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
$118 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
$137 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
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! (3,053 reviews)
Give it a try…a great hotel!!
"Always easy, always convenient, always excellent."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

citizenM Schiphol Airport
citizenM Amsterdam South
citizenM Amsterdam South
4 out of 5
Prinses Irenestraat 30, Amsterdam, North Holland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$100 nightly
The price is $122 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$122 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Literally the best bunch of people that work in a hotel ever, they were angels, what a high vibrational, beautiful place and people to be around."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

citizenM Amsterdam South
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
4 out of 5
Oostelijke Handelskade 34, Amsterdam
$203 nightly
The price is $247 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$247 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (399 reviews)
"This is a beautiful property in a historic building near the water. The staff were very friendly and helpful and gave us a warm welcome to the hotel. The location is fantastic for connections to the tram and bus lines going to Centraal Station. Breakfast buffet was very good with many options. The ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 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
Corendon Apartments Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel
Corendon Apartments Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel
4 out of 5
285 Schipholweg, Badhoevedorp, NH
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Badhoevedorp. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (413 reviews)
"Good space but lacked items such as dishcloths and dish soap, etc."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Corendon Apartments Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel
Bob W Noord
Bob W Noord
2 out of 5
Papaverhof 71, Amsterdam, NH
Stay at this aparthotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and housekeeping. Popular attractions Dam Square and Rijksmuseum are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (66 reviews)
"I did not like the fact that there was no daily cleaning and you had to get supplies for yourself from the communal room. Also, our room was not ready by 3pm and they made is wait for 1 hour. They also charged me 70 Euros for a microwave plate that could easily cost 15 Euros. That is like the cost ..."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Bob W Noord
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