Moving to The Hague means a fresh start in a city full of character, history and possibilities. Whether you choose an apartment in the city center, a family home in Scheveningen or a quiet neighborhood like Loosduinen, good preparation makes all the difference. There is a lot involved in moving house: arranging practical matters, communicating your new address and of course registering with the municipality. In this article you can read exactly how to get the best out of your life in Haarlem.
Why Haarlem is a great place to live
Haarlem, located in the province of North Holland, is a beautiful city known for its rich history, charming canals and vibrant culture. So it is no surprise that more and more people are choosing to live here. In this section of the blog, I would like to tell you more about what makes this city so special and why it is a great place to live.
First of all, Haarlem has a unique character due to its many historical buildings, such as the Grote Markt with the imposing City Hall and the St. Bavo Church with its famous tower. But besides these monuments, Haarlem also has many cozy streets with nice stores, restaurants and cafes. It is great to stroll through these on a sunny day or settle down on a terrace for a snack and a drink.
Are you moving to Haarlem soon? Our moving company Haarlem is happy to help you with a worry-free move. Interim storage? This is also possible through storage space rental Haarlem.
Explore the city by bicycle
One of the best ways to explore the beautiful city of Haarlem is by bicycle. Not only is it a healthy and environmentally friendly way to travel, but it also allows you to ride around the city at your own pace and discover all the hidden gems.
Haarlem is a true cycling city, with an extensive network of bike paths and routes that take you to every corner of the city. Whether you’re new to Haarlem or have lived there for years, it’s always fun to hop on a bike and discover new places.
Visit local markets and stores
One of the best ways to discover your new life in Haarlem is to visit local markets and stores. Here you can learn about the city’s diverse culture, traditions and products. In this tip, we will tell you why it is a good idea to visit these places and which markets and stores you should absolutely not miss.
Haarlem is known for its many lively markets. On Wednesdays and Saturdays a large commodity market takes place on the Grote Markt, where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese, fish and flowers. This market is centuries old and has an authentic atmosphere typical of Haarlem. It is a great place to sample local produce and meet the friendly vendors.
Another popular market in Haarlem is the organic farmers’ market on Saturday mornings at Klokhuisplein. Here you can find all kinds of organic products directly from local farmers in the region. The offerings range from fresh bread to artisan cheese, honey, jams and many more delicacies.
Discover the hidden pearls of Haarlem
Haarlem is a beautiful city with a rich history and many famous sights, such as the Grote Markt and the Teylers Museum. But besides these popular spots, there are also countless hidden gems to discover in Haarlem. In this blog post we would like to share our tips to find these hidden treasures and enjoy your new life in Haarlem to the fullest.
1. Stroll through the courtyards
One of Haarlem’s most charming features are its many courtyards hidden behind imposing facades. These courtyards were once built as housing for poor elderly people, but today they are open to the public to admire. For example, take a look at the Proveniershof or the Hofje van Bakenes and be enchanted by the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful flowers and plants.
2. Visit The Adriaan
The Adriaan is an iconic mill overlooking the river Het Spaarne and the historic center of Haarlem. This mill has an eventful history and has been burned down and rebuilt several times. Nowadays, the mill is open to the public and you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city from the roof.
3. Explore the Beguinage
The Beguinage is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Haarlem. This former beguinage, founded in the 14th century, consists of atmospheric cottages surrounding a beautiful courtyard garden. Take a seat on a bench and enjoy the serene surroundings or visit the Beguinage Museum to learn more about the history of this special place.
4. Explore The Halls
De Hallen is a cultural center located in a former industrial site in Haarlem. Here you will find a cinema, pop stage, restaurant and several stores with unique products, among other things. Also be sure to take a look at the old machines that are
Use public transportation to explore other cities
One of the biggest advantages of living in Haarlem is its convenient location. In fact, if you live here, you can be in other beautiful cities such as Amsterdam, Leiden and The Hague in no time. To fully enjoy these nearby cities, we recommend using public transportation.
If you want to travel quickly to Amsterdam, the train is a good option. There are frequent trains leaving from Haarlem Central Station towards our capital city. Within 15 minutes you can be at Amsterdam Centraal and enjoy all the sights this vibrant city has to offer.
For a day trip to Leiden or The Hague, it is best to opt for the bus or streetcar. These run regularly between these cities and often have a stop in Haarlem. Public transportation is a quick and easy way to explore other cities to enjoy living in Haarlem even more.
Need help with your move to Haarlem?
Are you moving in or to Haarlem soon? Submit your move and leave the moving work to us. Contact us and we’ll provide a customized quote so you know where you stand.
Want to know more about what to arrange when moving in or to Amsterdam? Then also read:
Want to know more about Haarlem? Then also read:
