Haarlem & surroundings insiders tips
Food & Bar scene
by LIMA
65 ZijlstraatGreat spot for nice lunches & coffee in the city centre
A formal church transformed into Haarlem's most famous brewery. An amazing location to sample some the many different great beers they produce.
272 moradores locais recomendam
Jopen
2 Gedempte VoldersgrachtA formal church transformed into Haarlem's most famous brewery. An amazing location to sample some the many different great beers they produce.
Nice easy-going place created from seacontainers and a glass house, located next to a little lake, just outside of Haarlem. Nice to combine with a walk. Open Wed-Sun. Live music on Sundays.
31 moradores locais recomendam
Het Veerkwartier
62 A. HofmanwegNice easy-going place created from seacontainers and a glass house, located next to a little lake, just outside of Haarlem. Nice to combine with a walk. Open Wed-Sun. Live music on Sundays.
Nolita Pizzabar
17 Lange VeerstraatDef some of the best woodoven pizza's in town
Toujours
10-12 Oude Groenmarkt'Urban french bistro' - modern Paris-style restaurant.
Culinary restaurant working with lots of local produce. The chefs menu is recommend. Not cheap but worth the investment ;-)
Petossi Haarlem
28 Donkere SpaarneCulinary restaurant working with lots of local produce. The chefs menu is recommend. Not cheap but worth the investment ;-)
Relaxed & colorful 'city beach' , a nice spot for outdoor drinks,lunch and dinner during nice days. Kids friendly & great pizza's.
96 moradores locais recomendam
City Beach the Oerkap
95 HarmenjanswegRelaxed & colorful 'city beach' , a nice spot for outdoor drinks,lunch and dinner during nice days. Kids friendly & great pizza's.
AMazing Rooftop greenhouse, nice & lively informal restaurant, suitable for kids. Great views. One of our favorite places to eat in the city centre. A bit hidden, it's above a parking garage, enter through the garage door.
67 moradores locais recomendam
DeDAKKAS
1A De WitstraatAMazing Rooftop greenhouse, nice & lively informal restaurant, suitable for kids. Great views. One of our favorite places to eat in the city centre. A bit hidden, it's above a parking garage, enter through the garage door.
Small picturesque restaurant in a historic building on the edge of the dunes. They have a nice outdoor kidsplayground. It's nice to combine this with a bike-ride to Elswout estate or a walk in the dunes.. Kraantje Lek is also a good starting point for a scenic bike ride to Zandvoort beach (about 20 minutes). (Visserspad)
49 moradores locais recomendam
Kraantje Lek
22 Duinlustweg Small picturesque restaurant in a historic building on the edge of the dunes. They have a nice outdoor kidsplayground. It's nice to combine this with a bike-ride to Elswout estate or a walk in the dunes.. Kraantje Lek is also a good starting point for a scenic bike ride to Zandvoort beach (about 20 minutes). (Visserspad)
Located in the formal trainstation of Overveen (village adjacent to Haarlem) you find this picturesque and charming bistro Klein Centraal. Good value menu. Skip dessert and have an icecream at the nearby popular icecreamshop Luciano if the weather is nice.
19 moradores locais recomendam
Klein Centraal
4 TetterodewegLocated in the formal trainstation of Overveen (village adjacent to Haarlem) you find this picturesque and charming bistro Klein Centraal. Good value menu. Skip dessert and have an icecream at the nearby popular icecreamshop Luciano if the weather is nice.
One of many atmospheric places overlooking the Grote Markt, this vintage bar is named after the national KLM airline's DC-2 aircraft (aka the Uiver, a Dutch dialect word meaning 'stork') that competed in the London to Melbourne air race in 1934: look for the model aircraft above the bar. Live jazz often plays; check the online agenda for dates.
28 moradores locais recomendam
Proeflokaal In den Uiver
13 RiviervismarktOne of many atmospheric places overlooking the Grote Markt, this vintage bar is named after the national KLM airline's DC-2 aircraft (aka the Uiver, a Dutch dialect word meaning 'stork') that competed in the London to Melbourne air race in 1934: look for the model aircraft above the bar. Live jazz often plays; check the online agenda for dates.
