Haarlem is small enough to give you the cozy home feeling, but it is big enough to make your everyday full of pleasure?

#1 A signature Dutch city filled with historic attractions

Believe it or not, although Amsterdam belongs to the Noord-Holland province, Haarlem is the capital of this province. Haarlem is often referred to as ‘mini Amsterdam’ or being overlooked by tourists. However, Haarlem is a hidden gem that has its own uniqueness.

Amsterdam is more like a crowded, international city, Haarlem brings you the medieval Dutch vibe that is not so easy to find in the Netherlands nowadays. As one of the most beautiful and oldest Dutch cities, Haarlem offers a whole new world of art, culture, and landscape for visitors and residents.

Do you love discovering history and culture through museums? If it is a yes, it is a must to visit Teylers Museum and Frans Hals Museum. Teylers Museum is well-known as the oldest museum in the Netherlands which has a focus on art, natural history, and science in the 18th century. On the other hand, Frans Hals Museum is popular for its special concept: one museum in two locations since 1950. The museum is named after Frans Hals the Elder – a famous Dutch painter during the Golden Age, and this is where his paintings from the 17th century are displayed.

#2 A city with a perfect location in the region

Are you studying or working in a metropolis in the Netherlands? Then, it is just a piece of cake to travel from Haarlem. In only around 15 minutes by train, you will reach Amsterdam - the capital of the country. A little bit further but Den Haag, Rotterdam, or Utrecht are only within 1-hour of traveling by public transport.

Living in Haarlem means it is also convenient to have a well-spent day by the beach since there are not only one, but two coastal cities: Bloemendaal and Zandvoort nearby. A ‘paradise on Earth’ for beach-lovers!

#3 A city gathering Dutch well-known symbols

Who does not hear about the Dutch windmills when coming to the Netherland? And in Haarlem, you should not miss Windmill De Adriaan. The windmill was burnt down in 1932 before being renovated in 2002. Going to the top of Windmill De Adriaan, you will have the whole city of Haarlem within your eyesight!

Many people come to the Netherlands for tulips – the national flower of the country. And Haarlem is lucky to be considered the ‘Bloemenstad’, or ‘the flower city of the Netherlands’. In Spring, you will find many large bulb fields blooming in the north and south of Haarlem, including Keukenhof – the world-popular bulb field in Lisse that attracts thousands of tourists every day. Apart from that, you should also visit Flower Parade – the annual event in the Bulb Region (or Bollenstreek in Dutch). Hundreds of different colors of tulips are waiting for you to take pictures.

#4 A city for shopaholics

Did you know that Haarlem has been voted as the ‘best shopping city in the Netherlands’ three times in total? Although Haarlem has a small city center, it is packed with a variety of clothes and jewelry stores, from small to large scale, from vintage to casual style. Be prepared for tired legs when visiting the center of Haarlem!

After a day of wandering, Haarlem knows exactly what you need. You can easily find tons of nice restaurants on the way to refill your energy. Or if you are looking for a chill café by the terrace to enjoy your weekend, Haarlem has it all.

Our residences in Haarlem

Have we convinced you to live in Haarlem? View our available residences in our building The Auditorium at Nico Andriessenstraat here. We’re happy to welcome you to this beautiful city!

The Auditorium in Haarlem is completely renovated and located near Haarlem Spaarnwoude station.