Things to do in Haarlem

Top Things to Do in Haarlem

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Things to Do in Haarlem


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Haarlem.


Top Attractions in Haarlem

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Historic museum with a blend of art, fossils, and scientific instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries, set in an authentic house with natural lighting and distinctive architecture.
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Historic central square lined with old buildings and a cathedral, featuring a bustling market and diverse dining options. The heart of local culture with a lively atmosphere.
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Gothic church with historic artifacts and unique collectibles, including a famed organ once played by Mozart. Peaceful ambiance and enriching for history and architecture enthusiasts.
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Windmill museum with interactive tours led by knowledgeable volunteers, highlighting the history and mechanics of windmills with working models and scenic views from atop steep climbs.
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Historic train station blending Greek neo-classical design with modern amenities, including eateries and a mini supermarket. Features unique bike-friendly facilities and easy city centre access.
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What travellers are saying

  • Richard R
    Mashpee, MA63 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If your taste in Art runs toward the Dutch Masters, the Franz Hals Museum in Haarlem is only a 15 minute train ride from Amsterdam Centraal (leaving every 10-12 minutes) and a short walk through a beautiful old city . A great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam for an afternoon. The Museum is a little gem.
    Written 30 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • fabdog
    Williamsburg, VA471 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting tour of Carrie Ten Boom's house in which she and her family hid people during WW2. Only a few folks on each tour, you need to book in advance (although some folks who had booked didn't show and she took someone who showed up with no reservation in their place. You get a history of the family and the war years, as well as her work after the war. You can check out the hiding place as well. While not as well known to tourists as Anne Frank story, very compelling

    Tour is free, so don't forget to leave a donation in the jar
    Written 20 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lucinda C
    Ripon, UK27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unique museum . Eclectic mix of fossils, minerals ,interesting Dutch art not of highest quality, small display of porcelain & modern cafe . House / museum interesting too . Small collection well worth visit .
    Written 4 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • FamilyDry
    Saint Louis, MO21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful place to stroll, have a coffee or meal and take in the beautiful Haarlem. We spent three hours doing the above and popping into shops. It’s a beautiful town.
    Written 30 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • theclarken
    Gaithersburg, MD90 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is a lovely church. I understand the pipe organ was played by Mozart and Handel. Not at the same time, but still very cool! The exterior is the center of Haarlem with shops, restaurants, and a plaza. Inside is very nice. The floor is almost all grave markers. Sadly the etchings have mostly been worn away with time. The choir section is inaccessible to the general public, but I loved the panels on the exterior and the carvings on the seats. I didn't spend a lot of time in the church, but it was quality time and well worth it.
    Written 12 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • theclarken
    Gaithersburg, MD90 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was with a group and they said they wanted to visit this museum. I was reluctant but went along with low expectations. I'm very glad I went - the museum was really good for two reasons. First, the explanation of how the windmill worked and was a major part of the economy was really well presented. Second, the windmill itself was in great condition. The structure is in great condition. It seems unlikely to happen, but I would have loved to see a sail being put on. Overall a great experience.
    Written 12 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wendy J
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Staff were incredibly welcoming and the audio guide is very interesting.
    The light through the stained glass windows in the church is quite something. Make sure to pay extra couple of euros to walk up to the top of the dome AND to the top of the clock tower. Beware there are a lot of narrow, winding steps .....and I mean a lot!
    The design, colour and splendour of dome can only be appreciated from the top so worth the climb.
    After another climb, views of the city from the top of the Clock Tower are fab and the extra thrill of seeing the three enormous bells was an added bonus. Overall a really enjoyable visit and pleased we made the stop.
    Written 15 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mairwen1
    United Kingdom11,160 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Haarlem’s railway station is a small-ish station with trains running frequently between Harlem -Schiphol Airport and Haarlem-Amsterdam.
    We found it quick and cheap to catch the train to/from the airport. The trip took less than 30 minutes, with one change at Sloterdijk.
    Arriving in Haarlem, it was a fairly straightforward walk into the centre of town.
    It was pretty easy (even dragging our bags) to walk to our hotel near the central square. It took us about 15 minutes (but it would be quicker without suitcases).
    The station itself has some historic charm, with original tiles, stained glass, decorative wrought ironwork and wooden panelling, dating back to 1908.
    Unfortunately, the lifts were broken during the couple of days that we were in Haarlem. Im not sure but I suspect this might be a common problem. The ‘not working’ signs looked as if they might have been there for a little while and we also found broken lifts at the Sloterdijk interchange. There were a lot of stairs to/from the platform, making it very difficult to manage with suitcases. We weren’t the only ones and a couple of elderly people and a young mum with a pram were also struggling. For anyone with mobility issues or if you have very heavy bags, I'd recommend catching the bus instead (buses leave from right outside the station).
    There are not many facilities inside the station, apart from a small mini-mart shop near the entrance that sold snacks and drinks. There's also a nearby Starbucks.
    NOTES:
    * The Netherlands train website ( ns.nl ) is very useful. We referred to this to plan all our train trips.
    * It’s worth noting that if you are staying in Amsterdam, the train trip to Haarlem is only 15 - 20 minutes, making Haarlem an excellent day trip.
    Written 20 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LyndaMN
    Lakeville, MN790 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a huge free park near the middle of Haarlem! This park is well-maintained, has a cute little restaurant with drinks and food, has a great petting zoo, has sculptures, trails, and fountains. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Haarlemmerhout!
    Written 23 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Loretta
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice area to stop for a meal. There are quite a few restaurants, and some bakeries. They also have a small open air market several times a week. There are many stores around this area.
    Written 5 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • phat_dawg_21
    Alpharetta, GA16,948 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is said to be the oldest Hofje in The Netherlands. Hours vary, but If you see one that is open, take a few minutes to step inside the gate and admire the gardens.
    Written 12 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TimWasHere
    Tilburg, The Netherlands54 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stumbled across this quite by chance on the way to the Frans Hals Hof museum. Part of the museum was closed due to preparations for a new exhibition soon, but what we did see was interesting. Having a museum card it didn't cost anything to get in.
    Written 6 September 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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