When visiting the Netherlands, most people feel that they have to make a stop in Amsterdam. However, we’re here to introduce to you a great alternative to the often wild and crazy most populous city in the Netherlands!
With one-fifth the population and located just a 30 minute drive (or 15 minute train ride) from Amsterdam is Haarlem, the capital city of North Holland.
Haarlem has everything you would want in a quaint Dutch town including canals, cafes, churches, markets, breweries, bike paths, and plenty of shopping.
In central Haarlem, you’ll find the the Grote Markt, a car-free market square where 10 streets come together, and where a colorful market is held each Monday and Saturday. Monday’s market focuses on clothing/textile goods, whereas Saturday’s market is a general collection of all things good and Dutch: food, flowers, and crafts.
Also, in the central market is St Bavokerk, an impressive Gothic style church. 
The river Spaarne runs right through Haarlem, so taking a small boat tour is a great way to see the city, learn its history, and simply relax as you cruise the calm waterways of the many canals.
And what would a visit to a quintessential Dutch town be without a windmill? Molen de Adriaan (pictured below) has been a distinctive feature in the Haarlem skyline for centuries. Originally built in 1778, it took local citizens 70 years to produce enough money to rebuild De Adriaan after a fire destroyed the mill in 1932. It is open 5 days a week for tours, (closed Tuesdays and Thursdays) so visitors can learn how windmills work, and gain access to wonderful views of old Haarlem from the platform above the river.
Another great must-see attraction while in Haarlem is the Teylers Museum.
Visiting in the summer months has it advantages, like sitting outside at one of Haarlem’s many charming sidewalk cafes.
We stumbled upon a cafe/bar called Wolkers located along the Spaarne river. In a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere cafe workers serve up homemade breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads, and a wide assortment of drinks ranging from cappuccinos to craft beer.
We chose to sit outside as to enjoy our lunch in the sunshine, watching the boats, cyclists, and people go by.
Another gem located in Haarlem is Jopenkerk, where a historic church has been transformed into an operational and contemporary brewery.
We feel that the best way to see and experience Haarlem is by foot. We’d encourage you to take a boat ride and/or rent a bike if you want to see a lot in a shorter amount of time.
However, we found that by exploring the city by foot we were able to slowly take in its charm, character, and surrounding beauty.
Like we said in the beginning, Haarlem has it all: canals, cafes, bike paths, markets, shopping, parks, breweries, churches, and even breweries in churches!
If it can fit into your travel plans, we recommend you stay in Haarlem for at least a few days, as there’s just too much to do and see for only a day trip.
We had the pleasure of staying at Malts B&B Hotel during our visit. Malts offers the personal touch of a bed and breakfast with the privacy of a hotel. As such, their accommodations far exceeded our expectations.
So, while we’re not telling you to NOT go to Amsterdam, we simply wanted to introduce to you an alternative… or addition… for your next trip to the Netherlands!
By: forgetsomeday.com