Haarlem

Haarlem is a beautiful town of , close to Amsterdam, and with a beautiful town center.

Haarlem's name literally means, "of sand covered with trees, higher than the others". Historically, the city was completely enclosed by a city wall and moat, to protect from various invadors.

Trains run regularly from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Haarlem.

Haarlem is famous for its architecture, much of which is mixed 16th and 17th century type. There are 19 hofjes in Haarlem, which are a type of old house.

The most famous of these hofjes are the Grote Markt, Frans Hals Museum and the Sint-Bavo Cathedral.

Grote Markt is the centerpiece of the town, located opposite the main square. It is only a ten minute walk from the railway station.

The Frans Hals Museum features works by Frans Hals himself, a 17th century painter of mainly portraits.

The Sint-Bavo Cathedral contains a giant organ of 5068 pipes, Mozart and Handel having played it.

Other sights and sounds in Haarlem include several coffeeshops (hempcity.nl) and availability of local beer.