Things to do in Haarlem

Activities, attractions and tours

Haarlem which includes street scenes
Haarlem featuring boating and a river or creek
Haarlem showing a windmill and a river or creek
Teylers Museum which includes interior views and art
Frans Hals Museum which includes art and interior views as well as a large group of people

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Most popular experiences in Haarlem

Tours & day trips

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Amsterdam: Open Boat Cruise option Unlimited Drinks & Bite

Amsterdam: Open Boat Cruise option Unlimited Drinks & Bite

Activity duration is 1 hour
8.6 out of 10 with 33 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €24 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Amsterdam Food and Cultural Tour with Tastings

Amsterdam Food and Cultural Tour with Tastings

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 14 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €79 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Amsterdam: Smoke and Lounge City Boat Cruise

Amsterdam: Smoke and Lounge City Boat Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 10 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 36 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €24 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Countryside Bike Tour from Amsterdam: a Windmill and Dutch Cheese

Countryside Bike Tour from Amsterdam: a Windmill and Dutch Cheese

Activity duration is 4 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €49 per adult
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Attractions

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Blue Boat Company - 75 minute City Canal Cruise

Blue Boat Company - 75 minute City Canal Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes
8.4 out of 10 with 142 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was €25 and current price is €15 per adult
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What to do in Haarlem

Popular places to visit

Grote Markt showing street scenes, outdoor eating and café scenes

Grote Markt

4/5(6 reviews)

Try local delicacies of salted herring, buttery poffertjes and gooey stroopwafels and relax in a cozy café overlooking the buildings of this ancient town square.

Grote Markt
Frans Hals Museum which includes a house and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Frans Hals Museum

5/5(1 review)

See the works of one of the most talented Dutch Master painters. Let the art transport you back to Haarlem as it was in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Frans Hals Museum
Cathedral of Saint Bavo showing religious elements, a church or cathedral and interior views

Cathedral of Saint Bavo

4/5(1 review)

See the unusual mix of architectural styles in this beautiful Catholic Church. Enjoy a performance by the choir, specially trained at a nearby musical school.

Cathedral of Saint Bavo
Teylers Museum which includes interior views

Teylers Museum

Experience the Enlightenment. Discover an 18th-century merchant’s collection of art, natural history, geology and science in harmonious neoclassical architecture.

Teylers Museum
Corrie Ten Boomhuis showing street scenes

Corrie Ten Boom House

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Visit the historic house where a courageous family hid about 800 Jews and underground resistance fugitives from the Nazis in a secret wardrobe compartment.

Corrie Ten Boom House
Amsterdamse Poort

Amsterdamse Poort

Find out about the history of Oude Stad when you spend time at Amsterdamse Poort. Discover the area's churches or seek out its cycling trails.

Amsterdamse Poort
Grote Kerk which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture

St. Bavo Church

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Explore earlier times inside the 15th-century church, nicknamed “Jan with the High Shoulders,” that was at the heart of Haarlem’s community.

St. Bavo Church
Molen De Adriaan

Molen De Adriaan

Enjoy an outing to Molen De Adriaan during your stay in Oude Stad. Discover the area's fascinating museums or seek out its cycling trails.

Molen De Adriaan

Corrie ten Boom House

You can find out about the history of Oude Stad with a stop at Corrie ten Boom House. Add the area's shops or churches to your travel plans.

Corrie ten Boom House

Areas of Haarlem

Haarlem featuring street scenes

Centrum

4.5/5(25 area reviews)

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

Centrum
Madame Tussauds featuring interior views as well as an individual male

Stationsbuurt

5/5(9 area reviews)

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

Stationsbuurt
Zandvoort which includes street scenes

Zandvoort

Photo by OBVG

Spaarndam-West

Photo by Anthony Martinez

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.