Haarlem's lively Market Square
If you’re in the Netherlands and decide you want a break from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, consider taking a day trip to Haarlem.
Yes, this is the same Haarlem that gave the American Harlem its name back when New York was still New Amsterdam. Once a thriving commercial center rivaling Amsterdam, the Dutch Haarlem of today is a small but lively market town and attracts visitors from all over Europe.
Only a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam, Haarlem itself is charming and picturesque, best seen by foot or by bike. If you have a choice, try to go on a Saturday where the general market takes place in the 700-year-old Market Square, and where venders sell cheese, fish, flowers, and small souvenirs to eager locals and tourists. Or you might want to hit the Monday market for great deals on clothing.
If you miss the markets, be sure to still hit up the Market Square – get a beer or a coffee and people watch, or build a picnic with local Dutch foods like raw herring, local cheese, or Dutch fries (a great way to save money!). Dutch people really like to relax and enjoy a drink or a snack for a couple of hours, and this is a great way to take in the local culture without having to spend any money.
And if you’re looking for a little local history, be sure to check out the Grote Kerk (Great Church), one of the most well known landmarks in the Netherlands. Or take a peek in the small History Museum to get a sense of the old Haarlem. But be sure to do plenty of walking around as well – you can get a wonderful sense of the town and culture by looking at the architecture and talking to a few locals.
Since Amsterdam is so close by, nightlife isn’t a big attraction in Haarlem – but you can still find a few brown bars open late if you decide to stay the night. Or you can always get a late train back to Amsterdam where the bars stay open until 2 a.m. on weeknights and 3 a.m. on weekends.
Haarlem is well worth a visit, but don’t go on a Sunday! Like many small European towns, pretty much everything is closed, and you’ll find yourself wandering without much to do.
