Weekend break in Haarlem

Planning a weekend getaway? Then consider Haarlem, because Haarlem has a lot to offer. Lots of history, nice stores, fascinating museums, fine restaurants and much more. And this nice city is also very close to the beach! Plenty of possibilities: if you go away for the weekend in Haarlem, you will not be bored. We went out in Haarlem and our favorites can be found in this blog.

Haarlem: a versatile city

If you take a weekend trip to Haarlem, a variety of things await you. No matter what season you go: there is always something to do. Whether you want to soak up culture in the Old Town, go shopping in the Golden Streets or the Vijfhoek, enjoy the many courtyards while walking, enjoy a culinary surprise or go to the beach. Yes, the beach! Because it is also nearby. Haarlem was granted city rights by Count Willem II on November 23, 1245. Soon the city grew into one of the most important cities in the Republic. The city fiercely resisted the Spanish occupiers during the Eighty Years’ War and in the Golden Age Haarlem was attractive to rich and powerful people. So a rich history and you can see that!

Sniffing up culture in Haarlem

Haarlem, as we wrote earlier, has a rich history. Want to learn about the history of Haarlem? Then visit the tourist office in the city hall on the Grote Markt. The city hall itself was built in 1370 and in the cellars of the building you will find visitor center Anno Haarlem where, among other things, you can watch a video showing the history of the city in a bird’s eye view. On the Grote Markt you will also find the Grote or St. Bavokerk. You can look around here yourself, book a guided tour or climb the tower. You will then have a beautiful view of the city. Would you rather explore the city on foot with a guide? Then there are options for that as well. How about these city walks, for example? Would you rather go out with an app in Haarlem? Then the app Walk the City is a good choice!

Shopping in Haarlem

In addition to the well-known chain stores, Haarlem is home to many unique stores and boutiques. In the seven Golden Streets you will find no average store, but special stores full of home accessories, art, (vintage) clothing and of course catering! Haarlem has already been voted the best shopping city in the Netherlands several times and if you stroll through the Golden Streets you will completely understand why. But other places in the center are also great if you like shopping. The stores and restaurants around the square of the Vijfhoek is also a nice base for a day of shopping in Haarlem. Do you prefer the peace and quiet? Then you can easily pop into one of the five streets that open onto the Vijfhoek. There you will find an oasis of tranquility.

Eating out in Haarlem

If you’re spending a weekend in Haarlem, the inner man won’t come up short either. Whether you go for a quick bite or an extensive dinner: Haarlem has it all. There are also a number of child-friendly restaurants where your children can have a great time while you enjoy good food and good company. There are also several wine stores in Haarlem that can’t wait to advise you on the best wines and matching dishes. Are you or do you know a beer lover? Then a beer from the Jopen Brewery is a must. You will immediately have a nice souvenir to come home with!

Lots of green

Looking for peace and quiet in Haarlem? Then city park de Bolwerken in the center is a wonderful place. De Bolwerken are located on the water and used to be home to the city walls that were unfortunately demolished in the 19th century. The city park is laid out in the English landscape style and is truly an oasis of tranquility. The Kenaupark is also part of the Bolwerken. Even more tranquility can be found in one of the many hofjes that Haarlem has. The most famous hofje is the Proveniershof from 1704. Courtyards were generally created to house the poor and less fortunate. The Proveniershof was just meant for the well-to-do and therefore has a very different appearance. You will find this beautiful courtyard on the Grote Houtstraat and is freely accessible.

Staying in Haarlem

Are you going to spend a weekend in Haarlem? Then there are many nice hotels to spend the night. In the center you can find fine hotels: from boutique hotels to B&B and from luxury hotels to family hotels. But don’t forget to look beyond the center alone. Haarlem is right on the beach, so why not pick a hotel right there? The city is easily accessible from the beach and it really gives you the feeling of getting away from it all. In short: after a weekend break in Haarlem, everyone can get back to work!

Photos: OpstapmetLisa