Haarlem: What to know before you visit Haarlem, The Netherlands

[@norwegianblue2017]

I've only been to Europe once as an adult. Haarlem was the first European city that I woke up after a long flight from California to Paris to Amsterdam. I woke up very early due to the time difference and wandered around the mostly empty town square. Very surreal for me to be almost alone in such an old city with so much history. I felt like a time traveler. Holland is still one of my favorite European countries, along with Italy.

[@sdf6508]

Holland is not a country tho

[@RhombusOfTheJ]

@@sdf6508 🤓

[@celiaaliena]

As a woman traveling alone I also decided to stay in a hotel in Haarlem instead of Amsterdam. Best idea ever! I especially enjoyed how close the sea was from there. It's right in the middle between Amsterdam and the coast - perfect.

[@kat7939]

Wish I knew that! Thanks for next time! 😉

[@themanwiththeplan1401]

good fun fact: Harlem new york is named after Haarlem in netherlands.

[@SFbayArea94121]

TheMan WithThePlan except the one here is a complete shiethole where you’ll likely either get robbed (especially during the current pandemic) , get murdered OR BOTH. The one in Amsterdam is much better. I actually stayed there and loved it on my month long 11 country euro trip back in 2015

[@scottsmits9744]

TheMan WithThePlan Broadsway is called after Brede Weg also somewhere in the Netherlands

[@Banankos]

So the Dutch version of the Harlem Globetrotters is the Haarlem Globetrotters?

[@flip1sba]

Also Brooklyn from Breukelen.

[@mariohendriks1]

@@Banankos Or when fully translated "De Haarlem Wereldreizigers".

[@blingoty]

Living in Haarlem ist great for me. Close to the beach, close to Amsterdam, it's just perfect

[@MaxPostVideo]

Really cool to see my hometown on your channel. But in state of taking a taxi there is a bus line to Schiphol Airport which is much cheaper then a taxi

[@Knoempie]

Max Post take the bus 300

[@hwiley8141]

Or even the train.

[@MaxPostVideo]

@@hwiley8141 but than you have to change trains at Amsterdam Sloterdijk. Bus 300 goes directly to the airport

[@hwiley8141]

@@MaxPostVideo Yes, but the bus used to be the old style with steps, which made luggage moving hard.

[@dustgreylynx]

On our first visit to Amsterdam we took a hotel in Haarlem and didn't regret it. It was right behind de Grote Kerk and we spent 2 days just in Haarlem

[@woltersworld]

that is awesome

[@Marike0Kreeftmeijer]

As a Haarlemmer myself I sometimes forget to appreciate my own hometown So thank you very much 🙃 Fun fact about the church in grote markt is that painter Frans Hals you talk about in this clip was buried in that church 🙂

[@christophwaltinger4398]

That windmill in the video is also a nice place to visit. It was rebuilt by a club and the members offer tours explaining how the mills work and what purposes they serve in the Netherlands.

[@torianholt2752]

They pump water from the low-lying areas don't they?

[@christophwaltinger4398]

@@torianholt2752 Many of them. But the first windmill that stood on that place at the river in Haarlem was built to grind stones for mortar and later tobacco leaves for snuff. Here is the wikipedia article en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Adriaan,_Haarlem

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

It's so weird - I've been in Amsterdam a handful of times but I've never thought of traveling to any of the towns surrounding it. This video is a great inspiration for trying out some new things.

[@hwiley8141]

If you just want to party, Utrecht is much nicer than Amsterdam. College town.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@hwiley8141 Nice, thanks for the hint! It's now on my ever-expanding todo list...

[@weetikissa]

Oh wow. Never spend more than one night in Amsterdam, it's not worth the money. South Holland has a lot to see and do as well. The Hague has the beach and lots of cool government buildings, Rotterdam has quirky modern architecture and skyscrapers, Delft and Leiden are gorgeous university towns, Dordrecht is stunning too and it's next to the Kinderdijk windmills... I couldn't imagine going to Amsterdam multiple times without seeing the rest of the country.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@weetikissa Those are some awesome tips about what to see! Haha, I was visiting people a few of the times, so at least I had a reason to go to Amsterdam. But I should have explored a bit more...

