Haarlem , Netherlands

Haarlem Old Town Private Walking Tour

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(24 reviews)

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About this experience

Haarlem is one of the most historical, rich, and lovely cities in the Netherlands! Let’s figure out what secrets are hiding behind its quiet alleys and cozy canals!

Strolling along the canals and watching the magnificent city views and the working windmill, we will get to know more about the history of this old merchant city. There will be plenty of local sightseeing on our way, such as the humpback bridges, cozy yards-hofjes, old pharmacy, design stores, and lots of street sculptures, but of course, we would not miss visiting main sightseeings too!

We would like to offer you some local beer, made according to an old recipe in a brewery located in the church!

More tours(food, history, street art, architecture, modern art, museums, small towns, countryside, by bikes, ships, balloons, photo tours) in the Netherlands on Snurk.Travel.

Available options

Haarlem Old Town Private Walking Tour

What's included

3-hour private walking tour

Certified Guide

Detailed itinerary

Haarlem Centraal Station - here we will start our tour by giving some information about Haarlem and its significant role in the Dutch past;

Kenau and Ripperda Monumen - best spot to get to know more about Dutch heroes of the The Eighty Years' War;

Hofje - if you have heard this word before, but never knew what it actually means, this is the perfect moment to find it out! In this beautiful cozy yard we would like to tell you about almshouses and medieval charity system in the Netherlands;

Stop 4 Pass by

Teylers museum - let’s figure out what was so special in this city back to the Golden Age! Here we would like to show you one of the richest merchant house and tell you more about Naval history of the Netherlands and its influence on people's’ lifestyle;

Sculpture of Malle Babbe - this is a time to finally meet one of the locals and to find out some mysterious myths and legends of this city and its surroundings behind the city wall!

'Hiding place' - where we would like to tell you about the World War II and to find out more about Dutch heroes;

Stop 7 Pass by

Frans Hals museum - do you remember our friend Malle Babbe, the one we met at the beginning of our tour? Let’s meet more Harlemmers from the Frans Hals paintings and find our why he became one of the main artists of that times?

De Jopenkerk brewery - former church which turned to be the best spot to taste some great local beer made according to the 15th century recipe!

Grote Markt- main square, famous for its huge amount of fabolous sightseeings, such as Weight house; Town Hall; The Butchers' Guild Hall; Museum of modern art; St. Bavo Cathedral, where 10-year-old Mozart played on the former largest pipe organ in the world. Let's find out more about each building and sculpture on this lovely square and, if we are lucky enough, we will definitely try some Dutch delicacies on the farmer market, that happens to here every Saturday;

What's not included

Food and drinks

Entrance tickets

Available languages

Guide guide

RU UK EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

5 reviews

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4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

19 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Public transportation options are available nearby

Meeting point

We will meet with you near the Starbucks at the Haarlem Central train station.

Important notes

You'll receive a confirmation email from us (hi@snurk.travel) with exact meeting details, your guide's name and phone number (it is different from our company contacts).

Please prioritize this email over any automated messages from the booking platform. If you haven't received our email from hi@snurk.travel, please contact us. Thank you!

About Haarlem

Haarlem is a charming city in the Netherlands, known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Often overlooked by tourists heading straight to Amsterdam, Haarlem offers a more relaxed pace with equally captivating canals, historic buildings, and a thriving arts community.

Top Attractions

Grote Markt

The Grote Markt is the central square of Haarlem, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and the iconic Church of St. Bavo.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Frans Hals Museum

This museum is dedicated to the works of Frans Hals, a prominent Dutch painter of the Golden Age, and other local artists.

Museum 1-2 hours €12

Teylers Museum

One of the oldest museums in the Netherlands, Teylers Museum houses a diverse collection of art, natural history, and scientific instruments.

Museum 1-2 hours €12.50

Haarlem's Canals

Haarlem's canals are a beautiful and serene part of the city, offering picturesque views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Nature Varies Free (boat tours may cost extra)

Adriaan Windmill

This historic windmill is one of the few remaining in Haarlem and offers insights into the city's milling heritage.

Historical 1 hour €5

Must-Try Local Dishes

Stamppot

A traditional Dutch dish made with mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables, usually served with smoked sausage.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Haarlemse Hopjes

A traditional Dutch candy made from almonds, sugar, and spices, originating from Haarlem.

Dessert Contains nuts

Poffertjes

Miniature fluffy pancakes, typically served with powdered sugar and butter.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Cycling Hiking Surfing Canal cruises Spa treatments Picnicking Museum visits Historic site tours

Best Time to Visit

May to September

The peak season offers the best weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with festivals and events, and the gardens are in full bloom.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: English, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Haarlem is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Be wary of strangers approaching you with unusual requests or offers

Getting there

By air

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 20 km

By train

Haarlem Station

By bus

Haarlem Station, Grote Markt

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network in Haarlem is extensive and efficient, covering all major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Grote Markt Janskerkhof Spaarnwoude Haarlemmerhout

Day trips

Zandvoort

15 km • Half day to full day

A popular seaside resort town with a long sandy beach, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Amsterdam

20 km • Full day or overnight

The capital of the Netherlands, offering a wealth of cultural attractions, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife.

Keukenhof Gardens

25 km • Half day to full day

One of the world's largest and most beautiful flower gardens, featuring stunning displays of tulips and other flowers.

Festivals

Haarlemse Hopjes Festival • October Haarlem Culinair • June Haarlemse Filmdagen • November

Pro tips

Visit the Grote Markt early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy the square's beauty
Rent a bike to explore the city like a local and discover hidden gems
Try local specialties such as Stamppot and Haarlemse Hopjes at traditional restaurants and cafes
Take a day trip to nearby Zandvoort for a relaxing beach getaway or to Amsterdam for a vibrant city experience
Visit Teylers Museum for a unique and fascinating glimpse into the history of science and art