Haarlem is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. During the middle ages due to trade via boats on the canals and rivers, the city prospered. It was the northern urban hub of the Netherlands.

The River Spaarne runs through Haarlem, and it connects to the North Sea Canal. You can't miss the river. It is part of Haarlem and the city life. I'd say Haarlem is full of creative people.