Location: Haarlem
Top Things to do in Haarlem
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Things to do in Haarlem, 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. 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.
2. Molen De Adriaan Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 546 reviews
Reviewed By TheGoodShag
This was great. A tour around a working windmill with a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. Lots of info not only about this windmill but also other windmills in The Netherlands. Don't miss itt.
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.
4. Cathedral of Saint Bavo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 346 reviews
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Bavo (New Bavo) was designed by J.Th. Cuypers and built in the period from 1895 to 1930. The Cathedral Basilica is based on the classic form of a three-aisled basilica with chapels along the aisles and chapels along the choir. Because construction took a lot of time and a period of lack of funds in the diocese building temporarily brought, Cuypers was given the opportunity to present his designs several adjustments during construction and perform. The building therefore has an eclectic style, mainly neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic elements alongside Moorish and Assyrian ornament shapes and influences of Art Nouveau and the architect H. P. Berlage. Recently artworks of Jan Dibbets, Gijs Frieling and Marc Mulders were added to the interior. Without doubt a very special building. Activities at this monument: KathedraalMuseum, Willibrord Organ plus periodically vault tours and climbing the towers.
Reviewed By Calgarytraveller2 - Calgary, Canada
We enjoyed touring the church during the day and then were lucky enough to return in the evening for a free organ recital - wonderful to hear this powerful organ in such a gorgeous setting and the sound resonance was great. It was also really cool to think about Mozart playing on this organ back in the day!
