The Dutch city of Haarlem, capital of the North Holland province, is a historic city filled with reminders of its medieval and Dutch Golden Age Roots. Its grand Gothic cathedral, the St. Bavokerk, is the centrepiece of the city, and the windmill Molen de Adriaan and the Haarlem Cathedral are also impressive buildings of the … More Amsterdamse Poort – Haarlem’s Last Surviving City Gate
Haarlem is one of The Netherlands’ most underrated cities, especially when the country’s most famous city, Amsterdam, is just down the road. But, therein lies the beauty. Charming, quiet and historic, Haarlem feels simultaneously modern and medieval, like an Amsterdam on a smaller scale. From its grand central cathedral and town square packed with bars, … More Visiting Haarlem – The Illustrated Guide to The Spaarne City
Stroopwafels might just be the best Dutch market food of all time. It’s a sweet wafer cookie glued together with a layer of hot, sticky caramel, giving it a crispy outer layer and a gooey, chewy centre. If you’re wandering around in a Dutch market, chances are you’ll follow your nose to a stall selling … More Meet The Stroopwafel – The Netherlands’ Most Awesome Sweet Treat
The Dutch city of Haarlem comes alive during Christmas, with the arrival of markets, parades, and of course, the arrival of Sinterklaas. It’s a time to explore the lights and decorations in the old town, eating gourmetten with family, going crazy with sweets such marzipan and pepernoten, For visitors and locals alike, spending Christmas in … More Christmas In Haarlem – What To Do, Eat And See In The Spaarnestad
Haarlem, just 20 minutes train from Amsterdam, is the perfect day trip city in The Netherlands. And to fully enjoy a day trip, you’ll need a great ice cream in your hand as you wander the pretty brick alleyways of Haarlem, admire the gothic architecture, and watch local boats ply the lazy waters of the … More The Best Ice Cream in Haarlem
When I was living in The Netherlands, I was intrigued by one minor aspect of Dutch living. Why don’t Dutch people close their curtains? I am not alone in wondering what’s going on here. After some Google searching, it looks like others have tried to explain this habit. While obviously we can’t generalise about everybody, … More Why don’t Dutch people close their curtains?
Poffertjes are the ultimate Dutch street food snack. Sweet, fluffy, bite-sized pancakes, Poffertjes are commonly found at market stalls and food trucks all around the country. The best ones are made fresh to order, cooked individually on a specialised cast iron pan. Dutch street food Poffertjes are made from buckwheat flour, milk, eggs, yeast, butter, … More Dutch Poffertjes: The Ultimate Market Street Food
In the Dutch city of Haarlem, De Adriaan windmill is one of the city’s most beautiful sights, turning its sails peacefully as it overlooks a bend in the river Spaarne. While it looks like a well-preserved slice of Dutch history, Haarlem’s windmill (molen) actually has quite a dramatic history. Book your accommodation in beautiful Haarlem … More Haarlem's charming windmill, the Molen de Adriaan
The beautiful canal network that spreads throughout Amsterdam and other Dutch cities is not only used for transport, but for living as well. Dutch houseboats are an iconic feature of The Netherlands, and people love them for their innovative use of urban space, their charming and picturesque quality, and their general sense of fun and … More Inside the quirky world of Dutch Houseboats
Welcome to the beautiful Grote Kerk, Haarlem’s spectacular centrepiece in the middle of the city’s historic centre. It is one of The Netherlands’ best examples of Gothic architecture, and a symbol for the city. The Grote Kerk, surrounded by marketplaces, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops, is one of the most impressive sights to see in … More Haarlem’s spectacular Gothic Cathedral
StickyMangoRice 