[@Cappy609]

Mark, I stayed two weeks in 2018 in Haarlem. I did an AirBnB. Great people. I can refer you if you like. Also, you didn't mention the great food options in Haarlem. Also the Saturday market is AWESOME. And if you want to get to the beach, the train is the way to go. I visited up and down the country using Haarlem as my base. Trains leave from there to all points. Coming back to my little apartment after a day of touring was a pleasure. And the train service is easy to use, no need at all for a car. BTW, my lodging was a couple of minutes over your shoulder from this location.

[@ProfessorWolters]

THanks Dad Zor!

[@woawoa3610]

Thank you. Im currently In Harrlem. This video is very helpful! ❤

[@tubularap]

Thanks for this fair and positive review of my hometown Haarlem.

[@joannapahlow7504]

Wow! Loved seeing the first city I ever traveled to in Europe and lived in back in 2001 featured here. I think it is still one of my favorites. We went back for a visit in 2015. There are so many other things to do there as well love Haarlem.

[@woltersworld]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SFbayArea94121]

I stayed in Haarlem actually back in 2015. Wonderful place

[@woltersworld]

We really loved it

[@RowanKoeleman]

"This nice little town", haha, it's actually on of the bigger cities of The Netherlands. I've lived in Amsterdam for three years and I've moved to Haarlem after that. I'm so much happier in Haarlem because it's so calm and still very cosy. I recommend taking bus 300 from Schiphol Airport, it's only a few euros, so a lot cheaper than the Dutch expensive taxi's!

[@StamfordBridge]

He might indeed be saying he thinks it’s a relatively small city by U.S. standards. However, what you may or may not know (and many Europeans I have found don’t know this), U.S. Americans use the term “town” all the time in a more generalized, colloquial, informal way to refer to cities. So, for example, it would be absolutely typical for an American to say, “New York is a great town!” It has nothing to do with saying it’s smaller. So calling Haarlem a “nice little town” may be meant more along the lines of “it’s a lovely, little place,” meant more affectionately rather than as an indication of size.

[@takechancess_]

hey! can i ask where to buy a ticket for the bus?

[@danjames5682]

My wife and I love Haarlem. We were there last year with our son and had a great time. This is a great place for families much cheaper and cleaner than Amsterdam. The center market area is closed to car traffic most of the day. Plus there is a direct bus line from the airport.

[@woltersworld]

It really is!

[@codys_shelf]

This was where my family and I stayed at when they meet me in Europe. Their first time outside of the US and they loved it. We talk about going back all the time. As you said, great base to get in and out of Amsterdam super quick, easy, and cheap. Others might have also mentioned this, but we also did a tour of the main windmill in town and really enjoyed that as well, especially since it was mid-December.

[@codys_shelf]

@@angelg.8462 Pretty sure that it's this one: www.molenadriaan.nl/en/. The website should have all the information on tickets for tours and everything like that, although it looks like you won't be able to buy tickets right now because of Covid. The location, I'm not entirely sure about but the town was pretty walkable. We stayed at a hotel right beside the train station and could get to the windmill in about 15mins more or less I think.

[@jolandapeereboom7063]

Really surprised to see the house I grew up in, at 4:11 in the video, the white one on the corner. It used to be a horse stable. The stone feeding things remind us of that.

[@tijsvanliemt173]

First time I’ve seen someone eat a ‘bitterbal’ with a fork ;-).

[@TheMoegig]

One of our great stops a couple years ago while in Holland for a month. Great dinner at Jopenkerk a church converted to a brew pub. Outstanding.

[@stepheneamonn]

I have the great fortune to live in Haarlem. I moved here over four years ago and love it just as much now as I did on Day 1!

[@narabdela]

Love Holland.

[@woltersworld]

Us too!

