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If you are in Netherlands there are a number of destinations that you’d be hitting. Jam-packed with amazing sights to see, Haarlem would make it difficult for those with little time to decide.
Amble along with me as my Haarlem blog will help you find some of the top things to do in Haarlem.
In my opinion, 4 days in Haarlem is good time to see the best that city has to offer. But if you can spare couple of days more that’s even better, you can take the sights more slowly. So, without further ado, let me present you some of the best things to do in Haarlem, top things to do in Haarlem and some helpful travel tips.
1. Frans Hals Museum
A small art museum located in Haarlem, with limited but impressive art collection.
Quick Facts:
- Dedicated to the genius artist Frans Hals, who specialized in portraits, the small art museum is housed in a 17th-century.
- Also worth seeing here include fine paintings by Dutch Old Masters.
Address: Groot Heiligland 62, 2011 ES Haarlem, Netherlands
2. Teylers Museum
Quick Facts:
- The mix museum’s collection include displays on science – from scientific instruments to fossils, and artworks – from prints to paintings.
An incredible sight, Teylers Museum scores high in the list of the best things to do in Haarlem.
Address: Spaarne 16, 2011 CH Haarlem, Netherlands
3. The St. Bavo Church in Haarlem
Don’t forget to pay a visit to The St. Bavo Church in Haarlem, which is regarded to be one of Haarlem’s most beautiful churches.
There is so much beauty in this church, from the front facade to the interior that it’s hard to choose a favorite. There is a cemetry on the church grounds, quite peaceful to walk around.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes the ornate Muller organ, with the unique distinction of being played by geniuses such as Mozar and Handel.
- Some of the things The St. Bavo Church in Haarlem features include a stunning edifice done in Gothic style.
Address: Grote Markt 22, 2011 RD Haarlem, Netherlands
4. Grote Markt
Grote Markt is the central square of the city of Haarlem.
This is where various festivals, concerts and carnivals are held throughout the year.
With so much to offer, no wonder Grote Markt is one of the top things to do in Haarlem.
5. De Hallen Haarlem
Located in a popular district in Haarlem, De Hallen Haarlem is dedicated to collecting the best of modern art.
Those who like modern art will not be disappointed as the collection includes works by a wide variety of twentieth-century artists. Visitors come to marvel at the varied collection of artworks, which includes everything from abstract paintings, digital art, unique photographs and expressionism.
Quick Facts:
- De Hallen Haarlem is housed in a historical building.
- The Modern Art Museum is located on the Grote Markt.
Address: Grote Markt 16, 2011 RD Haarlem, Netherlands
6. Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is a nature and animal reserve located not far from Haarlem.
You’ll discover numerous rivers and lakes in the park accounting for a large of its area. Start with the visitor center to help yourself get oriented.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Zuid-Kennemerland National Park features include sand-dunes and secluded beaches.
A natural crowd puller, Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is right up there in the list of best things to do in Haarlem.
7. Town Hall Haarlem
Town Hall Haarlem is a historic town hall located in the old town of Haarlem.
The political and economic prosperity resulted in the construction of beautiful buildings in the center, and townhall is one the most prominent of them.
Quick Facts:
- The town hall is located on the Grote Markt.
- It is actually Lieven de Key who is credited with designing this whole place.
- The town hall traces its origin back to the 14th century.
Address: Grote Markt 2, 2011 RD Haarlem, Netherlands
8. De Vishal
De Vishal is a beautiful building standing as a slice of city’s past.
One look and you will realize that it inherits the rich heritage of the Haarlem itself.
It is renowned for its intricate ornamentation, which was created by the some of the illustrious artisans who worked on other such prominent projects. The De Vishal dominates the ancient city’s skyline, making for an impressive sight amid the city’s other medieval edifices.
Quick Facts:
- The historic building is located on the Grote Markt.
- The historic building traces its origin back to 1769.
- The historic building was opened on 1769.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Haarlem trip.
Address: Grote Markt 20, 2011 RD Haarlem, Netherlands
9. Amsterdamse Poort
Quick Facts:
- The city gate was opened on 1335.
Address: 2011 BS Haarlem, Netherlands
10. Museum Haarlem
Museum Haarlem with its wide variety of exhibits gives you a peek at the region’s history.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Museum Haarlem features include model city.
- Museum Haarlem is housed in a hospital building dating to 16th-century.
Add it to your Haarlem trip if you have time.
11. Elswout
Elswout is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Haarlem.
It will not be wrong to say that Elswout is truly an icon of landscape architecture.
It’s easy to spend an entire day here, wandering through these flourishing gardens. Elswout is Haarlem’s green enclosures, a central place to come for fresh air.
Quick Facts:
- The park was built somewhere around 19th century.
Address: Duinvlietspad 2, 2051 AG Overveen, Netherlands
12. Brederode Castle
Brederode Castle are the ruins of a fort perched on a cliff top.
Quick Facts:
- A marvel of design, it was William I van Brederode who was responsible for building it.
- The castle ruins was built somewhere around 13th-century.
Add it to your Haarlem trip if you have time.
Address: Velserenderlaan 2, 2082 LA Santpoort-Zuid, Netherlands
13. Archeological Museum Haarlem
The Archeological Museum Haarlem carefully collects and presents various archaeological finds of the area.
Look no farther than Haarlem’s superb archaeological museum to properly comprehend the old civilization that once inhabitated this region.
The purpose is to collect all of the significant archaeological artifacts dispersed around Haarlem at one place. The museum’s collection includes rare coins, statues and small monuments from ancient times.
Address: Grote Markt 18k, 2011 RD Haarlem, Netherlands
But beyond the famous attractions in Haarlem, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. In this Haarlem travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Haarlem but also what to do.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Haarlem. So what are Haarlem sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.