Part of an Amsterdam-originated micro-chain set up by former Michelin-starred Dutch TV chef Robert Kranenborg, with four Netherlands locations to date, this central spot overlooking the Grote Kerk van St Bavo serves some of the best burgers in town made from locally sourced beef, chicken, fish and vegetables, with sides such as truffled Parmesan fries. Miniburgers and hot dogs are available for kids.
38 moradores locais recomendam
Thrill Grill
98 Gerard DoustraatPart of an Amsterdam-originated micro-chain set up by former Michelin-starred Dutch TV chef Robert Kranenborg, with four Netherlands locations to date, this central spot overlooking the Grote Kerk van St Bavo serves some of the best burgers in town made from locally sourced beef, chicken, fish and vegetables, with sides such as truffled Parmesan fries. Miniburgers and hot dogs are available for kids.
The interior of this old merchant's house glows from stained-glass windows and reflections off the vintage art from Java. The rijsttafel (lots of different dishes served with rice) is great value.
23 moradores locais recomendam
De Lachende Javaan
25 FrankestraatThe interior of this old merchant's house glows from stained-glass windows and reflections off the vintage art from Java. The rijsttafel (lots of different dishes served with rice) is great value.
Some of the best fastfood in town: Line up at this local institution for a cone of crispy, golden fries made from fresh potatoes, with one of a dozen sauces, including three kinds of mayonnaise.
53 moradores locais recomendam
De Hallen Haarlem
16 Grote MarktSome of the best fastfood in town: Line up at this local institution for a cone of crispy, golden fries made from fresh potatoes, with one of a dozen sauces, including three kinds of mayonnaise.
All-organic dishes are vegetarian and many are vegan and/or gluten-free at this laid-back contemporary cafe on leafy Breestraat. It doesn't take reservations; stop by for freshly squeezed juices, loose-leaf teas and Amsterdam-roasted White Label Coffee accompanied by pastries (iced cinnamon rolls, fruit tarts), salads, gourmet sandwiches and toasties, and daily specials like pumpkin hummus with flax seed and seaweed crackers.
69 moradores locais recomendam
Native Haarlem - Koffie
23 BreestraatAll-organic dishes are vegetarian and many are vegan and/or gluten-free at this laid-back contemporary cafe on leafy Breestraat. It doesn't take reservations; stop by for freshly squeezed juices, loose-leaf teas and Amsterdam-roasted White Label Coffee accompanied by pastries (iced cinnamon rolls, fruit tarts), salads, gourmet sandwiches and toasties, and daily specials like pumpkin hummus with flax seed and seaweed crackers.
Well known traditional italian restaurant serving delicious wood-oven pizza's. The owner Tony, is a pleasant and cheerful guy who definitely ads to the charm of this place.
9 moradores locais recomendam
Papi-huis Pizzeria
21 BarrevoetestraatWell known traditional italian restaurant serving delicious wood-oven pizza's. The owner Tony, is a pleasant and cheerful guy who definitely ads to the charm of this place.
One of our favorite semi-nearby restaurants. An intimate brasserie-style restaurant with an amazing roaring twenties vibe. They serve great cocktails as well
Borski
One of our favorite semi-nearby restaurants. An intimate brasserie-style restaurant with an amazing roaring twenties vibe. They serve great cocktails as well
This is where we order italian food from, their pizza's & pasta's are amazing! You can't dine there, just order on a lazy day (look them up online for the menu, they are nearby delivering usually takes about 45 minutes)
Italiaantje
44 RamplaanThis is where we order italian food from, their pizza's & pasta's are amazing! You can't dine there, just order on a lazy day (look them up online for the menu, they are nearby delivering usually takes about 45 minutes)
Mooie Boules Haarlem
Fun place to eat, drink, do private karaoke or play indoor jeu de boules!
