6 hours in Haarlem: 17th-century art history
Take a break at the city’s coffee and breakfast spots
From 11:00 to 12:00
Haarlem has no shortage of places to take a break and enjoy something delicious to drink and eat, whether it’s a quaint café, a stylish bar or one of the city’s cosy restaurants. For an especially relaxing experience, treat yourself to a coffee or a delicious brunch at TOAST. This local spot is well beloved for its all-day breakfasts, Sunday bottomless brunches and friendly service.
Enjoy a cruise down the river Spaarne
From 12:00 to 13:00
Taking a boat cruise down the River Spaarne is undoubtedly one of the cosiest ways to get an introduction to the city. As your boat winds its way around the centre of Haarlem, you can take the time to relax, sit back and let the city’s welcoming atmosphere wash over you while of course, enjoying the chance to spot its most beguiling sights from the water.
Explore science and art at the Teylers Museum
From 13:00 to 15:00
The Teylers Museum is an art, natural history and science museum all rolled up into one. Wandering through the period rooms, you’ll find extensive collections of paintings, drawings, fossils, minerals, instruments and books - making a tour here feel like leafing through an antique encyclopedia. The museum's art collection includes drawings by Michelangelo and Raphael, and its rotating exhibits frequently feature world-class inventors and artists. When visiting, don’t miss the spectacular Oval Room, the world’s only authentic 18th-century museum interior.
Explore Haarlem’s hidden hofjes
From 15:00 to 17:00
Discover the heart of Haarlem with a tour of the hofjes. With 21 unique examples dotted around the city, these hidden gardens are surrounded by almshouses, where poor, unmarried and widowed women once lived. Be sure to visit Hofje van Bakenes which, founded in 1395, is the city’s oldest example. There are special guided walks through these gardens (available at the Visitor Information Centre at Grote Markt 2). Most hofjes can be visited every day except Sundays and entrance is free.
Tuck into delicious cuisine
For a small city, Haarlem boasts a wealth of superb restaurants and gastronomic delights. Spend your evening in the city enjoying some delicious food, then while away a few hours discovering trendy bars and the local craft beer scene before heading home.
