If there’s one place that perfectly captures the atmosphere of Haarlem, it’s the Golden Streets Haarlem (Gouden Straatjes).
Hidden behind the bustling Grote Markt and Grote Houtstraat lies a network of charming historic streets filled with independent boutiques, artisan shops, specialist food stores, jewellers, concept stores, cafés and beautiful old buildings. Unlike Amsterdam’s busy shopping districts, shopping here feels wonderfully relaxed. It’s less about ticking off famous brands and more about discovering places you’ll remember long after your visit.
Many visitors stumble across the Golden Streets by accident.
Locals know they’re one of the very best reasons to visit Haarlem.
❤️ At a glance
| ✨ Golden Street | ❤️ Known for… |
|---|---|
| Anegang | Fashion, concept stores & trends |
| Koningstraat | Boutiques, cafés & historic buildings |
| Gierstraat | Independent shops & Van der Pigge |
| Schagchelstraat | Artisan shops & Dutch design |
| Warmoesstraat | One of Haarlem’s prettiest streets |
| Kleine Houtstraat | Boutiques & relaxed shopping |
| Zijlstraat | Fashion, food & the gateway to the Golden Streets |
🗺️ Where are the Golden Streets Haarlem?
The Golden Streets aren’t one single shopping street but a collection of beautiful streets surrounding Haarlem’s Grote Markt. Together they form the city’s boutique shopping quarter and are widely regarded as one of the nicest places to shop in the Netherlands.
✨ Anegang
✨ Koningstraat
✨ Gierstraat
✨ Schagchelstraat
✨ Warmoesstraat
✨ Kleine Houtstraat
✨ Zijlstraat
Many locals would also include the northern part of Barteljorisstraat, which naturally connects the boutique quarter with the Grote Markt and the rest of Haarlem’s shopping centre.
❤️ Our favourite route through the Golden Streets
Exploring the Golden Streets Haarlem on foot is wonderfully easy. If you’re only visiting Haarlem for one afternoon, this is the route we’d recommend.
Start on the Grote Markt before walking into Anegang, where the Golden Streets begin almost unnoticed.
Continue into Warmoesstraat, one of Haarlem’s prettiest little streets, before wandering through Koningstraat with its beautiful monuments and terraces.
From there, turn into Gierstraat—home to one of Haarlem’s oldest independent businesses, Van der Pigge—and then continue via Schagchelstraat towards Kleine Houtstraat, twice voted one of the nicest shopping streets in the Netherlands.
Finish back on the Grote Markt for a well-earned drink.
Total walking distance? Less than one kilometre.
You’ll experience the very best of Haarlem shopping in just a couple of hours.
✨ Anegang
Anegang is often where visitors first discover the Golden Streets.
Connecting the Grote Houtstraat with the boutique quarter, it’s full of fashion, lifestyle and concept stores and makes the perfect introduction to independent shopping in Haarlem. It’s easy to walk straight past—but don’t.
👑 Koningstraat
Koningstraat combines beautiful historic buildings with stylish boutiques, homeware, florists and cafés.
With no fewer than 18 national monuments, it’s worth looking up as often as you look in the shop windows. On sunny days, the terraces here are among our favourites in Haarlem. Visit Haarlem
🌿 Gierstraat
Ask a Haarlemmer where to shop, and chances are they’ll mention Gierstraat.
It’s one of the city’s liveliest little streets, packed with specialist retailers, wine shops, fashion boutiques, bookshops and artisan businesses.
This is also where you’ll find Haarlem’s most famous independent shop…
🌿 Don’t miss Van der Pigge
Established in 1849, Van der Pigge is one of Haarlem’s most iconic shops.
The traditional herbalist became famous when it refused to sell its building to the department store V&D. Rather than forcing the little shop to move, the much larger department store was simply built around it.
Today Van der Pigge remains one of Haarlem’s best-loved independent businesses, selling herbal remedies, teas, natural skincare and traditional Dutch products. It has become something of a local landmark and is one of the city’s most photographed shopfronts.
💡 Visit Haarlem Tip
Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, step inside. It’s one of those wonderfully authentic places that reminds you why independent shopping is so special.
🎨 Schagchelstraat
If you enjoy craftsmanship and original design, Schagchelstraat is likely to become one of your favourite streets.
Here you’ll find artisan food shops, independent fashion, galleries and specialist retailers—exactly the sort of businesses that make Haarlem feel different from larger shopping cities.
📸 Warmoesstraat
Warmoesstraat is, in our opinion, one of the prettiest streets in Haarlem.
Historic façades, boutique shops and cosy restaurants sit side by side, making it as enjoyable to photograph as it is to shop. Don’t forget to look up—you’ll notice beautiful old buildings everywhere. It consistently features among the highlights of Haarlem’s Golden Streets.
🛍️ Kleine Houtstraat
Twice voted one of the nicest shopping streets in the Netherlands, Kleine Houtstraat perfectly captures Haarlem’s relaxed atmosphere.
Independent boutiques, homeware shops, gift stores and cafés line the street, making it an ideal place to browse without any particular shopping list.
It’s one of those streets where you often discover something you weren’t expecting to buy.
🍫 Zijlstraat
Although busier than some of the smaller streets, Zijlstraat provides the perfect link between the Grote Markt and the western side of Haarlem’s shopping centre.
Here you’ll find a mix of fashion, food, speciality shops and some excellent places to stop for coffee or something sweet before continuing your walk through the Golden Streets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Golden Streets?
The Golden Streets (Gouden Straatjes) are a collection of historic shopping streets surrounding Haarlem’s Grote Markt, known for their independent boutiques, specialist shops, cafés and relaxed atmosphere. Visit Haarlem
Which Golden Street is best?
Each has its own character, but if we had to choose just one, we’d recommend Gierstraat for its independent shops and Kleine Houtstraat for its relaxed atmosphere.
Are the Golden Streets worth visiting?
Absolutely. Many visitors come to Haarlem specifically to explore them, and they’re one of the main reasons Haarlem is regularly considered one of the Netherlands’ best shopping cities. Visit Haarlem
How long should I allow?
We recommend allowing two to three hours. Longer if you enjoy shopping, photography or stopping for coffee along the way.
❤️ Continue exploring Haarlem
🛍️ Shopping in Haarlem
👗 Grote Houtstraat
🥕 Haarlem Markets
🍽️ Best Restaurants in Haarlem
🚶 Getting Around Haarlem