There are just 30 minutes’ drive from Amsterdam to Haarlem or 20 minutes train ride.
The best part is that most of Haarlem attractions are within walking distance from Haarlem train station, so the train ride is one of the best choices when visiting the city.
The city itself is extremely beautiful and representative of the Netherlands.
Its beautiful buildings scattered along the canals and the relaxed atmosphere make you want to stay longer.
Haarlem Grote Kerk Haarlem Church Netherlands hz
You can choose from a day trip from Amsterdam to Haarlem or, if you have time, you can book a few nights in the city and explore each hidden corner.
I recommend you to spend at least one night in the city just to have enough time to explore it.
Here are the best 5 things to do when visit Haarlem:
1. Visit the oldest museum in the Netherlands
The Teylers Museum is the oldest museum in the Netherlands.
It was opened in 1778 and is the home of art collections and science museum.
The masterpiece of the place is the Oval Room which is the historic centre of the museum.
Haarlem Teylers Museum in Haarlem oldest museum Netherlands
Initially, the centre was designed for contemporary art and science. In our days, visiting this museum is a step back in time.
The oldest museum from the Netherlands is one of the best reasons to travel from Amsterdam to Haarlem.
It is a monument that should not be missed when visit Netherlands.
2. Go to a beer tasting in a former church
Once a place where people were searching for help and peace was now transformed into a very modern and interesting tasting room.
De Jopenkerk or Jopen Church is a renovated former church used in our day as a place to meet your friends and taste a very good beer made after a traditional recipe.
The place is famous for its tasty food and good beer, the most famous of all being the Jopen beer.
Go to a Beer tasting in a former church Netherlands
The pub is open on a daily basis from 10 am to 1 am.
It is one of the most interesting places from Haarlem thanks to its unique location and medieval beer recipes.
3. Shop in Haarlem
For many years in a row, Haarlem was named the best Netherlands shopping destination and I am not surprised at all.
Once you get to Haarlem and reach the famous shopping street Gouden Straatjes’ or “Street of Gold” you will immediately understand why Haarlem offers such qualitative shopping.
On the same street you can find everything you want, from big brands to independent and local designers, from boutique stores to imposing buildings, nothing is wasted and each space delight your eyes with beautiful clothes, fashion accessories and nice shoes and bags.
Shop in Haarlem – Shopping street netherlands
No wonder why everybody goes from Rotterdam or Amsterdam to Haarlem! On the same street, you can find everything you could wish for!
4. Visit Grote Kerk
The image of the city and one of the most beautiful constructions from Netherlands, Grote Kerk is also known as St. Bavokerk and it is a gothic cathedral built between 1400 to 1520.
visit Grote Kerk Church Netherlands
The cathedral is located in the centre of the city dominating the landscape.
It has a 75-metre tall tower with a beautiful view and impresses because of its gothic architecture and imposing dimensions.
5. Take a boat tour along the canals
A city seen from the water is always different than seen from the land.
I would say that a boat tour along the canals gives you a more romantic feeling.
You have the chance to experience different feeling than during a walking tour.
Venice, Amsterdam and Haarlem are more beautiful from the water than from land.
Take a Boat Tour on the Canals Netherlands
These are TOP 5 reasons to take a trip from Amsterdam to Haarlem
These are the main 5 reasons why you should drive from Amsterdam and visit Haarlem!
For sure you will enjoy this magnificent city and its surroundings!
It is one of the places which should be on your list when visit Netherlands.