Weekend in Haarlem: Discover the Capital of North Holland

Why a weekend in Haarlem?

A weekend in Haarlem is an excellent choice for visitors looking for a charming and authentic Dutch experience, away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. Haarlem is only 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam, offering a versatile and picturesque environment that is well worth exploring. Although Haarlem is smaller than Amsterdam, it has a number of great museums, cultural attractions, a vibrant city centre, beautiful canals, stunning buildings and plenty of nature and parks.

What to do during a weekend in Haarlem?

The city of Haarlem offers many different activities and sights for a successful weekend getaway. Want to know what you can experience during a weekend in Haarlem? We have listed the best activities for you!

1. Take a boat trip on the Haarlem canals

Explore Haarlem from the water during a relaxing boat trip through the picturesque canals. Sail under characteristic bridges and admire the beautiful historic buildings along the waterfront. A boat trip offers a unique and peaceful way to discover the city, while learning more about the rich history and architecture of Haarlem.

2. Walk through the Golden Streets

Immerse yourself in the charming ambiance of Haarlem’s “Golden Streets”, where you can wander through narrow lanes and cobblestone streets. These picturesque streets are full of boutiques, art galleries and unique shops, making it an ideal place to shop for unique souvenirs or artworks.

3. Discover one of the beautiful museums in Haarlem

Haarlem is proud of its cultural heritage and has several interesting museums to explore. Visit the Frans Hals Museum, dedicated to the famous Golden Age painter, and admire his masterpieces. Or visit the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands, where you can enjoy art and scientific treasures from bygone eras.

4. Grab a drink at a terrace on the Grote Markt

The Grote Markt is the vibrant heart of Haarlem, surrounded by beautiful historic buildings. Take a seat at one of the cosy terraces and enjoy a drink while watching the lively city life pass by. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere.

5. Have a beer at the Jopenkerk

Discover the unique setting of the Jopenkerk, a former church that has been converted into a brewery and grand café. Taste local beers with distinctive flavours and learn more about the artisanal brewing processes that take place here. It is a wonderful place to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and delicious beers.

6. Enjoy a dinner on a luxury sloop

Treat yourself to a special experience with a dinner on the water. Step aboard a luxury sloop and let yourself be culinary pampered while sailing along the atmospherically lit canals. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings while savouring delicious dishes in an intimate and romantic setting.

7. Stay in a hotel in Haarlem

Make the most of your weekend in Haarlem by staying at one of the cosy hotels in the city. From historic hotels with a unique charm to hip boutique hotels: there is something for everyone. Enjoy the comfort and hospitality of Haarlem while you start your adventures feeling relaxed and well-rested. The Van der Valk hotel Haarlem is a great hotel for a weekend getaway, for example!

8. Discover the city centre and the courtyards

The old city centre of Haarlem is beautiful! Explore the historic city centre of Haarlem and discover the hidden courtyards tucked away behind the facades of the houses. These green oases offer a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city and let you enjoy the serene beauty of Haarlem.

9. Go for a day at the beach

Haarlem is a short distance from the beautiful beaches of Zandvoort and Bloemendaal aan Zee. Take the train or rent a bike to go to the coast and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. Sunbathing, swimming in the sea, drinking cocktails at a hip beach club and walking along the dunes are just some of the activities you can enjoy at these beautiful beach destinations.

10. Discover the South Kennemerland National Park

For nature lovers, the South Kennemerland National Park offers a beautiful escape from the city. Here you can walk and cycle through dunes, forests and heathlands. The park is home to a diverse flora and fauna and offers a peaceful environment to enjoy nature.

11. Visit one of the churches and go inside

Haarlem is home to a number of beautiful churches with impressive architecture. Step inside one of these historic churches, such as the Grote Kerk or Sint Bavokerk or the Dome Cathedral, and admire the treasures they contain. It is an opportunity to experience the rich religious history of the city and admire the beautiful artworks and stained glass windows.

What to see during a weekend in Haarlem?

There is plenty to see and discover in this charming city in the province of North Holland! We give you 10 must-sees that you absolutely must have seen during a weekend in Haarlem.

1. The Teylers Museum

The Teylers Museum is a cultural gem that takes you back to the 18th and 19th centuries. It is the oldest museum in the Netherlands and houses a rich collection of artworks and scientific instruments. Walk through the beautiful halls and admire the historic collections, including drawings by Rembrandt and dinosaur fossils.

