Your Essential Travel Guide To Haarlem
Discover Things To Do In Haarlem
Immerse yourself in the blooming beauty of Haarlem - a vibrant capital city hidden away on North Holland's banks. Home to iconic tulip fields and centuries-old architecture, it's become a popular escape for sightseers seeking respite from Amsterdam’s fast pace.
Here you can wander amidst classic Dutch scenery without sacrificing any of its big city attractions – shopping included! So, come explore this charming town and all that it has to offer!
Getting to Haarlem
Haarlem, located just a short 12 miles from Amsterdam and even closer to IJmuiden's DFDS port after taking one of our sailings from Newcastle to Amsterdam.
It’s the perfect opportunity for travellers looking for an easy and fun getaway. With its close proximity, combined with all that it has to offer - Haarlem is well worth exploring!
What to see in Haarlem?
- The Teylers Museum is the oldest museum in Holland and stocks a collection of paintings from the Dutch Masters, as well as a range of fossils, minerals and scientific exhibitions.
- Take a visit to the Frans Hals Museum – home to some of the greatest Dutch masterpieces.
- Go on a beer tour – Haarlem is home to some excellent breweries like Jopen at the Jopen church. Don’t miss out on a chance to sample some delicious brews!
- Take a boat tour – Enjoy the stunning views of the city as you float down the Spaarne River on one of these self-guided boat tours.
- Wander through Grote Markt - a pleasant marketplace filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants for everyone.
- The shopping in Haarlem is excellent, with traffic-free streets, designer boutiques and popular chain stores.
Haarlem, bulb fields and the Bollenstreek
Just north and south of Haarlem lie vast bulb fields that attract thousands of tourists every spring. In just 15 minutes by bike from the centre of Haarlem, you are already among the colourful flower fields and surrounded by millions of tulips, crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths.
The biggest flower event in the Bollenstreek is the annual flower parade from 21 to 22 April 2023.
A convoy of dozens of floats forms a colourful procession from Noordwijk to Haarlem. After their arrival in Haarlem, they are displayed for a day on the Grote Markt so that they can still be admired there!
Our routes
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Hop aboard our most popular ferry crossing, Dover to Calais, and arrive in Calais in just 100 minutes. There are many ways to spend time onboard, from dining to duty free shopping.
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Dover-Dunkirk Ferry Crossings
With a journey time of just 2 hours, our Dover to Dunkirk ferry crossing gives you access to Belgium, France, the Netherlands and more. Enjoy dining and duty free shopping on board.
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Travel Guides
Holland with kids
Take your kids on an unforgettable journey to Holland! Enjoy the perfect blend of sightseeing, theme parks, and kid-friendly attractions.
Holland in Bloom
Explore the gorgeous cities, countryside and events of Holland with DFDS. Discover why it is a stunning destination beloved by travelers from all over!
The Hague
Rich in art galleries, parks and history, The Hague also boasts a variety of shopping districts, trendy bars and excellent restaurants.
Gouda
Come explore Gouda and the Dutch countryside! Its storybook charm knows no bounds with its canals, windmills and, of course, delicious cheese.
Delft
Made in Delft - the classic blue Dutch porcelain. Discover the culture of this beautiful city, located between The Hague and Rotterdam.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is one of Holland’s coolest cities with an amazing skyline - from attractions and landmarks, to restaurants and nightlife.
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