About
Haarlem is a canal-ringed city in the Netherlands, a short journey from Amsterdam. It makes a calm and rewarding stop for a visitor who wants a more intimate taste of Dutch town life, with its streets, waterways and old buildings close at hand.
What to see
The city's skyline is shaped by its medieval architecture, and its streets reward slow walking. The great church of St. Bavo stands at the heart of the old town and is the landmark most visitors head for first. Haarlem also has a notable art scene, and the Frans Hals Museum is the place to see the work of its name city's celebrated painter in a setting that suits it well.
What the visit feels like
- Walking the canals and the flower-filled streets, which give the city its character
- Time in the museums, including the Frans Hals Museum
- Seeing St. Bavo Church and the medieval fabric around it
- A slower pace than Amsterdam, with an authentic Dutch atmosphere
Using Haarlem as a base
Haarlem suits travellers who want to explore further afield. The famous Keukenhof gardens are within reach, and the North Sea beaches are not far away, so the city works well as a base for day trips. Amsterdam is only minutes away by train, which makes it easy to combine a quieter town stay with time in the capital.
