To-do list: Haarlem

I knew very little about Haarlem before moving here (oops...), however I have been overwhelmed by the amount there is to do. Unable to find a good comprehensive list of the best things to do here with practical information, I have created my own! I will keep the list up-to-date by adding more places as I discover them, and will review where I have been.

1. Frans Hals museum
Large Dutch art museum, with works from the 15th century forward. Features work from famous Haarlem painters, as well as a modern art department, and various special exhibitions. Entrance is 12,50eur, or combi-tickets are available for this and Teylers Museum for 17,50.

2. Teylers Museum
A museum of cultural history featuring paintings, fossils, and scientific instruments, Teylers museum is the oldest in the Netherlands. Entrance is 12,50, or less with a combination ticket (see above).

3. Grote Kerk/St Bavokerk
Although if you've been into Haarlem centre you will have definitely seen the outside of St Bavokerk, it would be worthwhile to listen out for 'The Damiaatjes', the characteristic bells of the church at 9pm, commemorating the conquest of Damietta, Egypt, in 1219. Open Monday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, entrance costs 2,50.

4. De Jopenkerk
This church come brewery is one of Haarlem's most talked about attractions. The church offers tastings of the city's own beer (Jopen beer) made using local medieval recipes for around 27,50, but enjoying one beer and some Dutch snacks in the restaurant is more student-budget friendly.

5. Corrie Ten Boom huis
Tours are available for free around the house of Corrie ten Boom, where she helped to hide Jews during WWII. Reportedly difficult to get in to (owing to the lack of entry fee, and maximum of 20 people per tour maximum), it is worth planning a visit when it is unlikely to be busy.

6. Amsterdamse Poorte
The old gate between Haarlem and Amsterdam is located less than 5 minutes walk away from the hostel. It is the only remaining city gate, and was built in around 1400. It also features some of the original city wall.

7. Molen de Adriaaan
Around since the 18th century (although it is a replication after the original burnt down in 1932), this windmill by the canal is a classic Dutch symbol. Climbing the windmill offers a view of the city, and its traditional skyline. Entrance is 3,50.

8. Grote Markt
Located beneath the Grote Kerk, this square is always full of life with festivals, concerts, and markets. Worth visiting on a Saturday, when the Netherlands' prize-winning best street market is held.

9. River Spaarne
On the river which runs through the city centre there are many cruise and boat hire companies operating, perfect for a relaxed, sunny afternoon out.

10. Toneelschuur
A modern theatre featuring 2 theatre halls as well as 2 cinemas showing alternative and independent films. Tickets cost 10,00, or 9 for students, there is also the option of a film ticket plus pizza for 15! With 3 showings of Louis Theroux - My Scientology Movie this week, a film I have much anticipated, I hope to convince some others to join me!

11. The beach and nature parks
The mot favoured beach of the area is located in the small affluent town Bloemendaal. Bloemendaal-aan-zee (and Parnassia aan Zee) has long, clean, beaches, and is located just behind the National Park Zuid-Kennemerland which features forests, beaches, deer, and bison!

12. Het Dolhuys
Not a common concept, the Dolhuys is a museum of psychiatry in a renovated old age home. Containing artifacts from 7 psychiatric hospitals, it is an interactive museum aiming to encourage thoughts about mental health and the line between sanity and insanity. Entrance to the Museum van de Geest (museum of the spirit) costs 8,50.

13. Tulips
One of the Netherlands most famous attractions, fields of the Turkish flower are available to see from early March to the end of May. It is possible to organise a route for yourself around de Bollenstreek, or to buy a ticket for 16,00 to the famous Keukenhof which has its own fields as well as artistic gardens. Hello I'm local also hosts Bike Like a Local, a cycling Nature tour (there is also a city tour) every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This site has lots of information about the best places and times to visit.

14. Yoga
In town I spotted several yoga studios, and have been researching the most affordable/closest ones, keen to practice yoga somewhere outside of my own room - and also in Dutch! I was overwhelmed by the number of places available, but have whittled them down to my top 5 options. Although tempted to take one free practice lesson at every place in town, this seemed contradictory to the yoga spirit of 'peace and relaxation', so I have tried to consider which places might be suitable to stay on after the proefles. 

1. Studio BE: offers 2 trial lessons for 15, then 11eur per time after that. Although the 11eur is fairly expensive, this studio is less than a 5 minute walk from the hostel, and so has made the list for convenience.
2. Opia: offers 3 trial lessons for 15eur, then 15eur per time. 15eur is far too much for a lesson, but going only 3 times to a place is acceptable, right?
3. Wu Dae: has cards for 30, or 40eur are available, for either 1 lesson a week for a month, or unlimited access in one month. The first month is free!
4: Bikram yoga Haarlem: card for first week of unlimited classes for 13eur, then 10eur per time. I've never tried 'hot' yoga before, and would like to do a week of lessons every possible day!
5: Yogastudio balans: Offers one free class, then 10eur per time. This is also quite expensive, but would be nice to try out such a professional studio.

15. Amsterdam
Only 15 minutes away from Haarlem, Amsterdam is packed with things to do!