Shopping in Haarlem

The collective name for seven interconnected streets of independent boutiques, concept stores, and specialty shops clustered around the Grote Markt. The Gouden Straatjes are the reason Haarlem has won multiple best shopping city awards in the Netherlands. Each street has a distinct character but the overall effect is of a shopping area that is genuinely curated by independent operators rather than multinational chains. Schagchelstraat, Koningstraat, Jacobijnenstraat, Anegang, Wijde Appelaarsteeg, Gierstraat, and Lange Veerstraat form the seven streets. Allow at least two hours to explore all of them properly.

Haarlem’s main pedestrianised shopping streets running north from the Grote Markt. These carry the most complete everyday retail offering: major Dutch chains including De Bijenkorf, Zara, H&M, and Mango alongside independent boutiques and specialty stores. The Barteljorisstraat is particularly strong for clothing and fashion. Good for practical everyday shopping and as a starting point for exploring the more interesting Gouden Straatjes side streets that branch off from them.

Two of Haarlem’s most charming independent shopping streets, running south from the Grote Markt. Independent boutiques, specialty food shops, vintage stores, galleries, and cafes make these streets excellent for browsing and discovery. PRAKM restaurant on the Kleine Houtstraat is the most celebrated traditional Dutch restaurant in the city. The combination of excellent shopping and several of the best restaurants makes a full afternoon here very easy.

A lively street combining fashion boutiques with some of Haarlem’s best bars. During the day it functions as an independent shopping street with clothing, accessories, and lifestyle stores. In the evening it becomes the city’s most vibrant bar street with Uiltje Bar and The Louisiana both on the same block. See the bars guide for full bar coverage.

One of the best weekly markets in the Netherlands. Fresh produce, flowers, artisanal cheese, herring, stroopwafels made on site, bread, plants, clothing, and household goods. The atmosphere is genuine and local. The herring stall is a weekly institution. Arrive early for the best produce and smaller crowds. A Monday market also runs on a smaller scale.

A weekly organic farmers market on the Botermarkt square, one block from the Grote Markt. Local organic producers selling vegetables, fruit, artisan bread, dairy, honey, and sustainably produced food. Smaller and more intimate than the Grote Markt but excellent for quality seasonal produce. Combines naturally with a browse along the Warmoesstraat.

Seasonal antiques and book markets run on the Botermarkt and Grote Markt throughout the year. A book market on the Botermarkt runs on specific Saturdays. Antique and curiosity markets are held in the city centre on multiple occasions through the year, particularly in summer. Check the city’s official events calendar at haarlem.nl for current dates.

A family-run chocolate shop celebrated for its truffles and ice cream, consistently mentioned in Haarlem day trip guides and by residents as one of the most reliable quality purchases in the city. The ice cream is particularly praised. A natural stop on any Kleine Houtstraat shopping walk.

Haarlem’s most celebrated independent record shop, consistently recommended by residents for its well-curated selection of new and secondhand vinyl across all genres. A destination for music lovers and an essential stop on any Gouden Straatjes exploration.

A specialty tea shop offering an impressive range of quality teas from around the world. One of those genuinely useful finds in a Dutch city where tea culture is more developed than it might appear. Consistently mentioned alongside Sounds and Chocolaterie Pierre as a Gouden Straatjes highlight.

A well-stocked graphic novel and comics shop in the centre of Haarlem with a good English-language section. Consistently recommended for anyone who reads graphic novels and wants a physical shop rather than online ordering.

The Haarlem branch of the Netherlands’ premier department store. An impressive range of premium and luxury brands across fashion, beauty, homeware, and food. The beauty department is particularly well-stocked. The food hall is excellent for specialty ingredients. Open Monday to Saturday with Thursday late opening until 21:00.

The beloved Dutch discount department store with multiple central Haarlem locations. Essential for newly arrived expats: affordable Dutch food staples including stroopwafels, stationery, clothing, homeware, and kitchenware. Open Monday to Saturday with Thursday late opening.

Albert Heijn is the most common supermarket in Haarlem with several central locations. Jumbo is a slightly cheaper alternative. Both stock comprehensive Dutch and international groceries. For artisanal food the Saturday organic market on Botermarkt and the specialty food shops on Kleine Houtstraat are better options.