If you like architecture and development with a raw edge, you'll definitely want to look around this upcoming neighbourhood.
Within walking distance of the Old Town, on the other side of the Spaarne, you will find the neighbourhood that is currently most under development: the Sportliedenbuurt. Haarlem entrepreneurs are constantly on the move, transforming the somewhat raw neighbourhood into a cultural breeding ground and meeting place for the local community. For example, the impressive Koepelgevangenis was rebuilt in 2022 and now houses a cinema and one of Haarlem's finest restaurants. City beach the Oerkap, a regular hangout for hip Haarlemmers in summer, has grand plans to turn the old factory behind it into a permanent location.
