Drew's Cannabis Information Site - Dutch coffeeshop guide

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I've only been to Haarlem on a day trip - it lies only about 15 minutes' train journey west of Amsterdam. I've really not done it justice at all here, as not only is it a nice, historical town with plenty to see and do, it is also something of a smoking hotbed. There are around 20 coffeeshops in Haarlem - quite a concentration as it's not a big place. It's also the home of "cannabis celebrity" Nol van Schaik, famous amongst British smokers for running "cannabis entrepreneur" courses, teaching people how to run their own coffeeshop. (See the page on Coffeeshops UK.)

All I've done though is wander around a bit and visit the following establishment:

28. Empire

Krocht 8, Haarlem. Visited: C: Wed., 3:00 pm

C: The Empire had a vibe like a slightly disreputable roadhouse, a place for the slightly dissolute element of Haarlem society to hang out - but this is not meant to sound like a bad thing. Indeed it's a lot nicer than being surrounded by tourists. OK, call me a snob! Anyway, Empire wins points for having both a pool table and a very happy, friendly barmaid. Will round off your day out in Haarlem very nicely.

Score: 7 out of 10

Visit the absolute monster church - as long as you can find the entrance, anyway... which isn't easy! (It's through the little houses which cluster at one side of the church like cubs.)
The Frans Hals museum is quite good for art lovers.
You're also pretty near the sea, at Zandvoort, which has its own train station: it's also near a national park, Kennermerduinen, which is a vast expanse of dunes and pine woods to get lost in. On hot summer weekends, bear in mind that half of Amsterdam can feel like it's here with you.

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