pm (Arthus van Schendelpad 1).
Haarlemse courtyards & parks
As in any city, Haarlem is also home to several city parks and courtyards. And Haarlem’s parks and courtyards are also well worth a visit. Take a quiet stroll in the Kenaupark, Frederikspark or the Haarlemmerhout. Or feast your eyes on the Proveniershof or the Hofje van Bakenes, Haarlem’s oldest hofje dating from 1395.