Step outside.
Stroll into the charm of Kleverpark — a neighbourhood full of great local spots. Experience Haarlem like a local.
Lunch & dinner
Cleeff
A local favourite for excellent coffee and fresh, seasonal lunches — from warm shakshuka to vibrant salads and grilled wraps. Perfect for a relaxed midday break. Kleverparkweg 13 — Cleeff at Google Maps
Kweekcafé
Set in a green, peaceful spot, this café serves simple, fresh and mostly vegetarian dishes. Ideal for a laid-back lunch surrounded by nature. Kleverlaan 9 — Kweekcafé at Google Maps
Deplanu
Just around the corner, Deplanu is a cosy, warm restaurant with lots of wood, an intimate atmosphere, and a terrace where the evening sun seems to linger endlessly. Listed in Gault&Millau, it attracts guests from beyond Haarlem. Deplanu is known for its excellent wines and beautifully crafted, flavourful dishes — perfect for a special night out. Santpoorterplein 1 — Deplanu at Google Maps
Food & local shops
Local shops at Kleverparkweg
Just around the corner, around Kleverparkweg 10, you’ll find a charming little shopping street that locals love. Start your day at Boulangerie Oscar for fresh croissants and the best bread in town, pick up delicious cheeses at Het Oude Zuivelhuis, or visit VIZ — a truly excellent fish shop known for its quality and freshness.
For wine lovers, Grapedistrict offers a carefully selected range of wines. Don’t miss Cleeff, where the coffee and lunch salads are truly delicious. You’ll also find a lovely bookstore filled with children’s books and local finds. It’s the kind of street where everything feels personal, easy. Kleverparkweg — local favourites at Google Maps
Out & about with kids
De Kweektuin
A five-minute walk away, you’ll find De Kweektuin — a wonderful green spot where kids can roam, play, and explore freely. Follow the gnome trail, discover natural playground ’the frog pond’, spot birds in the aviary, or visit the turtles. Meanwhile, you can relax with a good coffee or enjoy organic food on the terrace or inside the Kweekcafé. Kleverlaan 9 De Kweektuin at Google Maps
Playground Burcht ter Cleeff
A little further on, about a seven-minute walk, is playground Cleef ter Burcht: a spacious, leafy playground with little bikes, water play, and often a small bar open for coffee, soft drinks, or an ice cream. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon together.
Van Dordtstraat 3 Burcht ter Cleeff at Google Maps
Lakes & the dunes
Laura’s personal favourites
There’s so much more to discover in the wider area — from the restaurants and boutiques in Haarlem to Amsterdam with its museums and nightlife, and the beaches of Bloemendaal aan Zee and Zandvoort, where you’ll find both laid-back family spots and lively beach clubs.
In fact, in my first years living in Haarlem, I would even go on weekend trips here with friends from other cities — yes, to Haarlem! That’s how much I like it. You really have everything.
But if I had to pick just one thing to share with you… it would be the dune lakes ’t Wed and the Oosterplas.
Dune lake ’t Wed
Near ’t Wed, you’ll find a large parking area. There is a lovely terrace, a natural playground with water and sand, and the interesting visitor centre of the Kennemerduinen. With young children, this alone easily makes for a full morning. The lake itself is wonderful — especially on a quiet summer morning, before it gets busy. ’t Wed at Google Maps
Dune lake The Oosterplas
The Oosterplas lies deeper in the dunes, more hidden and in a way less touched, with no cafés or facilities nearby. But when the evening light turns soft and pink across the water, it’s simply stunning — one of those places you’ll want to return to. Oosterplas at Google Maps
Plan your stay at the Corner House
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