Haarlem

Travel Guide

Haarlem which includes street scenes
Haarlem featuring a river or creek and boating
Haarlem showing a windmill and a river or creek
Teylers Museum which includes art and interior views
Frans Hals Museum showing interior views and art as well as a large group of people

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
Madame Tussauds featuring interior views as well as an individual male

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
citizenM Schiphol Airport
citizenM Schiphol Airport
4 out of 5
Jan Plezierweg 2, Schiphol
$128 nightly
The price is $147 total per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
$147 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Schiphol. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,039 reviews)
"unique property worked for us"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

citizenM Schiphol Airport
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
4.5 out of 5
Amstel 144, Amsterdam
$166 nightly
The price is $201 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$201 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,438 reviews)
Walkable area in a lively area
"The room was fine but the location was noisy (crowds outside, not cars). Hotel was pricey. Self-check out kiosk was nice."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Eden Hotel Amsterdam
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
4 out of 5
Oostelijke Handelskade 34, Amsterdam
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$203 nightly
The price is $247 total per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
$247 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (395 reviews)
"Hotel was in a great location close to a tram stop. Very clean rooms. Good amenities."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

The Hoxton, Lloyd 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 (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (973 reviews)
"A nice safe property near public transit"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

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 (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (321 reviews)
Beautiful and Well Designed.
"We absolutely loved staying at the July. Very beautiful space and location, nicely designed, mellow, and fun. The staff was happy to help and the morning beverages hit the spot. The food and drink menu didn't quite hit for me, and the bathroom could have been cleaned a little better, but they let ..."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

The July - Boat & Co
Adagio Amsterdam City South
Adagio Amsterdam City South
3.5 out of 5
Professor J H Bavinckln 5, Amstelveen, NL
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Amstelveen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (466 reviews)
"Good apartment, clean and comfy, but way too hot - the ventilation did nothing to cool the room."

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Adagio Amsterdam City South
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.

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Reviews of Haarlem

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
43
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
12
4 - Good 21%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Melanie

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

Only stayed one night, would love to spend a week in this beautiful little town!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Your location are not situated in Haarlem!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Tammy

Lovely little town with lots of history and culture.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The Teyler Museum and the Frans Hals Museums were excellent.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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.

Cities near Haarlem