Location: Haarlem
Top Things to do in Haarlem
10 Free Things to do in Haarlem That You Shouldn't Miss
Though often overshadowed (especially for tourists) by its much larger and more famous neighbor Amsterdam about ten miles east, Haarlem’s history actually goes back further. And with about 150,000 people, it’s the capital of the Noord-Holland region. The Teylers Museum, with its unique collection of art and artifacts, is the oldest museum in the Netherlands. The fantastic Frans Hals Museum has many works by the artist and other Haarlem schoolers. Grote Markt, the main town square, is a must-see.
Restaurants in Haarlem
1. Melgers Wijn en Dranken
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
2. Raaks Halle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Raaks Halle is a shop-in-shop in the citycenter of Haarlem and contains 40 small shops of local entrepreneurs. The range of products in Raaks Halle is therefore very diverse and unique. Thes products vary in the range of design, gifts, fashion, house and living, art and food. There is also a coffee corner. They serve high quality coffee and often homemade pastry. In the spacious basement is a art gallery called Kunst Kelder. The store organizes several cultural events, workshops and live-performances . Finally they also have two escape rooms. Altogether Raaks Halle is a must see in Haarlem.
3. Lunchroom Cat Cafe Jippies
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 78 reviews
Cat Cafe Jippies is a cosy lunchroom and also the residence of 7 cats named Eva, Spooky, Arie, Hanna, Simba, Manouschka and Whitney. All cats come form several shelters in the Netherlands. The atmosphere is nice and quiet, ideal for relaxed conversation and just like home. You may enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea, fresh juice and lovely sweets, cakes and sandwiches. while socializing with the cats or watching them play around on the special toys that are built for them. Ideal to combine a visit with a walk trough the historic center of Haarlem. You are welcome from 10:00 till 17.30 hours from Wednesday up to Saterday. At Sunday open from 11.30 till 17.30 hours. Are you from abroad? Please make a reservation at our website so you can't be disappointed.
Reviewed By katylw1
We visited here and had such a lovely time. Simba really made the experience for us; he was so playful and was very good company. The staff here are welcoming and friendly and there is a great range of food and drinks (with a menu available in English). We had the espresso surprise and lemon poppy seed cake, both delicious. The cafe is amazingly clean; I have been to many cat cafes and there is always a distinct odour of cat food/litter boxes/animals, but here, if you were blindfolded, you wouldn't know it was a cat cafe! Highly recommended!
4. The Corrie ten Boom House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 969 reviews
Reviewed By Dahlke8 - La Vernia, United States
The Ten Boom family’s incredible sacrifice to help the Jewish people and the Dutch Resistance during WWII is carefully preserved and retold by passionate and caring guides! Dina introduced us to the Ten Boom’s, their incredible faith in Christ, and then walked us through their home, to include the Hiding Place. This is a must visit, as is the beautiful town of Haarlem, if you are in Amsterdam.
5. Grote Markt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,190 reviews
Reviewed By springlering - Marietta, United States
We have been in Haarlem for several days, and have visited the Square each day. Our own home has a classic town square, and we’ve grown to appreciate how they change character each visit, as does this one. Surrounded by excellent shopping, quaint streets and alleys, with a stunning church and historic buildings, there are nice restaurants to hang out at, a bustling Saturday market, and for those of you who might share our secret vice, lots of Pokestops to hold your interest. The VVV (tourist information) on the square has several nice brochures featuring historic or memorial walks. Or (and this is the nuttiest tourist tip you’ll ever get) download Pokemon (a free app). Real world locations (or “Pokestops”) are points of interest that locals have added to the game. Particularly in Haarlem, we’ve found all kinds of local buildings, small statues, architectural features and more unique and easy to miss features and oddities we never would have noticed had other players not flagged them on the easy to follow 3D map that is part of the game. Pop into St Bavo’s and see if you are lucky enough to catch an organ rehearsal or concert. The little visitors center next to the big visitors center has a beautifully produced film with a history of Haarlem that is worth seeing.
6. Happy Haarlem - Feel Good Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
You want to make the most out of your visit to Haarlem. That’s why we give you more than the standard ‘touristy’ tour with facts & dates. We want to boost your happiness level! Our stories include: local heroes, beautiful buildings, social hubs, heartwarming community projects, creative (street) art, innovative business concepts and much more. Book our tour and let’s explore Haarlem together!
7. Cafe Briljant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Café Briljant is a safe haven for the beerlover carefully hidden in the historical "Vijfhoek" quarter of Haarlem. A place to settle donw and enjoy a nice craft brew (around 75 on bottle)or a nice dram of Single Malt Whisky (a selection of 40).Good music, but not too loud, always room for a good conversation, lots of activities such as live-music on Thursday, Strictly Vinyl on Sunday and regular tastings of whisky, craftbeer and beer brewing workshops! Besides that a wide selection of boardgames is available. If you are lucky you might even get to try one of the homebrews of the owner Rob Alphenaar. Tastings: Briljant specializes in craftbeer and whisky tastings, and even without reservation it is easy to serve you a nice tasting on any given time, out of our wide assortment.
8. Kaashuis Tromp
9. Uiltje Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By solpo_ua - Brovary, Ukraine
Amazing place actually and full of beer. On tap and in ref you can find some limited beers + they have few taps for cask beer. My strong reccomendations to visit this place even if you have no idea about beer - this guys will explain you a little bit more about this drink
