Things to do in Haarlem

Anna

From Anna's guidebook

The biggest playground of Europe! More than 350 playground equipment and attractions, too many to mention! In a playground, children playfully learn to push their limits and the cognitive development of a child is stimulated. Playing outside is fun, educational and healthy! And where better to do that than in the largest playground in Europe? At Linnaeushof you’ll find over 350 pieces of play equipment and attractions, all aimed at active entertainment. This means you’re using your own energy. So stay on the move! And anyone who thinks that playing in an outdoor playground is only for children is wrong, at Linnaeushof adults play along with them! Most attractions in Linnaeushof are outside. When the weather is good, you can play in the open air. The large selection of playground equipment is divided into seperate playing areas for small and large children. In the separated and clearly visible toddler playground you can play to your heart’s content on the many swinging, revolving and climbing equipment. In addition to a large sandpit, there’s also an educational traffic garden and a bounce house in the shape of a fairy tale castle with a drawbridge. The toddler playground has only one entrance and exit, which enables good oversight and allows for close monitoring of the youngest children. On a sunny day, we can recommend the water playground at the Linnaeushof. Not a swimming pool, but a real water playground where you can actively play with everything that has water coming out and getting in! The splashes will catch you from all sides. Choose one of the water slides or do you dare to stand under a huge bucket that will empty itself at unexpected times? Turn the different taps to choose from which pipes the water will flow. The water playground offers a refreshing way to cool down during the warm summer days. With large palm trees and life-size dromedaries all around, you really feel like you are in an oasis.

Mieke

From Mieke's guidebook

The largest playground in Europe, located in nearby Bennebroek. It features numerous playgrounds, go-karts, trampolines, and water play areas. It is about 20-30 min car ride and you can easily spend a whole day here.

Paul

From Paul's guidebook

They advertise being the biggest play garden in Europe. A super place for the kids with a lot of attractions mostly mechanical and also some nice wateractivities.

BB40 Haarlem

From BB40 Haarlem's guidebook

Teylers Museum is an art, natural history, and science museum in Haarlem, Netherlands. Established in 1778, Teylers Museum was founded as a centre for contemporary art and science.[5] The historic centre of the museum is the neoclassical Oval Room (1784), which was built behind the house of Pieter Teyler van der Hulst (1702–1778), the so-called Fundatiehuis (Foundation House). Pieter Teyler was a wealthy cloth merchant and banker of Scottish descent, who bequeathed his fortune for the advancement of religion, art, and science. He was a Mennonite and follower of the Scottish Enlightenment.

Menno

From Menno's guidebook

Teylers Museum is the only museum in the Netherlands that has been continuously open to the public since 1784. The authentic interior with the original objects has remained the same in all that time. Hence the claim: the first and oldest museum in the Netherlands.

Petra

From Petra's guidebook

Teylers Museum in Haarlem is the best-preserved 18th-century public knowledge institution for the arts and sciences in the world. It has been open to the public since 1784, welcoming all those who are eager to look at objects of interest in the visual arts and the sciences. It is a unique place with a remarkable atmosphere, and a visit is bound to be an unforgettable experience. Exhibits include machines that generate electricity and fossils that are millions of years old, as well as historical books and coins. Art lovers visit Teylers for its fine collection of Dutch masters and its world-famous prints and drawings by Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael and Goltzius, to mention but a few.

Tyl

From Tyl's guidebook

A must for anyone interested in the Dutch Masters, this superb museum is located in the poorhouse where Hals spent his final years. The collection focuses on the 17th-century Haarlem School;

Mirjam

From Mirjam's guidebook

The Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem is dedicated to the works of the famous Dutch Golden Age painter, Frans Hals, showcasing his iconic portraits alongside art from other renowned 16th and 17th-century artists. The museum is housed in two beautiful locations: the Hof (a former almshouse) and the Hal (a restored 17th-century building), and it offers a fascinating glimpse into Dutch art and history, with a focus on Hals' dynamic and expressive portraiture.

Anna

From Anna's guidebook

From an ‘Old Men’s House’ to new municipal museum The Frans Hals Museum is divided over two locations: Hof and Hal. They are within a short, scenic walk from each other, through historic Haarlem. Now home to an array of art treasures, our Hof location was once a home for old men; a place where, in the ‘Golden Age’, gentlemen enjoyed their golden years. But since 1913, this courtyard building of Groot Heiligland has exhibited the municipal art collection, with numerous highlights from the same ‘Golden Age’. In location Hal on the grote markt in Haarlem you will find modern and contemporary exhibitions. Hal consists of three different buildings, each from a different century: the Vleeshal (‘Meat Hall’), Vishuisje (‘Fish House’) and Verweyhal (‘Verwey Hall’).

