Things to do in Haarlem

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A canal with boats, a car, and historic buildings with a church tower.
A canal with boats, a bridge, and historic buildings.
A traditional windmill by a canal with boats and historic buildings in the background.
A grand room with red walls, a high ceiling, and a large chandelier. There are several framed paintings on the walls and a large plant in the center.
An art gallery with paintings on the walls and visitors observing the exhibits.

Haarlem Attractions

If you're after things to see and do in Haarlem, plan on being busy. This buzzing city knows how to have a good time. Whatever your interests, you'll be wowed by the selection of tourist attractions to sink your teeth into here. Keep reading to discover a few of the favorites.

Find out what makes Haarlem tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Look into our { fun activities in Haarlem fun activities in Haarlem}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans 3-Hour Small Group Tour

Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans 3,5-Hour Small Group Tour

$48
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans 3,5-Hour Small Group Tour
Blue Boat Company - 75 minute City Canal Cruise

Blue Boat Company - 75 minute City Canal Cruise

$25
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Blue Boat Company - 75 minute City Canal Cruise
Amsterdam Evening Cosy & Small Cruise & Drinks and Bites - Sunset

Amsterdam Evening Cosy & Small Cruise & Drinks and Bites - Sunset

$41
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam Evening Cosy & Small Cruise & Drinks and Bites - Sunset
I amsterdam City Card

Amsterdam City Card with Public Transport and Free Museums

$76
per adult
Amsterdam City Card with Public Transport and Free Museums
Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket

Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket

$31
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket
Amsterdam: Fabrique des Lumières Dutch Masters Ticket

Amsterdam: Fabrique des Lumières Dutch Masters Ticket

$20
per adult
Amsterdam: Fabrique des Lumières Dutch Masters Ticket
Amsterdam: Canal Cruise in Open Boat with Drink Option

Amsterdam: Canal Cruise in Open Boat with Drinks Option

$22
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Canal Cruise in Open Boat with Drinks Option
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Haarlem must see attractions

1. Grote Markt

Walk through the historic streets filled with ultramodern boutiques, hip fashionistas and trendy cafés of Grote Markt and then step back through time as you enter Haarlem’s main square. In the Grote Markt, you’re surrounded by historic buildings: the Gothic cathedral, the 17th-century town hall, the 13th-century Hoofdwacht building where the civic guard once met and the former meat hall which is now the Museum de Hallen.
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A statue in a square, a historic church with a clock tower, and a busy street with pedestrians and bicycles.

2. Corrie Ten Boom House

Visit Corrie ten Boomhuis to remember a time of great fear and brutality, but of great kindnesses and sacrifices too. The historic house commemorates the incredible bravery of the Ten Boom family in hiding Jewish fugitives and fighters in the Dutch resistance movement throughout World War II.
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A narrow brick alley with bicycles parked along the side, a corrugated metal awning, and a building with a black door labeled "Corrie ten Boom Museum".

3. Cathedral of Saint Bavo

The grand Cathedral of Saint Bavo, designed by architect Joseph Cuypers and built between the 1890s and 1930s, displays an unusual mix of styles. Numerous towers topped with conical roofs give the church the look of a fairytale castle and lead your eye to the green copper dome. Look up to see the architectural flourishes, from neo-Gothic gargoyles to Romanesque arches.
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A cathedral interior with large arched windows and a pipe organ.

4. St. Bavo Church

At the entrance to the main square of Haarlem, stop for a moment and look up at the great church, Grote Kerk. The Gothic building with the crown-topped clock tower is the Protestant church, also known as St. Bavokerk. This church became the prominent feature on Haarlem’s skyline when it was built in the 14th century and has continued to play an important part in the life of the town.
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A historic church with tall spires and a large arched window.

