Haarlem, A Perfect 1-Day Trip from Amsterdam, Netherlands

Introduction

Haarlem is one of those underrated Dutch cities that often gets overlooked by travellers heading straight to Amsterdam — and that’s a shame. Just 15 minutes away by train, Haarlem feels like a breath of fresh air after the buzz of the capital. Think cobblestone streets, historic houses, quiet canals, a laid-back vibe, and some of the best museums and cafés we found in the country.

We visited Haarlem as a day trip from Amsterdam, but you could easily spend a full weekend here if you enjoy slow travel, good food, and charming streets to get lost in.

This guide will help you decide whether to add Haarlem to your Netherlands itinerary, how to get there, what to do, and when to go.

Read: All the best things to do in Amsterdam

Why visit?

Haarlem is like a mini-Amsterdam without the crowds. The city has that classic Dutch charm – narrow houses, peaceful canals, a beautiful central square – but at a slower pace. If you like wandering without bumping into a hundred other tourists, Haarlem is your spot.

It’s also a great place for culture. The Frans Hals Museum is a must if you’re into art, and the Teylers Museum is the oldest in the Netherlands. But even if museums aren’t your thing, the café terraces around Grote Markt, the local boutiques, and the old windmill by the river make it worth the visit.

Whether you’re coming for a few hours or spending the night, Haarlem feels authentic and easy to enjoy. It’s small enough to explore on foot, but rich enough in history and atmosphere to keep you curious.

Here are all your accommodation options in Haarlem

How to get there

Haarlem is super easy to reach, especially if you’re coming from Amsterdam. It’s only about 20 km away, and there are direct trains from Amsterdam Centraal every 10–15 minutes. The ride takes around 15 to 20 minutes and drops you right in the center of Haarlem.

If you’re landing at Schiphol Airport, you can also catch a direct train to Haarlem in about 30 minutes.

For those on a road trip, driving to Haarlem is possible, but parking in the city center is limited (unless you use one of the main parking garages, which are paid). It’s often simpler (and cheaper) to stick with the train and walk around once you’re there.

Check all your transportation options online — from buses to trains and ferries — it makes planning so much easier.

When to visit

Haarlem is a year-round destination, but your experience will shift a bit depending on the season. Here’s what to expect:

• Spring (March to May): This is one of the best times to visit Haarlem, especially if you want to catch the famous tulip season. The surrounding region is covered with colorful fields, and Keukenhof is just nearby. Temperatures range from 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F).
• Summer (June to August): Haarlem comes alive in summer. Terraces are full, events are happening all over the city, and the weather is pleasant — around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). It’s also when the crowds are at their peak.
• Autumn (September to November): Quieter and still beautiful. Early autumn has mild weather and golden light perfect for wandering the cobbled streets. Expect 10°C to 17°C (50°F to 62°F).
• Winter (December to February): It gets cold, with temperatures hovering between 0°C and 6°C (32°F to 43°F). But Haarlem can be quite charming in winter, especially with holiday lights and fewer tourists.

If we had to pick, we’d go in late April to catch the tulips in full bloom and enjoy sunny walks around the city

How to Visit

Haarlem is compact and very walkable, which makes exploring super easy. Once you arrive in the city, you can pretty much do everything on foot. The historic center is small but packed with charm — think gabled houses, cobbled lanes, and cozy cafés.

Start your visit at the Grote Markt, the city’s main square and one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. Surrounded by historic buildings, including the impressive St. Bavo’s Church, the town hall, and lovely terraced cafés, it’s a great place to get your first feel of Haarlem. If you’re here on a Saturday or Monday, you’ll catch the local market — ideal for trying Dutch cheese, fresh stroopwafels, or grabbing a bouquet of tulips.

From there, everything is within walking distance. Visit Molen De Adriaan, the iconic windmill by the river, stroll along the canals, pop into the Teylers Museum, or explore the independent shops in the Gouden Straatjes (Golden Streets).

If walking isn’t your thing or you want a more local feel, rent a bike and pedal around like the Dutch do. The city is bike-friendly, and you’ll find plenty of rental shops right near the train station.

