Derek Ogilvie - Up Close and Personal
Join Scottish medium Derek Ogilvie for a unique evening at Van der Valk Hotel Haarlem. This intimate show offers emotional connections and spiritual insights in a personal setting for all ages.
Plizio Visual Lab
Haarlem
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Haarlem
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Teylers Museum early in the morning to avoid crowds at the oldest museum in the Netherlands.
- Look for the hidden 'hofjes' (inner courtyards) dotted around the city center; many are open to the public during the day.
- The Grote Kerk houses a magnificent organ that Mozart once played, it's worth peeking inside.
- Instead of taking the train to Amsterdam, enjoy a relaxing boat tour along the Spaarne river.
🍽 Food
🍽
Jopen Beer
Taste Haarlem's historic beer at the Jopenkerk, a bustling brewery located inside a former church.
🍽
Haarlemse Halletjes
Pick up these local crispy cookies from a traditional bakery in the city center.
🍽
Raw Herring
Try traditional Dutch herring with onions from a fish stall near the Grote Markt.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
De Gouden Straatjes
Wander through the 'Golden Streets' around the Grote Markt for unique boutiques and vintage shops.
🛍
Grote Markt Market
Don't miss the extensive Saturday market on the Grote Markt for fresh flowers and local delicacies.
🧘
Haarlemmerhout
Take a relaxing stroll in the oldest public park in the Netherlands, located just south of the center.
🧘
Spaarne River Banks
Enjoy a quiet walk along the scenic Spaarne river, watching the boats pass by.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
1
Haarlem is the capital of the North Holland province, situated on the river Spaarne just a short distance from Amsterdam. The city features a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages and was a preeminent center for art and the textile trade during the Dutch Golden Age. Its central square, the Grote Markt, is flanked by magnificent structures including the City Hall and the monumental St. Bavo's Church. Haarlem is world-renowned for the Frans Hals Museum, which houses an unparalleled collection of works by the famous portraitist. As the historic heart of the tulip trade, the city remains an important node in the floral industry, located at the edge of the famous Bollenstreek bulb region. The well-preserved canals and numerous 'hofjes' (historic almshouses) give the city a characterful and intimate atmosphere. Today, Haarlem is a popular residential area known for its high quality of life, excellent shopping districts, and a lively culinary scene that attracts visitors year-round.
- Location: North Holland, Netherlands
- Top sights: Archeologisch Museum Haarlem · Frans Hals Museum · Draaiorgelmuseum Haarlem
- Nearby: Zandvoort (7 km)
- Population: ~162.543
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 82 | 69 | 56 | 41 | 56 | 63 | 80 | 96 | 78 | 93 | 90 | 92 |
Geography
Facts
- Haarlem was granted city rights in 1245 by Count William II.
- The Teylers Museum is the oldest museum in the Netherlands, established in 1784.
- The spire of St. Bavo's Church is 78 meters high and made of lead-covered wood.
- During the 17th century, Haarlem was the epicenter of the Tulip Mania.
- The Jopenkerk brewery is uniquely housed within a former church building.
- The city contains over 20 historic almshouses (hofjes) accessible to the public.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Haarlem (23)
Frequently asked questions
How far is Haarlem from Amsterdam?
Only about 15 minutes by train.
What is the Teylers Museum?
The oldest museum in the Netherlands, known for science and art.
What is Haarlem known for?
For its beautiful 'hofjes' (hidden courtyards) and the Frans Hals Museum.
Is there a large church there?
Yes, the Grote Kerk on the market square has a famous organ.
Is Haarlem good for shopping?
Yes, the city has been voted several times as the best shopping city in the Netherlands.
Haarlem: where is it located?
Haarlem is located in North Holland, Netherlands.
Haarlem: what is there to see?
Highlights include Archeologisch Museum Haarlem, Frans Hals Museum, Draaiorgelmuseum Haarlem.
Haarlem: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Haarlem: why is it worth visiting?
Haarlem is the capital of the North Holland province, situated on the river Spaarne just a short distance from Amsterdam.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Netherlands →
Nearby cities
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, world-famous for its historic canal network, world-class museums, and its liberal atmosphere.
Zaanstad
Zaanstad is a municipality north of Amsterdam, known for its industrial heritage and distinctive green wooden houses.
Hoofddorp
Hoofddorp is the main town of the Haarlemmermeer municipality, located in a reclaimed polder.
Alkmaar
Alkmaar is a charming historic city in North Holland, known worldwide for its traditional cheese market, which is held weekly in summer.
Purmerend
Purmerend is a city in North Holland that became known as a historic market town.
Hoorn
A historic harbor city on the Markermeer lake, renowned for its rich Dutch Golden Age past and beautifully preserved 17th-century archite…
Den Helder
Den Helder is located at the northern tip of North Holland and is the main naval base of the Netherlands.
Heemskerk
Heemskerk is located in the province of North Holland.
IJmuiden
IJmuiden, the port of Amsterdam, is famous for its huge sea locks, wide North Sea beach, and raw, industrial atmosphere.
Bergen aan Zee
A popular North Sea seaside resort known for its wide beaches, sea aquarium, and proximity to the artists' village of Bergen.
Diemen
A charming town near Amsterdam, offering a peaceful retreat with easy access to the vibrant metropolis.
Heiloo
Heiloo is located in the province of North Holland.
Hillegom
Hillegom is a charming town in the heart of the Dutch Flower-bulb region, famous for its colorful flower fields and proximity to the Keuk…
Zandvoort
Often referred to as Amsterdam Beach, Zandvoort offers wide sandy beaches, impressive dunes, and a famous Formula 1 racing circuit.
Mijdrecht
Experience the Green Heart of Holland in Mijdrecht, a vibrant town close to the Vinkeveen lakes, ideal for water sports, cycling, and exp…
History & landmarks
Volendam
A world-famous fishing village on the Markermeer, known for its traditional costumes, picturesque harbor, and smoked eel.
Enkhuizen
A historic port city on the IJsselmeer, famous for its rich maritime heritage and the open-air Zuiderzee Museum.
Monnickendam
A charming small town featuring significant historic buildings and a traditional carillon tower in the heart of North Holland.
Marken
A former island in the Markermeer with characteristic wooden houses on stilts and the iconic 'Paard van Marken' lighthouse.
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is a beautiful dune landscape on the North Sea coast near Haarlem.
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is the most famous and popular city park in Amsterdam.
More places
St. Bavo Church Haarlem
The St.
Haarlemmerliede Ridges
The Haarlemmerliede Ridges are slightly elevated landscape structures.
Duin- en Kruidberg
Duin- en Kruidberg is a hilly dune area in the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park.
Kennemer Duinen
This dune area near Haarlem includes shifting dunes, forests, and dune valleys.
Haarlem Dune Valley
The Haarlem Dune Valley is a lower area between the coastal dunes.
Port of Zaandam
The Port of Zaandam is located in the Zaan region.
Aalsmeer Flower Auction
The flower auction in Aalsmeer is the largest of its kind worldwide.