Things to do in Haarlem, Netherlands

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Haarlem is a historic and pleasant city located 12 miles from Amsterdam. Haarlem is a medieval city with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and winding canals. The city is a delight for photographers and is one of the popular day trips from Amsterdam. Haarlem can be easily reached via train from Amsterdam Central Station. Here are the most popular things to do in Haarlem:

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Visit the Grote Kerk

Grote Kerk is Haarlem’s majestic cathedral and most famous building. It dominates the Haarlem skyline and is easily recognizable in most of the city’s photographs. The cathedral was built in the 14th century and is a splendid example of the gothic style of architecture.

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People watch at Grote Markt

Grote Markt is the town square of Haarlem. It is the hub of social life in the city and hosts concerts, festivals,and street markets. Grote Markt is home to performing artists and dancers. On Saturdays, the city square hosts the street market. It has abundant fresh produce, meats, cheeses, fresh cut flowers, and other produce.

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Tour the Molen de Adriaan

Molen de Adriaan is Haarlem’s famous windmill. Built in 1778, It is located on the banks of the Spaarne River. This essentially Dutch windmill was historically used to crush a variety of grains and tobacco. Visitors can take guided tours of the windmill; the tours offer panoramic views of Haarlem.

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See the art at Frans Hals Museum

This museum in Haarlem is a tribute to the famous painter Frans Hals, who was born in the city. The museum has a large collection of the artists Golden Age paintings and portraits.

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Shop at the Golden streets

De GoudenStraatjes literally means the streets of gold and is Haarlem’s famous shopping area in the city center. Haarlem has been voted among Netherland’s best shopping destinations. The area has everything from independent boutiques to name brands as well as antique shops and concept stores.

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Explore Haarlem’s Hidden Courtyard Parks

Hofje, or Harlem’s famous enclosed courtyard parks, are open to the public. The gardens were conceived in the early 18th century as communal spaces. Today, Haarlem has over 20 public Hofjes. Finding a Hofje or a delightful green urban space is a fun tourist activity. The trick to exploring the enclosed gardens is in discovering the entrance doors.

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Take a Canal Cruise

Visitors can cruise down the Spaarne River and see Haarlem from the water. Many tours are available in Harlem. They usually last an hour and explain in detail about the city’s history and architecture. The tours also often go into side canals and offer interesting views of the city.

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Visit the Corrie ten Boom House

The Corrie ten Boom House played a significant part in Haarlem’s World War II history. The house was owned by the Boom family who saved a lot of Jewish people and others from the Nazi regime during the war by offering their home as a hiding place. Today the house is converted into a museum and visitors can tour the house and learn about the Boom family’s sacrifice.

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Attend the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

2022 World Cup in Qatar

The FIFA World Cup 2022 will be hosted by Qatar, marking the first time that the tournament will be held in the Middle East. This highly anticipated event is set to take place from November 21 to December 18, 2022. Qatar’s preparations involve significant infrastructure and venue upgrades, with eight world-class stadiums slated to host matches and accommodate up to 80,000 spectators each. With advancements in technology and a focus on sustainability, the organizers aim to deliver an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and viewers alike. The tournament will also be a unique opportunity for Qatar to showcase its culture and hospitality to the world. Despite various controversies surrounding the event, football enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the kickoff of the 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Aurora Borealis Northern Lights

Aurora Borealis Northern Lights: A Breathtaking Adventure

The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, is a natural light show that occurs at high latitudes, mainly near the Arctic or Antarctic regions. The phenomenon is caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating beautiful displays of shimmering green, pink, and purple lights in the sky.

The Northern Lights can be seen from places like Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Canada, and Alaska, during the autumn and winter months when the night skies are darker and clearer. The Lights are a mesmerizing and captivating sight, attracting travelers from all across the world.

Apart from its beauty, the Northern Lights also serves a scientific purpose, helping researchers to learn more about the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Overall, the Northern Lights is an awe-inspiring natural wonder that is worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.

South Pacific Cruise

South Pacific Cruise: Vacation of a Lifetime

Experience the beauty and diversity of the South Pacific on a cruise. You can explore exotic islands, pristine beaches, and lush tropical landscapes on it. Discover fascinating cultures and traditions of various island nations and interact with friendly locals. Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters or bask in the warm sun on deck. Enjoy delicious cuisine and immerse yourself in onboard entertainment and activities. You’ll visit famous landmarks like Bora Bora, Fiji, and Tahiti and indulge in luxurious spa treatments and shopping excursions. Marvel at stunning sunsets and starry nights as you sail across the open ocean. A South Pacific cruise is packed with adventure, relaxation, and the allure of paradise, making it an unforgettable experience for all ages and interests.