Beach side gems
One of our favorite beach bars. Woodstock '69 is keeping the hippy/bohemian vibe alive. Easy going beach bar all week long. On sunny Friday's come late afternoon to enjoy some lovely food, the campfire and funky music by live dj's (often the owner himself). Whilst the evening progresses young and old free spirits dance the evening away with their feet in the sand. It closes at midnight so don't come too late. On Wed-Thu evenings there are often live bands playing, followed by a dj. Open daily from Open from April until October
114 moradores locais recomendam
Woodstock 69
One of our favorite beach bars. Woodstock '69 is keeping the hippy/bohemian vibe alive. Easy going beach bar all week long. On sunny Friday's come late afternoon to enjoy some lovely food, the campfire and funky music by live dj's (often the owner himself). Whilst the evening progresses young and old free spirits dance the evening away with their feet in the sand. It closes at midnight so don't come too late. On Wed-Thu evenings there are often live bands playing, followed by a dj. Open daily from Open from April until October
Rapa Nui is our favorite beach bar/restaurant to go with the family. Relaxed surfy atmosphere. They run a surf and kite school from this location as well + you can rent surfboards/body boards etc here.
63 moradores locais recomendam
Rapa Nui
27 Boulevard BarnaartRapa Nui is our favorite beach bar/restaurant to go with the family. Relaxed surfy atmosphere. They run a surf and kite school from this location as well + you can rent surfboards/body boards etc here.
Beautiful and relaxed beach bar with a chilled atmosphere. Prob one of the best places to go for breakfast, lunch or dinner along the beach. Open from April until October
99 moradores locais recomendam
Hippie Fish
3 Boulevard Paulus LootBeautiful and relaxed beach bar with a chilled atmosphere. Prob one of the best places to go for breakfast, lunch or dinner along the beach. Open from April until October
This spacious hippy-chique beach bar is one of the two beach bars that is open year-round. Family-friendly and a great place for food & drinks.
22 moradores locais recomendam
San Blas
86 ZeewegThis spacious hippy-chique beach bar is one of the two beach bars that is open year-round. Family-friendly and a great place for food & drinks.
Beachside restaurant specialized in fish. There are nicer beach restaurants but our kids love Thalassa for it's nice playground.
29 moradores locais recomendam
Pavilhão de praia Thalassa
18 Boulevard BarnaartBeachside restaurant specialized in fish. There are nicer beach restaurants but our kids love Thalassa for it's nice playground.
Another well designed and easy-going beacb bar with a good menu. Run by the same people as neighbouring Hippy Fish & Kayuca so there are a lot of similarities between these 3 beach bars. They are all decorated tastefully and offer really tasty food & drinks.
99 moradores locais recomendam
Ubuntu Strandbar
1 Boulevard Paulus LootAnother well designed and easy-going beacb bar with a good menu. Run by the same people as neighbouring Hippy Fish & Kayuca so there are a lot of similarities between these 3 beach bars. They are all decorated tastefully and offer really tasty food & drinks.
Shopping
Action
6 Menno SimonszpleinHollands favorite discount store. Buy anything that you forgot to bring here at great prices.
This is the closest and biggest supermarket around our place. In the same building is also a liquor store (Gall&Gall), a drugstore (Etos) and an Aldi (budget supermarket).
23 moradores locais recomendam
AH Westergracht
6 Menno SimonszpleinThis is the closest and biggest supermarket around our place. In the same building is also a liquor store (Gall&Gall), a drugstore (Etos) and an Aldi (budget supermarket).
Well-known for their home-made bonbons. These make a great gift for your loved ones back home. Their icecream is amazing as well. (especially the chocolate ones).
6 moradores locais recomendam
Chocolaterie Pierre
1 Kleine HoutstraatWell-known for their home-made bonbons. These make a great gift for your loved ones back home. Their icecream is amazing as well. (especially the chocolate ones).
Fairtrade and ecological conceptstore, perfect for shopping guild-free souvenirs.
6 moradores locais recomendam
Sustainable Concept Store NYHAVN
15 KoningstraatFairtrade and ecological conceptstore, perfect for shopping guild-free souvenirs.
Home Stock Limited Editions
16-22 DrossestraatNIcely styled home decor shop.
Giant nearby recycle/second hand shop. If you are into fleemarkets/second hand shops then this one is worth a visit.
Zolder023
Giant nearby recycle/second hand shop. If you are into fleemarkets/second hand shops then this one is worth a visit.
