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Things to Do in Amsterdam

Things to Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam North Holland, The Netherlands Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Haarlem's location provides ample opportunity for outdoor activities, especially cycling and exploring nature.

Hiking & Biking

National Park Zuid-Kennemerland

Accessible by bus or cycling from Haarlem, with extensive hiking trails of diverse difficulty.

Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen

Another large dune area south of Zandvoort, excellent for hiking and wildlife spotting. Entry is free.

Extensive Cycling Network

Haarlem has a well-maintained network of dedicated bicycle paths. Cycle through the city, to beaches, or through bulb fields (seasonal).

Water Sports & Wildlife

  • Beaches (Zandvoort, Bloemendaal): Popular for riding waves, kitesurfing, and Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
  • Spaarne River: Take a boat tour on the Spaarne river. Opportunities for rowing or canoeing.
  • Wildlife Encounters: National Park Zuid-Kennemerland home to Konik horses, Scottish Highlanders, and diverse bird species.
  • Bring Binoculars for better wildlife viewing.

Watersports

  • Surfing.
  • Kitesurfing.
  • Stand-up paddleboarding.
  • Boat tours on Spaarne.

Hiking

  • Dune landscapes.
  • Forest trails.
  • Wildlife spotting.
  • Various difficulty levels.

Cycling

  • Extensive dedicated paths.
  • To beaches.
  • Through bulb fields (seasonal).
  • Through the city.

Safety in Nature

When exploring nature reserves, stay on marked paths and respect wildlife from a distance.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Haarlem's rich culture through various immersive experiences.

Workshops & Heritage

  • Workshops: Look for local studios offering painting, pottery, or traditional Dutch crafts.
  • Visiting Hofjes (Almshouses): These historic courtyards offer insight into a historical social welfare system.
  • Language Learning: Learning basic Dutch phrases improves interactions.
  • Community-Based Initiatives: B&Bs offer immersive experience connecting with local hosts.

Performances & Festivals

Concerts in Grote Kerk

The Grote Kerk often hosts organ concerts or classical music performances. The acoustics are impressive.

Theater and Dance

See plays or dance performances at Toneelschuur or Philharmonie Haarlem.

Jopenkerk

This brewery in a former church regularly hosts live music events and offers brewery tours.

Art Workshops

Engage in creative workshops like painting or pottery to experience local craft culture.

Local Festivals

Participate in Bevrijdingspop (May 5th), Haarlem Culinair (August), Haarlem Jazz & More (August), and Christmas Markets (December).

Historic Tours

Visit sites like the Grote Kerk and Windmill De Adriaan for organized excursions explaining their rich history and function.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities for relaxation and well-being in Haarlem and nearby.

Wellness Spots

  • Spa and Wellness: Consider day trips to nearby facilities like Spa Zuiver in Amsterdam.
  • Yoga & Meditation: Several yoga studios have lessons in Haarlem.
  • Traditional Healing: Less prominent in mainstream tourism.
  • Spa at Hospital: Spaarne Gasthuis has a rehabilitation/wellness section (not typically for tourist spa visits).

Coastal Leisure

Beach Clubs Zandvoort

During summer, beach clubs offer sun loungers, food, and drinks.

Beach Clubs Bloemendaal

Another popular beach destination with beach clubs and wellness services.

Outdoor Pools

Public outdoor pools are available in summer months.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

Patronaat is the main venue for pop, rock, and electronic music concerts. Jopenkerk frequently holds live music and DJs.

Theater & Performance Spaces

Toneelschuur is a venue for theater and independent cinema. Philharmonie Haarlem is the city's concert hall.

Nightclubs & Bars

Haarlem has a limited number of traditional nightclubs. Many bars around the Grote Markt host DJ nights, especially on weekends.

Shopping & Markets

Haarlem is a destination for shopping, offering a mix of traditional markets, independent boutiques, and major retail chains.

Traditional Markets

  • Grote Markt: Large general market on Saturdays (food, flowers, clothes); textile market on Mondays.
  • Botermarkt: Hosts an organic the bazaar on Fridays, with fresh produce.
  • Gedempte Oude Gracht: A general market with food and non-food items on Wednesdays.
  • Seasonal markets also pop up during holidays.

Specialty Shopping

Artisan Workshops & Crafts

Explore smaller streets for independent boutiques selling local crafts, handcrafted jewelry, and unique design items.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

Grote Houtstraat features international retail chains. Kleine Houtstraat, Warmoesstraat, Zijlstraat offer independent boutiques and concept stores.

Second-hand & Vintage

Discover charming second-hand shops and vintage stores throughout the city.

Souvenirs

  • Dutch Cheese (Gouda, Edam).
  • Stroopwafels (fresh or packaged).
  • Delftware (blue plus white pottery).
  • Wooden Tulips/Clogs.

Local Crafts

  • Handmade jewelry.
  • Unique design items.
  • Local art.
  • Textiles from specialty shops.

Fashion

  • International retail chains.
  • Dutch fashion brands.
  • Independent clothing boutiques.
  • Concept stores with curated collections.

Shipping & Customs Information

VAT Refund
  • Non-EU residents may be eligible for a VAT refund on purchases over €50.
  • Request a tax-free develop at the point of sale.
  • Present forms, receipts, passport, and goods to customs at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport upon departure.
Shipping
  • If you buy large or fragile items, inquire about shipping services at the boutique.
  • Local postal services can also assist with foreign shipping.
  • Keep goods unused until you have claimed the refund.

Ethical Shopping Choices

Look for "Fair Trade" or "biologisch" (organic) labels on products. These indicate ethical and sustainable practices.

Activity Planning Summary

Top Outdoor Choices

  • Hiking in National Park Zuid-Kennemerland.
  • Cycling to the shorees or through the city.
  • Water sports at Zandvoort or Bloemendaal aan Zee.
  • Wildlife viewing in the dune reserves.

Top Cultural Choices

  • Participate in local workshops or classes.
  • Attend concerts at Grote Kerk or shows at Philharmonie.
  • Experience local festivals and events.
  • Visit the hidden hofjes for an unique a view of history.