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Haarlem is the capital of the province of North Holland. Haarlem, in the past was one of the most powerful of the 7 provinces of the Dutch Republic.

Haarlem is located on the river Spaarne. The city is about 20 kilometers west of the capital city of Amsterdam. It is very near to the coastal dunes of the region. It is also known as the "Bloemenstad" or the flower city, as because it has been the historical center of the tulip bulb-growing district for centuries.

Haarlem is a 900 year-old historic town. The town is full of beautiful medieval houses, a 13th Century city hall and the oldest museum of the Netherlands, the Teylers Museum.

The old center of Haarlem is dotted with many ancient monuments. Everything, from the cafés on the Grand Place to hofjes near the Houtstraat is within walking distance. Every year several music festivals are organized in the city which attracts visitors in large numbers. Haarlem was named best shopping in the Netherlands on quite a few occasions.

The skyline of the city center is dominated by the colossal St. Bavo Church. The Church is almost 100 meters high.

The main square of the city is called de Grote Markt. On Mondays and Saturdays it is a very lively market, where one can buy flowers, textiles and those delicious stroop waffles which is a delicious molasses wafer and the fresh herring.

After a sumptuous meal in the city one can visit the Nieuwe Kerk, the Frans Hals Museum and the St. Bavo Church. There are several theatres and cinema halls as well.

The residents of Harlem or the Haarlemmers unlike the residents of Amsterdam have the reputation of being a bit less open and more formal. They lead a simple lifestyle. This is primarily because the cost of living here is not much.

Good views of the city can be found from the roof of the 7 storey department in Harlem. On the way to Amsterdam, Haarlem makes a nice stop. So people must not miss out visiting Harlem while in the Netherlands.

Detailed information on Haarlem can be obtained from travel.mapsofworld

Tourist Attractions in Netherlands
Alkmaar	Amsterdam
Arnhem	Delft
Eindhoven	Groningen
Haarlem	Leiden
Maastricht	Rotterdam
Utrecht	Zutphen