Kids
Cheerful kids park offering 350+ indoor & outdoor (mostly outdoor) play structures, go-karts & an aquatic play center. The bike ride there is quite nice as well. Prob most fun for kids from 3-12
Linnaeushof
LinnaeushofCheerful kids park offering 350+ indoor & outdoor (mostly outdoor) play structures, go-karts & an aquatic play center. The bike ride there is quite nice as well. Prob most fun for kids from 3-12
Bowling center, great to spend a bit of time with the kids when the weather is not that great.
6 moradores locais recomendam
Bison Bowling Haarlem
400 OrionwegBowling center, great to spend a bit of time with the kids when the weather is not that great.
A nice outdoor playground right around the corner of our house. Suited for kids between 2-12
Theemsplein
TheemspleinA nice outdoor playground right around the corner of our house. Suited for kids between 2-12
Haarlem's only outdoor swimmingpool, just a 10-minute walk from our house
18 moradores locais recomendam
Houtvaart swimming pool
12 Piet HeinstraatHaarlem's only outdoor swimmingpool, just a 10-minute walk from our house
Nice indoor tropical swimming pool, perfect for a grey day. It belongs to a cottage park but you can buy individual tickets as well. These are quite expensive but the wild water slides make up for it, if you are looking for a cheaper alternative go to the Boerhavebad which is a little less fancy but also nice.
9 moradores locais recomendam
Zwembad Center Parcs Park Zandvoort
60 VondellaanNice indoor tropical swimming pool, perfect for a grey day. It belongs to a cottage park but you can buy individual tickets as well. These are quite expensive but the wild water slides make up for it, if you are looking for a cheaper alternative go to the Boerhavebad which is a little less fancy but also nice.
Natuurspeel Eiland Haarlem
62A A. HofmanwegNice natural playground for kids between 4 and 12
People across the street might not even know it's there, the smallest zoo in the country. Open only in the weekend in the afternoons, so check opening hours in advance. Run by passionate volunteers who will explain to you everything there is to know about the animals over there.
The zoo itself looks almost urban Berlin. Easily reached by car or public transportation. It houses several of the more smaller exotic animals. You can easily spend and hour here, or even two if you bring kids that are studious. Costs around €2 for an adult and €1,50 for children. No pin available!
So go and enjoy yourself
Artis Class Haarlem
1 Arthur van SchendelpadPeople across the street might not even know it's there, the smallest zoo in the country. Open only in the weekend in the afternoons, so check opening hours in advance. Run by passionate volunteers who will explain to you everything there is to know about the animals over there.
The zoo itself looks almost urban Berlin. Easily reached by car or public transportation. It houses several of the more smaller exotic animals. You can easily spend and hour here, or even two if you bring kids that are studious. Costs around €2 for an adult and €1,50 for children. No pin available!
So go and enjoy yourself
A stone throw away from our place is this large indoor playground. Perfect for getting kids (let's say 2 years old until about 10 years old) to release some energy on a rainy day.
13 moradores locais recomendam
Monkey Town Haarlem
21 Menno SimonszpleinA stone throw away from our place is this large indoor playground. Perfect for getting kids (let's say 2 years old until about 10 years old) to release some energy on a rainy day.
'Pancake restaurant the heavenly pancake' - it's a bold statement but their pancakes are pretty good. It's a great place to visit with kids though (spacious, mini-golf, huge outdoor air-trampoline, kids-friendly menu. Great to combine with a visit to the nearby national park, Zuid-Kennemerland
13 moradores locais recomendam
Restaurant De Hemelse Pannenkoek
3 Zeeweg'Pancake restaurant the heavenly pancake' - it's a bold statement but their pancakes are pretty good. It's a great place to visit with kids though (spacious, mini-golf, huge outdoor air-trampoline, kids-friendly menu. Great to combine with a visit to the nearby national park, Zuid-Kennemerland
Rock climbing practice studio, Nice indoor activity with the kids when the weather is not great. Suitable for kids 6 and up.
Boulderhal de Fabriek
1 Ben ViljoenstraatRock climbing practice studio, Nice indoor activity with the kids when the weather is not great. Suitable for kids 6 and up.
