MileHacker Logo
Amsterdam Travel Resources

Amsterdam Travel Resources

North Holland The Netherlands Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Top Navigation Apps

  • 9292 (public transport planner)

    Real-time schedules for all public transport. Android / IOS

  • NS Reisplanner (train travel)

    Official app for Dutch train travel. Android / IOS

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps

    For general navigation and locating businesses.

  • Uber

    For ride-sharing services in Haarlem.

  • Buienradar (weather radar)

    Accurate rain forecasts. Android / IOS

Online Planning Tools

  • Haarlem.nl/tourism

    The official tourism website for Haarlem.

  • Holland.com

    Official tourism website for the Netherlands.

  • NS.nl

    Official website for Dutch train travel.

  • Museumkaart.nl

    Details on the popular museum access pass.

  • Social Media Accounts

    Search "Haarlem tourism" for updates and inspiration.

Print Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

A Well-known american travel writer and tv host Amsterdam & the Netherlands Guidebook often contains a Haarlem section; local city maps are at the VVV.

Find Guidebooks

Immersive Reads

'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank; books on Dutch Period Of greatness art and Haarlem history.

Local Insights

Look for free city magazines or local newspapers (e.g., Uitagenda Haarlem) for current events.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency & Medical Contacts

  • Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112.
  • Non-Emergency Police: 0900-8844.
  • Spaarne Gasthuis (Hospital): +31 23 TO 224 0000.
  • The main hospital in Haarlem is Spaarne Gasthuis.

International Support & Safety

  • Check your embassy/consulate details for your country.
  • Report lost documents to local police immediately.
  • Get in touch with your your embassy or consulate for emergency travel documents.
  • Follow local authorities for natural disaster protocols.

Further Reading & Exploration

Visual Narratives

  • Watch films set in the Netherlands, like "Girl with a Pearl Earring".
  • Explore documentaries on Dutch history, culture, or art.
  • Gain cultural insights.
  • Discover a range of Dutch-themed content.

Cultural Immersion

  • Familiarize yourself with Dutch Prime Time painters.
  • Frans Hals, Rembrandt, Vermeer.
  • Listen to Dutch classical music.
  • Organ music pertaining to the Grote Kerk.

Connect & Learn

  • Join Reddit communities (e.g., r/Netherlands, r/Haarlem).
  • Participate in travel forums on sites like TripAdvisor.
  • Exchange tips with fellow travelers.
  • Language learning apps like Duolingo or Babbel are useful.

Important Travel Information

Critical Safety & Planning Notes

Emergency Protocol

  • Know 112 for immediate emergencies.
  • Police, Fire, and Ambulance are at 112.
  • For non-urgent matters, call 0900-8844.
  • Hospital details are available as needed.

Document Safety

  • Report lost documents immediately.
  • Contact your country's embassy for assistance.
  • Emergency travel documents are available.
  • Keep copies separate from originals.

Local Awareness

  • Follow local alerts (e.g., NL-Alerts).
  • Stay informed of local news.
  • Heed all weather warnings.
  • Prioritize personal safety.

Smart Travel Practices

Prior to Departure

  • Confirm passport validity and visa requirements.
  • Secure comprehensive coverage from travel insurance from World Nomads.
  • Notify banks of your travel plans.

Arrival Essentials

  • Locate the airport train station (Schiphol Plaza).
  • Obtain Euros from an ATM.
  • Acquire an OV-chipkaart.

Cultural Integration

Local Communication

  • Embrace direct Dutch communication.
  • Value punctuality for appointments.
  • Seek 'gezelligheid' in experiences.

Navigating Norms

  • Observe orderly queuing practices.
  • Avoid littering in public spaces.
  • Learn basic Dutch phrases.

Step-by-Step Preparations

Before You Go: Timeline

  1. 3 Months: Passport, visa, flights, accommodation, insurance.
  2. 1 Month: Reservations, detailed itinerary, IDP, vaccinations, bank notification.
  3. 1 Week: Confirm bookings, pack, organize documents.
  4. Home preparation: Pets, mail, contacts.
  5. Arrival: Immigration, luggage, train station.

Actions: Arrival & Departure

  1. Orientation: Maps, VVV office.
  2. Currency: Euros from ATM, OV-chipkaart.
  3. Transport: Train from Schiphol to Haarlem.
  4. Departure: Souvenir shopping, VAT refund.
  5. Airport timing: 2-4 hours before flight.

Pre-Trip Planning Focus

Document Readiness

Validate passport, assess visa needs, obtain IDP if driving.

Booking Milestones

Confirm flights, accommodation, and essential tour reservations.

Home Security

Arrange for home care, mail, and share your itinerary.

Safety Alert!

Constantly be mindful of your surroundings, especially near bike lanes.

Cultural Immersion & Practicalities

Deep Dive into Dutch Culture

Historical Context

  • Anne Frank's 'The Diary of a Young Girl'

    Offers a powerful personal perspective on the Netherlands during WWII.

  • Books on Dutch Era Of prosperity art

    Useful for enhancing your visit to the Frans Hals Museum.

  • Local history books on Haarlem

    Check local bookstores for detailed historical accounts.

Contemporary Engagement

  • Explore documentaries and films

    Watch films set in the Netherlands or explore Dutch culture.

  • Familiarize with Dutch music and art

    Listen to Dutch classical music, related to the Grote Kerk.

  • Join online communities

    Access traveler discussions, tips, and local insights.

Essential Digital & Print Resources

Mobile Apps

9292 for transport, NS Reisplanner for railway travel, Buienradar for weather.

Official Websites

Haarlem.nl/tourism and Holland.com for destination details.

Guidebooks

Rick Steves Amsterdam & the Netherlands Guidebook; the nearby city maps from VVV.

Pre-Trip Planning Essentials

Travel Documents & Bookings

  • Passport validity (6 months past your return date).
  • Visa requirements and application timeline.
  • Flights and main reserve a place to stayd.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance.

Health & Logistics

  • Booking ahead of time for popular attractions.
  • International Driving Permit (if renting car).
  • Consult doctor for vaccinations.
  • Notify banks of travel plans.

Arrival & Departure Procedures

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • Clear immigration and customs.
  • Collect checked luggage.
  • Locate train station at Schiphol.
  • Obtain local map or use digital map.

Departure & Post-Trip

  • Complete souvenir shopping.
  • Inquire about VAT refund eligibility.
  • Confirm return flight details.
  • Check out of accommodation.

Traveler's Insight!

Using a VPN like NordVPN can obtain your online activities while traveling.

← Previous
Amsterdam Travel Hacks
← Back to North Holland
Next →
Amsterdam Travel Checklist

Next Up: Amsterdam Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Continue to Amsterdam Travel Checklist
Amsterdam Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts