Best Things to Do in Haarlem: Why This Dutch City Is Worth the Trip

Looking for things to do in Haarlem, Netherlands? I thought I had a short list, mainly the Corrie Ten Boom House, but this charming Dutch city had other plans.

Haarlem felt completely different from Amsterdam. It was quieter, less busy, and full of those postcard-perfect corners that make you want to slow down and explore. I’d just finished reading Angels of the Resistance, which is set in Haarlem, and it made exploring the streets even more interesting.

We came for the history and left wishing we’d stayed longer. From the cobblestone Grote Markt to canals, windmills, and one unforgettable drawbridge, Haarlem was full of small moments that stuck with us.

Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or thinking of spending a few days, here are the best things to do in Haarlem, from well-known sights to those little moments that make a place feel special.

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Why Haarlem Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary

Haarlem had been high on my list of places to see in the Netherlands, mostly thanks to that novel I mentioned, but I’ll admit, I wondered if it would live up to the image I had in my head. It did. And then some.

There was more to do than I expected, and it never felt rushed or overwhelming. The pace is slower, the streets quieter, and instead of dodging crowds or racing to catch a tram, you can actually take a breath. We spent time just sitting at a patio on the Grote Markt, watching the world go by—and it felt like a little slice of the Netherlands that hadn’t been overtaken by tourism.

And if you’re travelling with kids, it’s even better. Fewer bikes to dodge, open spaces to run around, and a mix of history, food, and just wandering that keeps everyone happy.

Ornate historic townhouses line a canal in Haarlem, with parked cars and small boats docked along the edge. The buildings feature detailed brickwork, pastel colours, and traditional Dutch architectural styles.

What to Do in Haarlem

From historic sites and windmills to quiet cafés and canal walks, Haarlem packs in a lot without ever feeling overwhelming. Here’s what to see and do—along with a few personal favourites that made the trip especially memorable.

Wander the Grote Markt

This was one of our favourite spots in Haarlem. The central square feels like the heart of the city, with the grand St. Bavo’s Church towering above, cafés and patios full of locals, and just enough bustle to feel lively but not overwhelming.

We stopped at Grand Café Brinkmann, one of the oldest cafés in the city, and grabbed a table on the patio. The boys were thrilled about the giant slices of cake, and I was just happy to sit in the square for a while with an Aperol spritz (not exactly the most Dutch choice, I know) watching Haarlem go by.

And if you’re there on a market day—Monday or Saturday—you’ll find stalls piled with stroopwafels, wheels of cheese, fresh flowers and more.

Large historic church in a wide public square in Haarlem with people walking across the open cobblestone plaza under a clear sky.

Visit the Corrie Ten Boom House

This was at the top of my list before we arrived, and it didn’t disappoint. The Ten Boom family were watchmakers who helped shelter Jewish people and others during WWII, hiding them behind a false wall in their home. The tour walks you through the original rooms—including the secret hiding place—and tells their powerful story of courage and faith.

What surprised me most? The kids were totally engaged—especially with the story of the watch cases. The Ten Booms used hidden compartments in the bottoms of watch cases to secretly deliver new identity papers. That little detail was what fascinated my boys.

Tours often fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to reserve your spot in advance.

Dark green door marked "Corrie ten Boom museum" with the number "19" on a brick building entrance in Amsterdam.

Window display with the text "CORRIE TEN BOOMHUIS" and "MEER DAN EEN MUSEUM" on a glass panel along a narrow street in Amsterdam.

See the Iconic Molen de Adriaan (Windmill)

Molen de Adriaan is one of Haarlem’s most recognizable landmarks and an easy favourite if you’re looking for that classic Dutch windmill photo without leaving the city. It sits right along the Spaarne River, and even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth walking over to see it along the river.

We walked there from the town centre, and the route was part of the fun, with quiet canals, unique drawbridges, and plenty to see along the way.

We were hoping to be able to climb the steps to the viewing platform – the boys thought it would be fun – but unfortunately it was under construction when we visited and we weren’t able to. Just another reason to go back next time.

Traditional Dutch windmill surrounded by water and nearby buildings with scaffolding around part of the structure under a blue sky.

Explore the Streets and Canals

Part of Haarlem’s charm is how walkable it is. Unlike Amsterdam, where dodging bikes can feel like a full-time job, the streets here are calmer. There are still bikes—it’s the Netherlands, of course—but it feels more relaxed and easy to explore on foot.

We spent a lot of time just strolling: past crooked canal houses, across small bridges, and along quiet waterways. One bridge in particular caught the boys’ attention—the Gravestenenbrug, a white drawbridge that lifts vertically with large mechanical arms. It was unlike any other bridge we’d seen, and they were fascinated watching it move.

It’s the kind of place where you don’t need a checklist. Just wandering the streets feels like the main event.

