The famous organ of Haarlem in the Netherlands. My friends live here. The city of Haarlem in the Netherlands and what's good about it. How to get from Eindhoven to Haarlem
Haarlem is in no way inferior to neighboring Amsterdam - it has its own canals and museums, there are tulip fields all around, and the sea with beaches is only 10 minutes away. Sights of Haarlem on the map, canal cruise, shopping, hotels, restaurants. Where to go from Haarlem.
Haarlem is the capital of North Holland and the fourth most visited city in the country. Despite this, it gives the impression of being cozy provincial town, in which you so want to linger. We started our morning with coffee at the train station and ended the evening at the historic brewery church. In one day we managed to explore Haarlem on foot and from the water, have lunch, go shopping, see the flower floats of the Blumenkorso parade and go to the sea.
How to get to Haarlem from Amsterdam
Haarlem is located 20 km from Amsterdam. Amsterdam-Haarlem trains run from Amsterdam Central Station every 10 minutes and travel time is 15 minutes. If you are traveling to Haarlem in one day, it is beneficial to buy a round-trip ticket at a discount. We traveled to Haarlem using the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket, which provides free travel on all types public transport in Amsterdam and the region (for 1 day - €18.50, 2 days - €26.00, 3 days - €33.50).
You can get to Haarlem from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport by bus 300 in 40 minutes.
Sights of Haarlem
Haarlem sightseeing mapIn the Middle Ages, Haarlem was the second most important city in the Netherlands. Immigrants from the south, including artists and entrepreneurs, moved here. Economic growth contributed to the development of arts and culture. In the 17th century, Haarlem was one of the country's major artistic centers; at this time, the main historical buildings were built, which have survived to this day. The whole of Haarlem can be explored on foot.
Haarlem Central Station was opened on September 20, 1839. This is the only building in Holland in the Art Deco style. The station is decorated with tiles, stained glass, wood carvings and wrought iron.
Grote Markt- central market Square Haarlem, considered one of the most beautiful squares in the country. On the Grote Markt there is a monument to Laurens Janszoon Koster, who is credited with the invention of printing, and a modern statue of the "Zonnevechter" (Solar Destroyer). Before King Grote Markt's birthday, it turns into an amusement park; at Christmas, a Christmas tree is installed on it.
The historic buildings of Haarlem are located around the market square:
- Church of Saint Bavo(XIV century). The monument, protected by UNESCO, is famous for its 80-meter tower and the organ on which Mozart played.
- Town Hall(XIV century) houses the city government and tourist information center of Haarlem.
- Meat rows erected in 1602-1604. by the Dutch architect Lieven de Kay for the needs of the meat market, as recalled by the bull's heads on the façade. Now it is a branch of the Frans Hals Museum with a collection of modern paintings.
- City Guard House(XIII century) - oldest building The city got its name in 1765, when it was purchased by the authorities for the headquarters of the city guard and prison.
Museums in Haarlem
There are two in Haarlem famous museum, which have rich collections of works of art. Free entry with I amsterdam City Card.
Taylor Museum created in 1784 with money from wealthy philanthropist Peter Taylor. 12 exhibition halls display works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Goltzius, Lorrain, and natural science collections.
Frans Hals Museum presents paintings by the famous Haarlem native Frans Hals and other outstanding masters of Flemish painting. Is located in historical building former almshouse (XII century).
Haarlem Canal Cruise
After walking tour in the center, we continued to explore Haarlem from the water. Haarlem Canal Tours picks up passengers opposite the Taylor Museum for a 75-minute canal ride (5 cruises per day). The small open boat "Cornelia" for 12 people passes under all the bridges. Captain Gerun talks about the sights of Haarlem that are encountered along the route, slows down for best photos and answers questions. We really enjoyed the boat trip and chatting with the captain! book your seats in advance
While riding along the canals, we saw:
- former Hospital (De Egelantier)
- New Church (de Nieuwe Kerk)
- City Theater (Stadsschouwburg)
- Adrian's Mill (Molen De Adriaan)
- St. Bavo's Cathedral (Kathedraal St.Bavo) and other historical and modern buildings of Haarlem.
Online tickets without queues
Food and shopping in Haarlem
If you want to drink coffee in a historical setting, don't rush to leave Haarlem Central Station. The cafe is located right on the platform.
