Organic, home-made food. Refined sugars and E numbers aren’t welcome. If fair and tasty food is your thing, you’ll feel right at home at By Lima. Everything is home made using organic, locally-sourced, seasonal produce. They avoid using E numbers and refined sugars as much as possible. If you don’t have time to sit and enjoy the ambience, they also do takeaways.

At Kloffie you can shop for the latest unique fashion items. Nothing is mass produced and there’s certainly nothing chain store about it, just authentic, unique items that you’re unlikely to find other people wearing. It’s worth a visit if only for the interior, which incorporates the counter of a Brussels grocer’s dating back to 1901 and boards from an old train carriage.

This historic church has been converted into a brewery and restaurant and offers a complete experience. Normally speaking, you would think twice before ordering a beer in a church, but not in the Jopenkerk. This old Haarlem church has been converted into a brewery, grand café and restaurant. See how the beer is brewed while you savour their delicious food.

The Botermarkt is one of Haarlem’s nicest squares, partly because it’s nearly always in the sun. When the sun’s not shining, you can still enjoy the fresh air, as three of the five bars on the square have terrace heaters. For beer lovers, it’s definitely worth a visit, as the bars offer 350 different beers between them, with 40 on draught.

How many places are there where you can have a coffee in peace, without having to constantly keep an eye on the kids? Not many! Luckily, at Meneer Paprika, children can entertain themselves at the five-metre long Thomas the Tank Engine table, or join in one of the varied workshops, leaving you with time to catch up with friends or simply relax.

At Wereld van Jansje you’re welcomed by friendly, well-trained staff, who also happen to have a disability. They create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Jansje is more than just a shop – you can also enjoy a cup of coffee or browse their latest exhibition.

Don’t expect your typical home furnishings store. The collection is determined by the owner’s own distinctive taste. DPRTMNT offers more than enough inspiration to update or completely redesign your home. And that’s a good thing because after just 30 minutes, you’ll be itching to make a start. The shop offers a wide variety of styles, price ranges and combinations, selected by the owners. Their good taste determines the unique range, which you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.

ONS is quite literally a one-stop-shop, combining a hairdressers, shops, atelier and workplace. It brings together two brands, ‘NAOM!’ and ‘Karel en Kees’, which stand for stunning hair and stunning clothes respectively. Everything from hair to clothes is styled around you. Spot a nice pair of trousers, but in the wrong colour? No problem, they can be made for you while you wait. The fabrics and sewing machine are ready to go.

ID is a shop with a clear identity, from the clothes it sells to the interior styling. The changing rooms are shower cubicles and the counter is a kitchen worktop. Their focus is edgy women’s fashion. Ideal for those who want to stand out from the crowd.

With three branches in Haarlem, Number Nine is without doubt a hit. It’s a place where you can put together a whole outfit, from sunglasses to shoes. Number Nine sells a great mix of Danish and Swedish brands, including Modström, Minimum and We Are Copenhagen. The branch on the Kruisstraat also sells lifestyle goods.

A trip to Haarlem wouldn’t be complete without mentioning its most famous resident, Frans Hals, one of the most important Dutch Masters, known for his colourful military pieces. Whether you’re an art lover or not, the Frans Hals Museum is a must for any visitor to Haarlem.

The Stadsschouwburg is Haarlem’s pride and joy. And for good reason. It is regarded as the most beautiful classic auditorium in the Netherlands. On 30 September 2018, it celebrates its 100-year jubilee.