Grote Markt

We actually visited about 4 months ago, we found it by accident and then realized it was a little gem. You can find local culture, baked goods, cheeses, and more. Not to mention great prices, and a local band playing music. It’s not always there, so check the local listings when in town

What dazzles me about Haarlem? Strolling through the outdoor markets. What a perfect way of exploring modernized and historical landmarks of Haarlem. I am a total fan of the Grote Markt, it’s one of my favorite things to do in this charming little city on a sunny day. It’s also one of the best places to bring friends and family from out of town. What I love about the square? You won’t find a pollution of bad stands, shops, or strange people lurking around the market. I also love how the market is surrounded, by a multitude of restaurants, pubs and shops to visit.

First, find the Pie Lady and get four pies to take home for later in the week. These will be: lamb, South African bok, lentil, and steak and kidney. Then get a couple of hunks of cheese at the Alpine cheese booth. Next, find the Pig People and buy some sausage. Maybe skate by the Red Meat Man for some steaks. You’re eating pasta for dinner, so go by the Fresh Pasta Lady. Some olive oil from her wouldn’t hurt either. And some spices from at the Spice Lady next door. Then get some muffins for the kids from the, um… Baked Goods Lady. Get a few dog/​cat treats for Fido/​Fluffy so they don’t beg at the table. Finally get that thing you need for your bike you’ve been putting off for two weeks.
Then buy the bread, fruit and veggies you came for. Pick up some dried french sausage on the way out, and don’t forget the damn flowers for your wife this time, you oaf.
All done? Reward yourself with a broodje haring. Onion, no pickles, because you are not a heathen.

Highly recommend visiting Haarlem to check out the scene on the weekend. I went on a Sunday afternoon and was able to stroll throughout the markt to see the little shops and cafes. There were tons of people sitting at the café doing people watching and embracing the scene.
From Schipol, you’d take the train going to Sloterdijk, and then to Haarlem. The train in Haarlem goes to Amsterdam Centraal.

Saturday market. Frequented by a lot of locals. Great food selections. As far as everything else is concerned remember that the Dutch are the quintessential traders. I didn’t find any «local» items aside from the food. But OMG. The food was incredible. This is a great place to stroll over to and wander for an hour. Go before breakfast or lunch. Afterward, wander into the Grote Kirk which has a remarkable history. In the fine tradition of European cathedrals, its whats (or who’s) under your feet that is every bit as important as whats over your head.

Haarlem’s big gathering place/​market. There is always a market on Saturdays with lots of fresh food, flowers, and other random things. Throughout the week there may be other events there or special events like the kermis (fair), concerts, etc. On a normal day where nothing is happening it is still nice to take in the scenery and if it is nice outside to have a drink while sitting at one of the many outside cafés.