5. Frans Hals Museum

Stroll down a narrow cobblestoned street lined with historic houses to visit the Dutch Master artists from Holland’s Golden Age at the Frans Hals Museum. This gallery has history and character. It’s housed inside a building from the early 1600s, which played a role as an almshouse, a retirement home for poor old men and an orphanage. Look for the painting of Haarlem orphans in their red and blue uniforms.
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An art gallery with classical paintings, wooden benches, and a large sculpture.

6. Teylers Museum

Teylers Museum is the Netherland’s oldest museum, open to the public since 1784. This collection of art, science, history and oddities is fascinating. Inspect the structure, worth visiting for the stunning architecture alone. The façade’s beautiful neoclassical style, with columns and statuary, is echoed by the understated elegance of its interior.
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A canal with boats, historic buildings, and a statue.

Recommended things to do in Haarlem

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Haarlem

Free Things to Do in Haarlem

There's no need to max out your credit card in Haarlem. The following won't cost a cent.

Stadhuis - Pay a visit to this historic landmark and experience a part of the area's cultural heritage.

Grote Markt - This is a thriving location where you can absorb the ambiance and experience the local way of life.

Grote Kerk - Mix a little spirituality into your vacation by dropping by this sacred site.

Things to Do in Haarlem with Kids

Haarlem is a terrific place for a family vacation. Bring the youngsters along and have a go at these family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Haarlem? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Haarlem attractions

A statue in a square, a historic church with a clock tower, and a busy street with pedestrians and bicycles.

Grote Markt

9.0/10 (359 reviews)
Haarlem's historic central square buzzes with centuries of Dutch heritage amid striking architecture. Savor local flavors at markets or relax at outdoor cafés overlooking St. Bavo Church.
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Where to stay in Haarlem

Find the best Haarlem areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Haarlem
Learn more about Haarlem
A historic church with a tall spire and a large clock tower, surrounded by a cobblestone square with pedestrians and a statue.

Centrum

If you're spending some time in Centrum, Grote Markt and Corrie Ten Boom House are top sights worth seeing.

A canal with historic buildings on one side and a bridge in the distance.
Photo by Jill Salsa
Open Photo by Jill Salsa

Stationsbuurt

While visiting Stationsbuurt, you might make a stop by sights like Hofje van Staats and Tmall History Museum.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Haarlem

A street with shops, including a pharmacy and a clothing store.

Zandvoort

A windmill against a clear blue sky with the sun shining brightly.

Santpoort-Noord

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, a small inlet, and a dense forest in the background.

Bloemendaal

A white building with black shutters, a blue door, and a crest on the wall.

Velsen-Zuid

A riverside town with a prominent church tower, a bridge in the background, and a mix of residential and industrial areas.

Halfweg

A field of yellow flowers with a white house in the background.

Heemstede

A historic castle with ruins and a moat.

Santpoort-Zuid

Frequently asked questions

Is Haarlem worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Haarlem is visit Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Schiphol. Tick this major attraction off your agenda, then discover more of the area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Haarlem?
Once you've checked off major attractions like Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Schiphol and Zandvoorts Museum, spend some time enjoying the food and retail options in Haarlem.
What is the top tourist attraction in Haarlem?
The top tourist attraction in Haarlem is Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Schiphol, so be sure to put it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Haarlem?
Three days will give you enough time to check out some popular city attractions, including Zandvoorts Museum, Frans Hals Museum and NZH Public Transport Museum. The average stay in Haarlem is three days. If you have the urge to extend your break, Amsterdam isn't far away.
Is Haarlem a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Haarlem, such as Frans Hals Museum and NZH Public Transport Museum, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.2 miles from the city center of Haarlem is Oude Stad and Centrum is 0.1 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Haarlem with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Browse our ideas for what to do in Haarlem with kids.
What to do in Haarlem for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or adventure seeker, there are loads of things to do in Haarlem for adults including Corrie Ten Boom House and Corrie ten Boom House.
Are there free things to do in Haarlem?
In Haarlem, Grote Markt is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a simple way to learn about the best free things to do in Haarlem.

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