Jopenkerk(Gedempte Voldersgracht 2) - a brewery in a former church. A landmark and the best beer in Haarlem in one place. The signature beer “Hoppenbier” has been brewed according to an old recipe since 1501. If you are not sure which variety to choose, you can order a tasting (€12.50 per person). We sat at a table outside, inside is a modern industrial design and restaurant. At the beginning of August, a beer festival takes place in Haarlem.
Captain Gerun told us where to find the best ice cream in Haarlem. Garrone IJssalon located at the end of the shopping street (Grote Houtstraat 179). They have the largest selection of gelato you can imagine, but you'll have to wait in line.
For lunch we went to Dijkers(Warmoesstraat 5) which was included on our canal cruise. Nice family restaurant near the Grote Markt, there is a children's menu.
Haarlem received the title several times Best city for shopping in the Netherlands." Here you can shop in a relaxed atmosphere, just walking along the central streets. Haarlem's main shopping street, Grote Houtstraat, is lined with shops of international brands. The neighboring Kleine Houtstraat, Schagchelstraat, Drossestraat and Gierstraat are home to small shops, antique shops and boutiques where you can buy everything from bicycles to teapots. There is a market on Saturdays at the Grote Markt.
Haarlem Hotels
Thanks to the easy transport accessibility and reasonable prices, many prefer Haarlem hotels to expensive Amsterdam. It’s nice to come back here after the noisy capital and the cost of living is 2 times lower.
Hotels in the center of Haarlem with good reviews:
- Carlton Square Hotel 4* - comfortable hotel near the park and shopping street, in the rooms there is a kettle and coffee machine, good restaurant, underground parking.
- Brasss Hotel Suites is a luxury hotel in the heart of Haarlem, offering luxurious rooms and services.
- Bloemendaal-aan-Zee beach
Zandvoort — popular resort with a 9-kilometer coastline, a Formula 1 track, club life and aquatic species sports From Haarlem to Zandvoort you can travel by train (10 minutes) or by bus 81 (30 minutes). Zandvoort hotels
Bloemendaal aan Zee— the closest beach to Haarlem, the bike path passes by national park. On the shore there are beach cabins, cafes, and the Poort Beach Bloemendaal apartment hotel overlooking the sea and dunes. During our stay, the weather was unusually hot for April - everyone was relaxing at the seaside. Most were sunbathing, and some even swam in wetsuits.
Keukenhof. Royal Park flowers is located 16 km south of Haarlem. During the park's opening season, bus 50 runs between Haarlem and Keukenhof. The road passes through tulip fields. Many people prefer to cycle this scenic route. ends in Haarlem and all the next day (Sunday in mid-April) flower platforms stand in the city center for everyone to see. In the evening they are sorted out and flowers are given to everyone. We specially came to Haarlem on this day - we ended up at a colorful festival with a fair.
- the largest industrial region in the Netherlands. This large port city (its territory occupies 32 km 2, of which 2.6 km 2 is occupied by water) on the Sparna River is located just twenty kilometers to the west. Its population is approximately 147 thousand people, according to the 2005 census.
read more In the 17th century, Haarlem became a center of tulip trade due to its favorable location and the construction of a canal - the trequart - connecting the city with Amsterdam. An outbreak of “tulip mania” is sweeping the country, and the price of tulip bulbs is soaring to unprecedented heights. 
http://dga10.dk/map192 In the 19th century, King Willem II ordered the drainage of Lake Haarlemmermeer. This event, coupled with the rapidly growing number of industrial enterprises, caused a deterioration in the quality of water in the Sparna River. In 1859, the Old Canal was filled in, and a street of the same name was built on this site. The increase in land area in the city gives rise to a new wave of “tulip mania”, which has a positive effect on the development of the city.
click to see more In the twentieth century, the city grew, expanding first in the northern direction, and then in the east and south.
see more The city's attractions
Among the attractions that are definitely worth visiting for a tourist who finds himself in the city for the first time, we can note the central city square– Grote Markt. It houses the city hall, built in the 13th century and reconstructed during the Renaissance. An elegant loggia was added to the left wing during this period. On the square are the famous Meat Markets (Vleshal), built in 1600 in the Dutch Renaissance style by the famous city architect L. de Kay.
In the same square you can also see the Gothic Church of Sint-Bavo, the tower of which is eighty meters high. The tomb of Saint Bavo is located here, and the famous Dutch artist Frans Hals is buried here. This basilica contains famous organ, which was created in 1738 by Christian Müller. Such world-famous authors as Mozart, Handel, Liszt, Schubert and Schweitzer performed their great works on it. 