[@fienevandijk7224]

It's so fun to see the bavo kerk (2:37) and just be like 'wow that is a dekameter away from my grandma's house. Wow

[@StefArth]

I lived in Haarlem and got married there. This is a wonderful place to live and the pace of life is great. I like the Saturday market, the fact that we can go to Zaandvoort easily by train or by bike. Near everything. As you mentioned you can go by taxi to the airport but there is also a bus that brings you to Schiphol. Thanks for you video ;)

[@alfredsuhrbier4166]

Ha, my most embarrassing encounter, I had in Harlem. 🥶🥵

[@jarellgaddy8587]

NIce! I visted Haarlem in summer 2018 while I was in the Netherlands and it was a very pleasant experience! It's like a samller Amsterdam but more laid back with less foot traffic and a very chill vibe. Would definitely go back!

[@woltersworld]

Totally agree!

[@pope1089]

Great place. I lived there for a year. Clean safe beautiful relaxed.

[@dlast7112]

Very useful, as always. We have a wedding in the Netherlands later in the year and will be stopping by Harlem

[@themutechef4511]

Your travel videos are awesome Mark

[@woltersworld]

thanks the mute chef

[@themutechef4511]

Wolters World your welcome mark

[@artur5308]

Mark, wanted to thank you. Going to the Netherlands for the first time and getting accommodation in Haarlem instead of Amsterdam was definitely a great advice. The money we have saved this way will be spent for food and beer, which is definitely preferable lol.

[@dentalfloss3930]

Spot on every time, Mark! Thank you for another great video

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@TravelJack]

I'm starting to think about finally taking my dream trip to Europe! I subscribed after seeing your great travel tips. If everything works out, hopefully I can visit in early 2022.

[@antoniodelrio1292]

Glad to see this guide to Haarlem. Thinking of staying here my next trip over.

[@woltersworld]

It is well worth it

[@SpookyDarling]

Thank you for this! I visited Haarlem one morning on my way back to A'dam on my trip abroad last year. The Teylers museum is STUNNING and I wished all my steampunk friends could have been with me to see all of the scientific contraptions! Though I will say, my day trip to Delft was my favorite out of my whole trip. Rivals Utrecht for my favorite Dutch city (so far.) Hope all is well with you and the family!

[@terrencetroope]

I appreciate this information in the video. Very informative. It Will make my trip much more smooth!

[@chemicle]

Very cool - we actually have a bike tour starting from here in July this year. We decided to stay here for sheer convenience. We will train in to Amserdam each day to visit. Great video Mark.

[@nocarbonfootprint9120]

Super nice people in the Netherlands...everywhere outside of Amsterdam.

[@genius53]

I always stay in Haarlem. Love it.

[@Dima-jc7fx]

Was there last year on two Ty Segall gigs, great place

[@kallisto_ofzo]

Who else is Dutch and watched this video just to hear the nice things he has to say about The Netherlands (which is more than just Amsterdam)?

[@46numanr]

ik en geboren in Haarlem

[@kallisto_ofzo]

@@46numanr Nog specifieker zelfs :D

[@kallisto_ofzo]

@@MrJlin1982 :D

[@AlonsoRules]

Funny thing about the airport - the infamous Polderbaan runway is closer to Haarlem than it is to the terminals. It's a 15 minute taxi.

[@ProfessorWolters]

that's cool to know

[@hwiley8141]

Used to live in Haarlem, and would watch the planes land from my livingroom.

[@briankish3757]

Thanks for the travel tip. Think we may stay in Haarlem when we go visit Amsterdam, whenever international travel opens back up. 👍

[@ProfessorWolters]

it is a good option

[@GenialHarryGrout]

Thanks for the video Mark. It brought back some great memories of when I lived there for a short time many years ago

[@ProfessorWolters]

That's cool you lived there.

[@sollyolly9547]

Just spent (another!) week in Nederlands, wonderful as ever. We were lucky enough to catch the Christmas Market in Haarlem, weather wasn't so good but the experience was wonderful! Really enjoyed that. We found the Teylers a bit dated and not as well presented as it could be, but the history museum was excellent (there's something for everyone, personal taste I guess). Anyway, we saw Haarlem with the Xmas hustle and bustle, but definitely agree with Mark - this is a really good place to visit to see another side of the great country that is Netherlands.

