What to do near B&B Paula

Bed and Breakfast in Haarlem, Nord-Holland, The Netherlands
Ideal for visits to Amsterdam, Zandvoort, Bloemendaal, Cruquius, Keukenhof.

In Haarlem

Haarlem is a beautiful and interesting city on the Spaarne River. Canals, of course, several famous museums and cathedrals, a medieval town square, plenty of restaurants in all categories, and a jovial nightlife make this city a jewel for visitors. Most of the people speak English, and some speak French, Spanish, or German. Haarlem is very convenient to the popular North Sea beaches of Zandvoort and Bloemendaal, and the world famous Keukenhof Garden which comes alive for eight dazzling weeks in April and May. If you are into this kind of stuff, it also has red lights and weed houses like Amsterdam, its big brother just down the road. Haarlem rates two stars, "worth a detour," in the Michelin Green Guide.

Museum Card

Museums in the Netherlands are among the most expensive in Europe. So get a Museum Yearcard at any museum for about 40 Euro's and after four visits it's more than paid for itself. And it saves you standing in line. But sometimes you have to pay a small extra fee for special exhibitions, so you better search the internet before you go into a museum. You also can buy your museum tickets on line.

For basic information on the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House please click Major European Museums.

In the surroundings of B&B Paula:

Several wooded areas with public access are within walking distance for those who enjoy nature.

A classic Dutch cafe, the Wapen van Kennemerland featuring a decor of antique bourbon bottles, is only a one minute walk from the front door. Zandvoort on the beach is an easy 20 minute bike ride through the dunes or on a flat bike path. Bicycles are available at B&B Paula with advance notice for an additional 2 euro per day. You can also catch the train at Overveen or bus #81 to go to Zandvoort.

Two world class events take place in Holland every spring. One is the blooming of Keukenhof Garden, magnificent acres and acres of tulips and other bulb flowers. The other event is Kings Day throughout Holland. King's Day was formerly Queen's Day. It is now celebrated on the birthday of our new King Willem-Alexander. If you click the links you'll see part of my trips to each in 2008. People come from around the world. King's Day is only one day, April 27, unless it is a Sunday. Keukenhof is open for about eight weeks but you never know which week is the best for tulips or which day is the best for your visit because the weather is so variable in Holland. In any case, April 15 through May 15 is a VERY busy tourist month in Holland so early reservations would be a good idea.

For more information about Holland:

Visit John Bermont's web page Prime Travel Data, The Netherlands with information on a number of basic things to know or have at hand. This page also includes a list of recommended guidebooks, maps, and dictionaries for visitors to Holland. I have a few of these in my library available to guests.

For more information about the city of Haarlem:

Chapter 30 of John Bermont's How To Europe: The Complete Travelers Handbook presents a short introduction at Haarlem.

When you arrive, the VVV Tourist Information Office for Haarlem can provide you with maps and information brochures for the city and surroundings. There is a charge for the city map but it is less expensive than other maps available in bookstores. Try to arrive during the day since the VVV is only open during business hours. The VVV is located on the Grote Markt, the town square of Haarlem, oppoite the Grote Kerk, the "Big Church," Haarlem's landmark. The website is Haarlem.