Haarlem Warnings Or Dangers

Always beware of pickpockets. Pickpockets are active at the trainstation, in the shoppingarea (Grote Houtstraat), and at markets.

Of course Haarlem is a very safe place to visit, but like in all places you are an easy target for pickpockets as a tourist. Most of the time tourists carry lots of cash money or creditcards with them.

To prevent pickpockets from stealing all your money and documents, you can do the following:

-rent a safe in your hotel
-don't carry to much cash money with you
-don't keep your money and other important documents in one place, but spread them

However, if someone may succeed in stealing your belongings, go to the police immediately.

The police will register your story, and give you a document of your declaration wich may be of use for your travel insurance, to cover the damage.

Because a lot of the central shopping streets are only accessable for pedestrians and cyclers, it is more convenient for the police to use horses to get them every where.
So don't be surpised if you suddenly feel the warm breeze of a horse breath in your neck `-)
Feel safe, they are looking after your safety and wellbeing.

It's better not to go cycling at night. Also watch out for being angry at drivers. Most of them had a bad temper. Driving a car here isn't easy by the way. Dutch people drive fast and occasionaly make sudden movements. The driver on the picture made a too sudden movement. He wanted to cross the street, but it wasn't his turn. He was being stupid and his punishment came immediately, the front of his new cadillac was totally ruined when it hit the bus.

Late night munchies can really pack on the pounds but I still managed to go here after the girls left, even though I had had a great steak dinner much earlier in the night. I only had some change left from out escapades and after ordering a schwarma, I found I was short about a quarter. The owner let me go and I enjoyed the great sandwich which probably saved me a hangover the next day, even if it added to my already burgeoning belly. :S This great place with friendly owner was on Lange Veerstraat, not far from the Grote Markt.

Watch out for the fountain on the Grote Markt.
There is no fence or edge around it and after dark many people have fallen in already .