Tessa

From Tessa's guidebook

The Sint Bavokerk is an extraordinary cruciform Gothic church. Some special stories are associated with it. A woman is said to have been liberated from the devil and the Dutch saying ‘the bullet is through the church’ originates here. The bullet in question can still be seen in one of the walls. Lastly, the tower was used by the fire department for years. They even slept there. If there was a fire, they opened a window in its direction and yelled and waved to inform their colleagues on the ground. The Sint Bavokerk is also the last resting place of Frans Hals.

Tess

From Tess's guidebook

Visit the church, see the Mozart Organ and climb the tower for a magnificent view over Haarlem. From far away the Grote of St.-Bavokerk can be seen. Its wooden tower, covered with lead, reaches 78 meter into the sky. This late medieval cross-basilica is one of the largest in The Netherlands. Unique in its interior are its wonderful wooden ceiling, its famous Müller Organ, its rood-screen, its many stained windows and its 400 gravestones, including that of Frans Hals. The main eye-catcher in the Great Church is the impressive Müller organ dating from 1738, which is the most depicted instrument in the world. Soon after its completion the organ became a tourist attraction with international fame and it still is. It was played by G.F. Händel in 1740 and ’50, who travelled to Haarlem especially for this purpose, and in 1766 the ten-year-old Mozart was on the organ.

Tyl

From Tyl's guidebook

Topped by a towering 50m-high steeple, the Gothic Grote Kerk van St Bavo contains some fine Renaissance artworks, but the star attraction is its stunning Müller organ – one of the most magnificent in the world, standing 30m high and with about 5000 pipes, dating from 1738. It was played by Handel and a 10-year-old Mozart. Free hour-long organ recitals take place at 8.15pm Tuesday, 1.15pm Saturday and occasionally 4pm Thursday and 2.30pm Sunday from May to early October. Tours (per person €5 including admission) in English and Dutch lasting 45 minutes run on Saturdays at 2pm.

Jenny

From Jenny's guidebook

Super impressive museum in the original house of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch resistance hero during WWII. Reserving way in advance is a must!

Josee

From Josee's guidebook

You missed out on the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam? Don't worry, we have our own Corrie ten Boom museum in the center of Haarlem, where you can have (English) guided visits in the original house where they kept the jewish families. Reservation recommended.

Vincent & Marieke

From Vincent & Marieke's guidebook

The Corrie ten Boom Museum is located in the house where three generations of the Ten Boom family lived between 1837 and 1945 in the the Second World War.

Michiel

From Michiel's guidebook

Easy going, French bistro style. Good quality fish, meat and veggies. Right behind the Grote Markt in the city centre

Anna

From Anna's guidebook

Our favourite restaurant for dinner in Haarlem! Situated next to the Grote Markt this is a delicious French bistro with great winters and atmosphere. If the weather is nice you can sit outside on the terrace. If not, it’s equally as nice inside!

Josee

From Josee's guidebook

If you like French atmosphere, do try bistro Colette. As if you are in Paris! Reservation recommended.

BB40 Haarlem

From BB40 Haarlem's guidebook

Jopen has restored the age-old Haarlem brewing tradition to its earlier glory. A former church in the bustling centre of Haarlem has been transformed into a modern city brewery, grand café and restaurant. It has put Haarlem back on the map as a city of beer. Every visit to the Jopenkerk is an experience. You can witness the brewing process with your own eyes while you enjoy drinks, lunch or dinner. With our laid-back atmosphere, contemporary interior and excellent food, we hope to make you feel right at home. A wonderful venue for tasting, experiencing and enjoying.

Judith

From Judith's guidebook

Haarlem has its own beer: Jopenbier. This is brewed and sold at the Jopenkerk, a large bar/restaurant located in an old church. Inside you'll see the huge beerbarrels.

Dirk

From Dirk's guidebook

Jopen Beer is an original brewed and famous beer from Haarlem. Situated in a church and just 5 minutes walk from my place, it is located in one of the most beautiful churches in Haarlem. It used to be a church but now it is a bar where you can taste our local beer and see how it’s made. Recommended: Book a tasting! Website: https://www.jopenkerk.nl/haarlem/en/ Address: Gedempte Voldersgracht 2, Haarlem

Joyce

From Joyce's guidebook

It's the only roofttop in Haarlem and it offers a wonderful view over the whole city. On a clear day you can even see the dunes from there. This is a great place for coffee, lunch or drinks. It's a little hidden because there is no sign on the outside. You have to go into the parking garage and go all the way up with the stairs or the elevator.