If you’re coming from Amsterdam just for the day, try to arrive early to beat the crowds and soak in the slower pace. You’ll need at least a full day to enjoy the highlights without rushing.

Here are all your accommodation options in Haarlem

Tickets & Opening Hours

Most of Haarlem’s highlights can be explored for free just by walking around — the streets, the Grote Markt, and the canals don’t cost a thing to enjoy.

However, some attractions do have entrance fees and specific hours:

• St. Bavo’s Church (Grote Kerk)
• Entry: Around €3–€5
• Opening Hours: Usually 10:00 to 17:00, closed Sundays
• Note: Check if the organ is being played — it’s the same one Mozart once performed on.

Molen De Adriaan (Windmill)

• Entry: ~€5.50 per adult, guided tour included
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 13:00 to 17:00
• Teylers Museum
• Entry: €15 per adult
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00
• One of the oldest museums in the Netherlands — a cool mix of art, science, and curiosity cabinets.

Frans Hals Museum

• Entry: €16 per adult (or free with Museumkaart)
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:00 to 17:00

If you plan to visit several museums, it might be worth looking into the Museumkaart, especially if you’re traveling through more Dutch cities.

Many shops and restaurants in Haarlem open around 10:00 or 11:00 and close by 18:00, though cafés and bars will stay open longer into the evening.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a good camera, such as the SONY A7 — it makes all the difference for capturing those unforgettable moments.

Is it Worth It?

Absolutely. Haarlem is one of those underrated gems that gives you a real taste of the Netherlands without the big crowds. It’s got everything that makes a Dutch city charming — canals, cobbled streets, old churches, great cafés — but with a calmer vibe than nearby Amsterdam.

The city feels local yet full of character. You can spend your day browsing boutiques around the Grote Markt, stepping into centuries-old churches, or just sipping coffee in one of its quiet courtyards. Plus, everything is walkable, which makes exploring super easy and enjoyable.

If you’re in Amsterdam and wondering whether it’s worth hopping on a train to Haarlem — it is. Just 15–20 minutes away, it offers a completely different pace and a nice balance between history, culture, and modern-day life.

Whether you’re there for a few hours or a full day, Haarlem won’t disappoint.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Travel Tips

• Visit on a Saturday if you can — that’s market day on the Grote Markt, and the square comes alive with local vendors selling flowers, cheese, fish, clothes, and more. It’s one of the best ways to feel the local vibe.
• Start early to enjoy the city before the day-trippers arrive from Amsterdam. Mornings are peaceful and perfect for wandering the old streets or grabbing a slow breakfast by the canal.
• Climb the church tower at St. Bavo’s (seasonal) for a great view over Haarlem. Not many people know about it, but it’s totally worth it if you don’t mind the stairs.
• Bring comfy shoes. The old streets and alleyways are beautiful but often cobbled — you’ll be walking a lot.
• Book the Teylers Museum or Frans Hals Museum in advance if you’re going on a weekend. They’re not packed, but it helps avoid waiting in line.
• Eat local. Skip chain restaurants and look for smaller bistros and cafés. Le Mortier and Fortuyn are two good options near the Grote Markt.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Where to stay

You can easily visit Haarlem as a day trip from Amsterdam — it’s just 15 to 20 minutes by train. But if you want to slow down a bit, enjoy the evening vibes on the Grote Markt, or head to the beach nearby, staying overnight is a great option.

Here are a few places we’d recommend:

(€) Anegang Boutique Hotel: Located right in the heart of Haarlem’s old town, this small boutique hotel is perfect if you want to stay central and walk everywhere. Rooms are beautifully designed and just above one of the pedestrian streets.

(€€) Van der Valk Hotel Haarlem: A bit outside the center, this one is more modern and spacious — ideal if you’re driving or looking for more comfort. It’s great value and still close enough to get into town by bike or bus.

(€€€) Cavallaro Hotel: Stylish and well-located, this one mixes boutique charm with great service. A lovely pick if you want something comfortable but still intimate, just a few steps from everything.

Here are all your accommodation options in Haarlem