City of Stories

A city of remarkable history and culture, Haarlem is home to charming shopping streets, historical monuments and some of the Netherlands’ best cultural spaces.

With its cobblestone streets, bustling market square and hidden ho es, Haarlem is a city with many stories to tell. For centuries, it has been a hub for trade, architecture and culture, and various monuments, such as the Amsterdamse Poort, City Hall and the Grote Kerk (or St Bavokerk) still reveal the city’s rich past. Elsewhere, historic buildings have been transformed into trendy hangouts and cultural spaces, such as Jopenkerk, a vibey brewery in a former church, or Patronaat, the iconic gig venue in a former school gymnasium. Haarlem is regularly voted as one of the Netherlands’ best places to shop, with vintage boutiques and local craft ateliers lining the Gouden Straatjes. Or take the time to visit some of the country’s finest museums – the Frans Hals Museum, Teylers Museum and Museum of the Mind | Dolhuys – before heading out for a lively evening at a Michelinstarred restaurant, concert hall or theatre.

Quaint courtyards

‘Haarlem took me by surprise, in a good way! Aside from its amazing architecture, culture and museums, the city’s hidden hofjes stood out for me. These courtyards surrounded by almshouses have great (architectural) character, but what made them even more beautiful was their backstory. They were constructed for the elderly and widowed women who couldn’t a ord alternative homes. I can only imagine the sense of togetherness they must have felt living there. Now, these hofjes serve as peaceful oases for visitors like me. How cool is that. The courtyard setup also reminded me of similar houses in India. I chuckled at the thought that these tangible pieces of history also show that, for once, the money of the rich was put to good use. My tips to nd the hofjes: get a city guide or check out hofjesinhaarlem.nl.’ @WANDERSOMDAY

Somya Gupta

Patronaat & CLUB3

Located in the gymnasium of a former Catholic boys’ school, Patronaat has established itself as one of the leading stages in the Netherlands. The gig agenda supports broad musical genres, from rising hip-hop stars and jazz nights to singer-songwriter, country, punk and alternative rock. Situated in a newly-renovated wing of the building, CLUB3 breathes new life into Haarlem’s nightlife offering.

PATRONAAT.NL

St Bavokerk

Flanked by convivial cafés and restaurants, Grote Markt is the historic centre of Haarlem. The Gothic Grote Kerk, or St Bavokerk, has dominated Haarlem’s skyline for centuries. Famous painters Frans Hals and Pieter Saenredam are buried here, and the renowned Müller organ – one of the nest in the world, standing 30 metres high – was once played by Mozart.

BAVO.NL

Surreal Science - Wunderkammer of Art and Science

Experience a remarkable cross-fertilisation of art and science at Teylers, the oldest museum in the Netherlands. Surreal Science - Wunderkammer of Art and Science includes a display of 250 curios, from enlarged papier mâché owers and velvet toadstools to lifelike glass snails – all collected by George Loudon, who was fascinated by the beauty of 19th-century scienti c teaching models. These mysterious objects, originally intended to be a means of learning more about nature, are positioned in dialogue with artworks by Italian artist Salvatore Arancio, who uses sound, light and lm to create wondrous installations. UNTIL 3 SEPTEMBER, TEYLERSMUSEUM.NL

Highlights from the Frans Hals Museum

Frans Hals is one of the most beloved Dutch painters, renowned for his lively painting style and incredibly lifelike portraits. For the perfect introduction to his work, don’t miss the Highlights from the Frans Hals Museum exhibition at the Frans Hals Museum (Hof location), in which masterpieces by the old masters are positioned alongside modern work by artists such as Piet Mondriaan, Jan Sluijters and Coba Ritsema, challenging you to view art di erently.

UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2024, FRANSHALSMUSEUM.NL

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