2. The Amsterdamse Poort

The Amsterdamse Poort, a majestic medieval city gate, offers an impressive sight. As one of the last remaining city gates of Haarlem, it breathes history. Walk through this gate and let yourself be transported to an era full of stories and intrigue.

3. The Grote or Sint Bavokerk

The Grote Kerk or Sint Bavokerk, with its imposing Gothic architecture, is an iconic symbol of Haarlem. The interior houses the world-famous Müller organ and beautiful stained glass windows. Visit this church and admire the impressive craftsmanship and religious treasures.

4. The Spaarne

The Spaarne, a picturesque river flowing through Haarlem, provides an idyllic backdrop for a relaxing walk. Along the banks you will find cosy terraces and picturesque views. Enjoy the tranquillity and the rippling water as you absorb the beauty of this waterway.

5. De Waag

De Waag, a historic building that once served as a weigh house, is now a vibrant meeting place. It houses various cosy cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals and a lively atmosphere.

6. Frans Hals Museum

The Frans Hals Museum honours the famous Dutch painter from the Golden Age. Admire his masterpieces and other art from that period. This museum offers a fascinating insight into the painting of a glorious era.

7. The Dome Prison

The Koepelgevangenis, also known as the Dome, is a striking architectural building that nowadays serves as a venue for cultural events and exhibitions. Let yourself be enchanted by the history of this former prison while exploring the impressive structure.

8. The train station

Haarlem’s train station is an elegant historic building that immediately welcomes you to the city. This beautiful station provides an excellent starting point for your exploration of Haarlem and its sights.

9. Dome Cathedral

The Dome Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Basilica of St. Bavo, towers majestically above the city. Admire the breathtaking dome and discover the artworks and religious treasures in this impressive cathedral.

10. The Grote Markt

The Grote Markt in the historic centre of Haarlem offers a lively ambiance full of restaurants, cafés and shops. Sit down at one of the terraces and experience the local atmosphere while enjoying a delicious meal or a refreshing drink.

Day trip to Haarlem

If a weekend in Haarlem is too long for you, you can still have a wonderful day in this charming city. Haarlem offers enough sights and activities to give you an unforgettable day. Curious about what else you can do in Haarlem? Check out our article about what to do in Haarlem.

Start your day in the heart of the city at the Grote Markt. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at one of the cosy cafés and admire the beautiful view of the imposing Grote or Sint Bavokerk that dominates the square. After breakfast, you can visit the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands. Here you can marvel at the extensive collection of art and scientific instruments from earlier times.

Continue your day with a relaxing walk along the canals of Haarlem. Admire the picturesque waterways and the beautiful facades of historic buildings while enjoying the peaceful and cosy atmosphere.

Lunchtime! Head to De Waag, a historic building that was once used as a weigh house and is now a vibrant meeting place with various cosy restaurants. After lunch, you can visit the Frans Hals Museum, dedicated to the famous Dutch painter. Here you can admire artworks from the Golden Age and learn more about the art history of the Netherlands. End your day with a walk along the Spaarne and enjoy the beautiful views and quiet spots along the banks.

Although a day in Haarlem is not enough to see everything, with this itinerary you can still get a wonderful impression of the charm and beauty of this special city.

Discover the history of Haarlem

Discover the rich history of Haarlem. Haarlem is a Dutch city with a fascinating past. From the moment of its founding to the present day, Haarlem has been an important cultural and economic centre. Learn more about its inhabitants, historic neighbourhoods and picturesque canals on our page about the history of Haarlem.

Admire the Haarlem canals

An important feature of this Dutch city are the enchanting canals. The canals of Haarlem have a centuries-old history and were created as part of the original defence system. Discover the various canals and charming bridges that criss-cross this picturesque city on our page about the canals of Haarlem.

Discover Haarlem and its sights

From historic museums to impressive churches such as the Grote or Sint Bavokerk, Haarlem has something to offer every visitor. Explore the beautiful architecture and cultural treasures of the city on our page about the sights in Haarlem.

Events in Haarlem

The vibrant city of Haarlem has a diverse range of events for all tastes. From festivals and concerts to art exhibitions and sporting events, there is always something happening in Haarlem. Discover the lively events scene of the city and don’t miss a single highlight on our page about events in Haarlem.