6 Reasons Why You Should Take a Day Trip to Haarlem

Haarlem is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam, just 15 minutes by train and a world away from the crowds.

Haarlem is a small city that sits just west of Amsterdam, and it might be the most underrated stop in the Netherlands. With cobblestoned lanes, a soaring Gothic cathedral, a windmill on the river, and a main square lined with cafés, Haarlem packs a surprising amount of charm into a very walkable city center.

We spent an afternoon here and loved it immediately. The vibe is completely different from Amsterdam. It feels like Amsterdam before the tour groups arrived. If you’re looking for a day trip that’s easy to pull off and genuinely rewarding, Haarlem is hard to beat.

Haarlem Day Trip: At a Glance

TIME NEEDED | Half day to full day

GETTING THERE | 15-minute train from Amsterdam Centraal; trains run every 10 minutes

GETTING AROUND | Entirely walkable from the train station

BEST TIME TO VISIT | Spring (tulip season) and summer; avoid Sundays if visiting the Corrie ten Boom House (closed)

TOP ATTRACTIONS | Grote Markt, Church of St. Bavo, Corrie ten Boom House, Molen De Adriaan, Frans Hals Museum, Teylers Museum

GOOD TO KNOW | Corrie ten Boom House requires advance reservations; Saturday is market day in Grote Markt

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Haarlem Day Trip from Amsterdam

It may be hard to tear yourself away from Amsterdam, but you won’t regret it. Here are 6 reasons why Haarlem makes a great day trip from Amsterdam.

#1 Getting Here is Quick and Easy

Just a short train ride connects Amsterdam and Haarlem. From Central Station in Amsterdam, you can take a 15-minute train to Haarlem.

Once you arrive in Haarlem, it’s a 10 minute walk to Grote Markt (Big Market) and the center of the city.

Using the Trains in the Netherlands

Netherlands Train Travel: How to Book Your Tickets and Use the Trains

Everything you need to know to use the trains in the Netherlands.

#2 To Escape the Crowds in Amsterdam

Haarlem is less crowded and less touristy than Amsterdam. Yes, Amsterdam is awesome, but it can also be very crowded.

If you need an escape from the crowds and the tourists, Haarlem is perfect.

#3 You Can Tour a Windmill

Molen De Adriaan is one of the most enjoyable stops in Haarlem. The original windmill stood here in the 18th century, used to grind materials like paint and tobacco, before burning to the ground in 1932. It was painstakingly rebuilt and reopened in 2002, and today it functions as a working museum right on the banks of the Spaarne River.

We took the guided tour and found it genuinely fascinating, and so did our teenagers, which is always a good sign. The tour takes you up through the different levels of the windmill and gives you a real glimpse into the daily life of the millers who lived and worked here. It’s brief, but it’s one of those experiences that teaches you something you didn’t expect to learn, and we left with a much greater appreciation for how central windmills were to Dutch life.

You can only visit the windmill on a guided tour. Tours last approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Visit the official website for operating hours and to book your tickets online.

#4 To Hang Out in Grote Markt

Grote Markt is the main square in the center of Haarlem. On warm days, cafes spill out into the square and the tables are filled with friends and families enjoying a drink, a meal, and the nice weather.

On Saturdays an outdoor market is held, where you can shop for food, produce, and flowers.

#5 For the History Lesson at the Corrie Ten Boom House

If you have an interest in World War II history, this is a museum that you don’t want to miss. During WWII, the house of the Ten Boom family became a hiding place for Jewish people and people in the Dutch underground. It’s estimated that this family saved 800 Jews and refugees. This house, its original furnishings, and the secret room can all be visited on a tour.

Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday and last about one hour. Reservations need to be made online in advance (the website recommends that you make your reservations more than five days in advance).

#6 To Stroll the Medieval Streets

The center of Haarlem is a maze of cobblestoned streets and medieval architecture. The Church of St. Bavo, with its Gothic architecture, is the centerpiece of Haarlem. It dominates Grote Markt and it has been standing here for centuries.

You can also explore the hofjes, which are small, hidden courtyards surrounded by houses. Because they are hidden, they can be difficult to find, so the best way to see these is on a tour of Haarlem.

8 Things to Do in Haarlem

Grote Markt. The beating heart of Haarlem, Grote Markt is the large main square where locals and visitors alike congregate. On warm days, café tables spill out across the square and it becomes a perfect spot for people-watching over a coffee or a beer. On Saturdays, an outdoor market fills the square with vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, and local goods; a great reason to time your visit accordingly.

Church of St. Bavo (Sint Bavokerk). This towering Gothic cathedral dominates Grote Markt and is Haarlem’s most iconic landmark. The current church dates to the 15th century, and its 78-meter bell tower is visible from nearly everywhere in the city. The organ alone is worth the trip, having been played by a young Mozart during his visit to Haarlem in 1766.

Corrie ten Boom House. One of Haarlem’s most moving attractions, this is the preserved home of the ten Boom family, who hid Jewish people and Dutch resistance fighters from the Nazis during WWII. The family is believed to have saved approximately 800 lives before they were eventually discovered and arrested. Tours last about an hour and include the original furnishings and the secret hiding room. Advance reservations are required and are highly recommended, especially in summer.

