Authentic Haarlem Cycleseeing Route: art and history

Authentic Haarlem Cycleseeing Route: art and history

Updated 8 May 2024 at 09:02

Amsterdam has long been known for its enchanting city centre, crooked canal houses and winding waterways. Yet a few km’s west, the scene changes from urban to pastoral as you head towards Haarlem – every bit Amsterdam’s match in terms of ornate 17th century architecture, bustling restaurants and a thriving arts scene. Hop on a bike and experience the best of times in the Netherlands’ twin cities.

Cycle route highlights:

Molen de Veer

The Veerpolder mill used to drain the Veerpolder on Rhineland soil since 1701. The original mill was destroyed in a fire and rebuilt in 1998.

Haarlem

Image from Koen Smilde

Haarlem offers lots to explore. To start, the Teylers Museum focuses on art and science. It is full of fossils, drawings, paintings and minerals. Of course, a visit to the Grote Markt is also a must before admiring the Haarlem City Hall, one of the oldest in the country, dating back to 1370. You can always take a guided tour of the imposing Sint-Baafskerk church too, built in 1520.

Polderbaan Schiphol

This is the spot to be if you'd like to see the planes taking off from the Schiphol runway.

Rent a bike

MacBike Central Station North, de Ruijterkade 34B, 1012AA Amsterdam;
MacBike Oosterdok, Oosterdokskade 63A, 1011DL Amsterdam;
Amsterdam Bike Rent, IJdock 47, 1013MM Amsterdam;
Bikeshop West: Jan Evertsenstraat 337, 1061XT Amsterdam;
De Fietskamer: Kleine houtweg 5, 2012CA Haarlem;
Rent a Bike Haarlem, Lange Herenstraat 36, 2011 LJ Haarlem;
Green bikes Haarlem, Kruisweg 30, 2011 LC Haarlem.