Out and about
There is so much to keep visitors busy in Haarlem. Take the time to explore the city's many cultural attractions, including the Frans Hals Museum, which is dedicated to the life and works of the 17th-century portrait painter Frans Hals.
The Corrie ten Boom House shares the courageous story of a Christian Dutch family who helped Jews and resistance members sought by the Nazis during World War II. Admire the impressive architecture at the Cathedral of Sint Bavo and visit Teylers Museum, the Netherlands' first and oldest museum dedicated to art and science.
Alternatively, you might want to find a café in Haarlem's Grote Markt to relax and people-watch, or head to the national park to the west of the city. The area is home to more than 100 different species of birds, as well as Dutch bison, deer, and wild horses. The park offers cycling and walking trails, sand dunes, a beach, and military bunkers from World War II.
Shopping
Haarlem offers excellent shopping opportunities, and with many pedestrian-friendly areas, strolling through the city's cobblestone streets and window-shopping is a relaxing experience. You'll find major department stores like HEMA and V&D, along with many national and international brands.
As you wander down Grote Houtstraat and the nearby streets of Kleine Houtstraat and Gierstraat, you'll discover a variety of independent shops, from children's toy stores to fashion boutiques.