Things to do in Haarlem

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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

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 {825 fun activities in Haarlem fun activities in Haarlem}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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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Grote Markt featuring street scenes and a statue or sculpture

2. 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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Teylers Museum featuring a bay or harbor, a house and boating

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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Cathedral of Saint Bavo which includes interior views, religious elements and a church or cathedral

4. 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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Corrie Ten Boomhuis featuring street scenes

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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Frans Hals Museum which includes art and interior views

6. 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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Grote Kerk which includes street scenes and a church or cathedral

Recommended things to do in Haarlem

Number of things to do
825
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Amsterdam off the Beaten Path A Self Guided Expedition: $3
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!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Haarlem

Grote Markt featuring outdoor eating, cafe scenes and street scenes

Grote Markt

Try local delicacies of salted herring, buttery poffertjes and gooey stroopwafels and relax in a cozy café overlooking the buildings of this ancient town square.

Grote Markt
Teylers Museum which includes interior views

Teylers Museum

Experience the Enlightenment. Discover an 18th-century merchant’s collection of art, natural history, geology and science in harmonious neoclassical architecture.

Teylers Museum
Cathedral of Saint Bavo which includes interior views, religious elements and a church or cathedral

Cathedral of Saint Bavo

See the unusual mix of architectural styles in this beautiful Catholic Church. Enjoy a performance by the choir, specially trained at a nearby musical school.

Cathedral of Saint Bavo
Corrie Ten Boomhuis featuring street scenes

Corrie Ten Boom House

Visit the historic house where a courageous family hid about 800 Jews and underground resistance fugitives from the Nazis in a secret wardrobe compartment.

Corrie Ten Boom House
Frans Hals Museum which includes a house and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Frans Hals Museum

See the works of one of the most talented Dutch Master painters. Let the art transport you back to Haarlem as it was in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Frans Hals Museum
Grote Kerk featuring heritage elements and heritage architecture

St. Bavo Church

Explore earlier times inside the 15th-century church, nicknamed “Jan with the High Shoulders,” that was at the heart of Haarlem’s community.

St. Bavo Church
Amsterdamse Poort

Amsterdamse Poort

Find out about the history of Oude Stad with a stop at Amsterdamse Poort. Discover the area's shops, or seek out its biking trails.

Amsterdamse Poort
Tenaya sailing through the canals of the Netherlands. In the Netherlands sailboats rule! When we came to a bridge it was opened for us, even if it backed up traffic for miles.

Molen De Adriaan

Enjoy an outing to Molen De Adriaan during your stay in Oude Stad. Discover the area's fascinating museums, or seek out its biking trails.

Molen De Adriaan

Corrie ten Boom House

You can find out about the history of Oude Stad with a trip to Corrie ten Boom House. Add the area's churches or shops to your travel plans.

Corrie ten Boom House

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Haarlem

Haarlem featuring street scenes

Centrum

5/5(28 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Centrum, Grote Markt and Corrie ten Boom House 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
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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

Zandvoort showing street scenes

Zandvoort

Photo by Phia Bole

Bloemendaal

Halfweg

Halfweg

Photo by Jw

Heemstede

Photo by Anthony Martinez

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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