Store & kids-friendly cafe in central Haarlem. NIce to have a coffee or lunch when your young kids are playing with the huge central train track
47 moradores locais recomendam
Meneer Paprika
19 KoningstraatStore & kids-friendly cafe in central Haarlem. NIce to have a coffee or lunch when your young kids are playing with the huge central train track
NIce petzoo in Haarlem's biggest park (Haarlemmerhout), there's a nearby little restaurant in the park 'Theehuis Haarlemmerhout' as well to go for a drink/snack/lunch after your visit. To make a whole afternoon out of it you can also go for a game of minigolf at the nearby "Midgetgolfbaan Haarlem" after your visit
7 moradores locais recomendam
Kinderboerderij de Houthoeve
3 HertenkamplaanNIce petzoo in Haarlem's biggest park (Haarlemmerhout), there's a nearby little restaurant in the park 'Theehuis Haarlemmerhout' as well to go for a drink/snack/lunch after your visit. To make a whole afternoon out of it you can also go for a game of minigolf at the nearby "Midgetgolfbaan Haarlem" after your visit
Natuurspeeltuin Paddenpoel
KleverparkNice natural kids playground where kids can release some energy.
Get your kids to release energy on a rainy day at this indoor trampoline park, about a 10min ride away from our place
7 moradores locais recomendam
Street Jump Haarlem | indoor trampoline park
15d TetterodewegGet your kids to release energy on a rainy day at this indoor trampoline park, about a 10min ride away from our place
Nature
Some 3800 hectares of classic Dutch coastal dunes are being restored in this oasis less than 5km west of Haarlem. It's perfect for beautiful hikes, bike rides and swimming. Its visitor centre, "de Zandwaaier" has nature displays and is a good source of information, with a range of detailed walking and cycling maps including a great 35km circuit. Bike hire costs €13.50 per day.
There are 2 nice natural swimming locations in the park:
The bigger "Wed" close to the visitor centre and the more hidden "Oosterplas", reachable by bike or a good hike.
The Oosterplas is our favorite natural swimming place in the region.
211 moradores locais recomendam
Zuid-Kennemerland Koevlak
12 ZeewegSome 3800 hectares of classic Dutch coastal dunes are being restored in this oasis less than 5km west of Haarlem. It's perfect for beautiful hikes, bike rides and swimming. Its visitor centre, "de Zandwaaier" has nature displays and is a good source of information, with a range of detailed walking and cycling maps including a great 35km circuit. Bike hire costs €13.50 per day.
There are 2 nice natural swimming locations in the park:
The bigger "Wed" close to the visitor centre and the more hidden "Oosterplas", reachable by bike or a good hike.
The Oosterplas is our favorite natural swimming place in the region.
Lovely nature reserve where most of Amsterdam's tap water is filtered. It's a Sand-dune nature reserve with a trail network, visitor center & habitat for foxes & fallow deer.
112 moradores locais recomendam
Dunas de Amsterdam Water Supply
6 1e LeijwegLovely nature reserve where most of Amsterdam's tap water is filtered. It's a Sand-dune nature reserve with a trail network, visitor center & habitat for foxes & fallow deer.
Beautiful estate open to the public. It's a 10-minute bike ride away from our place and it's perfect for a nice walk in the lovely nature surroundings. On Sunday's the historical Orangerie services high-tea (reserve ahead).
71 moradores locais recomendam
Elswout
14 ElswoutslaanBeautiful estate open to the public. It's a 10-minute bike ride away from our place and it's perfect for a nice walk in the lovely nature surroundings. On Sunday's the historical Orangerie services high-tea (reserve ahead).
Sightseeing
Good value boat rental service. Renting a little boat for a couple of hours is a great way to see some of Haarlem's top attractions from the water. No experience needed, the boats they rent have light electric engines and are easy to operate. Recommended!
14 moradores locais recomendam
Club Spaarne
CatharijnebrugGood value boat rental service. Renting a little boat for a couple of hours is a great way to see some of Haarlem's top attractions from the water. No experience needed, the boats they rent have light electric engines and are easy to operate. Recommended!
