2 night Mini Cruise Break to Haarlem 

Fun in Haarlem

The pretty Dutch city of Haarlem, just 30 minutes from our port at IJmuiden, is a great place to explore with friends.

Often described as a pocket-sized version of Amsterdam, this city has a compact centre of narrow streets and scenic waterways, brimming with beautiful medieval houses, historical sites, museums and other places of interest.

A visit to the main square, the Grote Markt, is a must. Here you can see the old 13th century city hall, the impressive 15 century church St. Bavokerk or simply enjoy a drink on the terrace of one of the pubs.

If it’s shopping you fancy, then check out the lively market held here on Saturdays, or explore the many high-street and specialist shops in the city, including the 7 story department store which affords great views of the city.

For art, visit the Frans Hals Museum, which has a fine collection of 17th century paintings from the Dutch Masters or head to the oldest museum in the Netherlands, Teylers Museum, devoted to science and art.

Things to see and do in Haarlem

Haarlem has a rich history and a thriving cultural scene, so there are plenty of things to see and do. Here are some of the highlights:

Grote Markt
The central market square of Haarlem which is the centre piece for many famous buildings, including the City Hall, The Vlesshal, Hoofwacht and Sint-Bavokerk

Sauna van Egmond
A luxurious beauty spa with saunas, steam rooms and swimming pools.

The Corrie ten Boom House
The Corrie ten Boom House was the home of the Ten Boom family, and during the Second World War was used as a refuge by fugitives in hiding from the Nazis, who were hidden behind a false wall in Corrie Ten Boom's bedroom. Today, the house is a museum, restored to look as it did in the 1940's. tyle.

The Grote-Kerk of St. Bavo
Gothic cathedral built in the 14th-15th centuries, in the so-called Kustgotiek ("Coast Gothic") style.

Frans Hals Museum
Museum with a large collection of Haarlem art dating from the fifteenth-century onwards, including works by the painter Frans Hals for which it is named.

Teylers Museum
The oldest museum in the Netherlands, with an extensive collection of paintings by the old masters as well as a large collection of fossils, minerals and scientific instruments.

Toneelschuur
Theatre with two theatres and two cinemas showing alternative and independent films.

Tmall History Museum
Museum presenting the history of Haarlem, once a thriving commercial centre rivalling Amsterdam.

Your Trip at a Glance: