Hello from Haarlem! I am so in love with this charming little city. It combines the best of "gezellig" cozy/friendly Dutch culture, super easy access to the beach and national parks by bike, and it's full of amazing restaurants and cafes. I laugh that it feels like nobody works in Haarlem because if you pop out to run an errand during the week, you'll always find the terraces full of people taking their sweet time, enjoying the day.
Here are some of my fave places to soak up this little gem of a Dutch city.
COFFEE
2. Kweekcafe ・ This cafe is located in a greenhouse nestled into a beautiful garden. You feel like you're in a jungle and since it is so big, they also don't mind you working from there with your laptop.
3. Mica Coffee Bar ・ Grab a coffee on this quiet side street and take in bikes passing by, people carrying flowers home, and all of the charm Haarlem has to offer.
4. Cleef ・ Cleef is the perfect place to grab a coffee and head to the nearby grassy canal-side park for a picnic. There are many lovely Dutch "winkels" or shops nearby to complete your spread, such as VIZ for fish, Het Oude Zuivelhuis for a sandwich or cheese, or Bakkerij van Vessem for a fresh loaf of bread.
5. Ax Specialty Coffee ・ You'll catch this place if you're coming to Haarlem for a day trip, as it is along the main street heading South of the Haarlem Train Station into the city center. It is tiny (!!) but don't let the small size undermine the excellent coffee.
6. La Maru ・ This place has my ideal combination of cafe + bakery, which also means they serve up the freshed baked goods and sandwiches. Haarlem is known for great shopping and La Maru is perfectly located on a street filled with beautiful shops to pop in and out of with a warm bevy.
7. The Coffee Spot ・ If you're looking for a delicious coffee with a view, this is your spot. The Coffee Spot is along the Spaarne river and has an amazing waterfront terrace that gets fabulous morning sun.
8. Museum Cafe Thuys ・ Technically a museum cafe, anyone is welcome here! They have a big terrace and a cozy sun-filled interior and even though you might come for the culture, you'll stay for the extra strong espresso.
9. Native Coffee ・ I love love love the tree lined, pedestrian forward, quaint streets of Haarlem. Native Coffee is on one of those quintessential Haarlem streets and is definitely popular with locals.
10. Fortuyn ・ Most coffee places close mid-afternoon, but although Fortuyn is also a beautiful restaurant, they have an amazing selection of warm beverages well into the night if you're in the mood for an evening coffee catch up. It's also located on the most famous square in Haarlem, the Grote Markt, and the golden hour sun shines right onto their extensive market facing patio.
11. Coffee Habits ・ This teeny tiny hole in the wall is built into a narrow home and serves amazing coffee. It's very well located steps away from the Grote Markt but in a quiet spot where you can sit and people watch as locals pass by with their market finds.
12. Espresso Gast ・ I love that the Netherlands allows businesses to set up shop in the middle of residential neighbourhoods. Espresso Gast is no exception to this and has also great lunch option.
I will report back shortly with my favourite bakeries, restaurants, takeout, cheese shops, outdoor cafes, and markets, because believe it or not this is just the beginning of what this magical city has to offer.
