Haarlem is a small metropolis that neighbors Amsterdam. With cobblestoned lanes, Gothic cathedrals, and a bustling most important sq., Haarlem is a pleasure to go to.
We spent a day in Haarlem and liked it. There’s a totally different vibe right here than in Amsterdam. Haarlem is sort of a laid again, relaxed model of Amsterdam, with out the tour teams.
In case you are on the lookout for the right day journey vacation spot from Amsterdam, it’s exhausting to beat Haarlem.
6 Causes Why Haarlem Makes a Nice Day Journey from Amsterdam
It might be exhausting to tear your self away from Amsterdam, however you received’t remorse it. Listed here are 6 explanation why Haarlem makes a terrific day journey from Amsterdam.
#1 Getting Right here is Fast and Simple
Only a brief prepare experience connects Amsterdam and Haarlem. From Central Station in Amsterdam, you may take a 15-minute prepare to Haarlem. Tickets value €5.60 one-way, €11.20 spherical journey.
When you arrive in Haarlem, it’s a ten minute stroll to Grote Markt (Large Market) and the middle of the town.
Learn extra about prepare journey in our article Netherlands Practice Journey: How you can E-book Your Tickets and Use the Trains.
#2 Escape the Crowds in Amsterdam
Haarlem is much less crowded and fewer touristy than Amsterdam. Sure, Amsterdam is superior, but it surely will also be very crowded.
In the event you want an escape from the crowds and the vacationers, Haarlem is ideal.
#3 You Can Tour a Windmill
Molen De Adriaan is a windmill that was constructed within the 18th century after which burnt to the bottom in 1932. It was rebuilt in 2002 as a museum. You possibly can tour the windmill and study the historical past of Haarlem.
You possibly can solely go to the windmill on a guided tour. Tickets solely value €5.50 and excursions final roughly 45 to 60 minutes. Go to the official web site for working hours and to e-book your tickets on-line.
#4 Cling Out in Grote Markt
Grote Markt is the principle sq. within the middle of Haarlem. On heat days, cafes spill out into the sq. and the tables are crammed with buddies and households having fun with a drink, a meal, and the great climate.
On Saturdays an outside market is held, the place you may store for meals, produce, and flowers.
#5 The Corrie ten Growth Home
If you are interested in World Conflict II historical past, it is a museum that you simply don’t wish to miss. Throughout WWII, the home of the Ten Growth household turned a hiding place for Jewish folks and other people within the Dutch underground. It’s estimated that this household saved 800 Jews and refugees. This home, its unique furnishings, and the key room can all be visited on a tour.
Excursions are provided Tuesday by Saturday and final about one hour. Reservations must be made on-line upfront (the web site recommends that you simply make your reservations greater than 5 days upfront).
#6 Discover the Medieval Streets and Buildings
The middle of Haarlem is a maze of cobblestoned streets and medieval structure. The Church of St. Bavo, with its Gothic structure, is the centerpiece of Haarlem. It dominates Grote Markt and it has been standing right here for hundreds of years.
You too can discover the hofjes, that are small, hidden courtyards surrounded by homes. As a result of they’re hidden, they are often troublesome to search out, so one of the simplest ways to see these is on a tour of Haarlem.
Searching for one other nice day journey vacation spot from Amsterdam? Utrecht can also be simple to achieve by prepare and is a smaller model of Amsterdam.
8 Issues to do in Haarlem
- Grote Markt: Large Market within the metropolis middle
- Corrie ten Growth Home: museum of Nazi resistance
- Molen De Adriaan: windmill museum
- Church of St. Bavo (Sint Bavokerk): Gothic cathedral in Grote Markt
- Frans Hals Museum: Dutch artwork museum
- Teylers Museum: oldest museum within the Netherlands
- Amsterdamse Poort: medieval city gate
- Discover the hofjes: hidden courtyards in Haarlem
5 Eating places to Attempt
Wolfhound Irish Bar & Kitchen. That is the place we had dinner and it tasted like we had been again in Eire. The restaurant is run by a pleasant, Irish girl and the meals is scrumptious.
Frietkamer. Greatest fries in Haarlem.
Jopenkerk. A church transformed right into a restaurant and bar. That is one among Haarlem’s hottest eating places.
Specktakel. Take your choose from their artistic, eclectic menu with meals from world wide.
Luca Ristorante & Pizzeria. Genuine Italian meals and pizza.
How Lengthy Ought to You Spend in Haarlem?
We spent one afternoon in Haarlem. This gave us simply sufficient time to tour Molen de Adriaan, discover the town middle, and have dinner. It felt like simply sufficient time to get an summary of the town (and simply sufficient time to know that we will’t wait to return again right here once more sometime). The most effective half was wandering the town streets and having dinner on the Wolfhound Irish Bar & Kitchen.
When you have extra time to spare, at some point is ideal. You possibly can tour the Corrie ten Growth Home and Molen De Adriaan, in addition to a number of of the opposite museums which can be positioned in Haarlem. This provides you loads of time to additionally to discover the hofjes and loosen up in Grote Markt.
