You might think of New York when you hear Haarlem for the first time. But there is a city in the Netherlands called Haarlem. And yes, the Harlem neighborhood in New York took its name after this magnificent city in the Netherlands. You should remember that New York City was once called New Amsterdam.
Haarlem is one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands, located about 20 kilometers from Amsterdam. This makes it a top-rated destination for visitors. Crossed by the beautiful river of Spaarne, it is a city that continues to surprise and attract due to its magnificent center, the old Haarlem, with its majestic architecture and its resources in terms of art.
The diversity attracts visitors enormously; indeed, Haarlem has many unique shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants. It is a relaxing place for an outing around Amsterdam, only 15 minutes from the capital.
Museums to Visit in Haarlem
The common thing between the cities of the Netherlands is museums. Like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, Haarlem also has plenty of museums. You can see the works of some of the greatest artists in the world while visiting the city.
Frans Hals Museum
Located in a charming little alley, the Frans Hals museum is housed in a former hospice. In addition to a few paintings by Frans Hals, the museum exhibits paintings from the Haarlem School (15th–17th century). The museum also has a fine collection of furniture and decorative arts and the reconstruction of an 18th-century doll’s house.
Teylers Museum
This museum is the oldest public museum in the Netherlands. It was created in the 18th century thanks to Piete Teyler, a wealthy banker and cloth and silk merchant. As he had no descendants, he decided to bequeath his private collection and all his fortune to create a museum when he died. The museum is housed in neo-classical and neo-baroque-style buildings dating from the 19th century. The museum is committed to promoting the arts and sciences. It exhibits 18th-century physics instruments, fossils, paintings, drawings, coins, and medals. If you consider where should i go in Haarlem, Teylers Museum is a must-see place.
Archaeological Museum Haarlem
Opened in 1991, the Archaeological Museum Haarlem aims to show visitors the treasures discovered underground during the development of this city. The Archeology Museum is in a cellar under the Vleeshal, showing what was found during excavations in Haarlem. It is a recently renovated building specially designed for children, which will please them. It is a museum to dive into the history of the city. So go quickly with your family or not, take a quick look, and then continue with the Saint Bavo or the Frans Hals museums, which will undoubtedly captivate you for a long time.
Where to Stay in Haarlem
Haarlem has a significant advantage. The city is very close to the capital and has plenty of hotels. If you are looking for a place to spend the night, these are the best hotels Haarlem.
Vander der Valk Hotel: The hotel is in the city center, so it is easy to walk to many tourist spots. If you think about where to stay, the city center is the best area to stay in Haarlem. The hotel is very close to Grote Markt and Frans Hals Museum. Restaurant Martinus is a crucial place to taste local meals in the hotel.
Hotel de Zoete Inval Haamerliede: Hotel de Zoote Inval Haamerliede is located between Amsterdam and Haarlem. The hotel has three restaurants. You can have great dishes in an a la carte restaurant, have fast food in a bowling restaurant, or have different delicacies in a fondue restaurant. Hotel de Zoote Inval Haamerliede is best if you consider where to stay in Haarlem and Amsterdam.
Hotel ML: Hotel ML is another good place in the city center of Haarlem. Modern-designed rooms are spacious and comfy to stay in. The hotel has a great bar on the terrace where you can rest with a beautiful city view.
See also: Where to stay in Leiden?
Places to Visit in Haarlem for Couples
Spending a few days of your vacation in Amsterdam can actually be quite interesting. The city may be small, but there are many places to go as a couple. The city is full of surprises waiting to be discovered.
Grote Markt
The Grote Markt is the historical center of the city. It is bordered by the town hall to the west, the old meat hall to the south, and the Great Church to the east. It is a must-see place in Haarlem. Also, on the square is a statue of Laurens Janszoon Coster (1405-1484). He is considered the actual inventor of the printing press, even before Gutenberg in the Netherlands. The square is filled with restaurants and cafes. This makes the square very lively. It is the best place to go in Haarlem.