White drawbridge over a canal in Amsterdam with historic buildings behind it and water flowing beneath under a sunny sky. — the boys sat and watched this bridge for awhile

Row of traditional brick houses with stepped gables and orange tiled roofs along a quiet street with potted plants in front in Haarlem, Netherlands

Discover Teylers Museum

Teylers Museum is the oldest museum in the Netherlands. Housed in a beautiful 18th-century building right near the Spaarne River, it’s known for its unique mix of natural history, art, fossils, and scientific instruments. We didn’t have time to fit in a full visit, but it’s high on our list for next time.

We actually saw a small collection from Teylers on display at the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam, and it definitely piqued our interest. It looks like the kind of museum that could appeal to both kids and adults, especially if you’re looking for something a bit different from the usual art galleries or history exhibits.

Ornate historic building with columns and decorative carvings with a child standing on the steps with arms raised in front of the entrance of the Teylers Museum in Haarlem, Netherlands

St. Bavo’s Church

You can’t miss this one, it dominates the Grote Markt. From the outside, it’s impressive, but stepping inside adds a whole other layer. The vaulted wooden ceiling, the massive Müller organ (which both Handel and Mozart played), and the quiet, airy feel all made it worth the visit.

I played the organ growing up—well into my twenties, actually—so seeing this organ in person was a bit of a thrill. It’s absolutely enormous and beautifully detailed. Even if you’re not musically inclined, it’s hard not to be impressed.

What we liked most was that it didn’t feel overly touristy. It was easy to walk through with kids, no long lines or complicated tickets—just a peaceful, beautiful space right in the middle of town. It’s also a great way to break up your day if you’re already spending time in the square.

Calm canal in Haarlem, Netherlands, lined with green trees and brick buildings under a bright blue sky. Two small boats are tied along the grassy canal edge beside a quiet residential street. — Haarlem’s canals are just as beautiful as the more famous ones in Amsterdam

How to Get from Amsterdam to Haarlem

Haarlem is one of the easiest day trips from Amsterdam—the train takes just 15 to 20 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal, and trains run frequently throughout the day. No need to pre-book; just grab a ticket and go.

If you’re travelling with kids, it’s an easy journey. The station in Haarlem is walkable to the centre, and there’s no complicated transit system to figure out once you arrive. Kids aged 4–11 can ride all day for just €2.50 with a Railrunner ticket, which is a great deal if you’re planning to use the train at all during your trip.

You could also drive, but unless you’ve already got a rental car, the train is faster and far less hassle. And while cycling is technically an option (it’s about 20 km), it felt like a bit much for us—especially when the train is so easy.

Large covered train station in Haarlem, Netherlands, with multiple railway tracks leading toward a yellow train in the distance. Sunlight filters through the tall glass and steel roof structure above the empty platform.

Visiting Haarlem with Kids

Haarlem ended up being one of the most kid-friendly spots we visited in the Netherlands, and not because of big playgrounds or attractions, but because the whole feel of the city worked for our family.

It was slower-paced, less crowded, and way easier to navigate than Amsterdam. I didn’t have to hold our breath at every intersection hoping the kids wouldn’t wander into a bike lane. Instead, we could walk side-by-side down quieter streets, stop when something caught their eye, and enjoy the space around us without the usual travel-day stress.

There were enough “big” sights—like the windmill and the Corrie Ten Boom House—to keep everyone interested, but the simple things stood out too: watching bridges lift on the canal, ordering a drink on the square, wandering into a church without a timed entry slot, and enjoying a gelato after exploring.

It felt like a place where we could explore, not just sightsee. And with kids, that’s everything.

Orange cocktail on an outdoor café table in Haarlem, Netherlands, with water glasses and bottles in the foreground. The Grote Kerk church and historic Dutch buildings stand behind the terrace beneath a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. — Drinks on the main square

and gelato to finish off our day

Our Take on Best Things to Do in Haarlem

If you’re debating whether Haarlem is worth adding to your Netherlands itinerary, I’d absolutely say yes — especially if you want somewhere that feels calmer and easier to explore than Amsterdam while still giving you that classic Dutch atmosphere.

Haarlem completely lived up to the picture I had in my head, and then some. It’s one of those places that feels instantly comfortable, like you could settle in for a while and not get bored. Whether you’re coming for the history, the cafés, the quiet charm, or just a break from the busyness of Amsterdam, Haarlem makes it easy to slow down and actually enjoy where you are.

It might not have the headline attractions of some other Dutch cities, but that’s kind of the point. It’s the little things that stood out: a drink on the square, a quiet church visit, walking along the river. And those were the moments my kids remembered too.

Red brick row houses with tall windows line a quiet street in Haarlem, Netherlands on a sunny day. Text overlay reads “Visiting Amsterdam. Don’t Miss Haarlem Netherlands” with “takethekidseverywhere.com” at the bottom.

Exploring more of the Netherlands?

Don’t miss my guides to Amsterdam with kids, the best day trips from Amsterdam, and whether Zaanse Schans is worth visiting. If you’re planning a longer trip, these are some of the best places to visit in the Netherlands, and these tips for travelling around the Netherlands with kids will help you plan your trip.