Haarlem: The Hidden Gem Next to Amsterdam
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, Haarlem is the perfect day-trip destination—or even a longer stay. We spent a delightful day here in May, and it's definitely a place we would love to return to. Unlike its more famous neighbor, Haarlem has quieter streets, fewer tourists, and a more authentic feel with charming local shops and scenic canals.
Top things to do/see in Haarlem, in no particular order:
Explore the centre and beautiful streets/canals
Coffee culture
Molen De Adriaan windmill
Hofje van Noblet
Teylers Museum
Frans Hals Museum
Jopen
Zandvoort Beach
Getting to Haarlem
Getting to Haarlem from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is incredibly easy. A direct bus takes you to the city in just 50 minutes, and tickets cost around €5, which you can conveniently buy on board. The bus ride is comfortable, and we enjoyed watching the landscape change as we made our way to this peaceful town.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Hello I’m Local, a cozy and modern hostel located near the city center. The ground floor of the hostel features a cool bar and lounge area, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. Our private room was small but comfortable, with windows that opened up to a quiet little alleyway—perfect for a peaceful night's sleep.
Exploring Streets and Canals
Haarlem is a town made for wandering. We loved strolling through its peaceful streets lined with lush greenery, including trees, potted plants, and vines hanging from the facades of charming old buildings. One of the most beautiful streets is Groot Heiligland, the same street on which the Frans Hals Museum is located. The canals here are quieter than those in Amsterdam, making it a more relaxing place to explore on foot or by bike.
Haarlem’s centre is the lively heart of the city, where history and everyday life blend effortlessly. Around the Grote Markt, you’ll find the impressive St. Bavo Church, cosy cafés, and bustling terraces that give the area its warm, welcoming feel. Small streets and canals radiate from the square, lined with independent shops, museums, and hidden courtyards. Compact and walkable, the centre of Haarlem is perfect for wandering, people-watching, and soaking up the city’s relaxed Dutch charm.
Just a short walk from our accommodation at Hello I’m Local, we found the main river. Crossing the quaint Gravestenenbrug bridge, we were able to watch as boats passed under it, sometimes lifting the bridge to allow them through. Further along the river, we discovered the historic Molen De Adriaan, an 18th-century windmill that adds to the charm of Haarlem’s landscape.
Discovering Hidden Courtyards
One of Haarlem’s most unique features is its collection of Hofjes—hidden courtyards that date back to the Middle Ages. These peaceful, green oases were originally established by wealthy patrons to house poor, unmarried, or widowed women. We visited Hofje van Noblet, a lovely courtyard filled with plants and flowers, offering a quiet escape from the busy city. As we were leaving, we struck up a conversation with one of the residents, who kindly showed us inside their cozy little apartment.
Coffee and Bakeries
If you're a coffee lover, Haarlem will not disappoint. We stumbled upon Artesano Bakkerij, a bakery with an incredible selection of sweet and savory treats. No wonder it has a 5-star rating on Google! We couldn’t resist picking up a few pastries to enjoy as we explored.
Another gem is Jules Coffee & Concept, a café known for its top-of-the-line La Marzocco coffee machine. We sat outside in the sun, sipping delicious coffee and watching the bikes go by—it's the perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere of this charming town.
Teylers Museum
If you're a fan of photography or simply love beautiful, historic spaces, Teylers Museum is a must-see. This museum is one of the most photogenic places we’ve visited, with majestic rooms filled with soft natural light filtering through large windows. The museum is open every day (except Mondays) from 10 am to 5 pm, and admission costs €17.50. It’s a dream for anyone looking to capture the essence of Haarlem’s past.
Frans Hals
Another beautiful museum that is worth a visit is the Fran Hals Museum. It contains a large collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovations, but we visited the impressive entrance.
Jopen: A Brewery in a Church
Jopen Brewery is a unique spot where beer lovers will find themselves in heaven. Set in a former church, the space still retains much of its religious architecture, including colorful stained glass windows. The beer menu here is extensive, offering a wide variety of choices. We sat at the bar, took our time to study the options, and enjoyed some truly excellent brews.
Zandvoort
We were pleasantly surprised by how quick and affordable the journey was to Zandvoort. For sunset, we hopped on a direct train to Zandvoort, which took only around 10 minutes and cost 6€ return. Once we arrived at Zandvoort train station, it was a short walk to the beach. We made our way along the coastline, heading south toward the beach bars and restaurants.
There’s no shortage of places to grab a bite here, but after a bit of research, we decided to try Kayuca, a beach bar that had been highly recommended. We made a reservation and were lucky enough to get a table outside with an absolutely stunning view of the sea. The bohemian-style furniture and the carefully curated little details around the space made it feel like the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the evening. After a delicious meal, we strolled along the beach to catch the sunset alongside dog walkers and seagulls.
Whether you're visiting for a day or planning to stay longer, Haarlem is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a quieter, more authentic experience just a short distance from Zandvoort and Amsterdam. From its picturesque canals to its historic museums, hidden courtyards, and excellent coffee, Haarlem is a town that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.