Molen De Adriaan. Haarlem’s windmill sits just a short walk from Grote Markt along the Spaarne River, making it one of the most accessible windmill experiences in the Netherlands. The original 18th-century mill burned down in 1932 and was painstakingly rebuilt and reopened in 2002. Guided tours last 45–60 minutes and take you through all levels of the working mill.

Frans Hals Museum. This is the art museum in Haarlem, dedicated to the work of Dutch Golden Age master Frans Hals, who lived and worked here in the 17th century. The museum is split across two buildings: the HOF, a beautiful historic almshouse a few minutes from Grote Markt, and the HAL, the modern wing right on the square. Together, they present both historical and contemporary Dutch art in a way that feels remarkably intimate.

Teylers Museum. Founded in 1778, Teylers is the oldest museum in the Netherlands and a delight even for people who don’t think of themselves as museum-goers. The 19th-century neo-classical building is stunning, and inside you’ll find an eclectic mix of art, fossils, scientific instruments, and coins. The oval exhibition hall alone is worth the visit.

Amsterdamse Poort. This beautifully preserved medieval city gate dates to the late 15th century and is one of the few surviving city gates in the Netherlands. It stands at the edge of the old city center and makes for a great photo stop as you wander out toward the Spaarne River.

Explore the Hofjes. Haarlem is famous for its hofjes: small, hidden courtyard gardens surrounded by historic almshouses. They’re tucked behind unassuming doorways throughout the old city, which makes them both charming and easy to miss. The best-known is the Hofje van Staats, but there are dozens scattered around the center. Because they’re hard to find, joining a walking tour of Haarlem is the best way to see several in one visit.

5 Restaurants to Try

Wolfhound Irish Bar & Kitchen. This is where we had dinner and it tasted like we were back in Ireland. The restaurant is run by a friendly, Irish woman and the food is delicious.

Frietkamer. Best fries in Haarlem.

Jopenkerk. A church converted into a restaurant and bar. This is one of Haarlem’s most popular restaurants.

Gangnam Bar. Right next door to the Wolfhound, this lively Korean street food spot serves crispy double-fried chicken, bibimbap bowls, gimbap rolls, and bold cocktails in a buzzy atmosphere that tends to keep people lingering well past their first round.

Pizzicotto. Authentic Italian food and pizza.

How Much Time Do You Need in Haarlem?

We spent one afternoon in Haarlem. This gave us just enough time to tour Molen de Adriaan, explore the city center, and have dinner. It felt like just enough time to get an overview of the city (and just enough time to know that we can’t wait to come back here again someday). The best part was wandering the city streets and having dinner at the Wolfhound Irish Bar & Kitchen.

If you have more time to spare, one day is perfect. You can tour the Corrie ten Boom House and Molen De Adriaan, as well as a few of the other museums that are located in Haarlem. This gives you plenty of time to also to explore the hofjes and relax in Grote Markt.

Kara wearing huge wooden shoes in Haarlem

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Haarlem

Is Haarlem worth a day trip from Amsterdam?

Absolutely. Haarlem is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips you can take from Amsterdam. It’s just 15 minutes by train, completely walkable, and offers a genuinely different atmosphere: less crowded, more local, and full of beautiful medieval architecture. Even a half day gives you a meaningful taste of the city.

How do I get from Amsterdam to Haarlem?

The easiest way is by train from Amsterdam Centraal. Sprinter trains run roughly every 10 minutes and the journey takes about 15 minutes. From Haarlem’s train station, it’s a 10-minute walk to Grote Markt and the city center. No advance booking is needed given how frequently the trains run.

How much time do you need in Haarlem?

A half day is enough to see Grote Markt, the Church of St. Bavo, and wander the medieval streets. A full day gives you time to visit two or three museums — the Corrie ten Boom House and Molen De Adriaan are each about an hour — plus time to relax in the square and have a proper meal.

Can you visit Haarlem and Keukenhof on the same day?

If you’re visiting in spring (late March through mid-May), it’s worth knowing that the Keukenhof tulip gardens near Lisse are very close to Haarlem. The two can be combined.

Plan Your Trip to the Netherlands

Before your Haarlem day trip → Our 2-Day Amsterdam Itinerary walks you through two days in the city, with recommendations for museums, canal walks, and where to eat.
The best of Amsterdam → Our Things to Do in Amsterdam covers the essential experiences for first-time visitors.
Another easy day trip → Our One Day in Utrecht itinerary covers one of the Netherlands’ most charming and underrated cities, just 30 minutes from Amsterdam by train.
A second day trip option → Our One Day in The Hague itinerary is perfect if you want art museums, royal palaces, and a completely different side of the Netherlands.
A bigger Europe trip → Our 10 Days in London, Amsterdam & Paris Itinerary connects three iconic cities by train and makes a perfect first trip to Europe.
All of our Netherlands content in one place → Visit our Netherlands Travel Guide.

If you have any questions about visiting Haarlem on a day trip from Amsterdam, let us know in the comment section below.

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Haarlem is a perfect day trip destination from Amsterdam. Learn how to have the best experience in this post.

Haarlem Day Trip from Amsterdam Netherlands