Stayed at I am Local Hostel.. Super beautiful accommodations, made friends with Co-ed dormmates.. we went to see Barbie in the refurbished Panopticon former prison! Solo day: rented bike from hostel and rode through the National Park dunes to the beach-absolute bliss and the water temperature was incredible! Woodstock on the beach is an amazing place to hang out and the wildlife is incredible!
Posted: December 30, 2024Experienced: July, 2023Cherith
Canada
I want to give a shout out to Haarlem, Netherlands. For someone who has seen Amsterdam but gets tired of the hustle of the big city, nearby Haarlem can’t be beat. My son relocated there two years ago and I’ve had the opportunity to visit 4 times already. It’s a mini Amsterdam but much more laid back. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tourist shop there. It’s safe, easy to get to from Schiphol (the #300 bus has its own road!). It’s beautiful. Safe, and very walkable. I just got back home less than 2 weeks ago and looking forward to another visit in 3 months. They’ve got a “Centrum” that is chock full of restaurants with outdoor dining. An amazing place to people watch in all seasons as the patios are heated and they supply blankets. I can’t say enough about Haarlem,
Posted: July 2, 2024Experienced: June, 2024Based on 9 local experiences
Based on 9 local experiences
Yara
Haarlem is a mid size city (Dutch standards) and the capital of the provence. Most people are pretty well off / at least above the national average. Predominantly white. Pretty much no (major) crime - at least that I’m aware off..
Posted: July 25, 2025Mijntje
Haarlem is a great place. There is museums, great shopping and plenty of great restaurants and bars. Especially in the center there is lots of great places to go. I let my 16 and 18 years old daughter go out in Haarlem, it is safe. Ofcoarse you still have pay attention.
Posted: July 14, 2025