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Haarlem: Scenic Canal Cruise through the Old City of Haarlem

206 Reviews 4.48 out of 5 stars Based on 206 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Haarlem, Netherlands

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On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.

50 minutes (approx.)
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Offered in: English
and 4 more
French, German, Spanish, Dutch

Overview

Experience Haarlem from its most peaceful perspective, the water. This scenic canal cruise takes you through the old city, where centuries of history line the narrow canals and elegant façades reflect in the water.

As the boat glides gently along, you pass former merchant houses, charming bridges and hidden corners that many visitors never see from the streets. The calm pace allows you to truly take in the atmosphere, while stories from the skipper bring Haarlem’s past and present together.

This cruise is perfect for anyone who wants to relax and enjoy the city without rushing. Whether it is your first visit or a return to a favorite place, the canals offer a fresh and memorable way to experience Haarlem’s character and beauty.

What's Included

  • 50 minutes canal cruise
  • Local skipper
  • Audio guided tour

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    Spaarne 11A
    2011 CC Haarlem, Netherlands

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    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

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    Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

    Teylers Museum (pass by)

    Teylers Museum is an art, natural history, and science museum in Haarlem, Netherlands. Established in 1778, Teylers Museum was founded as a centre for contemporary art and science. The historic centre of the museum is the neoclassical Oval Room (1784), which was built behind the house of Pieter Teyler van der Hulst (1702–1778), the so-called Fundatiehuis (Foundation House). Pieter Teyler was a wealthy cloth merchant and banker of Scottish descent, who bequeathed his fortune for the advancement of religion, art, and science. He was a Mennonite and follower of the Scottish Enlightenment.
    Read more

    Molen De Adriaan Museum (pass by)

    De Adriaan is a windmill in the Netherlands that burnt down in 1932 and was rebuilt in 2002. The original windmill dates from 1779 and the mill has been a distinctive part of the skyline of Haarlem for centuries.
    Read more

    Haarlem Railway Station (pass by)

    Haarlem railway station is located in Haarlem in North Holland, Netherlands. The station opened at September 20, 1839, on the Amsterdam–Rotterdam railway, the first railway line in the Netherlands. The station building itself is a rijksmonument.
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    Jopen (pass by)

    Jopen's beer is a result of the work of Stichting Haarlems Biergenootschap, which was founded in 1992. The mission of the Biergenootschap is to re-create traditional Haarlem beers and bring them to the commercial market.In December 1996, the commercial company Jopen BV acquired the beer. The name Jopen refers to the 112 litre beer barrels that were used in early times to transport the Haarlem beer.Until the end of 1996 Jopen beer was brewed in the Halve Maan brewery in Hulst, after that it was made in the La Trappe brewery in Berkel-Enschot. Since 2001, the Jopen beer brands were brewed in Ertvelde, Belgium, in brewery Van Steenberge. The current brewer is Chris Wisse.At the end of 2005, it was announced that the old Jacobskerk, in the Raaks area in the city centre of Haarlem, would be transformed into a brewery. In November 11, 2010, the "Jopenkerk" (Jopen church) opened its doors for the public. Besides the brewery it also hosts a café and restaurant.
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    Frans Hals Museum (pass by)

    The Frans Hals Museum is a museum located in Haarlem, the Netherlands.The museum was established in 1862. In 1950, the museum was split in two locations when the collection of modern art was moved to the Museum De Hallen (since 2018 called Hal). The main collection, including its famous 17th-century Frans Hals paintings, for which the museum is named, is located in the former Oude Mannenhuis on the Groot Heiligland.
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    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Please note that except for service animals, pets are not allowed on board.
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: Will I get seasick on Haarlem: Scenic Canal Cruise through the Old City of Haarlem?

    A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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    Activity code: C-55549P2

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.48
    206 reviews

    Average 4.48 out of 5 stars based on 206 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    145
    4 stars
    28
    3 stars
    22
    2 stars
    8
    1 star
    3

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    On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • 50 minutes canal cruise
    • Local skipper
    • Audio guided tour

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Please note that except for service animals, pets are not allowed on board.
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
    • Operated by a business

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    For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Haarlem - Smidtje Canal Cruises

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    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
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