Things To Do
in Heemstede
Heemstede is a quiet, upscale town just west of Haarlem in North Holland. Tree-lined streets and elegant mansions give the town a refined, intimate character. Its proximity to Haarlem and Amsterdam makes it a convenient base for Randstad exploration while keeping a relaxed, village-like pace.
Visitors enjoy historic architecture, serene canals, and warm Dutch hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Heemstede, exploring its quaint shops and cafes. Stop by the local bakery to enjoy a fresh pastry with your morning coffee, soaking in the atmosphere of this picturesque town. Don't forget to visit the town's historic buildings, which tell the stories of its rich past.
After lunch at a cozy bistro, take a leisurely walk in the nearby Haarlemmerhout Park, which is filled with beautiful trees and tranquil pathways. As you wander, enjoy the artistic sculptures scattered throughout the park, which add an interesting touch to the natural setting. Conclude your visit with a stop at the local museum to learn more about Heemstede's history and culture.
As dusk approaches, find a nice restaurant for a delicious dinner featuring local Dutch cuisine. After your meal, take an evening stroll through the town center, where the lights create a magical ambiance. Settle in at a bar for a nightcap, enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals.
Rent a bike and set off on a journey through Heemstede's lush green spaces, heading towards the neighboring parks and countryside. The fresh air and beautiful landscapes will invigorate your spirits as you pedal along the peaceful trails. Make a stop at a scenic viewpoint to capture the beauty of your surroundings with photos.
After a packed lunch, continue your biking adventure towards the nearby beach at Bloemendaal aan Zee, where you can relax on the sand or enjoy water sports. Take advantage of the beachside cafes for a refreshing drink while enjoying the sea breeze. As the day warms up, you might choose to dip your toes in the water or simply soak up the sun.
Return to Heemstede and freshen up before heading out for dinner at a waterfront restaurant. Enjoy a meal with views overlooking the sunset, making for a perfect end to an exhilarating day. Spend your evening browsing local shops or catching a live performance in one of the town's cultural venues.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚆Single public transport ticket | $3-4 |
| 🎬Cinema ticket | $12-15 |
| 🧀Cheese (local variety, 1 lb) | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, safe, and scenic town with easy access to Haarlem and Amsterdam
- Tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and tranquil canals
- Not a nightlife hub—best enjoyed via nearby cities for late-night options
- Limited dining variety within the town itself; more choices in Haarlem/Amsterdam
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Goedemorgen / Goedemiddag / Goedenavond" - Good morning / afternoon / evening
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is de WC?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ik ben vegetarisch" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Heemstede
Visit one of these nice places.
Peaceful morning light along the historic canal with boats and traditional Dutch houses lining the water.
Romantic gardens and stately trees ideal for portraits and tranquil landscape shots.
Golden hour on the central square with gothic church towers and bustling terraces nearby.
Architectural details and charming reflections along the historic waterways.
Food in Heemstede
Heemstede Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty Dutch dish of mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale and smoked sausage; especially comforting in cooler months.
Must-Try!
Raw herring served with onions and pickles; best enjoyed with a bowl of onions and a bread roll at seaside or market stalls.
Warm syrup-filled waffle cookies from local bakeries; perfect with coffee.
Large Dutch pancakes, savory or sweet, often enjoyed at family-run pancake houses.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market square in Haarlem where vendors sell fresh produce, cheeses, fish, and Dutch snacks on market days.
Iconic street market with a wide range of foods, snacks, and souvenirs; a popular day trip from Heemstede.
Vibrant market offering organic produce, street bites, and live music on certain days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Maintain predictable behavior; ring bell when passing; keep to the right on shared paths; yield to pedestrians on sidewalks where required.
Polite Dutch greetings like 'goedemorgen/goedemiddag/goedavond' and a handshake when meeting someone new.
Respect quiet hours in neighborhoods; avoid loud music in public spaces after certain hours.
Safety
Tipping in Heemstede
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is common in restaurants and cafes.
Debit and credit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and iDEAL are common online; cash is accepted but less common in some venues.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Blooming parks and gardens make for great walking and cycling; expect showers and some windy days.
Long days with pleasant temperatures; ideal for outdoor markets, canal strolls, and bike rides; occasional rain.
Crisp air and colorful foliage; perfect for scenic drives and forest walks in Kennemerduinen.
Chillier and darker days; cozy cafes, museums, and Christmas markets; rain or light snow possible.
Heemstede at Night
Hiking in Heemstede
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Dune and pine forest trails with coastal scenery and wildlife.
Oldest city park offering woodland walks and lakeside paths.
Airports
How to reach Heemstede by plane.
Major international airport just southwest of Amsterdam; frequent train and bus connections to Haarlem and Heemstede.
Smaller international airport serving limited routes; reachable by train/bus with some travel time.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing families and professionals who value a quiet, leafy town atmosphere.
International residents drawn by proximity to Amsterdam and Haarlem.
Many people commute to nearby universities and colleges in the Randstad.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular recreational and competitive sport across the Netherlands.
Seasonal tennis clubs and public courts available in and around Heemstede.
A staple activity with extensive bike lanes and scenic routes.
Several nearby courses offer picturesque Dutch landscapes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Heemstede.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Dutch menus often feature vegetarian options; look for veggie plates, salads, and Indonesian rijsttafel variants without meat. Don’t hesitate to ask about cheese-based dishes.
Many Dutch eateries can accommodate gluten-free requests; ask about bread, sauces, and cross-contamination, especially in bakeries.