Haarlem has many attractions. To get you started, we have made a list of the top 10 must-see sights during your visit to Haarlem. Plan your visit in advance via Haarlem Tickets.
THE LARGE OR ST. BAVOKERK
Haarlem has a number of interesting churches in and around its center. At the Grote Markt, the Grote or Sint Bavokerk immediately catches the eye. This magnificent late-Gothic medieval cross basilica towers high above the buildings around the square. The church houses, among other things, the famous Müller organ, where Mozart once pulled out all the stops as a child, and the tomb of Frans Hals.
In addition, from the end of May to the beginning of October, concerts on the Christian Müller organ are held weekly on Tuesday evenings and Thursday afternoons.
In the cellars of the City Hall - the heart of the city that has been there since the fourteenth century - discover everything about the history of Haarlem. For example, watch the animated film Vogelvlucht and see how the imposing Grote or St. Bavo Church was built, be transported to the glory days of Haarlem in the Golden Age and marvel at the development that residents of this monumental city have gone through over the centuries.
Exceptional church building, which in terms of architectural development, along with the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Sacré Coeur in Paris, the Westminster Cathedral in London and the Koekelberg Basilica in Brussels, ranks among the top five major church buildings erected between 1850 and 1950. More than 50 important Dutch artists collaborated on this building, including Jan Toorop and Mari Andriessen.
Discover the wonders of art and science at Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands. Art by famous masters, million-year-old fossils, extremely expensive books and ingenious instruments.
In Frans Hals Museum, old and new meet. Historical works by Frans Hals and others hang alongside contemporary installations, and the Golden Age meets the present.
Are you curious about what to expect from a city walk through Haarlem or do you want to discover the city from home? Check out these virtual city walks from VVV Haarlem with city guide Marius Bruijn or city guide Marije Geheniau. Also check out the virtual scavenger hunts.
The range of stores in Haarlem is enormous and varied. Fashion, home accessories, vintage, design, toys, antiques, delicacies: it's not for nothing that the city has been voted Holland's Best Shopping City three times already. Shop famous and luxury brands at the stores in the Grote Houtstraat or look for something exclusive in the picturesque Gouden Straatjes. The Golden Streets of Haarlem are: the Zijlstraat, the Koningstraat, the Gierstraat, the Schagchelstraat, the Kleine Houtstraat, the Anegang and the Warmoesstraat.
A visit to Haarlem is not complete without a visit to Molen de Adriaan. Located on the Spaarne, you can see this tower mill from afar. Led by a guide, visual presentations and using models, you will discover much about the history of this and other Dutch mills. From the scaffolding of the mill you have a spectacular view of the old city.
Haarlem's location is downright ideal with Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport less than 20 minutes away and the dunes and beach as its backyard. From Haarlem you can enjoy the beautiful National Park Zuid-Kennemerland, beautiful country houses, beach, sea and recreation area Spaarnwoude. And not only that. The colorful bulb region and the Keukenhof are just around the corner.
Experience 1000 years of the city's history and meet special Haarlemmers. Discover how the inhabitants of the Spaarne cared, fought, mourned, worked, played sports, believed, made love and partied. Meet Haarlemmers from the past and present, from world-famous to ordinary. And see the city through their eyes. Verwey Museum Haarlem is a must for anyone who wants to know and see more of Haarlem.
Discover Haarlem's rich history and its many monumental buildings and courtyards. From medieval streets to wonderful museums such as the Frans Hals Museum and the Teylers Museum, this city offers a wealth of cultural heritage. Come and enjoy the beauty of this historic city!
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