Haarlem -- Quaint Streets, Churches, Tylers and Frans Hals Museums
Frans Hals Museum Courtyard with Globe
De Waag -- Weigh house near Tylers museum
A sample VVV tourist map showing Haarlem's City Center
Jacob van Ruisdael -- "View of Haarlem"
Ruisdael Painter Page
Frans Hals Painter Page
Dutch Painters Page
Haarlem is one of Holland's oldest towns and is the political seat of the Noord-Holland province. Just a short train ride from Amsterdam Centraal station, Haarlem is light years away in terms of tranquility and atmosphere. While Amsterdam parties all night and is packed with tourists, Haarlem offers a quaintness and history. Once you arrive at the square with St. Bavo's cathedral, be sure to walk up Wamoessestraat.
Haarlem was founded in the 10th century and chartered in 1245. It has many of the same attractions of Amsterdam without all the hustle and bustle. A train trip to Haarlem offers a respite from the sometimes maddening crowds in Amsterdam. At the same time there is a small red light district and a few coffeeshops for those so inclined.
Just 20 minutes from Amsterdam, Haarlem is home to the Tylers and Frans Hals museums. While the Tylers focuses on fossils, rocks and scientific equipment, it has a room or two of Dutch paintings worth seeing. Next tour the Frans Halsmuseum and be sure to take a break in the central courtyard gardens. The Frans Hals is noted for Hals work as well as paintings of Heemskerk, van Scorel, and Conelis van Haarlem. Also represented are Ruisdael, van de Velde and Cuyp.
There's more to see in Haarlem. St. Bavokerk is a 15th century cathedral with a huge pipe organ, long considered the best in the world. The organ was built in 1738 and has been played by Handel and Mozart. The rest of the church is just as impressive. St. Bavokerk is located on Grote Markt next to other impressive buildings. The Meat Hall (1603), Fish Hall (1769) and Stadhuis (city hall, begun 14th century,) can all be seen while you sit at one of the terrace cafes lining the square.