If you like architecture and development with a raw edge, you'll definitely want to look around this up-and-coming 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 De Oerkap, a regular hangout for the hip Haarlemmer in summer, has grand plans to turn the old factory behind it into a permanent location.
