Haarlem, Netherlands
Haarlem, located just a short train ride away from Amsterdam, is a charming Dutch city known for its historic architecture, beautiful canals, and vibrant art scene. Visitors can explore museums, markets, and cafes, or simply wander through the picturesque streets and take in the city's unique atmosphere.
Trip to Haarlem, Netherlands
Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration
After arriving in Haarlem, you can get settled in at your hotel and then start exploring the city. Begin with a visit to the famous Grote Markt in the city center, which is surrounded by stunning medieval architecture. You can take a stroll through the streets of the city center, visiting the Frans Hals Museum, which houses works by the Dutch painter Frans Hals, and the Teylers Museum, which has a collection of art and artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries. Enjoy a drink at one of the city’s historic bars or pubs, such as Cafe Koops or Cafe de Vijfhoek.
Day 2: Keukenhof Gardens and Windmills
Take a day trip to the nearby town of Lisse to see the stunning Keukenhof Gardens, which is famous for its tulips and other flowers. You can stroll through the gardens and see the beautiful colors and fragrances of the flowers, as well as visit the windmill on the grounds. After that, visit the historic windmill village of Zaanse Schans, which has several restored windmills, a museum, and a cheese-making demonstration. You can take a boat ride along the river and enjoy lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Day 3: Beach Day
Spend a day at the beach at Zandvoort, which is just a few kilometers from Haarlem. You can swim, sunbathe, or go for a walk along the stunning shoreline. The beach is lined with beach bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a drink or a meal. For a more relaxing experience, visit the sauna complex at the beach, which has a range of facilities including steam rooms, saunas, and hot tubs.
Day 4: Museums and Art Galleries
Visit some of Haarlem’s art galleries and museums, including the Frans Hals Museum, where you can see works by the famous Dutch painter, and the Teylers Museum, which has a collection of art and artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries. You can explore the Museum of Modern Art, which has a collection of contemporary art and design, or visit the De Hallen Museum, which showcases innovative contemporary art from around the world.
Day 5: Shopping in Haarlem
Spend a day shopping in Haarlem’s historic city center, which is filled with charming boutiques, antique shops, and specialty food stores. You can explore the Grote Houtstraat and Kleine Houtstraat, two bustling shopping streets, or browse the stalls at the weekly open-air market on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Don’t forget to stop by the iconic Jopenkerk brewery, which is housed in a former church and serves up delicious craft beer.
Day 6: Day Trip to Amsterdam
Take a day trip to Amsterdam, which is just a 15-minute train ride from Haarlem. Explore the city’s famous canals, visit some of its world-class museums, such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum, or stroll through its charming neighborhoods, such as the Jordaan or the Pijp. End the day with dinner at one of Amsterdam’s many excellent restaurants or cafes.
Day 7: Relaxation and Departure
Spend your last day in Haarlem relaxing in one of the city’s many parks or gardens, such as the Haarlemmerhout or the Spaarne. Enjoy lunch at one of Haarlem’s cozy cafes or restaurants before departing for the airport or train station.