Ben

From Ben's guidebook

DeDAKKAS is a rooftop bar and restaurant perched atop the De Kamp parking garage in the heart of Haarlem. Set within a glasshouse greenhouse and surrounded by greenery, it offers a vibrant urban retreat with panoramic views of the historic city center.

Mieke

From Mieke's guidebook

Searching for an amazing view over the city? Visit rooftop bar DeDAKKAS. During warm summer evenings, nice vibes!

Karine

From Karine's guidebook

Hidden on a parking, a lovely slow cooking restaurant in a greenhouse with a lovely garden and terrace

Marielle

From Marielle's guidebook

A hidden gem, picnic in the large garden but also inside the greenhouse on a rainy day

Barbara

From Barbara's guidebook

A nice slow food restaurant in an former green House, the garden is a true oasis!

Mieke

From Mieke's guidebook

In the summer (March to October), the city beach Oerkap is also a top place to go with children. The large terrace is completely in the sand and there is a large corner with a slide and water sprinkler. Even when the weather is not so nice, you can have a great time indoors. Toys are available. The Oerkap is located in the city, but provides an instant holiday feeling.

Dirk

From Dirk's guidebook

Visit our city-beach situated at the river Spaarne, where you can put your feet in the sand. They serve very tasty pizzas and a nice atmosphere. Website: http://oerkap.nl/ Address: Harmenjansweg 95, Haarlem

Marc

From Marc's guidebook

Lovely city beach on the edge of the Spaarne. they have a good lunch and snack menu including crispy pizzas. The Oerkap has recently been completely renovated and is now open again and it has become very beautiful.

Marloes

From Marloes's guidebook

Great place to go with small kids for coffee or lunch, with lots of items to play with. Also with a great toy shop.

Peter

From Peter's guidebook

coolest bike rental in Haarlem and the prices are low! beach cruisers with child seats

Tyl

From Tyl's guidebook

Store & kids-friendly cafe in central Haarlem. NIce to have a coffee or lunch when your young kids are playing with the huge central train track

Tyl

From Tyl's guidebook

Small picturesque restaurant in a historic building on the edge of the dunes. They have a nice outdoor kidsplayground. It's nice to combine this with a bike-ride to Elswout estate or a walk in the dunes.. Kraantje Lek is also a good starting point for a scenic bike ride to Zandvoort beach (about 20 minutes). (Visserspad)

Nienke

From Nienke's guidebook

Lovely place near the dunes, in Overveen, for coffee or lunch. Great playground and nice to combine with a walk in the dunes.

Chantal

From Chantal's guidebook

This is a perfect stop during your bicycle trip around the neighbourhood. Try the Dutch pancakes and head onwards for a walk in the nearby forest Elswout.

Anna

From Anna's guidebook

The Visitor's Centre Kennemerland is the starting point of several beautiful walks through nature. Regardless of whether you want to follow your own route along the many footpaths, follow a marked route, take a short walk or prefer long distances, all of this is possible in the National Park. Go for a nice walk with friends or family with a walking guide or an app. Or wander through the playgrounds, where it is permitted to leave the paths. Also: great coffee/pastry/lunch and a fun playground for the kids! The visitors’ centre has various walking maps and walking guides for sale. You can also download the cycle and hiking map with marked routes and footpaths.

Anneke

From Anneke's guidebook

Visitor center in the dunes near Haarlem, where you can go for a nice walk. Nice climbing trees and playground. There is a lake where you can swim. Zeeweg 12, Overveen.

Lonneke

From Lonneke's guidebook

This place is a lovely startingpoint when exploring the dunes. Find information and enjoy a coffee on their terras while the kids play in the playground.

Alena

From Alena's guidebook

Day trip idea: Go to Haarlem, rent bikes there, bike through Zuid-Kennemerland national park to the sea (Use Parnassia strand as an orienteer). In the park you might see wild cows, deers and foxes if you are lucky. Really beautiful views, famous Dutch dunes. Afterwards you can walk along the sea or even swim! I recommend to stop by "Proeflokaal Bregje Bloemendaal aan Zee" after your trip for lunch or dinner

Alexandra

From Alexandra's guidebook

Beautiful dune landscape with marked walking and biking trails. You’ll find forest paths, sandy hills, and a peaceful lake for a quick dip. Great for nature lovers and just a few minutes from the house. Bring water and good shoes if you're planning a longer walk.

Rogier & Nicole

From Rogier & Nicole's guidebook

Enjoy and experience nature in the most breathtaking natural surprise near Amsterdam: National Park Zuid-Kennemerland. This National Park is located 45 minutes from Amsterdam. The location and beauty of this 3800 acres large reserve attracts many people who enjoy hiking, cycling, horse riding and swimming. The National Park is composed of young calcerous dunes, wide beaches and lush coastel forests as well as remnants of cultural history like farms/estates, seaside villages and bunkers.