Stadhuis Haarlem
The city has a magnificent town hall. The small turret gives all its charm to this charming town hall in the Gothic style. It was built in the 14th century. However, as is typical, it has changed significantly over the years. An avant-corps gallery has been built on the right, while a Renaissance-style loggia has been added to the left. The interior of the building has been carefully preserved to protect the counts’ chamber. The Dutch aristocracy is honored on these walls with portraits. The original frescoes in the former Carmelite convent were copied and placed here.
Kleine Houtstraat
Along with Grotte Houstraat further west, Kleine Houtsraat is one of Haarlem’s major shopping streets. However, it hosts a few more authentic shops than its competitor. You can find surprising things in local shops, like souvenirs and many other things.
See also: Where to stay in Rotterdam?
Where to Stay in Haarlem for Couples
There are many hotel options for couples in the city. You can choose a hotel with interesting architecture or large rooms. If you are considering where to stay in Haarlem Netherlands, you shouldn’t decide without looking at these hotels.
Boutique Hotel ’t Vosje: Boutique Hotel ’t Vosje is the best places to stay in haarlem for couples. The hotel has a magnificent garden and a terrace to escape the city crowd. The hotel offers a quiet den for couples but is also close to the city center. You can rent a bike from the hotel and visit romantic places in the city.
Hotel Frenchie: The hotel has straightforward and modern designed rooms. After an exhausting day in the city, you can enjoy your holiday by having a rheumatic dinner at the hotel restaurant. It is one of the most romantic places to stay in Haarlem.
Cavallaro Hotel: The hotel is located in a very central place yet has a tranquil environment. If you think it is a place to rest and travel on vacation, it is one of the best place to stay in Haarlem as a couple.
Places to Visit in Haarlem with Kids
Haarlem is also a great place for kids. Haarlem is the right choice if you want to run away from the crowdedness of Amsterdam and look for an exciting place. Since there are many places to stay, it is easy to find in Haarlem where to stay.
Het Dolhuys
Do you want to try to solve the mystery of the mind? You can visit Dolhuys, the Museum of the Mind. Everything revolves around the miracle and versatility of the mind. You can learn more about mental health care, elder care, and neurology. And also find out how scientists, philosophers, and artists have tried to master the mind and all its views. You and the kids will discover the thoughts of Aristotle, Freud, and Buddha. Kids can find their own look-alike books in a fun and interactive way.
NZH Transportation Museum
The NZH Public Transport Museum is a significant place to visit in Haarlem. This museum aims to preserve and highlight the changes and developments in transport in Haarlem. There are important exhibitions about the history of public transportation in the city. There are also exciting vehicles for kids in the museum.
See also: Where to stay in Amsterdam?
Cathedral of St. Bavo
Built between 1895 and 1906, the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint Bavo is based on a three-aisle cruciform. It is one of the most magnificent examples of a transition in church architecture. There are also essential paintings and sculptures from influential Dutch artists.
Places to Stay in Haarlem with Kids
If you are looking for a place to stay with kids, there are several alternatives in Haarlem. Whether you need a luxury place or a place to spend the night, these are the best places to stay in Haarlem.
Brasss Hotel Suites: If you want to stay in a paradise-like place in the middle of the city, you should give Brasss Hotel Suites a chance. It is one of the best hotels in Haarlem Netherlands, by far.
Boutiquehotel Staats: Boutiquehotel Staats have spacious and bright rooms. You can leave the city’s noise behind and have quality time with kids in the hotel. In the gaming area of the hotel, you can have fun and even play table tennis.
MAF Haarlem Boutique Hotel: MAF Haarlem Boutique Hotel is a great place with its special family rooms. The hotel’s terrace section also has a magnificent Haarlem view. If you want to find a great place where to stay in Haarlem, the hotel has many offerings.
See also: Where to stay in Utrecht?