Haarlem, an Amsterdam alternative

Haarlem, a great alternative to Amsterdam

A few years ago we are participating in an art show in the Netherlands and were then traveling to Italy. Our transfer point between the two was three days in Amsterdam. I was afraid of tourist “burnout”, (when you see so many things that you just can’t take in any more info), so I booked us an Airbnb in Haarlem, a 15 minute train ride from Amsterdam, and a bit cheaper, since its outside the main city. I’m really glad we did.

Our two and a half day “rest” turned into exploring Haarlem and loving every minute of it. To us, it was a mini Amsterdam, complete with its own red-light district, town center, historic churches and museums. We did travel into Amsterdam for dinner with friends, and also a concert, so it gave us a “best of both worlds” experience.

Here are a few things to do in Haarlem, even if for a day trip from Amsterdam.

• Grote Market (Market Square) is the center of life in Haarlem. 10 streets collide at the square, which has been the center of life here for 700 years.
• Grote Kerk (Great Church) Located in the main town square, Grote Kirk stands tall over the square, and has been a favorite theme for Dutch painters throughout the ages.

St Bavo Cathedral

• Visit St Bavo Cathedral only a 15 minute walk from the town square, the walk is as cool as the destination. It might not be the most scenic walk by tourist definitions, but you do get a glimpse into life of everyday Haarlem. The cathedral itself is spectacular, with a small museum showcasing artifacts of Haarlem’s religious past. Dating back to 1895, it’s architecture feels older, making us think we were in a cathedral dating back 100’s of years.
• Visit Haarlem’s secret courtyards. Haarlem is a city known for its hofjes (enclosed courtyard gardens), and there are beautiful green spaces tucked away behind many unassuming streets – most dating back to medieval times. The gardens are surrounded by charitable almshouses that were used to house poor, unmarried, or widowed women. There are 21 main public hofjes in Haarlem, spanning from the ancient (the oldest was founded in 1395) to the very modern. But with the entrances to many hofjes being concealed behind modest doorways or down seemingly simple alleyways, these city oases are not always easy to find.
• Walk through the Bakenessergracht neighborhood. Only a few blocks from Grote Market, this really cute neighborhood is full of cute houses and narrow canals. A nice leisurely places to visit.

This list isn’t complete, its highlights from our trip that we feel made a trip to Haarlem worthwhile. A luck Google search can fill out your time more, with boat canal tours, guided tours, and museum visits. Our intent was more of recovery days, but with how beautiful Haarlem is, we couldn’t resist exploring,