Discovering Haarlem

As Anne-Floor, Amanda and I meet at Haarlem train station, Anne-Floor tells us that she really has just spotted a hidden pearl on the platform. And what a one! For between platforms 3 and 6 at Haarlem station lies Needle & Ink, a special place for fine line tattoos and art.

During our visit, we are warmly welcomed by Rianne and Thirza, the owner and co-owner of Needle & Ink. They tell us that people come here to capture their stories in a unique design. You can do a tarot reading yourself here after which the result is transformed into a special tattoo. How unique!

They also have changing exhibitions by talented artists. Every two months there is a new, free exhibition to give your waiting time an artistic twist. By the way, they also organise Wine & Paint evenings. The exhibiting artist will then show you the tricks of the trade while you enjoy delicious wines.

We start our day in Haarlem well with lunch at Anne & Max. This cosy place is a favourite with many for breakfast, lunch, a good cup of coffee or drinks with friends. Here you experience the living room feeling, created by cosy seating corners. Take a seat at the reading table or settle down in one of the armchairs by the window; these are the restaurant's nicest spots.

Normally, we don't share chains at Honeyguide, but at Anne & Max, sustainability really takes centre stage. Their mission is to let you walk out the door healthier than you came. Everything here is therefore organic, local and homemade. My tip: try the 'Dream croissant', a croissant filled with scrambled eggs, spinach and a topping of bacon or salmon. Not normally delicious!

You will find Anne & Max in Zijlstraat, on the corner of the main square. The restaurant is located in a beautiful 19th-century building with authentic elements, such as the brick wall and the old bookcase.

After a delicious lunch at Anne & Max's, we continue our route to Haarlem's waterfront. There, owner Arendo of Luxe Sloepen Haarlem awaits us for a cruise. This afternoon, our enthusiastic skipper Olivier will sail us through the beautiful canals in a gigantic 100% electric boat.

We sail from the Spaarne to Zuid, the river that connects all the waterways in Haarlem. Older than the city itself, the Spaarne has played a crucial role in Haarlem's development. It used to be used for trade, brewing beer and as a sewer.

Along the way, we admire historical buildings, sail under the famous Catharijne Bridge and Grave Stone Bridge and pass the Waag, one of the most characteristic buildings on the Spaarne. This building used to serve as a municipal trade and excise office and is now a place where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks. We also cruise past Teylers Museum, Europe's oldest museum, where you can learn all about science and art.

Would you like to sail in and around Haarlem yourself? Luxe Sloepen Haarlem is the place to rent a sloop! You can easily sail with 10 people per sloop and easily steer the boat with a real steering wheel. Of course, you can also choose to let a captain take the reins. The boat we sail on can hold up to 70 people, and there is even a toilet on board! Prefer a cruise? That is also possible! In 50 minutes, you sail along the canals while the skipper tells you all about Haarlem.

Extra tip: next to the embarkation point of the boat is Molen de Adriaan. Combine your canal cruise with a visit to this special mill from 1778. The volunteers at Molen de Adriaan will tell you all about the mill and the history of Haarlem. Moreover, the windmill offers the best view of the city!

From medieval streets to monumental buildings and almshouses, Haarlem offers a wealth of cultural heritage. We stop at the Hofje van Bakenes, one of the twenty remaining hofjes in the city. Did you know that Haarlem once had more than 40 hofjes? This hofje is the oldest remaining hofje. Founded in 1395 by Dirck van Bakenes, it housed women of at least sixty in its twenty houses.

Afterwards, we explore Haarlem's charming streets further. Anne-Floor and I love cats, so we have a great time during the walk while encountering all kinds of cats! Along the way, we stop at cosy boutiques and unique vistas.

During our walk through the city, we come across a very nice place: Le Petit Café. A real Honeyguide spot if you ask us. This hidden gem is a French bistro with a passage to the historical bookshop: De Vries Van Stockum. The interior really makes you feel like you're in France. For example, there are French church chairs at the tables, old doors have been installed and the bar comes from an old laboratory. Each element has its own story, which contributes to Le Petit Café's unique atmosphere.

Settle down for a cappuccino and croissant in the morning sun, bring a book (or treat yourself to a new one) and enjoy a nice lunch while reading. Meet up for a glass of wine with a friend or come for a sumptuous dinner. Le Petit Café is an all-day hotspot with a view of books!