[@DeKevers]

My grandad grew up near where my hostel was in the north, he dropped me off after a road trip from southwest England. I’ve never seen him so sentimental.

[@scottsmits9744]

Nice video. If this coronavirus thing is over, can you make a video on Maastricht?

[@ProfessorWolters]

we will get there one day

[@StamfordBridge]

“If”? You mean “When”?

[@Dutchified]

Another great video. I look forward to seeing you when the world is allowed to travel again 😉

[@Veruca_Na]

Hi, Mark! I love your videos! I picked up a lot of tips from them as I was planning my Netherlands trip (which was supposed to happen last March). Would you happen to have a video that specifically tackles Utrecht? Would love to see that! I know you’ve mentioned it sparingly in some of your videos. Thank you and stay safe!

[@Europeantraveller55]

Thank you wolter

[@evrblog8344]

thanks. that was very good introduction.

[@nirkann]

We visited last year and really enjoyed the visit...but I wish now that I had seen this first! 😃 Thanks!

[@ProfessorWolters]

better late than never :)

[@nirkann]

@@ProfessorWolters that is true! 😊

[@Nynke_K]

Man, I should really revisit Haarlem (which under normal circumstances is a fairly quick trip from where I live)! Mark mentioned taxis straight to the airport, but I would also definitely consider train travel it's about as quick and much cheaper!

[@bruce8443]

You can take a bus easily between the big Schipol airport and Haarlem. It's very easy. So if you can carry your own bag onto the bus, that's the easiest way. Maybe if you fit four people into one taxi, that is cheaper, or if it's raining heavily then a taxi could be nice.

[@pennywhitaker7092]

Can’t wait to visit. Doing a day trip from Amsterdam the Sunday the flower parade has the floats parked there. Has anyone visited at this time and what did you think? Thanks Mark for all the great videos😊

[@Suursaadik]

I will visit there soon! 🙂

[@MrJJA714]

Keep up the good vids Mark!

[@woltersworld]

Thanks Jeremy!

[@rinst93]

Yay the place I was born 🥰❤️

[@Burn143]

I love your videos! Very good content!

[@ProfessorWolters]

thank you

[@dankk2754]

One of the best cities in my country

[@frednich9603]

Terry and I are making a lot of alternative plans for July in case we can make it to Europe in July, but for example, we can't get into Italy. So we appreciate you still putting put new videos, because some of us never stop dreaming and planning.

[@woltersworld]

Thanks Mark. We are trying. I have no voice today by the way :)

[@frednich9603]

@@woltersworld oh no! Do we need to cancel the chat tonight or is Jocelyn going to do most of the talking?

[@djblackjackshellac]

I recently stayed a few days in AD, then a few days in Haarlem. I yearn to go back to Haarlem. Haarlem is what, in my mind since childhood, I pictured AD to be like. AD, while worth seeing, was just too much. Haarlem is where it’s at. Bike ride to the North Sea. Biked ALL OVER Haarlem. Didn’t want to risk that in AD. Corrie Ten Boom House … a must-do. And we loved the kitties.

[@V1aviation]

Very cool, this was in my recommendations and decided to watch it. Born in Haarlem and never left the city. You were spot on with everything! Next time visiting, try some special beers at the Jopenkerk, visit the 'hofjes' and rent a boat to cruise around town!

[@thijsbakker961]

My opinion (Dutch guy): Amsterdam is Amsterdam, a tourist place, some culture and canals. Harlem is the Netherlands. If you wanna see how holland is, and not Amsterdam; you should go to places like Harlem, Utrecht or ‘Groningen’, the green flat lands.

[@travel9two557]

Alot of people don't know that the famous Harlem area in NYC 🗽, was actually named after this place in Amsterdam!

