With the Eurostar gliding out of St Pancras, a European cultural escape no longer demands flights or carbon footprint guilt. In just a few hours, you arrive immersed in one of Europe’s most creatively rich countries, making the Netherlands an easy, sustainable choice for travellers who like their breaks infused in art and culture.
Think of it as a quieter, more intimate cousin to Amsterdam, with the same historic charm but far fewer crowds. This North Holland city of Haarlem, carries a deep cultural legacy, and at its heart sits the Frans Hals Museum, one of the Netherlands’ most significant fine art institutions. It is home to the world’s largest collection of works by Frans Hals and champions fellow Haarlem artists such as Judith Leyster and Jacob van Ruisdael.
Spread across two historic buildings in the city centre, the museum experience is designed to feel personal rather than overwhelming. You can discover centuries of Dutch art in beautifully atmospheric spaces.
Looking ahead to late 2026, the museum will stage one of its most talked about exhibitions to date, Hals Rembrandt, running from 6 November 2026 to 28 February 2027. Bringing together two giants of 17th century Dutch portraiture, the exhibition explores the contrasts between Frans Hals and Rembrandt van Rijn, artists united by brilliance but separated by very different working methods.
Both were masters of capturing true character, painting not only wealthy patrons but also children, actors and musicians. Rembrandt worked slowly, layering paint to build psychological depth. Hals painted with speed and confidence, producing portraits that feel immediate and alive. It is fascinating to consider who influenced whom, and whether these two painters were, in many ways, the original content creators of their day.
One of the city’s most talked about hotels, is Hotel Staats, a bold boutique hotel set inside a former school building just outside the historic centre. Each room is individually designed, playful without being gimmicky, and feels thoughtfully curated rather than styled for effect. It is the kind of place that attracts creative travellers and makes returning to your room feel like part of the experience.
For those searching for a sustainably conscious European break that offers world class art, Haarlem and the Frans Hals Museum should be on your list.
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebthere
Feature image supplied
