7x things to do in Haarlem

From the station, you can walk straight into Haarlem. A city whose streets tell a rich history, provided you know where to look. When Protestants dominated this city in the 16th century, Catholics had to practice their faith in secret.

Honeyguide Cathe has already immersed herself in the history of Haarlem, especially its churches. Discover the stories behind the hidden churches, some of which have a role to play to this day. For example, the hidden church on Grote Houtstraat is now an art studio.

Finish at the Dome Cathedral. A magnificent structure that, together with the Sagrada Familia and the Sacré-Coeur, flaunts itself in the top 5 most important churches in the world, built between 1850 and 1950! How special that this worldly church can just be found in Haarlem.

Have lunch at By Lima

Cathe's route takes you throughout Haarlem and thus also past breakfast and lunch spots such as By Lima. In this colourful living room, they know how to put healthy and sustainable on the map. In the kitchen of this restaurant, they prepare almost everything themselves using organic seasonal products. Which means you get a colourful and tasty feast on your plate. Cathe and I were stuffed after lunch at By Lima. A great place to recharge during a weekend in Haarlem.

Relax in one of the many unique rooms at boutique hotel STAATS. This hotel is located in an old school building on the edge of Haarlem city centre. And the cool thing is that all the rooms are surprisingly different. The décor is a unique combination of modern and vintage and invites you to relax.

Take a bath, enjoy a closing drink and a good night's sleep before another day in Haarlem. The hotel also has an apprenticeship restaurant, where you can enjoy breakfast the next morning. This restaurant too is a jumble of styles and colours that combine to create a stylish whole.

When you don't know what to do in Haarlem, these museums are definitely worth a visit. Today, in the historic building of the former Dolhuys, a place where insane people were nursed in the 16th century, you will find Museum van de Geest. A building full of knowledge and art that offers you a different perspective on reality. A place where you marvel.

The museum has a special collection of outsider art, an art movement that gained interest after World War I thanks to psychiatrist Hans Prinzhorn and his book 'Bildnerei der Geisteskranken'. In it, he collected a large collection of works by people from psychiatric institutions. Artists like Karel Appel and Salvador Dalí drew inspiration from it. And no doubt you too will come out of this museum inspired.

Another inspiring museum in Haarlem is the Teylers Museum. In the historic Teylers building, you will find art by famous masters, fossils, sparkling minerals, extremely expensive books and ingenious instruments. In this oldest and perhaps most beautiful museum in the Netherlands, you will discover the wonders of art and science!