Location: Centrum
Top Things to do in Centrum
What to do and see in Centrum, North Holland Province: The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. 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!
2. Sint-Bavokerk (Church of St. Bavo)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,085 reviews
Reviewed By Buddy_from_Oz - Greater Adelaide, Australia
If you're in Haarlem, don't miss a visit to St Bavokerk. Stunning architecture, fascinating history and a visually impressive organ played by both Mozart and Handel - and, surprisingly, mentioned in Herman Melville's Moby Dick. This was also the local church of Corrie ten Boom who, with her family, secretly helped many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust. The ten Boom museum is a few minutes walk away.
3. 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.
