Finding where to stay in Haarlem as a first-timer can be a headache. That’s why, in today’s article,I will help you to find safe places to stay in Haarlem for first-time visitors.
I will share with you what I believe are the best and safe areas to stay in Haarlem for first-timers and tourists, along with a helpful map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Haarlem and recommend some of the best hotels for various budgets.
Haarlem is a beautiful city in the Netherlands, located in the province of North Holland. Haarlem is often considered a smaller, more laid-back version of Amsterdam, with charming cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, lovely cafes, and interesting museums.
Haarlem is well-connected by train from major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. There are frequent train services operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). You can check the schedule and purchase tickets online or at the train station.
One of its most famous landmarks is the Grote Kerk (Great Church), a towering Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline. Additionally, you can explore the Teylers Museum, and the Frans Hals Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings.
Haarlem is also famous for its annual flower parade, known as the Bloemencorso, which takes place in April and features elaborately decorated floats covered in colorful flowers.
Is Haarlem safe to visit?
Yes, Haarlem is generally safe to visit. However, when traveling to any destination, it is wise to use common sense and take normal safety precautions, such as locking your bikes and taking care of your belongings.
Where to stay in Haarlem for the first time?
The best and safe areas to stay in Haarlem for first-timers and tourists include Haarlem City Centre, Haarlem train station, and Kleine Hout. Haarlem City Centre is the overall best base for visitors due to its high concentration of accommodations and tourist amenities.
Staying in the heart of Haarlem’s city center puts you within walking distance of most major attractions, including the Grote Markt (main square), St. Bavo Church, Frans Hals Museum, and charming streets lined with shops and cafes. It’s a bustling area with plenty of restaurants and bars to explore.
During my trip to Haarlem, I stayed at the mid-range Hotel ML. It was a great accommodation in the heart of Haarlem, easy access to major sights and the main train station. The breakfast was great. The room had a good size with a comfortable bed. I would come back to stay here again.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Haarlem for first-time travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Haarlem, especially for first-time visitors. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Haarlem have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
3 Best/ Safe areas to stay in Haarlem for first-timers and tourists:
1. Haarlem City Centre
Haarlem City Centre is undoubtedly the best place to stay in haarlem for the first time. This is the historic heart of the city where you can find the city main square, numerous museums, and easy access from the central railway station.
The City Centre is characterized by its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets, offering a quintessential Dutch experience. You can wander through narrow alleys lined with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, soaking in the city’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere.
Best places to stay in Haarlem for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): Brasss Hotel Suites, 5-star hotel in Haarlem city center, just a few steps from De Haarlem Grote Markt square, easy access to public transportation. Just be mindful that they have a small elevator, and the narrow, steep staircase can be challenging for some people with mobility issues. Many historic buildings in the Netherlands feature stairs to reach the rooms.
Mid-range ($$): Hotel ML, 4-star hotel in the middle of Haarlem Centrum, featuring fabulous breakfast, family rooms, and 2 restaurants. It is close to the Teylers Museum, and The St. Bavo Church in Haarlem. There are many restaurants nearby including a Michelin Star restaurant, 15 mins walk from the station.
Mid-range ($$): B&B Het Hart van Haarlem, 4-star good value for money located in the city center of Haarlem, within walking distance from De Hallen and Frans Halsmuseum. Great base to explore the city and for the Christmas market. The bus to Schipol Airport stop can be found nearby, which is also very convenient.
Mid-range ($$): MAF Haarlem Boutique Hotel, great 4-star accommodation in a prime location in the pedestrian area of the historic town center. 10 mins walk from the train station and the city main square. Many shops and cafes nearby. Guest rooms have an old Dutch style comfortable warm feeling. Just take a note of the stairs and there is no lift, which can be tricky to carry luggage to rooms.
Budget ($): the niu Dairy, popular 3-star hotel located along the Zijlsingel canal, offering air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom, buffet breakfast, and 24-hour front desk. You can book rooms with a view of the cathedral. You can find a bus stop just outside the hotel, a laundromat nearby, and a short walk/ bus ride to the railway station.
Budget ($): Finest Apartments, 3-star aparthotel in central Haarlem, featuring family rooms, and accommodations with a fully equipped kitchen. The apartment is close to shops and supermarkets. The Saturday farmers market is also easily reachable. 10-15 mins walk from the train station where you can take trains directly to Amsterdam central.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN HAARLEM2. Haarlem train station
If you prefer easy access to public transportation, consider staying near Haarlem’s train station. This area offers convenience for exploring not only Haarlem but also nearby cities like Amsterdam, as the train ride to Amsterdam Central Station takes only about 15-20 minutes.
Best places to stay in Haarlem for first-timers:
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Lion D’Or, 4-star classic hotel located right next to Haarlem Railway Station, and within walking distance of the Market Square with its famous St. Bavo Church, Frans Hals Museum and Teylers Museum. Convenient base to take trains to The Hague, Leiden, Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam.
Mid-range ($$): Boutiquehotel Staats, 4-star hotel near the train station, featuring 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, and good breakfast. It is located on a quiet street, an easy walking distance both to the station to take the train to the beach or Amsterdam.
Budget ($): Park 43, 3-star good value for money, beautiful studio apartment, in a lovely neighborhood near Haarlem Central Station, 10 min walk to city center, shopping areas and antique shops. It has a very well equipped kitchen, a washing machine. Bike hire is also available which is convenient for cycling.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN HAARLEM3. Kleine Hout
Kleine Hout is a lovely area in Haarlem, known for its picturesque streets, beautiful green spaces, and upscale atmosphere. It’s an ideal choice if you prefer a quieter and more residential atmosphere while still being within walking distance of Haarlem’s attractions.
Best places to stay in Haarlem for first-timers:
Mid-range ($$): Carlton Square Hotel, popular 4-star hotel, located in a quiet location next to a park, in Kleine Hout, 15 mins walk from the city center of Haarlem, 15 mins drive by car from The beach of Zandvoort. You can find various boutiques, antique shops and famous designer labels in the old city.
Mid-range ($$): B&B Florapark, 4-star good value for money bed and breakfast in Haarlem, offering free private parking which is a bonus for travelers with a car. It also has a paid charging station for electric cars. Rooms come with a fully equipped kitchen, so you can prepare your own meals. Close to Lunchcafé Teylers Museum, NZH Public Transport Museum and De Hallen.
Budget ($): Bed and Breakfast The Rose, 3-star good value for money accommodation near the old town, offering free parking, family rooms, and exceptional breakfast. Quiet area for a good night sleep.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN HAARLEMIn conclusion, Haarlem City Centre, Haarlem train station, and Kleine Hout are the best places to stay in Haarlem for first-timers and tourists. These areas are generally safe where you can find a variety of accommodations for all budgets and needs.
You can continue reading about the Netherlands in these articles:
- Best areas to stay in Amsterdam first time
- Best areas to stay in Leiden first time
- Best areas to stay in Rotterdam first time
- Best areas to stay in The Hague first time
- Best areas to stay in Utrecht first time
There you have it, my recommendations for the most popular and safest neighborhoods that you can stay during your first trip to Haarlem. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.