24 hours in Haarlem
When I lived in Amsterdam, I almost always went shopping in Haarlem. Strolling through the Warmoesstraat, having drinks at café Koops… And if that last one got a bit too cozy, we just stumbled over to hotel Stempels which was right across the street and where you could get a room for a reasonable price to dance the night away. I have now lived in Haarlem for six years, so let me guide you on where to go.
Lunch
Jacobus Pieck
Named after Anton Pieck, as he lived in the beautiful Warmoesstraat. No nonsense, purely with a cozy inner garden, tomato soup just as you hope it is, and a delicious Popeye salad with spinach. Jacobus Pieck, Warmoesstraat 18.
Margaux
Founded and decorated by my girlfriend. Unfortunately, she just sold it, but hopefully the new owners will continue in her tradition. I had the best toast ever there and it’s next to the Teylers Museum. Spaarne 4.
Applause
Asked my colleague Marcus Polman from FavorFlav about the best pasta and a good glass of wine. A bit more dressed up than Pieck and cozy on the Grote Markt. Grote Markt 23A.
By Lima
For eco-lovers who enjoy a nice terrace. Zijlstraat 65.
Sla
Ideal for lunch or to grab something. Very Instagrammable, cozy, and not expensive. Kruisweg 69B.
Meneer Paprika
Such a nice little place if you have small children. Connected to a super cute toy store, so your kids will be entertained for a while. But of course, you have to buy them a gift. Koningstraat 19.
Lekkere dingen
Bourgondisch Lifestyle
The name sounds a bit wrong to me (sorry), but here you buy the tastiest cheeses. My favorites are the Comté, the Brie de Meaux, and the Mont d’Or, they advise you wonderfully and oh yes, they also have the tastiest bread and wine. Make sure you’re not in a hurry. Are you in the cheese mood? Then read this sweet story that Jet once wrote about the cheese cart. Koningstraat 5.
Jamón Jamón
A true Amsterdammer who sells the best Spanish tapas: spicy chicken, paella, and especially all his delicious hams. And breads. And Spanish chips. Schagchelstraat 14.
Borrelen
Viqh
Admittedly, I have never been there, but every time I walk by, I want to sit down at one of those cozy tables. Nice view of the market and according to friends who have been there, a wonderful selection of wines. Grote Markt 4.
Dodici
The nicest guys with the perfect glasses of wine and small bites. Cozy terrace and inside, lovely hideaway sofas. Smedestraat 47.
Shopping
OU. Boutique
What entrepreneurial friends I have. This is the shop of my friends Rosanne (just look how pretty) and Valerie (another one just like her). They are the nicest and have an exceptionally cozy taste. Moreover, everything they sell is quite affordable. And there’s a Juice Brothers counter in the shop, so you have delicious juices. Kruisstraat 40.
Scotch & Soda
If you’re at OU., then go take a look at Scotch in this beautiful building. Kruisstraat 45.
Jasmine
The most beautiful florist now also has a gift shop in the building next to their shop. And they sell pottery from Mobach, yes, that’s family. Zijlweg 42. And oh yes, they have delicious scented candles.
Bijde Heren
The owners are indeed ‘of the gentlemen’. Go here for the cutest gifts. Gierstraat 54.
Apotheek van der Pigge
Near the beautiful Botermarkt is this old Dutch building that is almost swallowed up by the large building that once housed the V&D. V&D wanted to take over Van der Pigge, but the Van der Piggetjes did not agree. As a small thorn in the side, they remained stuck to the side of the immense building. It’s a pharmacy as you would draw it, with glass jars filled with licorice and lavender that they scoop into a bag for you. Gierstraat 3.
I would say: have fun and who knows, maybe I’ll see you!
