Grote Markt

I bought a beautiful laundry baskets at Haarlem Saturday Grote Markt. I was so happy to finally come across some quality baskets that will last a long time. You can easily find them a few steps away from the lovely Texel wool and cotton sheets market stall. They are located on the very end before you walk into the market. You will see some beautiful color mats, baskets and bags for a very good price. No where have I seen these types of quality baskets in the shops.

Great selection of foods, not crowded compared to Amsterdam markets. Loved the waffles, coffee, sausage, and strange ginger drink. Make sure to visit the church in the square while you're there ( admission fee).

Basically the central area of Haarlem...one key tip, bring your photo gear!! My travel partner and I had ventured into Haarlem during a down day to say the least... It was absolutely a ghost town, no clue why, but could of been due to a Sunday and during the colder part of the year? Either way, I can only imagine this square and surrounding narrow streets during a busy afternoon during the warmer parts of the year. I am sure it is bursting with energy and tons of people enjoying all of the wonderful stores and various restaurants that are packed within. Even with it being utterly empty, it was worthwhile to walk around and take those rare photos of the beautiful structures without anyone getting in the way, the days you wish you had at major attractions around the world! Highly recommend during the peak tourist season or even before as I am sure it is stunning!

Highly recommend visiting Haarlem to check out the scene on the weekend. I went on a Sunday afternoon and was able to stroll throughout the markt to see the little shops and cafes. There were tons of people sitting at the cafe doing people watching and embracing the scene. From Schipol, you'd take the train going to Sloterdijk, and then to Haarlem. The train in Haarlem goes to Amsterdam Centraal.

First, find the Pie Lady and get four pies to take home for later in the week. These will be: lamb, South African bok, lentil, and steak and kidney. Then get a couple of hunks of cheese at the Alpine cheese booth. Next, find the Pig People and buy some sausage. Maybe skate by the Red Meat Man for some steaks. You're eating pasta for dinner, so go by the Fresh Pasta Lady. Some olive oil from her wouldn't hurt either. And some spices from at the Spice Lady next door. Then get some muffins for the kids from the, um ...Baked Goods Lady. Get a few dog/cat treats for Fido/Fluffy so they don't beg at the table. Finally get that thing you need for your bike you've been putting off for two weeks. Then buy the bread, fruit and veggies you came for. Pick up some dried french sausage on the way out, and don't forget the damn flowers for your wife this time, you oaf. All done? Reward yourself with a broodje haring. Onion, no pickles, because you are not a heathen.

Love this market! Go hungry!! Excellent place to stock up on cheese. They will wrap nicely for you. Great not only for groceries- but lots of other market items as well.

Haarlem's big gathering place/market. There is always a market on Saturdays with lots of fresh food, flowers, and other random things. Throughout the week there may be other events there or special events like the kermis (fair), concerts, etc. On a normal day where nothing is happening it is still nice to take in the scenery and if it is nice outside to have a drink while sitting at one of the many outside cafés.

Saturday market. Frequented by a lot of locals. Great food selections. As far as everything else is concerned remember that the Dutch are the quintessential traders. I didn't find any "local" items aside from the food. But OMG. The food was incredible. This is a great place to stroll over to and wander for an hour. Go before breakfast or lunch. Afterward, wander into the Grote Kirk which has a remarkable history. In the fine tradition of European cathedrals, its whats (or who's) under your feet that is every bit as important as whats over your head.