Where to Stay in Haarlem [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Haarlem is a city in the west of the Netherlands, located in the province of North Holland. It is a picturesque and historic city with a population of around 160,000 people.

Although it may be a smaller city compared to other Dutch tourist destinations, there are a few different areas you can choose from when deciding where to stay in Haarlem.

The city is known for its beautiful architecture, including the Gothic St Bavo Church and the 17th-century Frans Hals Museum, which features works by the Dutch Golden Age painter Frans Hals. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with many festivals, theatre productions and concerts taking place here throughout the year. 

Staying in Haarlem can even be a budget alternative to Amsterdam, since it only takes 20 minutes by train to get to Amsterdam Centraal.

Compared to many places in the capital city, hotels in Haarlem, Netherlands offer great bang for your buck, with beautiful accommodation options for a fraction of the price. Haarlem is also very close to the stunning Dutch coastline, and only a 10-minute train trip from Zandvoort Beach.

Below are 3 of the best neighbourhoods in Haarlem to help you make the right decision when trying to work out the best hotels in Haarlem Netherlands for you.

We have tried to make the guide as easy to follow as possible. We have also included some things to do or places to visit within the areas in Haarlem so you can use this as a go to guide.

Here are a few of the different areas and neighbourhoods to help you decide where to stay in Haarlem, as well as some of the best accommodation in Haarlem Netherlands.

Haarlem City Centre – Where to stay in Haarlem on a Budget

Wondering where to stay in Haarlem for first timers? The best option for those new to the city is to stay in the Haarlem city centre, since it’s the most convenient location for getting around and visiting the attractions.

While so many sights in Haarlem are within walking distance, the city centre (also known as Centrum) is well-connected by public transport as well if you are hoping to venture further out or visit neighbouring towns and cities. 

One of the most popular areas in the city centre is Grote Markt, the historic central square of Haarlem. This area is known in particular for its beautiful architecture and proximity to amazing restaurants and shops. A weekly market is held here too, where both locals and tourists like to buy fresh produce.

The Grote Markt is a great place to experience the vibrant atmosphere and culture of Haarlem and is an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of the city, as many of the main attractions are located nearby. When looking for accommodation in Haarlem, Netherlands, you should definitely consider focusing your search around this area.

By staying in the city centre, you’ll be within walking distance of numerous cultural attractions, including the city’s many top-notch museums and galleries. The Frans Hals Museum is dedicated to the works of the famous Dutch Golden Age painter Frans Hals and is considered to be one of the most important museums in the Netherlands.

The museum is divided into two main areas, the first being the Frans Hals Hall, containing a gallery with over 200 paintings, drawings and other works by Hals.

The second area of the museum is Hal’s House, which features a reconstruction of the artist’s home and studio. This museum gives a great insight into the art and culture of Holland in the 17th century.

Another popular museum, the Teylers Museum, is also a significant cultural institution in the Netherlands. This museum has a focus on natural history and geology, containing collections of scientific instruments, fossils and artworks. There’s also the Ten Boom Museum, where you can take a guided tour of a home that once sheltered Jews during World War II.

There is a wide range of accommodation options in the city centre, meaning there are plenty of affordable options if you are searching for where to stay in Haarlem on a budget.

Among these budget-friendly options. Although there are many inexpensive hostels and guest houses, you will also find plenty of luxury accommodations if you’re after a more upscale experience. Some of the best hotels are located in Haarlem’s city centre.

Best places to stay in Haarlem city centre

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in
 Haarlem city centre
Tiny Private City Rooms Haarlem
Hello I’m Local – Boutique Hostel

Budget accommodation in
 Haarlem city centre
Amadeus Hotel
Hotel Carillon
GuesthouseOne

Mid range accommodation in
 Haarlem city centre
the niu Dairy
Hôtel Frenchie
Hotel ML
B&B Het Hart van Haarlem

Family Friendly accommodation in
 Haarlem city centre
Haarlem Apart Hotel
Ambassador City Centre Hotel
Spaarne Apartment

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Haarlem city centre
Brasss Hotel Suites
Cavallaro Hotel
MAF Haarlem Boutique Hotel
City Attic Haarlem

Haarlem Train Station – Where to stay in Haarlem to Get Around Easy

Haarlem’s main train station is located in an area known in Dutch as Stationsbuurt, which is surrounded by canals on all sides.

