You will find that in Haarlem's historic city centre all of the places of interest are within walking distance. And what could be more pleasant than strolling along while enjoying everything Haarlem has to offer?
Or taking a break in one of the many cosy cafes. And if you are after good food, the choice is virtually unlimited. Just look around and everywhere you will see good restaurants and intimate eateries. Haarlem even has a culinary walking route for the real gourmets! In every respect, Haarlem is indeed a delightful city.
And what to do at night? Well, there's the Schouwburg, the Toneelschuur, the Concertgebouw, to name just a few venues - the choice is yours. Best city for shopping in Holland You are bound to notice something else as well, when walking through Haarlem's city centre: the great variety of shops. It should not surprise you, therefore, to learn that Haarlem has been officially designated best shopping city in Holland. The city owes this title, among other things, to the wide range of specialised stores and exclusive shops. And - not to be overlooked - the enjoyable market, every Monday and Saturday, in the location where it has been held for centuries: the Grote Markt. The city centre is virtually car-free, so you can do your shopping in peace and quiet. You can park your car conveniently in one of the covered car parks in the centre. The Grote Markt is just a ten minute walk from the railway station.
Haarlem, city of flowers From whichever direction you enter Haarlem, the city welcomes you with beautiful flower arrangements on street corners, colourful parks and squares. In early spring the bulb fields stretching out for miles to the south-west of the city show off their unique colourful splendour. A fantastic experience which you will not want to miss. And that also goes for the Flower Corso, the annual flower-display-on-wheels, with its magnificent floats. But perhaps you would rather get away from it all in the "Haarlemmerhout", the oldest urban woodland area in Holland. In short: Haarlem is Holland's Flower City par excellence.
Holland's oldest museum Do you like art and culture? If so, Haarlem has a great deal to offer you. In 1784 Holland's first museum, the Teylers Museum, opened its doors on the banks of the Spaarne. Come and admire the architecture of the building which houses it, and prepare to be impressed by its unique, multifaceted collection. And you should certainly visit the Frans Hals Museum, with its intimate, secluded garden. Pause to contemplate the impressive "Schutterstukken" (paintings of the city's armed guards of honour) by the Haarlem master painter Frans Hals.