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Haarlem is a compact city and easy to cover on foot. From the main railway station it is about five minutes' walk south to the Grote Markt. The Frans Hals Museum is another five minutes beyond that.
Throughout the old city center are many historic hofjes—hidden little courtyards that make Haarlem an incredibly pleasant place to explore. Look for the Zuider Hofje, the Hofje van Loo, the Wijnbergs Hofje, and the Brouwershofje (they are all signposted). Closer to the Grote Markt are the Remonstrants Hofje, the Luthershofje, and the Frans Loenen Hofje. These secluded gardens are filled with flowers and birdsong, and offer peace and respite away from the city streets. They are usually open weekdays 10–5.
This impressive wooden smock windmill was first constructed in 1788 on the foundations of a former defensive tower just east of the city center. The original structure burned to the ground in 1932, but was replaced some 70 years later by this faithful replica. Visits of the interior mill workings are by 45-minute guided tour only, and include an exhibition on windmill technology, plus great views of the city from the fourth-floor balcony.
