Haarlem

With an abundance of historical sights, cultural attractions and hidden gems crammed into a relatively small city, Haarlem truly is a sightseers’ paradise. There’s plenty to keep the visitor entertained, but thanks to its compact size, it’s easy to get a good introduction to the city even if you only have one day to explore it.

With its ancient buildings, cobbled streets and winding waterways, the medieval city of Haarlem is one of the most photogenic destinations in the Netherlands. Haarlem is often referred to as a scaled-down version of its more famous neighbour Amsterdam. But to think of it in such terms does a disservice to a city that beats with its own vibrant pulse and overflows with a rich history, epoch-spanning architecture and a thriving cultural scene all of its own.