Haarlem Is Great: Ten Reasons Why!
Historic Haarlem
Historic Haarlem
Haarlem is the capital of the province North Holland and has a rich historic past. With almost 150.000 inhabitants, the old pittoresque centre is cosy but not too crowded. The city is known as the Bloemenstad, which means Flower City. This is because Haarlem has been the place to be for tulips for centuries. They don't mean much to the Dutch, but all over the world people go crazy for tulips.
Shoppers unite!
There are a lot of possibilities to go home broke after a day of shopping in Haarlem. Lots of exclusive boutiques and trendy shops go hand in hand with famous fashion brands and designers. The shopping streets are always bustling and there's a large and varied that will make sure everyone succeeds. It won't come as a surprise that Haarlem was crowned Best Shopping City of the Netherlands.
Gastronomic giant
Haarlem offers a huge amount of cafes and restaurants, but is also known for its many culinary specialties. Bakers, cheese, traiteurs, everything is prepared with that special amount of TLC. The restaurants have delicious things to offer in any price category. Haarlem is known as the most Flemish city of the North (it's not located in the North at all, but it's more north than, say, Maastricht, and they sure know how to master the art Flemish cooking) and this is no wonder since the cuisine is of high standard.
To the beach!
One of the big advantages of Haarlem must be the fact that the beach is nearby. Famous places like Zandvoort and Bloemendaal are popular all year round. Go for a windy walk or just lay down and soak up the sunevery season has its perks on the beach! Of course there are lots of places to go for a drink or bite.
Events
Haarlem is the jazz capital of the Netherlands, so naturally this is where the annual Haarlem Jazz Festival is held. Big names from abroad and local heroes play together for the fun of it. But the larger, mainstream audience can enjoy famous acts from all over during Bevrijdingspop in May, when the Dutch celebrate their liberty after the Second World War. Another, typically local, event is de Flower Week. You can't escape events like these where you're the tulip capital.
Nightlife in Haarlem
A night on the town is possible in many shapes, ways and forms. You've got clubs for massive parties, smaller places for a nice dance or your normal, nice bars and pubs for a laugh and a drink. Everyone has a great night out in Haarlem!
Beer brewing
Forget about Heineken, the local pride of Haarlem is called Jopen or Jopenbier. The city has a long history when it comes to brewing beer, all the way back to the 15th century. Back then there were about 100 breweries in town. Try for youself and have one. Cheers!
Culture and museums
With a historic past like Haarlem's, it won't come as a surprise that art- and culturelovers will have the time of their lives here. The oldeast museum of the Netherlands, the Teylers Museum attracts lots of tourists and for art of the Golden Century the Frans Hals Museum is the place to be. Modern art and photography expositions are shown in the Hallen.
Conveniently located
Haarlem is centrally located and has an excellent connection to public transportation. Trains come and go (the railway station is definitely worth a visit!) and buses are also commonly used to get to and from the heart of the city.
Success in sports
Haarlem likes its sports and isn't afraid to share it with the world. Literally. Though not so much in the Netherlands itself, Haarlem is famous worldwide for the annual Haarlemse Honkbalweek. What? Baseball week! Teams from all over the world (Japan, USA, Cuba) come to compete in Haarlem.
Haarlem Is Great: Ten Reasons Why!
By: david villa
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