V&D Building

The V&D Building The view from the top

With its towering stain-glass windows, elegant curves and futuristic roof beacon, the Vroom and Dreesmann (V&D) department store stands out among the traditional stepped gables of its more stolid neighbours. This island of Jugendstil grace lies due south of the main square, on a busy shopping street.

Built early in the 20th century, the interior is no less striking: art deco-like fittings, a beautiful marble stairwell and wrought-iron banisters recall a different age. Even if not buying anything, the store is worth a look from inside and out. While there, try the cafeteria on the top floor: from seven stories high there is a fantastic, panoramic view of Haarlem.

The completely unrelated van der Pigge pharmacy is bizarrely embedded in one side of the V&D building. They were the only ones V&D could not buy out originally and the pharmacy still thrives there today. Look for the the large, turbaned figurehead with its mouth wide open above its door.