[@melle4390]

Except that Haarlem isn't in Amsterdam but a city all on its own ;)

[@travel9two557]

@@melle4390 yes correct! I meant near Amsterdam and in Netherlands

[@myname719]

@@travel9two557 say what you mean

[@myname719]

@@travel9two557 you ignorant yanks would get pissed if we said new jersey was in new York 😂

[@travel9two557]

@@myname719 actually not really, it's all in the tri state and pretty much the same type of people lol. We care more about boroughs in NYC. Like Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens primarily. Even Staten island feels more like jersey but that's a borough too..all the same stuff. We don't get just get out of our way and don't spill our coffee 😂

[@happywalek9816]

Sòme One Was Asking What camera Do You Use To Film

[@ProfessorWolters]

sony alpha 6000 and a samsung phone

[@glx4909]

looks really nice

[@ProfessorWolters]

it really is

[@matthewwolf1116]

Mark - heading to Luxembourg, Belgium and Netherlands for the week of Christmas and the week after. No itinerary yet. Which countries for Christmas markets would you recommend? Since most end after Christmas, we expect to only see the markets in one of the countries

[@woltersworld]

I would probably do small towns in Belgium or Netherlands.

[@sarahwalters784]

Check out Alkmaar. Also a great little city

[@-majadebijna3292]

Brooklyn is also a dutch place name.. it's comes from Breukelen. What about the Bavo church, not only Mozart play the organ but also 'De Spin' from Anthony Fokker has flying around the church. Fokker was one of the first who invented the airplaine. Thanx for promoting Holland.. the funny thing is that i live 2 streets from where you where filming. Greetings from Haarlem, The Netherlands

[@terrimelchiorre9733]

Loved Haarlem! Will always remember the french fries :-) Would love to stay there next time.

[@gmaccruyff55]

II lived there in 1987!.Its more laid back and relaxing than Amsterdam, its closer to the sandy beaches on coast and its only about 40 mins away from Schipol Airport,by a direct bus (you don't have to go into Amsterdam). Amsterdam Central is only 20 mins away by train! Tot Ziens!

[@Player1-nh1xq]

What time of year was this filmed? Nice adult aka non smoker vid. I enjoy NL very much. Weather changes hourly though.

[@cubdukat]

I wish I had had the time to go there when I was in Amsterdam last year. Maybe next time...

[@SpookyDarling]

there are so many charming cities. I've been to NL 3 times and I can't imagine not going back to check out more places. It just feels like home there.

[@privateeyetravelguy]

A no brainer on a day trip visit while visiting AMS!

[@HaarlemKomuhendo]

Thank you for going to my city my name is Haarlem

[@horseplop9]

Great video mark. The Netherlands is a fantastic country. I have not much bad to say at all. How late can you generally take a train back to Amsterdam from Haarlem?

[@fairyatluvland]

Quite late, when I visited 3 years ago I took a train at 1 am. When I was back in Harlem I had to wait 45 minutes for the bus route back to my airbnb but there were a few taxis waiting.

[@horseplop9]

@@fairyatluvland Cool thanks alot. Do you recommend any other cities to visit? I really enjoyed Belgium when I went as well

[@williamdrijver4141]

@@horseplop9 Delft, Leiden, Utrecht, The Hague, Den Bosch, Maastricht for example :-)

[@horseplop9]

William Drijver thank you very much. I will definitely check them out

[@hjetnhgklhg]

Same thought my friend. If i knew that i would've stayed in Haarlem instead of Amsterdam. It's way calmer and cheaper than Amsterdam. Plus it's such a beautiful city you wouldn't regret staying there for your base to travel around the Netherlands.

[@cianomalley7049]

Haarlem looks beautiful

[@woltersworld]

It really is. nice place to visit if you get the chance

[@PegiSueSpencer]

Thanks for mentioning The Ten Boom Museum. Checkout "THE HIDING PLACE" It's a fabulous book telling all about the adventures and miracles God worked in their lives and the lives of the people they hid. Corrie ten Boom is just her name- not related to the # of people who were in the concentration camp and who came out. Corrie lived on to tell the many many miraculous stories. She preached about forgiveness and God's love.