Alena

From Alena's guidebook

Day trip idea: Go to Haarlem, rent bikes there, bike through Zuid-Kennemerland national park to the sea (Use Parnassia strand as an orienteer). In the park you might see wild cows, deers and foxes if you are lucky. Really beautiful views, famous Dutch dunes. Afterwards you can walk along the sea or even swim! I recommend to stop by "Proeflokaal Bregje Bloemendaal aan Zee" after your trip for lunch or dinner

Rogier & Nicole

From Rogier & Nicole's guidebook

Enjoy and experience nature in the most breathtaking natural surprise near Amsterdam: National Park Zuid-Kennemerland. This National Park is located 45 minutes from Amsterdam. The location and beauty of this 3800 acres large reserve attracts many people who enjoy hiking, cycling, horse riding and swimming. The National Park is composed of young calcerous dunes, wide beaches and lush coastel forests as well as remnants of cultural history like farms/estates, seaside villages and bunkers.

Matti

From Matti's guidebook

This is a short walk through the young dunes. You start at the De Kennemerduinen visitor center, entrance Koevlak on Zeeweg in Overveen. This is located on the inner edge of the dunes. Here, you'll mainly find oak and poplar forests. If you follow the green markers, you'll reach 't Wed. This is a recreational lake that was dug in the 1950s. Swimming is possible during the swimming season (May 1st to September 30th). The beach and the surrounding dunes are accessible and provide play opportunities for children. The landscape beyond 't Wed is characteristic of the young dunes: planted pine forests on the dune tops and grass and shrub vegetation in the dune valleys. This overgrowth and shrubbery is not always desired as it leads to a monotonous dune landscape. To counteract this, large grazers have been introduced. These can be Scottish Highland cattle or Konik horses. The result is visible: flowers, herbs, and mosses replace the partially consumed grass and shrub vegetation. This creates a more diverse dune landscape. Even though the animals roam freely, they won't attack you. To ensure your safety, it's best to keep a sufficient distance (25 m) from the animals and especially not to pet or feed them. Fencing has been placed around 't Wed to prevent the grazers from entering the recreational area. After the viewpoint of Konijnenberg, you walk through a stretch of open dunes. On the left, you can see the cross of the Cemetery of Honor. The Cemetery of Honor is only accessible from the main entrance on Zeeweg, not from this route. On the way back towards Koevlak, between Helmberg and Rietvlak, memorial stones have been placed on both sides of the road. Resistance fighters were shot and buried here by the Germans during World War II. After the war, these individuals were reburied at the Cemetery of Honor. After the memorial stones, you reach Waterleidingweg. This is a paved road. From this road, you can cross through the play area to 't Wed via a path on the right side. Alternatively, you can continue following the green markers to eventually return to the starting point of the walk.

Anna

From Anna's guidebook

Visit the deer at the estate Elswout! It also has really beautiful walking paths, plenty of short walks suitable for kids. If you visit Elswout on Sunday, you can also enjoy a drink at the Orangerie.

Alexandra

From Alexandra's guidebook

Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the nearby Elswout, a scenic park that's part of the Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland. Admire the 400-year-old rijksmonument, known as one of the most beautifully preserved estates in the Netherlands. The park offers serene walks and a delightful eating place, allowing you to indulge in delicious meals amidst nature's beauty

Yoni

From Yoni's guidebook

Beautiful Country Estate with Wildlife. Great for short walks through nature and picnics.

Tessa

From Tessa's guidebook

Beautiful lake, only reachable by bike/foot in Bloemendaal

Angela

From Angela's guidebook

Beautiful place to hike to through the forest, go for a swim or to ice skate if the lake is frozen.

Tess

From Tess's guidebook

A more quiet lake then 'Het wed'. In the dunes and the forest. For swimming, hiking, cycling and playing. Romantic view.

Sanne

From Sanne's guidebook

't Wed is a dune lake with sandy beaches. Here's a great piece of advice: consider visiting during off-peak hours. Prepare a picnic dinner on a balmy summer day and arrive around 6 pm as the crowds start to thin out. Many unforgettable evenings have been enjoyed this way.

Anna

From Anna's guidebook

Sometimes when the western wind is a bit chilly at the beach, you can go swimming in dune lake Het Wed instead. Enclosed by dunes, the wind is less severe. For kids it's ideal, because there is a lot of shallow water they can play in. It's clearly marked where the water gets deeper.

Karen

From Karen's guidebook

This is a lake in the dunes, our family favourite spot for swimming in summer. We also skated on it when the ice froze over. Perfect spot for a picnic too!