Haarlem is a very old and beautiful city, and only a stones throw away from Amsterdam! This is the perfect itinerary for those wanting a cheap day out in Haarlem and to see the sights.
Some of the places I mention were closed when I went due to the pandemic. Therefore, I’ll link to where I read about them.
If you’re interested in other day trips from Amsterdam, then check out my post in Rotterdam Zoo and what I did on my 20th birthday!
Getting to Haarlem
There are a couple ways of getting to Haarlem from Amsterdam, including taxi or bus. However, in order to get your cheap day out in Haarlem, I recommend getting the train.
It cost a total of €11.20 for a return ticket – be sure to subscribe to my blog for more information on getting the train in the Netherlands. Check out Trainline for times and prices.
What is Haarlem like?
Haarlem is a very old city, so it’s perfect for a photographer. I had great time just wondering around and finding places I could photograph.
It’s a small city, so I recommend walking most places but if you have a busy day, maybe look into hiring a bike. There is a bike rental shop next to the entrance for the train station.
Molen de Adriaan
For €5.50, you can take a guided tour through the Molen de Adriaan which is a windmill!
This is about a 10 minute walk from the train station.
The only way you can see the inside of the mill is by taking a tour, but it’s worth every cent. I had a great time learning about the history where it was built, destroyed by fire and rebuilt.
Throughout the years, it was not only used as a form of energy production, but also for the production of tobacco and other condiments.
As I said earlier, this tour was worth every cent. It took an hour as we got to go to all floors in the windmill.
The windmill tours only start after 1pm.
Grote Kerk Church
I’m not a religious person, and I always feel awkward visiting churches as I don’t believe in God. However, the architecture in this church was really worth it!
It cost €3 entry, and you can spend as long as you want there. When I visited, there was a little cafe too, but I didn’t look at the prices.
The organ itself is with the €3 you pay to see inside the church! There wasn’t anything written about the history of the church, so if you want to do a bit of research before you go, then check it out here.
Be sure to follow my instagram for more pictures of this beautiful church!
Grote Markt
The Grote Kerk can be found in the Grote Markt. It’s a social place, full of restaurants and cafes, as well as surrounded by great shopping streets.
This is a perfect place for lunch, and to do a bit of shopping. It is about a 10 minute walk from the train station, although it probably took me a bit longer because I was taking so many photos.
Do some photography
As I’ve mentioned constantly throughout this post, this is a very photogenic city. Even if you don’t have a professional camera, just use your phone and do loads of photoshoots.
There are canals you can walk along, and hundreds of flower shops and cobblestone streets. You can also go looking for some street art!
Have a look at the pictures I’ve taken below.
Haarlemmerhout
This is a woodland area I was told to check out! Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to as it was a long walk from the windmill and I wanted to view the windmill instead.
If you want to stick to your cheap day out, I recommend having a picnic in this woodland area!
There is another green space on the walk from the Grote Markt to the windmill if you don’t have the time like I did.
Zandvoort Beach
For a detailed post on what Zandvoort beach is like, check out my post! I would say that Zandvoort is a whole day trip in itself, but if you’ve got a long, sunny day to fill then I recommend hopping over to here for a few hours and having a swim in the sea.
There is also another beach nearby called Bloemendaal, but I never got the chance to visit.
I hope you find this itinerary for a cheap day out in Haarlem useful!
Have you been to Haarlem before? Do you have anything to add?
It’s so steeped in history! This would be right up my street for a wee vacation. Thank you so much for sharing. If I’m ever going to the states I keep this place in mind.
I love budget friendly guides. Seems like there’s lots to do in Haarlem than won’t cost an arm and a leg! I love the old buildings and I’ve been getting into my photography lately so this is my kind of trip.
I hope you get the chance to go one day! It’s beautiful
Beautiful images! I can see why you said it was the perfect destination for a photographer, such beautiful buildings. The Grote Kerk Church would be a must for me, I love the architecture.
Thank you! 💖
Great post! Haarlam looks like a fantastic area to explore, although for some reason, I didn’t expect you to finish at a beautiful sandy beach!
p.s. I know what you mean about feeling a bit awkward in churches. I sometimes feel like that too. I got a little better after living in Japan where so many people visit temples/shires to see the architecture, not just to pray.
The Netherlands is a very diverse place! Especially for such a small country
Haarlem looks like a great city for a quick trip. Love than you can go in the windmill to explore, I agree it’s worth the price!
Thank you for reading!
Haarlam looks so pretty. I have been to Amsterdam earlier but never had the opportunity to venture outside the city expect for Zaanse Schans. Will try to visit Haarlam on my next trip to the Netherlands.
I really hope you get the chance to go back and explore!
so apparently you want to hear me scream like a little howler monkey cause if I go swimming in the sea at Zandvoort Beach I might die from the freezing water!! haha, but seriously, I HATE THE COLD but alas, I am a sucker for the beach and Zandvoort looks so white and inviting!
As for the rest of Haarlam, I think Darcee & I would definitely love exploring Grote Kerk Church and seeing that beautiful organ as well. Couple that with a traditional windmill tour and then just walking around the beautiful area…this is definitely getting added to our return to Amsterdam trip
Hahahah your first sentence made me laugh!! I really hood you get the chance to go back because it’s truly beautiful
This is the third travel post i am reading today that covers another beautiful place from Netherland. Harleem indeed looks a paradise for a photographer. Thanks for the post.
Thank you for reading!
Haarlem looks so beautiful! I honestly found Amsterdam really underwhelming but the smaller Dutch towns and cities are a delight. Will visit Haarlem for sure when I’m in the Netherlands again!
I do get what you mean about Amsterdam but this little town is a perfect day trip
For me, the beach would definitely be a major attraction. The sand looks very soft.
It really was a beautiful find!
The windmill trip sounds great. We have one near where I live, but every time we try to visit, it’s shut! (It’s run by volunteers and only open a few times each year.) It looks a nice place for a day trip.
Oh no! That’s so unfortunate. I really hope you get the opportunity to visit soon
It looks like a lovely day out! Very historical which is right up my street. I haven’t seen much of America but Haarlam would be a great place to visit.
I think being out and spending the day wonderfully doesn’t have to expensive. all you need is a proper mood and weather. also cheap uis good for long term budgeting
Yes this is exactly it!
The beach would be my favorite place to visit. This needs to be on my travel bucket list
I’m glad I’ve found you a new adventure!
This looks fun! I am all for cheap, so this is perfect. I always love checking out markets.
I hope you get the chance to go and explore all the beauties!
I really like these tips, because I’m the first who always finds (while saving) the pleasure of visiting a place and then Harlem … Thanks!
Thank you for reading!