The city has many other fine old buildings, mostly medieval and Renaissance.
Haarlem is also a world-famous artistic center. It is in this city that the oldest art Gallery Holland, which displays various collections of paintings dating back to the Dutch Golden Age. Another famous art center is the museum of the Dutch artist Frans Hals.
I realized that I was starting to go to the same places. So it's time to go beyond Big ring channels. I promised my ex before the trip that we would definitely visit tulip paradise. So, the most convenient way to get to Keukenhof is through Haarlem. But in Haarlem I decided not only to transfer from the train from Amsterdam to the bus to, but also to take a short walk around the city itself.
The easiest way to get from Amsterdam to Haarlem is by train. Trains to Haarlem depart from railway station Amsterdam Centraal (Amsterdam Central). Trains to Haarlem run every 7 - 8 minutes, so even if you miss one train, you won't have to wait long for the next one. Haarlem is very close to Amsterdam, so the journey will only take 15 - 20 minutes.
The first thing a tourist encounters in Haarlem is an impressive building station, similar to a medieval fortress. It is clear that there is no smell of the Middle Ages here; the rear ones were built at the beginning of the 20th century in the Art Nouveau style. The station appeared in the famous film "Ocean's 12", where it "played" the role of the Amsterdam station.
From the station to the center of Haarlem it takes 10-15 minutes on foot. The streets near the station are quite decent and picturesque, so the road is not tiring at all.
Like any normal Dutch city, Haarlem is full of canals.
But this place on Jansstraat is worth a visit, although if you don’t know, it’s easy to pass by. There is a cozy courtyard here Janskerk.
Now the state archive is located here, but entry from the street is free.
I think little has changed in this courtyard in five hundred years.
It's very close to the center of Haarlem.
17th century houses on Jaanstraat decorated with heads.
But on the central Grote Markt square We were in for disappointment. Everything was filled with stupid attractions, so it was impossible to really take pictures or look at anything. It's a shame, because the Grote Markt is one of the most beautiful squares in all of the Netherlands.
Peeking out in the background Town Hall Haarlem.
The town hall was completed over several centuries, and now it essentially consists of several buildings that are not very interconnected. The facade of the building is decorated with a statue of Themis with a sword and scales.
Another notable building on the square is Meat rows. The structure, simple in shape, has rich decor and looks great.
No matter how hard I tried, but completely remove Church of St. Bavona I could not get. I already wrote about Saint Bavo of Ghent in my story about, I will not repeat here. The Gothic church is very impressive, the 80-meter bell tower alone is worth it.
Churches in the Netherlands are usually not very interesting inside, due to the activities of the iconoclasts, who during the Reformation destroyed the magnificent Catholic decoration. But it's definitely worth a visit. Inside the church there is a huge organ, once it was the largest in the world. Mozart himself came to Haarlem in his youth to play this organ.
Models of sailboats hang from the ceiling.
Besides the organ, I also really liked the church choirs.
They are decorated with funny wooden sculptures.
And this is just some kind of “alien”.
Look at the floor. Almost every slab in the church is someone's grave. The most famous person buried in the church is the famous artist Frans Hals. Hals lived almost his entire life in Haarlem, and his museum is located here (in the Meat Market building, which I showed above).
Picturesque streets lead off from the Grote Markt. The historical center of Haarlem is perfectly preserved; modern buildings are practically invisible.
In 2013, I just switched to compact mirrorless cameras. Until I decided on the system, I carried two cameras on this trip at once: Sony NEX-7 and Fuji E-X1.
To be honest, I liked walking the streets of Haarlem much more than walking along. It’s somehow more cozy and soulful here, with fewer tourists and wild cyclists.
The city center is very compact, so we soon left it and decided to river Sparna get back to the station.
The building on the right is the local Wag. As in Haarlem Waag performed an important function in controlling weights and measures.
The Sparna embankment is also beautiful.
The most beautiful bridge in Haarlem - Gravestenenbrug. In translation, something like a “castle” bridge. Remember?
Haarlem from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Haarlem.
In cheerful Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, it is easy to get tired of the bustle and influx of tourists. I want to be in peace and quiet, to feel the spirit of antiquity away from the whirlwind of the capital. But it’s not far to go for all this! Just 20 km from Amsterdam is Haarlem, which has all the above advantages. And not only as a means of a change of scenery does this lovely city deserve attention; many people go to the capital of North Holland to thoughtfully explore all the local beauties.