This little neighbourhood is surprisingly picturesque, containing two parks called Kenaupark and De Bolwerken, which overlook the Schotersingel and Kinderhuissingel canals. Below are a list of Haarlem hotels near train station.

Best places to stay in Haarlem Train Station

Mid range accommodation in
 Haarlem Train Station
Hotel Lion D’Or
Boutiquehotel Staats
Lovely 1898 Jugendstil Design Apartment
New Amsterdam Haarlem Hotel

Family Friendly accommodation in
 Haarlem Train Station
Park 43
Oase van Haarlem

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Haarlem Train Station
RiverSide Suite – Haarlem City Centre

Rozenprieel – Kleine Hout – Where to stay in Haarlem to Relax

If you’re hoping to stay somewhere that offers a more relaxed and residential atmosphere while still being close to the city’s main attractions, check out Rozenprieel and the Kleine Hout area.

Both of these little neighbourhoods are directly south of the city centre.

This part of Haarlem is surrounded by a lot of nature, such as the spacious Frederikspark dog park and playground.

The area is also a good option if you are travelling with young kids, as there is a children’s petting farm called Stadsboerderij de Houthoeve. The eastern side of Rozenprieel also borders the Spaarne River.

Although this isn’t the go-to for accommodation in Haarlem, you’ll still find some really nice hotels here.

Best places to stay in Rozenprieel

Budget accommodation in
 Rozenprieel
B&B Florapark

Mid range accommodation in
 Rozenprieel
Bed and Breakfast The Rose
Turfhuys aan het Spaarne

Family Friendly accommodation in
 Rozenprieel
Carlton Square Hotel

Added Extra: Areas to Avoid in Haarlem

Haarlem is a safe and friendly city, and there are no particular areas you need to steer clear of when visiting.

However, you should avoid staying too far outside of the city centre, particularly if this is your first time visiting Haarlem, as these are primarily residential areas and you won’t find many tourist attractions.

FAQ for Where to stay in Haarlem

Is Haarlem, Netherlands worth visiting?

Haarlem is absolutely worth a visit! In addition to its charming canals, well-preserved architecture and fascinating cultural attractions, Haarlem is a great base for exploring the nearby beaches of the Dutch coast, as well as the nearby cities like Amsterdam and The Hague.

All in all, Haarlem offers a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty that make it an enjoyable tourist destination.

Why stay in Haarlem?

Haarlem’s proximity to places like Amsterdam and the Dutch coastline is a big reason visitors choose to stay there. If you prefer to stay in a quieter, cheaper and less crowded area, Haarlem is a great option.

On its own, however, the city has many amazing cultural attractions, from galleries and museums to world-class international restaurants and cafes. With its peaceful atmosphere, gorgeous canals and historic Gothic architecture, Haarlem is undeniably a stunning place to stay.

What is special about Haarlem?

Haarlem, Netherlands is a special city for many reasons, from its rich history and maze of charming canals to its well-preserved architecture, Gothic and Renaissance buildings, and the mediaeval streets that transport visitors back to the Middle Ages.

Haarlem is home to several world-class museums and art galleries, and offers a variety of restaurants and cafes that serve delicious local and international cuisine.

Another aspect of Haarlem that makes it so special is its location. The city is surrounded by picturesque countryside, as well as the nearby beaches and dunes of the Dutch coast, which are easily accessible by train.

The relaxed and peaceful atmosphere of the city, combined with its closeness to Amsterdam, make it an ideal destination for those looking for an authentic Dutch experience without the crowds and expensive prices.

Where do expats live in Haarlem?

Since things like personal preferences and budget vary from one person to the next, you will find that expats live in a variety of different areas throughout Haarlem.

Of course, the city centre is a popular place for expats to live due to the high number of amazing museums, galleries, restaurants, cafes, bars and other shops you will find there.

Oude Amsterdamsebuurt and Schalkwijk are popular with longer-term expats who are looking for affordable housing in a quiet and relaxed residential neighbourhood. Leidsevaartbuurt is popular with families, as there are plenty of houses available for rent.

Many expats who work in Haarlem often choose to live in smaller surrounding towns, like Bloemendaal, Heemstede and Overveen.

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