[@dominicchongshuehaur9058]

It’s not cheaper in any way now. Hotel prices are similar to those in Amsterdam if u check thru booking apps online

[@siriusfeline]

My wife and I 'accidentally' happened upon Haarlem in 2017 with 9 days to burn after having traveled to Belgium and Italy from Canada. After only 9 days we decided to move here, which we did 6 months later.

[@Blue-bb9ro]

LEKKER HAARLEM

[@reno2782]

Hello Wolter: other places worth visiting in The Netherlands are Leiden, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and Valkenburg

[@woltersworld]

Yes! All awesome places. Thanks for sharing

[@jojopinedaxd]

Great video! :)

[@woltersworld]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@LunaticOstrich]

Nice video, just one small thing: the church in on de grote markt is not a cathedral. It's a protestant church. The other church you talk about is the cathedral

[@hittingtax2670]

Rotterdam and the Hague please!

[@roosjeee03]

Nice video! Have you already visit Groningen or De Waddeneilanden? :)

[@annekeaustin5636]

When you first visit my hometown of Haarlem you immediately think: "Why didn't I do this before?" Our friends in the U.S. and England have all said the same thing.

[@jamesobrien2845]

Wolter, How many languages do you speak?

[@THEEGHESHOW]

I miss Europe especially Belgium

[@RaptorCircle]

any good sites to find a rental in Haarlem?

[@Goozen12]

After all the lockdowns, Leiden is also an good basecamp

[@woltersworld]

yes it is. we stayed in Leiden a couple times

[@Goozen12]

@@woltersworldsadly this year it the Pilgrim Father's year who stayed in Leiden en left in 1620 to Massachusetts. But first covid-19 out

[@rogersexton7857]

Excellent video, except on one point. A taxi from Schiphol Airport to/from Haarlem is unnecessary. There is a bus service which runs every 10 minutes and runs most of the way on a segregated 'busway' - i.e. A ROAD WHICH IS BUSES ONLY. The intermediate stops are built like small railway stations! The journey time is 35 minutes.

[@mennoteunissen]

Line 300 👍🏼👍🏼👌

[@sahilanant123]

I've been wanting to visit Haarlem and Utrecht for a while. Have to wait now. Anyways, have you been to Kinderdijk? It is worth it. My tip for The Netherlands would be to skip The Hague (at least on the first visit), unless you want to get pier/beach vibes at the coast, which is only good on a clear spring/summer day. Also, I guess the Haarlem area in NYC was named after this town. After all, the Dutch did control NY for a while.

[@woltersworld]

Sahil! Missed you on the live feed last night. I know you were in bed, but hope you are doing well.

[@sahilanant123]

Wolters World Yeah, I’m doing well Mark! Hope all of you are doing well and are in the pink of health. Yeah, its easier for me to join the Saturday feeds as its 3.30 PM here and I can never pull an all nighter, however hard I try. You did say in the video that you were planning on coming here this year as well. Ah well, no one saw this coming... Anyways, see you on Saturday ❤️

[@williamhendrix3253]

nice. when did he film this?

[@woltersworld]

It was awhile ago.

[@williamhendrix3253]

Wolters World figured, just got the 3/4 zip on the mail, a+, thank you

[@paperogasacco]

Haarlem ❤️

[@offthebeatenpathadventures1348]

That would be amazing to see the organ that Mozart played.

[@AbrahamBernard]

If you care about budget I recommend taking the metro instead of the train way cheaper but train is faster.

[@mariekemedenblik579]

There is no metro in Haarlem...

[@bartvschuylenburg]

No, “Ten” in Ten Boom is just a part of a Dutch name Just like “de” “van der” or “van” it has nothing to do with the number 10.

[@mrrsriley]

I was very happy that the Ten Boom house museum was mentioned, but yes, their name was Ten Boom and it was Corrie Ten Boom who survived.

[@niallers8572]

Hi can you make 3 videos please. 5 things you will love and hate about quarantine. The 10 things that will shock you about covid-19 The do and don'ts of social distancing.

[@woltersworld]

We have a don'ts of Quarantine out so there is that one. I will work on the love and hates one

[@magdalenareuter6204]

I live in Haarlem 😁