In Haarlem
I was so happy to go back to Haarlem. I had visited the city ages ago but I felt the visit was too short and quick. I just had to return and explore at a more leisurely pace this time. We went very early in the morning of June 14, 2024. We took the train from Leiden and it took all of 19 minutes. When we arrived in the city, many of the retail establishments were still closed or just starting to open. It was no surprise that many reviews about the city described it as a good place to shop given the number of stores selling clothes, chocolates, books, and more all over.
Just like many cities we visit anywhere in the world, we zeroed in on the must sees right away. We reached the Grote Market and visited the St. Bavo Church. There was admission but it was not so expensive compared to what we pay in the US to visit museums. I do need to mention here that during our entire stay in the Netherlands, it was very cold. Many locals actually wore their winter coats and jackets. It rained too at times though not very heavy.
I remember us taking refuge in a HEMA Department Store and a McDonald's restaurant while it rained right around lunch time. One female dentist we met actually wondered why we chose to come to the Netherlands given its lousy weather even in the summer. We laughed.
Inside the Haarlem Train Station
At the Grote Market with a view of the St. Bavo Church in the background
One of the first buildings we saw in the city center. Dutch architecture is very pretty indeed.
Inside St. Bavo Church
The facade of the Teylers Museum
One of my favorite paintings on exhibit inside the Teylers Museum
One of the many halls inside the Teylers Museum. We were in this museum for at least two hours.
The Frans Hals Museum is the other museum locals recommend tourists to visit. We didn't visit it though on this trip due to lack of time.
Anno Haarlem is a visitor center at the basement of Haarlem City Hall. We went in and watched a short video about the city. Its employees mainly advised visitors what to see in the city.
There was one tiny museum that was open to the public for free. Just a few steps from the Frans Hals Museum, the Archaoelogical Museum housed artifacts stored in small glass cases.
Inside the Archaeological Museum
Haarlem is a shopper's paradise. We saw lots of stores there catering to all tastes.
A bookstore in the city center
It was very early when I took this picture. That's the reason nobody was here at this outdoor cafe and restaurant yet.
What details!
More interesting decorations on the side of a building in the centrum
I was pleasantly surprised to see the rainbow colors painted on a crosswalk here in Haarlem.