BREAKFAST / LUNCH

• The Yoghurt Barn
  This place serves excellent fresh and healthy food that will keep you going the entire morning.
• Fons Hof
  Classic Dutch cafeteria. They serve classic Dutch snacks like a ‘Broodje Kroket’ (bun with goulash croquette) or ‘Patatje Oorlog’ (french fries with peanut sauce & mayonnaise), but also a steak and salad. They have been doing it with class for around 50 years, my dad even used to work in this place!
• De Lachende Javaan
  Great Indonesian place. This is a great option for vegetarian or vegan food.
• Het Broodjeshuis
  The Dutch have made sandwiches into an art. We got a lot of shade thrown at us for having lunch with merely bread. However, if you’re here, you should try a lunch just like the locals!
• Freaking Vegan
  Located at the Botermarkt, this is a nice central lunch stop for vegans.

BARS

• Studio
  Large cafe with dance floor. In the weekends there’s often live music here. Conveniently located at Grote Markt.
• Cafe Koops
  Authentic Dutch brown bar. They serve my favorite pilsener on draught; Hertog Jan.
• Jopenkerk
  Church turned brewery! This hotspot can’t be missed. Enjoy a great beer well admiring the copper pipes of the brewery curving around you. All beers have a name that’s in some way related to Haarlem.
• De Volkslust
  Terrace at the waterfront. This trendy bar will you serve you your drinks pretty much IN the canal, where you’ll see Dutch people drifting by in their boats.

SHOPPING

For shopping, the entire city center will pretty much suit you well. The large clothing stores can be found on and around the Grote Houtstraat.

NERD CULTURE SHOPS

The Toyboys
Shop for toys and board games for (big) boys.

The Game Shop
For buying/selling retro games, systems and movies.

Nedgame
Slightly bigger and more modern video game store.

COMIC BOOK SHOPS

Haarlem is known in the Netherlands for being the birthplace of many cartoon artists and characters alike. You might not find any titles you’ve ever heard of before. Jopo de Pojo is a friendly shop, where you browse for the best comics from Holland.

SMARTSHOPS

A smartshop is something typically Dutch. You probably know that some stores sell marijuana in the Netherlands. Smartshops, however, sell all natural drugs BUT cannabis. A good choice in Haarlem is State of Mind. Be careful, fly safely ;)

MUSEUMS 

• Teylers Museum
  Founded in 1784, the Teylers Museum in Haarlem is not only the oldest museum in the Netherlands, but it is also one of the oldest museums in Europe. Visitors are invited to explore the museum’s impressive collection of art, science, and history, spanning several centuries. The museum’s vast collection includes fossils, minerals, scientific instruments, drawings, paintings, and rare books. In addition, the museum’s stunning architecture, featuring a neoclassical facade and a charming garden, adds to the visitor’s experience. The Teylers Museum is an excellent destination for those looking to delve into the rich cultural and scientific heritage of the Netherlands.
  
• Frans Hals Museum
  Two charming and historic buildings serve as the home of the Frans Hals Museum. It boasts the most extensive collection of Frans Hals’ portraits worldwide, which includes the world-famous Schutterstuken.
• Corrie Ten Boom Huis
  The story of the Ten Boom family bears witness to their deep affection and unwavering dedication to the Jewish community. Today, their residence has been restored to its former state as an “open house,” just as it was during the time when the Ten Booms resided there. The museum serves as a tribute to the family’s legacy.