As a small and less touristic city outside of Amsterdam, Haarlem is a reasonably affordable place to stay. However, while there are plenty of budget and mid-priced hotels, those looking for something more special may prefer to look elsewhere.
Most accommodation in Haarlem is located in Centrum, the commercial centre of the city. This is the ideal area to stay for first-time visitors who want to get a true feel for Haarlem’s atmosphere. Home to the city’s biggest range of shops, bars, and restaurants, it is ideal for those who enjoy exploring a city’s food scene, shopping, and nightlife.
During the summer, you may prefer to stay in Zandvoort, the buzzing beach town just a few minutes by car or bus from Haarlem. Although there isn’t much to do in Zandvoort apart from enjoy the beach, bars, and restaurants, it’s a relaxed base form which to explore Haarlem and Amsterdam. This would be ideal for families or couples looking for a quiet seaside stay in Holland.
Since Amsterdam is just 15 minutes away from Haarlem by train, it’s an excellent alternative place to stay if you prefer the vibes of a big city. As the Dutch capital, it has everything you could want from landmarks, museums, and culture to shops, bars, and restaurants. For shopping and nightlife, stay in Amsterdam's De 9 Straatjes neighbourhood. To experience Jordaan. To enjoy Amsterdam at a laid-back pace, you might prefer the relaxed Amsterdam East neighborhood.