How to get to Haarlem
Of course, it is most convenient to travel from Amsterdam; trains to your destination go very often (5-6 times per hour) and only take 15 minutes. Traveling in second class will cost you 4.30 EUR one way, and in first class - 7 EUR. You can take the train at Central Station Amsterdam or Schiphol Airport. In this case, the trip will take about half an hour and cost 6 EUR (9 EUR in first class), but the main thing is that you will have to change to another train at Amsterdam Sloterdijk station. So, when traveling to Haarlem from Schiphol, it is better to take bus number 300. (It also passes through Amsterdam, by the way.) The large red Zuidtangent express trains are distinguished by high comfort and speed, which is achieved by specially designed routes along bus lines that are not busy with city traffic jams. The entire journey to Haarlem will take 40 minutes maximum and cost approximately 4-5 EUR. Please note: a ticket that allows you to travel all day costs 7 EUR, which is a benefit if you plan to travel multiple times. Prices on the page are as of September 2018.
Don't forget that you are in the Netherlands. Here you can rent not only a car, but also a bicycle. It will take you longer to get to Haarlem on it, depending, of course, on your capabilities, but it’s unlikely to be less than an hour, but you will be more mobile in your movements around the city. It’s just that you can’t ride a bicycle in the Keukenhof flower park, located not far outside the city, but in Haarlem - please!
Search for flights to Leiden (closest airport to Haarlem)
Cuisine and restaurants of Haarlem
Traditionally, most cafes, pastry shops and restaurants are concentrated around the Grote Markt, historical center cities. The most interesting of them is Het theehuis, in which the furnishings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries have been preserved almost intact. The food in all cafes is very high quality, prices are not much higher than in similar establishments in other areas of the city. Again, you can always snack on the go with the most delicate herring from stalls painted in the colors of the Dutch flag - they are distributed throughout the country.
If your soul craves something sweet, then it makes sense to visit the Rykenberg confectionery, where you can literally buy a cake for 2-3 EUR. This café-shop is clearly popular with city residents: many buy baked goods to take away. In the Ringers confectionery there is less excitement, and the products are no worse, and are supplemented with all kinds of chocolates and candies. For a quick snack, the ubiquitous McDonald's or the local Broodmand are suitable. For those planning to dine at a restaurant, you can offer a luxurious Subliem, but only if you are willing to pay an average of about 16 EUR per serving for national dishes. An alternative could be Falafel Land, Jacobus Pieck, Grand Cafe Nobel and others.
Weather in Haarlem
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Shopping and shops
From large shopping centers in Haarlem, you can highlight the Wikelcentrum Schalkwijk and many large malls such as Dekamarkt (Centrum stop), where you can buy groceries, clothes, shoes, household goods (pay attention to De Kunstboer) and much more. Cheese, of course, can be bought at any supermarket or market, or you can go to the cozy Kaas Winkeltje store. And eating the purchased product is especially tasty with coffee, of which there is an excellent selection here. You can verify this in the De Kale Jonker store on Zijlstraat, coming from the Grote Markt.
And in this square, in fact, there is a paradise for tourists picking up gifts and souvenirs. On Saturday and Monday there is an extensive market where, just like in the good old days, you can buy whatever your heart desires. On Monday (which is generally market day here) and Friday, the same transformation takes place with the Botermarkt square turning into a farmers' market. Flower growers, pay attention: it is in the markets that you can buy tulip bulbs.
Guides in Haarlem
Popular hotels in Haarlem
Entertainment and attractions in Haarlem
The sights of Haarlem literally begin from the train station. It was rebuilt several times, most recently in the Art Nouveau style, which made the ordinary building a real architectural monument.
Next on the list of obligatory historical sites is the Grote Markt market square with the Town Hall, obligatory for all European cities, the monumental Cathedral Saint Bavo. Do not confuse it with the Gothic Church of St. Bavo (aka Sint Bavo, aka Grote Kerk), which houses a huge organ that was once played by Mozart, Handel and Liszt. By the way, both buildings deserve attention. Just like the Church of St. Anne, Villa Welgelegen, Hadrian's Mill, Amsterdam Gate, St. Elizabeth's Hospital, where the historical museum is now located.
Not so long ago, the Second World War can be remembered in the Anne Frank and Corrie ten Boom museums. Visit the Teiler Museum, the Museum of Industrial Art and the Franz Hals Museum, which is close to some of the city's narrowest and most beautiful streets. And if possible, go to Haarlem in the spring when there is a flower parade in April.