9 March 2026
Want to see more of The Netherlands than just Amsterdam, or maybe Rotterdam and The Hague? Go to Haarlem, a picturesque city near the beach, only 20 minutes from Amsterdam by train. And lately two very cool spots opened the doors, one restaurant and one hotel (and restaurant), so I’ve made a little itinerary for you. Enjoy!
3pm
Check in at Metzler House, a hotel in the former admin building of a famous Dutch prison. Famous as the prison is located in a dome (De Koepel). It’s now open for visitors as it now houses an University, a cinema and a small café. The rooms of Metzler House all have a calm color palette and as it’s not located directly in the center you will be sure of a quiet night of sleep. And they have a restaurant called Menu Corridor, which is open all day.
7pm De Watermeterfabriek
Have dinner at De Watermeterfabriek, an industrial restaurant that serves bistro-style dishes in a big open space. Expect simple, seasonal dishes and a view over the river Spaarne. It’s an 11-minute bike ride along the river.
8am
Start your day with a coffee and pastry at Jules Coffee & Roastery and Jules Bakery around the corner. They serve coffee from Dak Coffee Roasters here and when the sun is out they have a small terrace.
10am
Start exploring the city – just walk around without a map entering all those small and very green alleys which makes this city so beautiful. Stop at Mica Coffee for another coffee, visit a museum (such as the Museum of the Mind where they now host an exhibition on the art of growing older, where children can go on a treasure hunt and where you can join the Flow Slow Art Tour to see art on a slower pace, also check out the Frans Hals Museum, and the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in The Netherlands).
1pm
You can of course go by car or taxi (11 minutes) but if you like to explore by bike, hire one and cycle through the city, through a nature reserve and then end up on the beach to have lunch at De Republiek in Bloemendaal. The perfect way to end your 24 hours in Haarlem.
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