Daytrip to Haarlem
Haarlem is a charming city just 30 km from Noordwijk. Historic, picturesque, and easily accessible, it offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere compared to Amsterdam. Dating back to 1245, Haarlem is a prime example of a Dutch medieval city. For instance, it is historically significant for its art, textiles, beer brewing, and commercial activities.
How to Get to Haarlem
- Walk to the bus stop “Noordwijk, Vuurtorenplein” and take bus 385 to Sassenheim. Get off at Voorhout Station (8 stops), then take the train (Sprinter) to Haarlem. This journey takes around 55 minutes.
- Walk to the bus stop “Noordwijk, Vuurtorenplein” and take bus 20 to Leiden Centraal. From there, take the train to Haarlem. This trip takes around an hour.
Things to See at your day trip in Haarlem
- De Grote of St. Bavokerk: Located at Grote Markt 22 (north side), this massive church can be seen from far outside Haarlem. It features a rather beautiful wooden vault, the famous Müller organ, copper choir screen, many stained-glass windows, and 400 gravestones, including those of Frans Hals and Willem Bilderdijk.
- Grote Markt: The beating heart of Haarlem, home to many cafés and restaurants, and the Grote of St. Bavokerk. As a matter of fact on Mondays and Saturdays, it hosts a lively market that extends into the Grote Houtstraat.
- Bakenessergracht Neighborhood: Is a narrow canal, connecting the Spaarne River with the New Canal, is lined with historic houses and bridges. The area flourished during the Golden Age and remains popular for its historic charm.
- Molen De Adriaan Windmill: Built in 1778 atop an old defence tower, this windmill was rebuilt after a fire in 1932 and restored in 2002.
- Secret Garden at Hofje Van Oorschot: Near the Grote Markt, this hidden gem is a peaceful green courtyard surrounded by houses, visible through a wrought-iron gate on Kruisstraat.
Shopping in Haarlem
- Grote Houtstraat: Haarlem’s main shopping street, surrounded by smaller independent stores and boutiques on streets .
- General Cronjestraat: A retro shopping experience with small ethnic grocers, trendy barbershops, and lovely clothing stores.
Museums
- Frans Hals Museum & HAL: Celebrate Dutch Golden Age artists.
- Corrie ten Boom Museum: Learn about the Holocaust and Corrie ten Boom’s legacy.
- Teylers Museum: The oldest museum in the Netherlands.
Restaurants
- Chez Bastijan (Lange Veerstraat 8): Varied menu
- Casa di Papi (Barrevoetestraat 21): Italian cuisine
- by LIMA (Zijlstraat 65): Dutch, Café, European dishes
- Restaurant Moustique (Oude Groenmarkt 8): French, Dutch, Seafood, European cuisine.
- Teds Haarlem – All Day Brunch (Spaarne 94).
Bars
- Jopen Tap Room (Emrikweg 21).
- Owl Bar (Zijlstraat 18).
- Patronage (Zijlsingel 2).
All in all, Haarlem is a perfect blend of history, culture, shopping, and culinary delights. Whether you’re exploring its rich history, shopping in its quaint streets, or enjoying a meal at one of its fantastic restaurants, Haarlem offers something for everyone. Enjoy your daytrip in Haarlem!
