Things to do in Haarlem

Activities, attractions and tours

A canal with boats, a car, and historic buildings with a church tower.
A canal with boats, a bridge, and historic buildings.
A traditional windmill by a canal with boats and historic buildings in the background.
A grand room with red walls, a high ceiling, and a large chandelier. There are several framed paintings on the walls and a large plant in the center.
An art gallery with paintings on the walls and visitors observing the exhibits.

Things to do

I amsterdam City Card

I amsterdam City Card

€60
per traveller
86% of travellers recommend
I amsterdam City Card
Dutch Countryside Tour with Windmills, Volendam & Marken

Volendam, Marken & Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam

€39
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Volendam, Marken & Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam
Amsterdam: Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket for 1-3 Days

Amsterdam: Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket for 1-3 Days

€23
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket for 1-3 Days
Hard Rock Cafe Dining with Priority Seating

Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam Dining with Priority Seating

€31
per traveller
88% of travellers recommend
Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam Dining with Priority Seating
Amsterdam: River Cruise With All-You-Can-Eat Dutch Pancakes

Amsterdam: River Cruise With All-You-Can-Eat Dutch Pancakes

€30
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: River Cruise With All-You-Can-Eat Dutch Pancakes
Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans 3-Hour Small Group Tour

Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans 3,5-Hour Small Group Tour

€43
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans 3,5-Hour Small Group Tour
Day Tour Giethoorn village and Windmills of Zaanse Schans

Day Tour Giethoorn village and Windmills of Zaanse Schans

€92
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Day Tour Giethoorn village and Windmills of Zaanse Schans
Amsterdam: Royal Palace Entry Ticket + Audio guide

Amsterdam: Royal Palace Entry Ticket + Audio guide

€14
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Royal Palace Entry Ticket + Audio guide
Amsterdam: Giethoorn Fairytale Village Tour & Canal Cruise

Amsterdam: Giethoorn Fairytale Village Tour & Canal Cruise

€57
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Giethoorn Fairytale Village Tour & Canal Cruise
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Top places to visit

1. Grote Markt

Walk through the historic streets filled with ultramodern boutiques, hip fashionistas and trendy cafés of Grote Markt and then step back through time as you enter Haarlem’s main square. In the Grote Markt, you’re surrounded by historic buildings: the Gothic cathedral, the 17th-century town hall, the 13th-century Hoofdwacht building where the civic guard once met and the former meat hall which is now the Museum de Hallen.
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A statue in a square, a historic church with a clock tower, and a busy street with pedestrians and bicycles.

2. Cathedral of Saint Bavo

The grand Cathedral of Saint Bavo, designed by architect Joseph Cuypers and built between the 1890s and 1930s, displays an unusual mix of styles. Numerous towers topped with conical roofs give the church the look of a fairytale castle and lead your eye to the green copper dome. Look up to see the architectural flourishes, from neo-Gothic gargoyles to Romanesque arches.
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A cathedral interior with large arched windows and a pipe organ.

3. St. Bavo Church

At the entrance to the main square of Haarlem, stop for a moment and look up at the great church, Grote Kerk. The Gothic building with the crown-topped clock tower is the Protestant church, also known as St. Bavokerk. This church became the prominent feature on Haarlem’s skyline when it was built in the 14th century and has continued to play an important part in the life of the town.
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A historic church with tall spires and a large arched window.

4. Corrie Ten Boom House

Visit Corrie ten Boomhuis to remember a time of great fear and brutality, but of great kindnesses and sacrifices too. The historic house commemorates the incredible bravery of the Ten Boom family in hiding Jewish fugitives and fighters in the Dutch resistance movement throughout World War II.
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A narrow brick alley with bicycles parked along the side, a corrugated metal awning, and a building with a black door labeled "Corrie ten Boom Museum".

5. Frans Hals Museum

Stroll down a narrow cobblestoned street lined with historic houses to visit the Dutch Master artists from Holland’s Golden Age at the Frans Hals Museum. This gallery has history and character. It’s housed inside a building from the early 1600s, which played a role as an almshouse, a retirement home for poor old men and an orphanage. Look for the painting of Haarlem orphans in their red and blue uniforms.
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An art gallery with classical paintings, wooden benches, and a large sculpture.

6. Teylers Museum

Teylers Museum is the Netherland’s oldest museum, open to the public since 1784. This collection of art, science, history and oddities is fascinating. Inspect the structure, worth visiting for the stunning architecture alone. The façade’s beautiful neoclassical style, with columns and statuary, is echoed by the understated elegance of its interior.
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A canal with boats, historic buildings, and a statue.

What to do in Haarlem

Stay near popular Haarlem attractions

A statue in a square, a historic church with a clock tower, and a busy street with pedestrians and bicycles.

Grote Markt

9.0/10 (359 reviews)
Haarlem's historic central square buzzes with centuries of Dutch heritage amid striking architecture. Savour local flavours at markets or relax at outdoor cafés overlooking St. Bavo Church.
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Where to stay in Haarlem

Find the best Haarlem areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Haarlem
Learn more about Haarlem
A historic church with a tall spire and a large clock tower, surrounded by a cobblestone square with pedestrians and a statue.

Centrum

If you're spending some time in Centrum, Grote Markt and Corrie Ten Boom House are top sights worth seeing.

A canal with historic buildings on one side and a bridge in the distance.
Photo by Jill Salsa
Open Photo by Jill Salsa

Oude Stad

While visiting Oude Stad, you might make a stop by sights like Corrie Ten Boom House and Grote Markt.

A windmill by a river with buildings in the background.
Photo by Jill Salsa
Open Photo by Jill Salsa

Stationsbuurt

If you're spending some time in Stationsbuurt, Hofje van Staats and Kenaupark are top sights worth seeing.

Kleine Hout

Though Kleine Hout may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Frans Hals Museum and Cathedral of Saint Bavo.

Koninginnebuurt

While Koninginnebuurt isn't home to many top sights, Cathedral of Saint Bavo and Frans Hals Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

A street with shops, including a pharmacy and a clothing store.

Zandvoort

A riverside town with a prominent church tower, a bridge in the background, and a mix of residential and industrial areas.

Halfweg

A frosty field with a narrow path and a crescent moon in the sky.

Spaarndam-West

A historic castle with ruins and a moat.

Santpoort-Zuid

Frequently asked questions

Is Haarlem worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Haarlem is explore Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Schiphol. Tick this top attraction off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Haarlem?
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Schiphol and Zandvoorts Museum are two good places to start your holiday adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Haarlem while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Haarlem?
The top tourist attraction in Haarlem is Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Schiphol, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Haarlem?
Three days in Haarlem is plenty of time to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travellers spend three days on average. Frans Hals Museum, Zandvoorts Museum and Nationaal Park Zuid Kennemerland are among the most popular sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like Amsterdam.
Is Haarlem a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Haarlem. Several attractions, including Frans Hals Museum and NZH Public Transport Museum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Haarlem's best neighbourhoods, Oude Stad is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Centrum is 0.16 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Haarlem with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all ages, we've got some fabulous ideas for what to do in Haarlem with kids.

What to do in Haarlem for adults?
Corrie ten Boom House and Corrie Ten Boom House are just two of the things to do in Haarlem. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Haarlem?
From visiting parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Haarlem. If you need inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. Grote Markt is a must for anyone looking to save on their travelling adventures.

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