There’s no denying the charm that is Amsterdam, with around 25 million people flocking to the city each year.
The city, much like many other European hotspots, has been grappling with overtourism and a significant lack of land for its inhabitants.
As such, many lesser-known regions have been thrust into the spotlight to help quelch the extreme footfall seen in the popular spots.
Visitors to European countries are beginning to take note of this and are planning getaways off the beaten track with one Dutch city only a short ride from Centraal station but still offering all the charm and excitement found in Amsterdam.
This beautiful spot may not be Amsterdam but it certainly offers the romantic canal culture and bygone Dutch aesthetic synonymous with the country’s capital. But, best of all, it does not receive the same number of tourists as its more famous Dutch counterpart.
Haarlem is a city in the northwest Netherlands which was once a major North Sea trading port.
Its name comes from the Middle Dutch words Haer, which means sandy ridge, and Heem, which means home.
The region pays homage to its fascinating history with a medieval charm seen throughout, featuring a cornucopia of cobbled streets and gabled houses.
It’s been described as an ideal location for those wanting to pop into Amsterdam but would prefer to stay overnight somewhere less crowded.
Travel between the two cities is only nine minutes and despite the array of scenic canals and historic buildings as seen in Amsterdam, they are worlds apart due to the significant lack of tourists and overcrowding.
Haarlem has taken inspiration from its capital sister, emerging as a culinary destination that rivals any other major cities.
Foodies will be spoiled for choice here as the region has many popular dishes, including street food, international food and some of the best sandwiches in the world.
The sweet smells of stroopwafels and poffertjes, which are small pancakes baked in an iron skillet, fill the air with its popular savoury meal of smoked sausage or stewed meat, vegetables and mashed potatoes known as stamppot, all on offer.
Haarlem also offers “brown cafes” as seen in Amsterdam, which are the Dutch equivalent of pubs where beer and jenever flow like water.
But it’s not just food and drink that puts Haarlem on the map, as the city also has some impressive cultural credentials to boast of, including the Frans Hals Museum which houses an impressive collection of 17th century art.
The Teylers Museum is also worth a visit. It is the oldest museum in the Netherlands, and it displays awe-inspiring exhibits.
There are no shortages of things to do in this Dutch city, including relaxing in the city’s lush greenery, dining at Haarlem’s Michelin-starred restaurants or being captivated by world-class entertainment at concert venues.
