Information about Haarlem
Haarlem is located on the river Spaarne, about 20km west of Amsterdam. It has been the centre of the tulip bulb-growing district for centuries, for which it bears the nickname bloemenstad (flower city). This charming city embodies the Dutch word “gezellig”, with its many canals, restaurants with terraces, quirky boutique shops, windmills and medieval architecture.

A short history of Haarlem
Haarlem’s history dates back to pre-medieval times, however, it was on November 23, 1245, that Count Willem II granted Haarlem city status (stadsrechten). In 1270, a defensive wall was built around the city to keep it safe from sieges from the surrounding area of Kennemerland. Haarlem prospered and in the 14th century, the city was the second largest city in historical Holland. At the end of this century, a 16,5-metre high wall and 15-metre wide canal was built to improve the city’s defences.


What to do in Haarlem: Sites & Activities
If you are visiting Haarlem, be sure to do at least one of the following:

Visit the oldest museum in the Netherlands
Teylers Museum was the first museum in the Netherlands. Its collection includes art, fossils and minerals, scientific instruments and coins. The building itself is a work of art as well, the Oval Room will have you in awe. Another museum worth mentioning is the Frans Hals museum, which houses about a dozen paintings by Dutch master Frans Hals, as well as works by other renowned Golden Age artists, including Jacob van Ruisdael and Jan Steen.

Take a canal tour
Just like Amsterdam, Haarlem is home to many canals. Take a guided canal tour to learn more about the city or rent a boat and admire the city from the water.

Sit at a terrace
People in Haarlem love to wine and dine. So, it should not come as a surprise that the city is host to more than 200 restaurants and cafés. This means there is something for everybody! A lot of restaurants in Haarlem are located around the large Catholic cathedral, the St.-Bavokerk, and the central market square. During the summer, when the sun shines, locals and tourists alike will be sitting at one of the many terraces these restaurants boast.

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