Haarlem: The Golden Age City That Glitters on Amsterdam’s Doorstep

Haarlem: The Golden Age City That Glitters on Amsterdam’s Doorstep Twenty minutes west of Amsterdam, a city of Gothic spires, hidden courtyards and Europe’s most celebrated Baroque organ awaits — and most visitors walk straight past it on their way to the coast. The Grote Markt, Haarlem’s historic market square. Image: Shutterstock. An introduction to Haarlem There is a particular pleasure in discovering that the city people call a day trip from Amsterdam is actually rich enough, and layered enough, to keep you busy for days. Haarlem — capital of North Holland province, home to some 160,000 people and rather proud of its own importance — has been sitting quietly west of its more famous neighbour for centuries, conducting civic life with rather more elegance and considerab…