Your Own Holland. Haarlem, the Coastal Dunes and the North Sea

Haarlem , Netherlands

Your Own Holland. Haarlem, the Coastal Dunes and the North Sea

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About this experience

It is one of our favorite tours. We designed it for everyone, who is tired of the city bustle; and for those, who do not have a lot of time, but wish to see as much as possible.

We will meet you at the train station in Haarlem. We will visit the magnificent main square, The Cathedral of St.Bavon, the meat guild, picturesque courtyards (hofje).

On bikes through the dune reserve with fantastic views we will head towards the North Sea up the road, which goes down. Don't be surprised, this is not a figure of speech at all! The bike paths are perfect here, and not a soul on them. If the bike ride is not for you, we can go by bus. It is as picturesque as the bike ride. Along the way we will stop in the National Park to have a picnic there. If we will be lucky, then we will see rabbits, foxes, deer or the highland cattles! And we will definitely see the North Sea! Let's go!:)

More tours(food, history, street art, modern art, museums, countryside) in the Netherlands on Snurk.Travel.

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Your Own Holland. Haarlem, the Coastal Dunes and the North Sea

What's included

A 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;

Grote Markt Cathedral - 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;

On bikes through the dune reserve with fantastic views we will head towards the North Sea up the road, which goes down. Don't be surprised, this is not a figure of speech at all! The bike paths are perfect here, and not a soul on them. If the bike ride is not for you, we can go by bus. It is as picturesque as the bike ride. Along the way we will stop in the National Park to have a picnic there. If we will be lucky, then we will see rabbits, foxes, deer or the highland cattles!

What's not included

Use of bicycle

Coffee and/or Tea

Snacks

Available languages

Guide guide

RU EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We will meet in front of Starbucks near the Central Station of Haarlem

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