Netherlands
Haarlem
Netherlands
Haarlem
Updated Apr 29, 2025
Overview
Haarlem, the quintessential Dutch city, offers a perfect blend of history and modernity. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with 17th-century architecture, visit world-class museums like the Frans Hals, and relax in cozy cafes. Don't miss the bustling Grote Markt, home to the impressive St. Bavo Church. For a local experience, explore the trendy Vijfhoek neighborhood or join a beer tasting at Jopenkerk, a brewery in a converted church. Haarlem's proximity to Amsterdam makes it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Best time to visit. Visit Haarlem in spring (April-May) for mild weather and blooming tulips. Summer (June-August) offers warm temperatures and outdoor festivals. Autumn (September-October) is ideal for fewer crowds and beautiful foliage. Winter (November-March) can be chilly but magical with holiday markets.
City stats
Population
162,902
Land area
13 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
1245 CE
Official langauge
Dutch
English speaking
Widely spoken
State/Province
North Holland
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
Neighborhoods
Getting around
Where to stay
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Cities within 8 hours
Active pursuits
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Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
Lunch and snacks
Dinner restaurants
Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 43°F - 35°F | 39°F - 30°F | Cloudy | 8:45 am | 4:45 pm | 13 days 2.7 in | 3 days 1.0 in | 11 mph |
| February | 44°F - 35°F | 41°F - 31°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:10 am | 5:40 pm | 11 days 2.0 in | 2 days 0.6 in | 11 mph |
| March | 50°F - 39°F | 48°F - 36°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:05 am | 6:35 pm | 11 days 2.3 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 11 mph |
| April | 56°F - 43°F | 55°F - 41°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 8:25 pm | 10 days 1.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| May | 63°F - 49°F | 63°F - 48°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:45 am | 9:15 pm | 9 days 2.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 68°F - 54°F | 69°F - 54°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:20 am | 9:50 pm | 9 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| July | 72°F - 57°F | 73°F - 57°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:40 am | 9:45 pm | 10 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| August | 72°F - 57°F | 73°F - 57°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:25 am | 8:55 pm | 10 days 3.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| September | 67°F - 53°F | 67°F - 52°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 7:50 pm | 11 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| October | 59°F - 48°F | 58°F - 46°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:05 am | 6:40 pm | 12 days 3.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| November | 50°F - 41°F | 47°F - 37°F | Cloudy | 8:00 am | 4:45 pm | 13 days 3.4 in | 1 days 0.1 in | 11 mph |
| December | 45°F - 37°F | 41°F - 32°F | Cloudy | 8:45 am | 4:30 pm | 13 days 3.0 in | 2 days 0.4 in | 11 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year with fireworks, parties, and traditional foods. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Good Friday | Friday before Easter Sunday | Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. | Limited services, plan accordingly. | ||
| Easter Sunday | First Sunday after first full moon of spring | Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. | Festive atmosphere, some closures. | ||
| Easter Monday | Day after Easter Sunday | Public holiday extending Easter celebrations, often with family gatherings. | Many places closed, plan activities. | ||
| King's Day | April 27 | National holiday celebrating the Dutch monarch's birthday with street parties. | Busy, festive, plan for crowds. | ||
| Liberation Day | May 5 | Commemoration of the end of Nazi occupation in World War II. | Patriotic events, some closures. | ||
| Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter Sunday | Christian holiday marking Jesus' ascension to heaven, public holiday. | Some closures, plan accordingly. | ||
| Pentecost | 7 weeks after Easter Sunday | Christian holiday celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit, public holiday. | Some closures, outdoor activities. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, family gatherings. | Festive, but many closures. | ||
| Second Christmas Day | December 26 | Extended Christmas celebration, also known as Boxing Day in some countries. | Quiet day, limited openings. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloemencorso Bollenstreek | Mid-April | Colorful flower parade showcasing elaborate floats made from tulips and other spring flowers. | Busy but beautiful. Book accommodations early. | ||
| Bevrijdingspop | May 5 | Free music festival celebrating Liberation Day with Dutch and international artists performing. | Lively atmosphere. Enjoy local culture. | ||
| Haarlem Jazz & More | Mid-August | Annual jazz festival featuring local and international artists across various venues in the city. | Great for music lovers. City is vibrant. | ||
| Haarlem Culinair | Early August | Food festival showcasing local restaurants and culinary specialties in the Grote Markt. | Perfect for foodies. Explore local cuisine. | ||
| Schalkwijk aan Zee | Late August | Beach-themed festival in Schalkwijk district with music, food, and activities for all ages. | Fun local event. Minimal travel impact. | ||
| Haarlem Cultuur Festival | Mid-September | Cultural festival celebrating arts, music, and theater across various venues in Haarlem. | Rich cultural experience. City is lively. | ||
| Haarlemse Stripdagen | Early June | Biennial comic book festival featuring exhibitions, workshops, and meet-and-greets with artists. | Great for comic fans. Normal city operations. |
1 | Dutch people are direct in communication. Don't be offended by blunt remarks or questions. It's not rudeness, just cultural honesty. Embrace their straightforward approach. |
2 | Bike culture is huge. Always use bike lanes and obey cycling rules. Never walk in bike paths. Rent a bike to explore like a local, but be cautious if you're not used to busy cycle traffic. |
3 | Tipping isn't expected in restaurants as service charge is included. For exceptional service, rounding up or leaving a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated but not mandatory. |
4 | Learn basic Dutch phrases like 'Dank je wel' (thank you) and 'Alstublieft' (please). While many Dutch speak English, attempting their language is appreciated and often met with smiles. |
5 | Coffee shops aren't just for coffee. They legally sell cannabis. If you're not interested, stick to 'cafes' for your caffeine fix. Be mindful of local laws if you choose to partake. |
6 | Punctuality is valued. Arrive on time for appointments and reservations. Being late is considered disrespectful. Plan ahead, especially when using public transportation. |
7 | Don't take photos of sex workers in Amsterdam's Red Light District. It's disrespectful and illegal. Enjoy the unique atmosphere, but be respectful of privacy and local norms. |
8 | Carry cash for small purchases. While cards are widely accepted, some smaller shops, markets, and public toilets may only accept cash or coins. Always have some euros on hand. |
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