WIthin walking distancing you find our neighboorhoods landmark the Cathedral of St Bavo (confusingly enough the Church in the centre is also called the Bavo). It's often overlooked but def worth a visit. Especially because you can also climb the tour and have amazing views over Haarlem. Open Mon-Sa. 10:30 - 17:00, Sun 12:00-17:00
Sa: organconcert at 16:00.
Zaterdag: orgelconcert vanaf 16.00 uur
43 moradores locais recomendam
Catedral de São Bavo
146 LeidsevaartWIthin walking distancing you find our neighboorhoods landmark the Cathedral of St Bavo (confusingly enough the Church in the centre is also called the Bavo). It's often overlooked but def worth a visit. Especially because you can also climb the tour and have amazing views over Haarlem. Open Mon-Sa. 10:30 - 17:00, Sun 12:00-17:00
Sa: organconcert at 16:00.
Zaterdag: orgelconcert vanaf 16.00 uur
Culture
Beautifully situated open-air theater hosts lots of concerts for both kids & adults during the summer months. Check out their website for dates & tickets. Booking ahead is a must.
44 moradores locais recomendam
Teatro ao ar livre Caprera
2 Hoge Duin en DaalsewegBeautifully situated open-air theater hosts lots of concerts for both kids & adults during the summer months. Check out their website for dates & tickets. Booking ahead is a must.
A must for anyone interested in the Dutch Masters, this superb museum is located in the poorhouse where Hals spent his final years. The collection focuses on the 17th-century Haarlem School;
330 moradores locais recomendam
Frans Hals Museum - Hof
62 Groot HeiliglandA must for anyone interested in the Dutch Masters, this superb museum is located in the poorhouse where Hals spent his final years. The collection focuses on the 17th-century Haarlem School;
Topped by a towering 50m-high steeple, the Gothic Grote Kerk van St Bavo contains some fine Renaissance artworks, but the star attraction is its stunning Müller organ – one of the most magnificent in the world, standing 30m high and with about 5000 pipes, dating from 1738. It was played by Handel and a 10-year-old Mozart. Free hour-long organ recitals take place at 8.15pm Tuesday, 1.15pm Saturday and occasionally 4pm Thursday and 2.30pm Sunday from May to early October.
Tours (per person €5 including admission) in English and Dutch lasting 45 minutes run on Saturdays at 2pm.
118 moradores locais recomendam
Igreja de São Bavão
22 Grote MarktTopped by a towering 50m-high steeple, the Gothic Grote Kerk van St Bavo contains some fine Renaissance artworks, but the star attraction is its stunning Müller organ – one of the most magnificent in the world, standing 30m high and with about 5000 pipes, dating from 1738. It was played by Handel and a 10-year-old Mozart. Free hour-long organ recitals take place at 8.15pm Tuesday, 1.15pm Saturday and occasionally 4pm Thursday and 2.30pm Sunday from May to early October.
Tours (per person €5 including admission) in English and Dutch lasting 45 minutes run on Saturdays at 2pm.
Haarlem's top music and dance club attracts bands with banging tunes, from country to punk. Events in this cavernous venue usually start around 10pm. Check their website for the agenda.
90 moradores locais recomendam
Patronaat
2 ZijlsingelHaarlem's top music and dance club attracts bands with banging tunes, from country to punk. Events in this cavernous venue usually start around 10pm. Check their website for the agenda.
Bands play jazz and rhythm and blues on Café Stiels' back stage almost every night of the week from 10pm.
34 moradores locais recomendam
Cafe Stiels
21 SmedestraatBands play jazz and rhythm and blues on Café Stiels' back stage almost every night of the week from 10pm.
This modern cinema/theatre building is Haarlem's best bet for theater shows and arthouse cinema.
49 moradores locais recomendam
Toneelschuur
9 Lange BegijnestraatThis modern cinema/theatre building is Haarlem's best bet for theater shows and arthouse cinema.
Great cinema (more arthouse-style movies. In the cellar of a formal prison. It's an impressive piece of architecture and worth a visit.
Filmkoepel
Great cinema (more arthouse-style movies. In the cellar of a formal prison. It's an impressive piece of architecture and worth a visit.