Haarlem is just a short train trip from Amsterdam and within biking distance from the beach. If you want to explore cobblestone streets, Gothic cathedrals, a thriving cafe culture, and medieval history, Haarlem is the ideal location.
Haarlem Train Station
It’s simple to get here, and if you’re fortunate enough to do so by rail, take some time to look around because the station building is a national monument. The railway line between Haarlem and Amsterdam was the first in The Netherlands and scenes from several movies were filmed in this Art Nouveau station, including Oceans 12 and Blackbook.
Tour a Windmill
Dating from 1779, windmill De Adriaan was rebuilt in 2002. Local beer company Jopen produced Jopen Adriaan in honor of this historic landmark and the beer is said to have been brewed according to a city recipe from 1407. This majestic windmill, which has long adorned the skyline of Haarlem, is open for tours. The tour lasts 45–60 minutes. You can check the hours of operation and reserve your tour at Home – Molen De Adriaan (molenadriaan.nl)
De Koepel
You’ll notice the De Koepel, a dome-shaped structure close to the windmill. This old prison is one of three dome-shaped prisons that are national monuments in The Netherlands. Due to a decrease in the number of inmates, the prison was closed in 2016. The remarkable structure was recently acquired from the local government by the Panopticon Foundation. With plans for cafes, restaurants, and more, the Panopticon Foundation has transformed this stunning building into a theater, shared workspace, and event space. For more information visit Home | De Koepel
Corrie ten Boom Museum
On the corner of an alleyway and one of Haarlem’s main shopping streets, the Ten Boom family operated a watch shop. A hiding place they constructed upstairs provided a safe haven for Jews during the Nazi occupation in 1942. You can see Corrie ten Boom’s secret hiding place and learn more about her and her family’s lives by visiting this museum. For information and to book your spot visit Home | Corrie ten Boom House
Small enough to discover in just a day, this insta-worthy city is a must see!